Running issue - possibly shed new light...

[Leeds_finest]

Some of you may know i've been experiencing running problems with my 2001 V70 T5.

The issue was barely noticeable when I first bought the car but after 3,000 miles or so the problem has become quite severe. The car is now at 100k.

For those who don't know, my car seems to stutter and splutter when driven (freezing cold engine) but seems to be ok (ish) once warmed up. The stutter is almost reminiscent of a misfire - although a misfire is not the cause. On light throttle it is just about bareable but with foot to the boards it really struggles. I haven't even had time to look over the car and check anything myself yet, however it has come up with EML showing P1132 and P1133 which, now cleared, haven't appeared again. These are both front lambda probe codes. I have had no ETM fault codes.

I spoke to my mechanic friend today who works for a franchised Skoda dealer and he explained that, when cold, the car will run in closed loop (i think) and will not run in open loop until fully warmed up. He then went on to explain that in closed loop the car will run off what is essentially a 'base' ECU map and will therefore use very few sensors to actually adjust fuelling/ignition etc and run the vehicle. He then went on to say that it sounds like the Lambda heater element may have given up which is why it runs poorly when cold and mostly ok when warmed up. He ruled out certain boost/vac leaks as he said you would typically experience them all of the time and not just when cold. He doesn't work for Volvo and was merely giving his opinion based on what I had told him.

What do you guys think?

I haven't got a problem with replacing any broken parts, although I don't want to fork out for anything that doesn't need replacing.

[Leeds_finest]

Upon reading on the net it would seem there was a lambda sensor wiring recall/update/bulletin on S70/V70/C70 P1 models... I take it this didn't affect any P2 models?

Cheers

[M-R-P]

I doubt it mate. The P2 was built with all the updates from previous models and came complete with all new issues

The Lambda may be worth a squirt - nothing lasts forever and if it is original, you'd still benefit from changing it.

[Leeds_finest]

I suppose I didn't really think of it that way, although they do say if it ain't broke then don't fix it lol!

It's just the £95 for a new one - i'd be rather disappointed if that wasn't the issue - may be a new fuel filter and clean the MAF first. Also, check for vac leaks, then I think it'll be a new Lambda...

[M-R-P]

Best to rule out the cheap problems first

[Leeds_finest]

My thoughts exactly haha!

[Jamest5r]

No codes coming up?

[graemewelch]

buy a used one off a forum member. i bought one off ebay for £15 delivered. its of a phase one. part numbers are the same. it cured my horrible flat spot.

[graemewelch]

might be worth checking youve got no exhaust leaks around the down pipe manifold area. this wont help either

[Leeds_finest]

Yes James came up with P1133 and P1132 originally.

I'm just not sure Graeme... I just drove it freezing cold and it felt acceptable. May just wait and see which codes it throws up next.

[timbo]

I'd change the front lambda, as you've already had the code thrown up, so the cars telling you there's a problem there. Front one has a heated element for cold starts that fails after about 60k.

[Leeds_finest]

That would make sense I suppose as it does seem to struggle a hell of a lot more when cold!

Will do vac and boost test first as doesn't cost a penny. Will also change fuel filter and clean MAF and then if no joy I will change Lambda.