V50 General : niggling problems. need help plz.

[mpaver]

Hi guys.

I've had my 2nd 2008 v50 t5 for a couple of weeks now and love it. But now I'm used to it, little issues are standing out that I'm hoping aren't actually issues. Would love any help on these before approaching a garage.

1. Sometimes the car wont start up I.e. I turn the key, it turns over for a second then stops. But then on the 2nd pr 3rd attempt it starts. Sometimes it just starts fine. Main battery seems fine as everything runs without engine on.
2. When I do start the car, especially from cold, there's a noticeable engine vibration for about 10 seconds. Its almost like its mis-firing or unbalanced. I think its there at normal idle too but only very subtle. Again, it runs fine otherwise so hoping this is normal.
3. After starting and then driving off, within a few seconds there's a short clunk from the engine. This seems like this might be a normal part of the engine and auto box initiating somehow.

That's it for now. Hopefully there wont be more. Any help is appreciated guys.

Matt

[x DTR x]

The only thing i may be able to help you with is the clunk as you drive off. If this only happens once each time you start and set off in the car, it will most likely be the ABS self test which happens at around 12-15 mph. The starting problems may be a simple throttle housing clean but i'm not to sure about the T5? Hopefully someone with more experience will be along soon to advise you better on that.

[mpaver]

Thanks. Yep its when I set off and its only once so I guess it could be the test as you say. That's one down

[x DTR x]

If you set off and just rest your foot on the brake pedal, you will probably feel it pulsate as you hear the clunk, it worried me until i realised what it was lol!

[mpaver]

Anyone have any ideas about the other issues please before I spend cash at a garage?

[x DTR x]

On the 2.0L D, there is a common issue with the flap sticking in the throttle housing. After a few tries, it usually frees itself and the car starts ok. This is usually a case of a warped throttle housing or a need of a good clean! Like i said, i am not sure if the T5 is similar but worth a look before throwing money at a garage!

[alexstanleyv50]

Yes clunk is ABS self test.

As for starting the engine will almost always rev to around 1500 rpm for 10 or so seconds. This may exacerbate the vibration you get from a worn lower/upper engine mount.

Have a look at replacing the lower mount - a relatively cheap part and a bit of a pita but defiantly an on the driveway job.

As for starting issues.... mine starts first time every time - could it be as simple as poor quality/very old oil?

I did have a couple of time when I first bought the car when it wouldn't start first time. Changed the oil to Castrol Edge and it's ran sweet ever since.

I do think (in my humble opinion!) that the 5 cylinder engines from Volvo do idle roughly. But again this is exaggerated by poorly worn engine mounts...

[mpaver]

Thanks alex.

It seems the mounts and oil may be 2 more things to add to the stack of things I'm going to ask a garage to look at. I've heard other comments about the general roughness of the 5 cylinders when idling, so i'm not as bothered about chasing a fix on that right now.

Last night though on the motorway i tried to do an overtake and the reduced performance mode came suddenly. god knows what could have happened if that had have happened on a B road with oncoming traffic. Pulling over and restarting the engine fixed it, but not something i want to experience again.

so far, the list seems to comprise of:

- check engine mounts
- oil & filter change (not sure this is needed though as was only serviced in oct '14)
- check EGR valve
- check ignition switch
- check particulate filter sensor/tube

Hopefully there's nothing wrong and these volvo's just take more getting used to than something more generic like the auris i just came from.