The other day I was idling in a parking lot when my 2006 S40 T5 (18k miles) began to rumble (shaking from the engine compartment). After about 20 seconds, it evened out. The rumbling had me concerned, but there were no warning lights. After driving for a minute, the display read that there was a power system issue (can't remember the exact reading since it happened so fast). I immediately pulled over, turned the car off and restarted. The warning lights went off, but I decided to head towards the dealer. I only made it another minute before the check engine light came on and the car completely stalled. I glided to a stop and the car wouldn't start. When I tried to start, I heard the starter turn with no result. During one attempt I heard a bang come from the rear of the car. After a few hours sitting on a wintry road, I was towed to the dealership.

The dealer's preliminary diagnosis is that it's a timing belt issue and there may now be issues with the alternator and cylinders.

Has anyone ever had a problem like this? I've read a bit about timing belt malfunctions and if the S40 has an "interference" engine, it sounds like a misalignment of the cam and crank shafts can cause serious engine damage.

If anyone has insight, I'd love to hear it. Thanks for your help!

whoa!
I've only eard of similar issues from a friend who owns a VW Passat.
Shouldn't there be some system safty when belt gives up?

I hope for you it has not touch cam and crank shafts...good luck!

Greg