Variable Idle - 2001 V70

Feb 05, 2008 3 Replies

WE've got a 2001 V70 2.4, just a bit over 90k miles. The idle sometimes wanders a bit...it will sit at 800 for a couple seconds, then rise to about 1000 for a few, then drop back - up and down like that. Doesn't seem to do it all the time, and mostly it's a minor annoyance.



Dealer suggested some sort of "intake blast" cleaning - $165. I used to be in the dealer service business, no naturally I think that's a crock. But I could be wrong.



Any other suggestions? Would a can of Sea Foam or Berryman B12 do any harm?



TIA...


The throttle plate could be dirty and/or the pcv nipple could be resstricted or blocked. Both can cause an idle surge or on decelleration the rpm's drop to 600 and back up to idle speed. Volvo has extended the warranty on the throttle to 10 years or 200K miles. This is for USA spec cars, I do not know about other markets. Volvo dealers have a vacuum gauge tool to test for crank case pressure. If the pcv vacuum is "0" to anything positive, Volvo should still pay for cleaning a dirty throttle plate and cleaning of a blocked pcv nipple. The dealer should already know how to check for pcv problems. The intake blast/cleaning will not correct a dirty t-plate or a blocked pcv nipple and you will still have idle surge.

BD

I have the same problem on my 2000 model V70. The idle is erratic momentarily when I start. I believe from my internet research that the wiper in the throttle plate is dirty. Occasionally it has happened while drivimg with the ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) light coming on. Momentary switching off the engine seems to resolve it for now though most people recommend replacing the throttle unit.

Prithvy

The following is for USA spec cars. All 1999 thru 2001, execpt S/V40 Volvo's, have the extended warranty on the throttle plate and PCV system. The 2002 non-turbo S60/V70 only, have the extended throttle warranty also. The extended throttle warranty is 10 years or 200,000 miles. The PCV is only covered if the pcv nipple is blocked. BD

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