Help diagnose starting problem on Volvo S70
 

Car is a 2000 S70 light pressure turbo w/70K miles. A few weeks ago, car started showing signs of starting probs. It will start for about two seconds and die. this may repeat several times before it starts and runs. Sometimes will fire off, die and not restart for 10 - 15 attempts. Totally intermittent/random. Happens when hot or cold. 75% of time car starts normally. It's never left wifey completely stranded, but she's getting pissed and making noises about a new car. Dealer had it a couple of days and problem would not reproduce. Please help save me from dealing with car salesmen......:D

A friend of mine who frequently buys cars says he doesn't bother with salesmen...he uses a buying service through his former employer. One of the perks of being a retired pilot. He simply figures out the make-model he wants, this service does the dickering. I've noticed that COSTCO offers a similar service. We're thinking of doing that for our next grocery hauler.

Volvo? They give me a negative impression since another friend's bad experience with a "light turbo" Volvo...his one of those cars that spent more time at the dealership than it did in his garage. Maybe he just got a lemon? I dunno, but he's bought Lexus ever since. Believe he's on his 3rd or 4th one, buying new when warranty expires on the old. He can afford it...

Hey Paul - This is her second Volvo and they've both been great cars. Few minor probs but ar more solid than most.

Mark,

Does it have the original battery? Seriously. I know it may sound like it wouldn't matter, but what you are discribing is almost exactly what was wrong with my wifes S60. After it happened a couple of times, and stranded her once, the dealership finally figured out the problem, and it was the battery.

We are on our second one as well.

Bill

Bill - It does have the original...Very interesting - I was thinking about replacing it a couple weeks ago preemptively. That's worth a shot, thanks.

I don't remember all the technical reasons why. I know it totally fixed any problems that we were having and are car was a little newer, with 60,000 miles.

Bill

Sounds worth a shot...does Optima fit Volvo?