I was wondering when to change spark plugs. I have a S70 GLT with copper not platinum plugs. The car is cranking more sometimes but not turning over. The only way it will turn over better is to turn the key so that the lights are on, on the dash and hold it there for a few seconds, then turn the key more to make it start. Any ideas? I have 15k miles on the plugs now so i was thinking the optimum milage might be about 15k.

Andrew

When my fuel pressure regulator failed, the start times became terrible. I would do the same thing, turn the car on and wait for the fuel pressure to rise, and then start the car. It ran great and started OK, unless it sat for more than a few hours. The other "telltale" was a puff of black smoke from the exhaust at startup in the morning.
But, 6 years is a long time for a battery :)

Klaus
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1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi

oh, i see, thank you for your post. My situation is not that bad but i see what my problem could be if it gets worse. Most of the time when i turn the key the car starts, occasionally it will crank and not start or it will start and die. Then i have to restart it. I forgot to add that one piece of information.

When i restart the car it always starts.
Andrew

Maybe your fuel pressure is not building up? Weak pump or clogged filter? On my non-turbo I have changed plugs about every 35-40K miles. If badly worn with lots of visible erosion of the electrode(s) the fuel economy, smoothness and power will suffer, not necessarily the starting up (though it can). If your car is a stick shift, try getting under way in top gear from a stop on a level road. You have to be gentle with the clutch. If ignition system is not good you will not be able to do this without bucking or stalling the car. Could try in "winter" mode with an automatic but this may not be a clear test. It is often the torque at low speed under load that suffers first when ignition is marginal. Another ignition symptom can be poor starting on wet days.

Could be battery but it could also be the ignition switch... mine needs replacing too as sometimes the dash and headlights don't come on unless I jiggle the key. I actually bought the part ($40 at delaer) and it is about a 20 minute job to replace but I haven't gotten around to it yet...

I doubt it's your plugs unless you're racing the heck out of your car. I would change copper's with a turbo engine at 20-25K miles...maybe even 30K miles. You could just have a weak battery. Check it for voltage. Should read way above 12V...more like 13.5V. Also, have you changed your fuel filter lately? Should change it before 100K miles. Could be that it is trying to give fuel to the plugs but having a hard time with semi-clogged fuel filter.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic (125K), 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red (45K), Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon (Sold at 140K and miss her). My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

hmm from all the posts every one was informative. Thank you.
I know that milage and power is good. The fuel filter isnt a problem since pressing on the gas any time results in good boost with no missing or bad idling. The only thing that now comes to mind is the battery. The battery is 6 years old. Most of my operation problems are when the car is warm or cold. I dont have problems when its running, then again i am not using the battery.
I think i will consider changing the battery and check again. If that is not it, its one thing i can rule out. The other posts had other good ideas too.
Thank you all for your posts!
Andrew