In need of help with a power loss problem

[Johnny480]

Hi all,
I’ve been having a problem with my beloved 480 s and I really don’t know what the best way forward is. I’m hoping that there’s an electrics wizard out there who might have some ideas.

The problem started a few weeks ago. Went to start up the car after it had been parked up for a few hours and I couldn’t get it going. I’d turn ignition to full, the engine would catch but die when I returned the key to the standard driving position. Tried this for 5 min and every time the same – it ‘caught’ first time and then died as key turned back.

I gave up, … call the AA and the engineer had a go. He discovered that if the key was held in the ‘ignite’ position and revved then the engine didn’t die. Then after a few attempts of keeping the key in that position and revving he could slowly return key to drive position and the engine kept going.

This was a pain in the neck but I could live with this. However, last week the problem got worse. I was driving in the fast lane of the M40 doing 70 ish when I lost all power – acceleration, lights, power steering, the lot. I managed to coast over to the hard shoulder and then the same story – engine would catch first time and then die. I tried the ‘keeping key in ignite position’ thing and even this failed for about ten minutes. I was just about to call AA again and then tired it one more time and it worked. The loss of power has happened twice more since then. Once it re-started almost straight away and once it took 5 ish minutes.

With the whole loss of power thing I’m reluctant to actually dive it at all at the moment. It seems to be the sort of problem that a typical garage won’t know what to do with and so I thought I’d try the forum. Any ideas anyone?
Thanks in advance.

Johnny

[glasgowjim]

sounds like it could be the small plastic switch unit which in located behind the ignition key barrell. If so it is an easy and a cheap fix.

I am almost certain it is this from the sounds of it . TBH it is the first thing that I would try . I even know someone with a spare

[Johnny480]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for that. Is it a tricky repair job? One to attempt myself or one for the garage? Would your friend with a spare feel like selling it you think?

Thanks,

Johnny

[glasgowjim]

it is a very very easy repair job you just need a crosspoint screwdriver and you are away. 20 minutes max even the first time.

Oh and when ever I mention I know a man who has a spare ... I mean myself

Yes I have a spare of that and can give you easy instructions on how to change the part.

You must realise that this should but might not fix the problem.

If you are anywhere near glasgow then your problems are solved as I can assist you directly.

I would need to know if the car has an air bag fitted to steering wheel or not

you have a pm

[Johnny480]

Thanks for the offer, ... that's really kind of you. Alas the several hundred mile drive up from Cambridge might turn it into a rather more costly repair.
Would you consider selling & posting your spare or giving me the full part name/number so that I can track one down on line or from Volvo?

I do understand that this is just your 'best guess' but 1) it rang true with my gut sense of what was going on - plugs and ht leads all good and so the problem seemed to be happening before this point; 2) no-one has suggested another idea/issue to consider.

Thanks again.

J

[glasgowjim]

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd27 ... ffa008.jpg

you can see the switch unit in the photo above.

Have a quick read at the howto "change an ignition lock" not exactly what you want but pretty close.
http://www.volvo-480-europe.org/forum/v ... 24&t=18370

[jamescarruthers]

If you are stuck Johnny, I am in Cambridge and happy to help.

[glasgowjim]

James & Jonny you could try the hot wiring trick and if that solves the problem then you know its the switch. Might save you a little bit of money.

[Johnny480]

Thanks James. I may take you up on that. I'm still trying to work out what the part is and where I can get one.

Re hotwiring - at the moment the car starts / works more often that it doesn't, .... so, I imagine it would be hard to tell anything for certain. I just want to try and get it sorted at the power-loss-in-the-fast-lane is a worrying one

Thanks.

[jamescarruthers]

I feel like I should be on commission

Code: Select all

for Lakes Volvo.

You do know we have a Volvo only scrapyard about a half hour from Cambridge?

[jamescarruthers]

I'm sure if you asked you could turn up and have it fitted. They are a nice old-fashioned scrapyard ran by a labrador and two brothers.

Lakes4Volvo.co.uk
141 Great North Rd, Wyboston, Bedford MK44 3AH
01480 212291