2001 Volvo S40 Engine dies at idle

2001 VOLVO S40
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VELWOOD
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Engine Mechanical problem
2001 Volvo S40 4 cyl Automatic 87000 miles

I seem to have the same problem as another post in October about this car. The specs on his post mirror mine. At a stop sign, the engine dies. I have to keep my left foot on the brake and my right foot on the gas so it does not die. I have a more difficult time starting the car now, and I did notice that it has been getting a bit more difficult to start over the past month until it just will not idle as of yesterday. Battery and crank is good! Can you help?
Dec 11, 2009 at 1:46 PM
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JIS001
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Has the check engine light ever come on? If so have the codes pulled and post them on here. What you can try for now i remove the throttle cable coverto access the idle air control valve. Unplug the connector and remove the valve. Try not to damage the gasket. If it stays on the throttle just leave it there. Get some carb cleaner and spray it on the sliding valve. Lt it soak up for a few minutes. With a pocket screw driver see if the valve will slide. If it does not then it has seized up and you will need to replace it. If that is the case that will cause a hard start and problems idling. You could try to get the valve unstuck by prying gently to get it to slide. Hope this helps and keep me posted as to what you find so far with the valve or any codes posted. I have also seen bad ECT sensor cause a very hard start as well but usually will set a check engine light.
Dec 13, 2009 at 3:36 PM
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STILTZMF
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I cleaned the Idler Control valve and replaced the thermostat and ECT sensor and mine now idles great..The previous answer was correct
Mar 2, 2010 at 12:27 PM
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