Island Girl

My mother has a 2000 S40 with 103k miles. Sometimes when she turns the key nothing happens for 2 seconds, then it races. It will also race while she is driving and she has to shift into neutral. Her mechanic can not find the problem. Very scary! Thanks for your help!

sulley007

Welcome to the forum! When you say races, do you mean idle fast or that only while she is driving?

Island Girl

Thanks for the welcome! Great site. Yes, to both of your questions. The engine will run fast right when she tries to start it. This does not happen often, in fact maybe once in 15 starts, and always when the engine is cold. Then, at about the same amount of frequency, it revs fast while she is driving. This is probably why it doesn't happen when anyone else uses the car.

sulley007

Has she tried having the codes pulled to see if there is anything telling there?

Island Girl

I don't think anyone knows what that means, but I will be sure to ask around. What are "codes"? Again, thank you so much for helping.

sulley007

Usually if there is something not running correctly there is a code generated in the computer that runs the car. She may be able to find a code that will diagnose what is going on with the car. Usually a local auto parts store or repair shop can get the information from the system.

Island Girl

Firstly, I want to say that administrators of other websites/forums should take a look at this one - it is exceptional in how it is set up and works so well.

We'll take your advice and ask our mechanic to look for any codes. We'll let you know if we get any results. Thanks so much.

sulley007

Thanks and good luck, report back with what you find out it may help others.