Turning it around, but still not quite there

[portal]

Hi, my 2001 V40 1.8 Auto (non GDI) is still a bit poorly, after tackling a few of the basics. I should say it's only done 65k.

When I bought it, it had a failed thermostat, so ran cool and rich all the time. Fixed that, and it's got incrementally better since.

It's had an oil change, new Volvo plugs, new air filter, MAF cleaned & tested.
Did the PCV test. Flutters a bit at idle, but sucks nicely when revved.

HOWEVER, it's still a bit of a slow old hector. Nearly 15 seconds to 60.

In normal driving it's fine - you just need to temper your expectations. But, when its started from cold, OMG it's clear something is wrong. It's so SLOW.

It start and idles just fine. It revs beautifully and cleanly in N. No stored codes. There's a slight smell of petrol, but she's an old girl. However, when under load when you immediately pull away, there is simply no power. You can barely get the thing to move. It bogs down/hesitates, and there's just no go in it. More or less throttle makes no difference.

Anyone got any ideas?

[Baffler]

ATF...was the fluid ever changed in the 65k miles? It must be of a clear bright cherry red colour and not brown. The 1.8 Auto won't be the quickest car off the lights but a fluid flush might cure things a little. Any warning lights on in the dash? You may also need the gearbox adaption and oil level reset (via VIDA) once the flush is carried out.

Do a search on the AW55-50SN or have a read through some of CNGBiFuel's various threads regarding this box.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=235190
https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=259661

[portal]

Is changing the fluid easy? A local independent recently claimed they couldn't do this for me... Too specialist apparently.

And I've not read anything to suggest that old/dark fluid makes the car slow. The box changes fine, nice and smooth.

[portal]

I was thinking more along the lines of:-

- fuel filter
- blocked cat
- timing out after belt/pulley change


How to validate any of those?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by portal

I was thinking more along the lines of:-

- fuel filter
- blocked cat
- timing out after belt/pulley change


How to validate any of those?

If it happened straight after the cambelt was changed it may not have been timed correctly , especially if it has variable inlet cam timing .

[portal]

I wouldn't know. The work was done long before I bought it.
How would I check?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by portal

I wouldn't know. The work was done long before I bought it.
How would I check?

well if the problem has only just developed it won't be the cam timing . I wonder what the fuel pressure is ?

[portal]

The car was slow since I've known it.
Wouldn't low full pressure give any symptoms other than low performance?

[Baffler]

Replace the fuel filter, especially if you've no record of it being replaced recently and see if there's an improvement. It's the cheapest option also. I recommend you go for genuine Volvo, Bosch or Mann.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by portal

The car was slow since I've known it.
Wouldn't low full pressure give any symptoms other than low performance?

the fuel pressure is not monitored ... pumps can reduce their output over 100000 miles ... it just needs a simple pressure check on the fuel rail , and briefly squeeze the return line to restrict the flow and the pressure should go up to the maximum of the pump . around 5 or 6 bar .