Salman
Hi, I experienced the first hiccup in my Volvo. After a long drive about 45 minutes long I stopped the car and went into the shops. When I came out I started it. It fired straightaway but would not idle and died twice. It restarted straightaway. I drove off by basically putting it in drive straightaway. It drove off OK and then later when I parked it after another three minutes driving I tried restarting it again. This time there was no problem.
What could be wrong. What should I check.
Philia_Bear
Could be a slightly dodgy fuel relay
Could also be any number of sensors or the IAV (Idle Air Valve)
To diagnose it properly your going to have to wait until it happens again
Salman
Thanks. So what should I do when it happens again to get some further information on the problem.
Philia_Bear
See if using the throttle slightly when starting makes a difference on it staying running
Also, if it does it repeatedly
Try unplugging the Throttle position sensor and the idle air valve and see if it then wont idle
Slowbrick
Could be a faulty FPR that cant deal with elevated temps.
Salman
I discovered a badly pitted distributor cap. Could that contribute to this problem. I am going to replace the cap but I found the rotor wasnt coming out when I pulled it. Shouldnt it just pull out. Does it require a bit of force to do so.
Slowbrick
Sometimes they can be a bit stuck. I normally clench it in my fist and pull straight up. Otherwise you can get a pry bar if you are careful
Philia_Bear
pulling method is better
Slowbrick
It is but sometimes they are stuck real good. If you are prying then have a spare button on hand
Salman
Thanks but could the pitting in the cap cause the symptoms I described above.
Slowbrick
Definitely. Especially if its got cracks in it.
jamesinc
If you're replacing it have no fear, worst case you'll break the plastic as you pull it off.