V70 engine system service problem?

[jwindwood]

Hi Guys

New here, so apologies in advance if I do anything wrong!

I have just bought a 2005 V70 P2, 2400 petrol. Had it for a couple of weeks with no issues.

Today, I parked up for 30 mins. When I restarted, it was running very rough and the warning "Restricted engine performance" came up. I switched off and restarted. The engine was now idling fine but the warning stayed on. I drove off-car performing normally. After a few mins, the warning message changed to "Engine system service required".

Shortly afterwards, I parked up again for 10 mins. When I restarted, all the warnings had gone and have not reoccurred again since.

Is this anything I should be worried about? Car is running fine and all the warnings are gone.

Thanks for any advice.

[GreenBrick]

Unless you have access to VIDA/DICE it may be quite difficult to pin-point the issue, a generic OBDII reader may tell you something, but I would not pin your hopes on it.

[Georgeandkira]

How many miles on your vehicle? Info truly helps.

Do you do any work on cars yourself? Is the car maintained?

As stated above, a REAL code reading with Volvo's system (VIDA/DICE) reveals the most info in the shortest time. Good quality readers can indeed produce results too. If you access a cheaper code reader do not simply "read & erase" as the specific codes are likely more helpful. Call around and locate an independent Volvo mechanic with a VIDA if you prefer to avoid a dealership.

In the mean time you can perform common, frequently overlooked maintenance operations. The theory here is that every car on the road needs maintenance and many are, let's just say, in arrears.

1) Ancient fuel filter? 100K or more? You'd lose nothing by changing it.
2) Ancient spark plugs? Some go 30K, some last 60K.
3) Inspect for disconnected/dried out vacuum hoses.
4) Completely forgotten engine air filter? It happens.
5) Borderline battery? It happens all the time.

Better to get the Volvo specific codes then paying to "shoot in the dark". If you do basic tasks yourself, you can still shoot in the dark by doing things you should be doing. Records of work done really help.

[jwindwood]

The car has 172,000 miles genuine. It has full service history and was owned by a trusted friend so I know it to be true. It is LPG converted, but the rough idle happens with either fuel the same. (To be honest, until this issue arose I didn't realise how rough the idle is normally.) I do service my own cars so am pretty competent.
I scanned the car with my generic OBD reader, but just cleared the codes without noting them (Unfortunately-just didn't think.) There were two codes, both related to weak mixture IIRC.
Having done some online research, it seems to be the place to start is vac leaks and then remove/clean the throttle module- does that sound right?
Anyone got a layout of the vac lines to hand?
Thanks for your input so far.

[jwindwood]

Update. It did it again-started rough-same warnings, but this time the "Engine service" warning is staying on. When restarted still fine though. The idle is generally poor but drives well, no codes showing this time.

Other than the "Engine service" warning, I notice that it starts and idles well from cold-it is only when warm that it plays up as per my original post.

If I could find someone locally with Vida, would it give an accurate diagnosis rather than me replacing stuff by trial and error?

[aland]

Poor idle is usually caused by a dirty electronic throttle module.
Take it off the car and clean it with carb cleaner until spotless.
After cleaning, it's not unusual for it to remain rough for a few miles while the ECU re-learns the idle position, so give it various driving conditions and it should then settle down and idle properly.

[ma70]

Originally Posted by aland

Poor idle is usually caused by a dirty electronic throttle module.
Take it off the car and clean it with carb cleaner until spotless.
After cleaning, it's not unusual for it to remain rough for a few miles while the ECU re-learns the idle position, so give it various driving conditions and it should then settle down and idle properly.

This, plus it could also be worthwhile checking the CTS with a multimeter to make sure it's not telling lies about the engine temperature. And as mentioned a thorough check for any vacuum leaks, won't hurt to check the PCV system is functioning properly too.

[jwindwood]

Originally Posted by ma70

This, plus it could also be worthwhile checking the CTS with a multimeter to make sure it's not telling lies about the engine temperature. And as mentioned a thorough check for any vacuum leaks, won't hurt to check the PCV system is functioning properly too.

Thanks. Where is the CTS located on the V70?

[jwindwood]

Originally Posted by aland

Poor idle is usually caused by a dirty electronic throttle module.
Take it off the car and clean it with carb cleaner until spotless.
After cleaning, it's not unusual for it to remain rough for a few miles while the ECU re-learns the idle position, so give it various driving conditions and it should then settle down and idle properly.

That's one of the jobs I was planning. Strange that the problem is only when warm though....