Volvo Truck Not Starting: What's wrong with the D12 and D13 Engines?

Volvo brand is synonymous with high quality and safety. You can never go wrong with a Volvo. Volvo trucks, widely used worldwide, are powered by a range of engines. The D12 and D13 are among the most common engines on these trucks. 

Like every other vehicle, trucks equipped with Volvo D12 and D13 do have some issues. One of them is not starting. Though this is not a chronic problem, it is common enough to warrant our scrutiny. We will also look at what causes the problem and ways to fix it and even prevent it. 

Understanding the Volvo D12 and D13

The Volvo D12 was launched in 1993 and was specially designed for the FH trucks. It was later introduced in other products such as Penta in the following years. In 2005, Volvo updated the D12 engine and renamed it the D13. These engines have undergone numerous upgrades to match the ever-advancing technology and emission regulations worldwide.

The D12 and D13 engines have one-piece cylinder heads and a displacement of 780 and 740 cubic inches, respectively. In 2014, the D13 engine met the Euro 6 standards and came with enhanced emissions after-treatment systems (EATS). Volvo also introduced an additional particle filter. 

While the D12 boasts six in-line cylinders and a crankshaft output of 550hp/405kw, the D13 has six cylinders and outputs 700hp/ 515 kW. The D12 comes with a low operational cost and longer operational time. The D13, on the other hand, boasts high-pressure fuel injectors and a heavy-duty engine cover. Both engines have been designed with safety in mind and are solid and robust.

Causes of Volvo D12 and D13 engines not starting

It is not uncommon for your truck to not start. Volvo trucks, like many trucks on our roads, can develop this problem. The D12 and D13 engines can fail to start for a number of reasons. Some of the causes for this problem are specific to these two engines, but others are general and can affect any other truck engine. The causes range from faulty ignition switches, dead batteries, or even faulty alternators. Here are the reasons:

1) Battery Problems

The battery must be in good condition if your truck is to start. In many instances, when a truck fails to start or has some difficulties starting, the culprit is usually a faulty battery. The battery supplies power to your Volvo truck's control and consumer units. 

It is important to note that a car's battery capability deteriorates over time. The charging capacity reduces over time, which means it won't be able to supply enough charge to start the truck at some point. The battery of your truck has a limited lifespan. In most cases, the battery makers say the battery should last no more than 5 years. 

How to diagnose and fix battery problems

The first indicator of a failed battery is a 'click' sound when you start your truck. Sometimes, the dashboard lights fade or flicker when you turn on the ignition. The solution to a dead battery is replacing it. 

At times, the D12 or D13 might fail to start because the battery master disconnect switch has a bad connection. The switch is located on the frame above the batteries. Simply tighten the cables on the back and have the batteries power the engine fine. 

To maintain the batteries' full charge and prolong their life, regularly charge them using an integrated top charger. Turning off consumer instruments such as the radio when not in use is also advisable, especially during winter. 

2) Alternator problems

The electrical power from the alternator is the one that keeps your truck's engine running. The primary function of this component is to regulate the supply of electrical power to the truck's electrical system, including the engine. 

Diagnosing and fixing alternator problems

There are several signs that you might notice which will tell you the alternator is faulty. They are:

• A dead battery
• Engine not starting and frequent stalling
• Overly bright lights or dim lights
• Battery warning light and
• Slow malfunctioning accessories

An alternator problem demands immediate action because you could easily find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere. Head to the mechanic immediately if you suspect the alternator is misbehaving for professional testing or replacement. Using a charging system analyzer, you can test whether the alternator is working. 

3) Ignition switch

Whether you use keys or the 'push' button as ignition keys to your Volvo truck, you need to beware that ignition uses electrical power from the energy. If the ignition has an issue, the truck will not start. The ignition key works together with the ignition lock cylinder, and you should check both when diagnosing a starter switch problem. 

Besides the ignition switch making the engine fail to start, it can cause your truck to stall, posing a serious risk to yourself and other road users. 

Diagnosing and fixing ignition switch issue

The first thing to check when you suspect you have an ignition switch issue is the battery. Confirm whether the battery is in good condition and whether it is supplying enough output charge. If the battery is okay, an expert should check the system to establish where the problem lies. The mechanic can also know whether any wiring problems are causing the ignition not to work.

4) Starter problems

The starter, just like the ignition switch, relies on the battery. For you to settle on fixing the starter, first ensure the battery is at its optimal charging and efficient condition. Among the starter components that will make the starter faulty include the solenoid, brushes, lever fork, and pinion coils. Damage to any part of the starter will cause your D12 or D13 not to start.

Diagnoses and fixing the starter problem

Replacing or knowing the exact component of the damaged starter is not easy. However, a digital multimeter will help you establish whether the starter is okay or not. The user manual details how you can test the starter. But to highlight, after unplugging the starter relay, use the digital multimeter to run the test. The D12 and D13 service manuals have described the measuring points. 

5) Wiring 

After driving your truck for thousands of miles, the wiring of the truck wears out, and tracing them can be very hard. Such wires may make your truck not come to life because they are not communicating or transmitting. There are times when truck drivers crank their trucks, and the dash is all lit, but the truck won't start.

The starter, the alternator, and other critical parts and systems are working fine. When you face such a problem, take your truck to a Volvo truck expert. 

Diagnosis and fixing wiring problem

Some Volvo D12 and D13 truck owners in the online forums have come forward to say that tracing the truck's wiring system showed fused wires affecting the electronic control unit (ECU) communicating capabilities.

Other owners discovered that the fuse box was severely corroded, and once they changed it, their trucks started perfectly, and they didn't experience problems after. Tracing can sometimes be tedious, but checking the truck's wiring should be done after you have confirmed the above components are working alright. 

6) Fuel problems

An engine not fed with fuel will not start or run. The truck may not start without fuel or can start but have rough idling. Moreover, the engine will run lean. The fuel issue can be traced to a clogged fuel system, fuel filters, or even a malfunctioning fuel pump. 

Diagnosis and fixing fuel problem

When the D12 and D13 engines are neglected and allowed to get fuel through worn and tattered filters, you are bound to experience engine problems. Debris finds its way into the engine, making the truck develop all manner of problems, among them not starting. In case the filters are worn, replace them immediately. It is also important to run a diagnostic test on the truck because sometimes the problem might be the fuel injector or the fuel tank. 

Whenever the codes say the fuel tank is the issue, the recommended advice is usually to replace the EVAP canister and clean the hose connected to the EVAP hose. It would be best if you cleaned the fuel tank to ensure all dirt and smudge were removed. When cleaning the fuel injector, consult the manual or a Volvo truck expert. 

Conclusion

If you are looking for the most reliable truck, look no further than the Volvo truck fitted with D12 or D13 engines. These engines run for a whopping 1.5 million miles without the need for an overhaul. This means these two engines are some of the best and most reliable in the market. 

In this article, we have explored why your D12 and D13 engines might not be starting. This serves to help a Volvo owner have an easy time solving such a problem. It also helps the Volvo owner understand their truck much better and for a potential buyer of such a truck to know the likely problems they might encounter and how to solve them.