My 98 Volvo V70 XC AWD keeps dying while driving or stopping at a light, etc. It will shudder and stutter first, then die. It always restarts and runs OK for a while, then will do it again in minutes, hours or days. We just had both fuel pumps replaced (over $1200 US!) and of course it’s been tuned up, new cap/rotor/plugs/wires/fuel inj. svc. The euro mechanic thought it was fuel pump slowly going out on me since fuel pressure was decreasing on his test. No computer codes come up, so Volvo dealer is at a total loss. Any clues as to what might be causing this before I take a bath dumping this AWD nightmare? My mechanic says the AWD cars generally cost way more to fix everything. Of course I didn’t know this before I bought.
A poster on a Volvo forum suggested replacing the MAF sensor or idle sensors. What are those?
I live in FL and don’t need AWD. Is there a way to switch it off and run normal 2-wheel drive, as on a 92 300E 4Matic? Or might that be the source of the trouble?
You may well have a defective (intermittent) oxygen sensor. I suggest you replace this…they don’t cost a lot.The only caveat is: usually the oxygen sensor screws into the exhaust manifold-your mechanic may be reluctant to remove it, because it is usally rusted in. He might break it, or strip the threads on the manifold.
Volvos have Robert Bosch oxygen sensors…and they are expensive and unreliable. See if an aftermarket one is available…that would be both better and cheaper. Yeah, VOLVOS can be very expensive to fix…but it is worth replacing this sensor, as it sounds like that is whats wrong.
This statement makes me kind of wary. I fail to see how the AWD component could possibly have any bearing on your problem. But I might be totally offbase here.
wouldn’t the oxygen sensor throw up a computer error code?
One of my friends had a 480 for a while, gave endless problems and Volvo were not much help. One of the problems was a defective flywheel sensor that threw up no error codes, just about rebuilt the car trying to locate the problem.
On the other hand, another friend had a 480 for six years that never once had a problem.
The symptom described could be caused by something as simple and inexpensive as a torn vacuum hose, as well as by any of a long list of other possibilities.
There are two basic approaches to finding and fixing the problem: test it properly to determine the necessary repair, or replace parts until the symptom goes away. Although the latter is sometimes successful, usually it ends up costing more time, money, and aggravation than the former. In this case where testing has so far not been helpful, I think your best bet might be to get a third opinion. I suggest a shop that is a sponsoring member of the International Auto Technicians Network, as they have some resources that can be very productive in dealing with hard-to-find problems. Go to www.iatn.net, click on Shop Finder, then click on “scan for iATN members by state, province, and country” to find one near you. Choose a sponsoring member, listed in blue (non-sponsoring members don’t have the full resources).
ralph, I don’t know where you came up with this, but I disagree with virutally all of it. While it’s not impossible it’s an oxygen sensor problem, it’s not terribly likely, and the symptom is not typical of a faulty oxygen sensor. Some of those sensors do cost a fair amount. I’ve never run across one that couldn’t be removed with reasonable effort, and never seen one break during removal. Bosch oxygen sensors are original equipment on the vast majority of cars, and Bosch makes the vast majority of oxygen sensors in the world (even aftermarket brands). They’re hardly unreliable.
I hear you. I’d have never guessed that a 4WD Mercedes couldn’t have any lowering springs installed–since the front axle passes THROUGH the springs. The rear end of this car rides up in the sky like one of those wheelchair transport vans. More wheel well showing than a Pontiac Aztek. But the rest of it is nice, so no big deal.