Truck owners may have specific issues that cause their semi-trucks not to start. A Volvo truck will also have these issues but may differ from other brands.
In this article, we discuss the most common issues that Volvo truck owners are faced with that result in their truck not starting.
If you want to know why Volvo semi-trucks often fail to start and how to fix them, read on to find out!
Here’s a Summary of Why your Volvo Truck Will Not Start:
A Volvo semi-truck will not start due to a faulty alternator, battery, starter, or ignition switch. Other common problems that may affect your Volvo truck’s ability to start are issues with the fuel supply system, camshaft position sensor, crankshaft position sensor, and electrical problems.
Table of Contents
Volvo Truck Battery Problems that will Cause the Truck not to Start
The batteries allow the truck engine to start. They also supply power to all the consumers and control units of your Volvo semi-truck.
The most common problem you will encounter on your Volvo semi-truck is battery deterioration.
The battery’s current condition, charge capacity, and how much power they provide will decline over time.
How to Diagnose and Fix?
Since it is common to encounter battery failures in semi-trucks, there are ways you can keep up with its quality.
If the battery fails, you will first notice a “click” sound as soon as you start the engine.
Regular charging of your Volvo truck batteries using an integrated top charger will maintain its charging capacity, power, and lifetime.
To prolong your Volvo truck’s battery life and prevent it from deteriorating fast.
You should conduct regular battery charging, monitor battery status indications, turn off power consumers when not in use, set the truck to the suitable power mode, and pay extra attention to it during winter.
Volvo Truck Alternator Problems that will Cause the Truck not to Start
Aside from the battery, the alternator provides electrical power to keep your semi truck’s engine running.
The common problems with the alternator are voltage issues, current output, and bad diodes.
The battery and the alternator go hand-in-hand. If the battery is the source of the electric power, the primary function of the alternator is to regulate the supply to the electrical system of the semi-truck.
How to Diagnose and Fix?
If the semi-truck does not start because of alternator problems and not because of the battery, you should begin by jumpstarting the truck and removing the cables.
There are many instances of alternator failures. If the alternator fails to charge, you should head to your mechanic immediately for further testing or possible replacement.
You can also check the alternator by using a charging system analyzer.
All you need to do is connect the red meter lead to the positive battery, and the black meter leads to the negative battery terminal. Make sure the engine is off for an accurate reading.
Volvo Truck Starter Problems that will Cause the Truck not to Start
Most of the starter problems among Volvo trucks are battery-related.
Aside from battery problems that cause most truck starter problems, you can also check other reasons.
These are the alternator, starter motor, ignition lock sticking, immobilizer, fuel pumps, broken wiring, empty fuel, camshaft position sensor, crankshaft position sensor, and broken timing belt.
How to Diagnose and Fix?
When you encounter truck starter problems, always check the basics first.
As mentioned, batteries are the common reasons. Thus, you need to check if the battery’s current voltage can still keep up with your semi truck’s demands.
In this case, you can charge the battery or replace it with a new one.
You can also check for worn-out gears. For faulty wiring, clean all the connections from the starter and the battery.
Volvo Truck Ignition Switch Problems that Will Cause the Truck not to Start
The ignition switch provides power to the different parts of your Volvo truck. It works together with the ignition lock cylinder.
Problems with the ignition switch are because of stalling issues and power problems. If it fails, the ignition and fuel systems will need more power.
How to Diagnose and Fix?
Ignition switch problems and other power-related issues are often connected to the battery.
You can check if you are using the appropriate battery voltage and if its condition is still at its best. Other parts or components may require attention if it is still working well.
Running out a diagnosis with your automotive technician can detect other potential causes for ignition-switch failures.
Volvo Truck Fuel Pump Problems that will Cause the Truck not to Start
Fuel pumps deliver high-pressure fuel to the engine through the fuel rail and injectors.
You can encounter a problem with the fuel pump. If you often empty it before filling up, it will shorten its lifespan or usage more than its initially designed timeframe.
How to Diagnose and Fix?
You can conduct basic testing to fix the fuel pump, so you can finally run your Volvo semi-truck.
You will know if there is a problem with your semi truck’s fuel pump if you do not hear a buzzing sound as soon as you turn the key.
If there is no buzz, there is no fuel delivery to the engine, or the fuel pump is not working.
Any mechanic that will diagnose your semi truck’s fuel pump will open the rubber boot first, located at the throttle body. They will then spray starter fluid in small amounts into the manifold.
They will then reinstall the boot and start the engine. If the engine starts and runs, it confirms that it is already getting gas and there is no fuel pressure.
Volvo Truck Camshaft Position Sensor Problems that will Cause the Truck not to Start
The camshaft position sensor works by monitoring the camshaft position and speed. It also provides data to the ECM or the engine control module.
If you have a poor or failing camshaft, it will not transmit data to the ECM, causing engine failure.
It is frustrating and inconvenient to encounter, so you should not ignore the symptoms if you already notice problems with the camshaft position sensor.
How to Diagnose and Fix?
Fixing problems with your Volvo truck’s camshaft position sensor will depend on the signs or symptoms it is currently showing.
The common signs you can diagnose are poor drivability, check engine light often turning on, transmission shifting problems, and bad fuel economy.
If you find any of these symptoms on your camshaft position sensor, it will cause frequent problems whenever you want to start your semi-truck.
You can conduct a DIY scan tool to the ECM to see if it transmits data correctly. For better diagnosis, you can consult an automotive technician to know if it requires replacement.
Volvo Truck Crankshaft Position Sensor Problems that will Cause the Truck not to Start
Another sensor that could also cause start failure is the crankshaft position sensor. It functions by measuring the position and speed of your Volvo semi truck’s engine crankshaft.
If the crankshaft position sensor fails, the powertrain control module will not receive a signal for activating the plugs and fuel injectors.
As a result, the engine will not receive enough fuel, causing the semi-truck to fail to start.
How to Diagnose and Fix?
The crankshaft position sensor is not an easy truck component that you can repair. Thus, the most convenient solution is to head to an automotive repair shop and let the professionals handle your work.
But if you have the knowledge, experience, and the right tool, such as the OBD II diagnostics tool, you can plug your semi-truck and scan it for error codes.
Depending on the model of your semi-truck, you can look out for the codes and their corresponding defects.
Volvo Truck Electrical Problems that will Cause the Truck not to Start
Volvo trucks use a computer or monitored control using the electronic control unit or ECU. Thus, it also encounters a lot of electrical problems.
If the engine often fails to start because of electrical problems, you will notice that it has dull headlights and brake lights. You can also see faulty wirings and even smell burnt plastic.
How to Diagnose and Fix?
To fix electrical problems with your Volvo semi-truck, check if any obstructions are first causing the failure and remove them.
You can also test the sockets to see if there is ground or power in the fuses and wires. If a fuse is blown, you need to replace it since there is a short circuit.
Sometimes, it is not the outlet and other electrical components in the semi-truck that causes the problem but the charger. If that is the case, look for another charger to use.
With frequent checks and diagnosis of your Volvo semi truck’s components, you can prevent engine failure and have a safe drive.