Can anyone recommendations an engine management technician?

[andy625]

I have a 2003 S60 2.0T which has an engine management problem. The light came on a month or so ago, rough running, particularly from cold, codes read by a garage with a generic code reader, and also an independent specialist Volvo garage with the Volvo software. Both point to an air leak/ weak mixture on the intake side. Both garages have checked the car out, and cannot identify the problem. We've eliminated plugs/coil packs, its had a new Bosch MAF, and the throttle body has been cleaned. No engine management codes relate to anything else on the engine.

I've been recommended to find a company that can monitor the engine management system whilst the car is being driven, and the faults are occurring (ie first thing in the morning, starting from cold). Can anyone recommend a company, ideally in the South of England/Southampton, Hampshire area?

Edited by andy625 on Wednesday 24th September 13:15

[andy625]

I didn't write them down when he told me initially, however I should be able to find out tomorrow as the car is still at the garage. I'll post them as soon as I've found out.

[andy625]

Unfortunately, I haven't managed to find out the codes from the garage. However yes, they did check out all the turbo pipework, the intercooler, as well as all the vacuum pipes on the inlet side. Everything looked ok.

I asked them to clean out the throttle body, as apparently these cars are prone to that being a problem. When they got it out they said that it was a bit dirty - not too bad, but there was a small amount of oil in there. Apparently this is not uncommon with the turbo cars. They cleaned it all up anyway, and I heard yesterday that after putting it all back together, the car seems to be running ok again - even though none of the codes pointed towards the throttle body.

If that hadn't have worked, they advised me that the next step would've been to look at the fuel side - injectors and pressure. That was why I was asking about recommendations for a diagnostic company. When the engine management light initially came on, I wrongly assumed that it would tell us exactly what the problem was. As the codes were just saying that there was an air leak/weak mixture on the inlet side it was a bit ambiguous.

[andy625]

Thanks for offering your spare injectors, however the car is still running ok at the moment. If it deteriorates again I may take you up on the offer. Replacing the BPS & TCV also seems like a good idea.

I had the MAF sensor changed when the problem first started, as that was what the codes pointed to. Turns out that it was nothing to do with that, and that was £350 we needn't have spent. I did get the old one back from the garage, so at least I have a spare one of those anyway.

[andy625]

Unfortunately I didn't know that it was just the MAF when I left it with them. If I'd have realised, I'd have done it myself.

Thanks for the offer to check the car over. Touch wood, it seems ok after the throttle body clean, but if it starts acting up again, I'll let you know. Do you run a business in Poole, or just an enthusiast?

[andy625]

Wow! Nice project! I suppose doing something like that from start to finish, would teach you a few things about the cars!

The car looks great, what made you pick a Volvo, or are you a longtime fan??

[andy625]

Thank, that makes a lot of sense now. It definitely seems to have sorted mine out. Done about 800 miles since and still going fine.