Starting getting increasingly difficult

justinswerner · Post by **justinswerner** » 03 Nov 2009, 21:17

C70 HT 2004 is now sometimes turning over 5 -7 times before firing. Once starts, no issues. Seems to occur more frequently after short trips. Every so often it will turn 8-10 times. Seems to be getting worse and car has always started on first or second crank. 106,000 miles Replaced plugs, air filter is clean, battery seems fine. I've noticed a crack in the plastic EGR tube but havent gotten any check engine codes yet. I've also started using my other key and fob, but no change. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

peterfelts · Post by **peterfelts** » 16 Nov 2009, 00:57

You may want to consider taking a look at the immobilizer. The symptoms you're mentioning seem very similar to an issue I faced with my 2001 C70. The car would turn over, then die. I would go through this process again and again until the start would take.

I had several mechanics take a look at this until I had to take it to a dealer in Seattle. It turns out that the immobilizer, part of the security system, had gone bad and was not communicating with the key. The car was thinking that it was being hot-wired so the immobilizer cut off the engine.

I ended up having to have the immobilizer and keys replaced. Occasionally the problem still occurs. When this happens I will swipe my key against some fabric to either build up or discharge a static charge. The car usually starts up after that.

Good luck!

xjrguy · Post by **xjrguy** » 25 Nov 2009, 12:30

justinswerner wrote:C70 HT 2004 is now sometimes turning over 5 -7 times before firing. Once starts, no issues. Seems to occur more frequently after short trips. Every so often it will turn 8-10 times. Seems to be getting worse and car has always started on first or second crank. 106,000 miles Replaced plugs, air filter is clean, battery seems fine. I've noticed a crack in the plastic EGR tube but havent gotten any check engine codes yet. I've also started using my other key and fob, but no change. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

I had the same issue with my 04.

Had to replace the ring around the ignition key on the steering column.

If you take the steering column plastics off (behind the steering wheel, there is a top and bottom covers) you will see it.

It was VERY EASY to do myself and cost about $50.

Once I replaced this part, the car's starting problem was immediately resolved.

I did not have to rekey or re-program anything.