I have owned a '56 diesel SE Sport Volvo for 8 months, bought and last serviced by an independent.
Almost from first getting the car there were intermittent problems with it starting. These got progressively worse.
As the warranty was about to run out I booked the car into the local Volvo garage. Initially it had a software download, then a new ignition switch, then the car would not start at all, and was towed to the garage, outside warranty. It had the "sludge" cleaned out of the tank and a new fuel pump. Sadly this has not cured the problem, and the car is still very unreliable when starting.
I am about to book the car into the Volvo dealership again (for the sixth time) but really have little confidence that they can fix it.
Does anyone have any ideas what the problem might be? Could it perhaps be something to do with the key (as many other things have been looked at). The rain and cold weather don't seem to help but there were also problems in the summer. Once started it always runs very well.
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Hi all,

Hoping people will still reply to this original message!

I have a problem...i have a 53 Punto 1.2 Active and the bonnet release cable has snapped and pulled right through. I need to open the bonnet as due to the cold weather I need to replace the battery. I've tried taking the bottom grill out and getting my hand up & in to release the catch but no go.

Any suggestions or will it be a trip to Fiat and a new bonnet?

Many Thanks

{moved to a stand alone thread - was originally tagged onto www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=25900 } Read more

I've only ever changed a flat tyre once myself and it took me ages (and that was outside my own house on a quiet road). Have never experienced this on a motoraway, or any trip, and wondered what people would recommend. I can imagine it's a terrifyig experience jacking up a car next to three lanes of passing traffic. Would you call your breakdown service or try it yourself? Read more

i got into the car this morning,turned the key. car wouldnt start. when i turn the key all im getting is like a continous clicking noise. is it possible that the starter motor could have frozen in this terrible weather we have got. i dont want to try to srtart it just incase the battery dies out on me. ive tried it a few times but like i said all im getting when i turn the ignition on is a clicking noise(continuous). any suggestions are welcome. Read more

The car has been a non starter four times this past week and towed twice in one week to a garage with no fault being diagnosed (no fault codes are displayed). Please forgive my ignorance of the technicalities of cars being of the female species..... The car turns over however does not start. Has been problematic since the colder weather and is the same recurring problem last year whcih cost me over £400 in fault finding but no fault ascertained. More recently I have had glow plugs tested to be informed all OK, checks for air in the fuel system and the battery replaced. The breakdown guys believe it to be the low pressure pump in the fuel tank however garage says otherwise. How is it the breakdown mechanics can spray ether into the air intake pipe and it fires up? It gets towed to a garage and they then have no trouble starting the car. The car returns home for the problem to reoccur within a couple of days. Only yesterday having got it back did I experience the loss of power when driving home and despite the accelerator being depressed to the floor there was very little power even when changing up through the gears. So surprise surprise it was a non starter this morning. This car has put a dent of £2.5 K in my bank balance since owning it from Aug 2007 and I am now thinking it is time to cut my losses however am unable to trade it in due to existing problem. Any advice regarding likely fault would be greatly appreciated. Read more