Hi There

I am about to buy a 2002 Volvo V70 D5 but have heard reports of a know diesel injector problem with this engine. I understand it develops as a cold start problem, leading to a failure of the engine to start at all. Volvo's remedy is to replace all 5 injectors at a cost of around £1500 including labour charge.

Can anyone tell me whether :

a. this problem is common, how many cars our of 100 would be affected for example.

b. are the replacement injectors clear of the same fault.

c. I assume not all injectors fail at the same time, so can not just the failing injector be replaced - how do you diagnose which is at fault.

d. can I tell whether the injectors on this car have already been replaced (are they different in any way from the factory originals).

e. can the injectors be changed by a competent DIY owner (do the injectors have to be calibrated against the management control unit - I believe this is the case on some common rail engine such as BMW 3.0TD))

f. can the injectors be purchased cheaper elsewhere (who makes them - e.g. Bosch)

Sorry for so many questions, but I would hate to buy this car knowing that it has a potential serious and expensive fault and I'm sure the answers would be of interest to other owners.

thanks, Dave

hi,
this i know about as i have done a lot of these in the uk. the problem was due to early versions of the d5 injectors that because of the tight internal tolerences tended to seize "shut" and therefore the car would not start.
the cars never stopped when running but would sometimes be running fine then if turned off would not restart (although they would crank over). the fuel would bypass out the return system. the 5 injectors would ALWAYS fail as a set and must be replaced as a set, no you couldnt do this at home. most cars were done under warrenty and a car like a 02' should have been done by now. if its out of warrenty then you would have to pay, but its unlikely it would fail after 3 years if the injectors were faulty.
and lastly you can tell if the injectors are the older or newer versions by looking at the number on the injector. if you email me ALL the numbers on the injectors i can tell you approx how old.dont be too concerned these are a GREAT engine!

steve.