Volvo 5.0 GI low idle

1994almeida

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 29, 2006
Messages
140
I have a Year 1999 Volvo Penta 5,0 Gi (TBI), with SX Gear, which dies below 1 000 rpm, when cold.
During the start I have to put the throttle a little forward and maintain it in order to reach 1000 rpm or more. When the engine warms he runs properly at idle speed +/- 700 rpm.
As I know on this engine the idle speed is constantly monitored by the Electronic Control Module ECM and controlled by the Idle Air Control Valve. The Idle speed is not adjustable.
Any ideas to identify the cause of this problem?

Thanks, Almeida
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,993
Re: Volvo 5.0 GI low idle

Ayuh,....

It sounds like you might want to richen the choke abit.....

Ooops,.... Didn't see the efi part....
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Volvo 5.0 GI low idle

Being an EFI engine, you have 2 ways of dealing with this problem. Either throw parts at it till you fix it, or you get the proper OEM service manual, and start testing after some basic troubleshooting.
Things like loose/corroded connections, changing the fuel filters and checking for water in it, how old are the sparkplugs, cap & rotor, do a compression test etc. after that, it's testing the electronic controls and sensors till you find the bad one.
 

dcg9381

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 26, 2007
Messages
308
Re: Volvo 5.0 GI low idle

I have a Year 1999 Volvo Penta 5,0 Gi (TBI), with SX Gear, which dies below 1 000 rpm, when cold.
During the start I have to put the throttle a little forward and maintain it in order to reach 1000 rpm or more. When the engine warms he runs properly at idle speed +/- 700 rpm.
As I know on this engine the idle speed is constantly monitored by the Electronic Control Module ECM and controlled by the Idle Air Control Valve. The Idle speed is not adjustable.
Any ideas to identify the cause of this problem?

Thanks, Almeida

As suggested above, you might get a manual and do the troubleshooting diagnostics on the IAC. The IACs don't last forevery, they're essentially a screw that backs itself in and out to adjust air at idle.

If you were going to "throw parts at it" - that's where I'd start.

Other things that can impact it - the temp sensor for the engine itself - internal temp. The ECU needs to know the engine is cold to open the IAC.
Temp sensors aren't very common failures.


Check the timing also.. retarded timing = slower idle.
 

newport dave

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 21, 2004
Messages
458
Re: Volvo 5.0 GI low idle

I agree with these guys that it is most likely the IAC, or possibly the ECT sensor, but it could be other things and a service manual would be a big help in making a diagnosis.

Have you checked for trouble codes?
 
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