XC70: Engine starting issue

[stimperley]

A couple of times recently our 08 XC70 has not started. After pressing the button the engine turns once on the starter then there is a pause and it turns again, then a pause, etc, at perfectly regular frequency. Guess it could be the battery coming to the end of its life after nearly 10 years - haven't had it tested yet. Is this a known symptom of anything as I haven't experienced it before?

Thanks!

[Simon Jones]

Does it sound a bit like a misfire? Sort of turns over fine at normal speed but sounds like a petrol engine is trying to catch? Happened on my P2 D5 XC70 and turned out to be worn teeth on the flexi plate (flywheel) and as the starter was turning it over it gets to the worn teeth and it speeds up until the flywheel re-engages and it slows down again. Not sure if the P3 D5 ever suffered with same fault.

[stimperley]

Originally Posted by Simon Jones

Does it sound a bit like a misfire? Sort of turns over fine at normal speed but sounds like a petrol engine is trying to catch? Happened on my P2 D5 XC70 and turned out to be worn teeth on the flexi plate (flywheel) and as the starter was turning it over it gets to the worn teeth and it speeds up until the flywheel re-engages and it slows down again. Not sure if the P3 D5 ever suffered with same fault.

Thanks Simon but thats not it. The starter turns the engine one revolution, at a normal speed, and then it stops as if the battery is dead. But then after a second or so it does another turn, then stops for a second, then another turn etc. I'm guessing that it is just the way that the electronics deal with the fact that the battery hasn't got enough juice but I haven't experienced that before, being used to a starter turning and going slower until it stops.