Trouble with car turning over - crank, usually starts!

chezmike · Aug 7, 2025

For about a year (half the time I’ve had the car) I’ve noticed intermittent issues when turning the key in the ignition.

the symptoms are not consistent.

usually it’s fine
Sometimes it will crank slowly consistently and then start.
Sometimes it will choke halfway through and power through.
Rarely it will choke halfway through and not start. In that case, next turn works fine.

any idea what could be causing this and what the solution might be?

Oliovlov · Aug 7, 2025

How old are the plugs, coils, starter, fuel filter? What petrol is used (off brand?) ? Did you check for vacuum leaks ?

chezmike · Aug 7, 2025

I have no idea about the age of the plugs, coils and starter. Filter is quite new. Have not checked for leaks.

I’m in canada, using 87 octane.

edit: what I find odd is that there is no consistency of symptom - even from one start to the next.

SoCal_XC70 · Aug 8, 2025

How fresh is your battery? I had very similar symptoms as you on my ‘07 XC, then I swapped in a new battery from another car and the intermittent cranking issues went away. Could be as simple as a fading battery.

chezmike · Aug 8, 2025

Absolutely no idea. Could test the battery…

I get a low battery fairly quickly if I use vida without engine running.

No issues starting in the winter though.

Oliovlov · Aug 8, 2025

Battery should have a date code. Also check if the battery is appropriate size for the car. I’ve seen people use a smaller battery. If you need to replace I suggest XC90 battery. Space is there.

chezmike · Aug 8, 2025

Date code is not marked!

This is the battery

47-750 12V Automotive Battery Group 47 | 600 CCA

Magnacharge 47-750 12V Automotive Battery Automotive and Commercial vehicles can be powered with our complete line of Magnacharge batteries; available in premium advanced starting technology and an ever-increasing assortment of AGM technology to meet the demand placed on today’s vehicle. ISS...

voltloop.ca

Oliovlov · Aug 8, 2025

I think the battery is a bit undersized for this car. I believe min is 720 CCA or H6/Group 48 (Volvo PN 30772221 ) Yours seem to be 600CCA and H5/G47.

2007v702.5t · Aug 8, 2025

My 2007 V70 2.5T has P/N 30772221 which is 600 CCA. No problems starting with a 600 CCA battery.

2007v702.5t · Aug 8, 2025

It's likely the starter.

I had this happen twice on my 2007 V70 and both times I had dealer replace my starter. First time, dealer told me it was the starter wire but I told them to replace only the starter. Car ran for years until it happened again. Lucky, Volvo now warranty parts for life after 2014. I got the second starter for no cost for parts and labor. Volvo starters are very expensive.

I would turn the key and nothing. After a few seconds with key turned on, the starter kicked in and the engine started.

I would turn the key and nothing. After a few seconds, the starter kicked in and turned the engine over slowly and the engine started.

I would turn the key and the engine turned over slowly and then engine started.

Canadian Moose · Aug 8, 2025

Sounds like a weak battery. I have a group 49/H8 in mine.

Oliovlov · Aug 8, 2025

XC90 battery (H8) is an option under XC70.

Trouble with car turning over - crank, usually starts!

47-750 12V Automotive Battery Group 47 | 600 CCA

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities