Intermittant Starting Problem

SeamusOB · Post by **SeamusOB** » 04 Mar 2010, 07:19

V70 2002 2.0L Manual 105k

This problem started last year.
I turn the key. I hear a "click" but silence from the engine.
Took to the dealer. Put in new starter motor.
Worked OK, but problem returned a few months later.
Took to the dealer again.
Diagnosed "starter motor sticking" and put in another new starter motor.
Explained that the motor he put in 6 months previously was faulty, still on warranty.
Worked OK for 2 weeks.
Yesterday the problem returned.
Exactly the same symptoms.
What is going on here? Can anybody help, because the dealer seems to have missed the problem twice!

Post by **jblackburn** » 04 Mar 2010, 11:35

Does removing the key and re-inserting it seem to have any effect (it sounds stupid, but try it). Sometimes the antenna rings on the ignition switch go bad, and the immobilizer system won't let the car start unless it has a signal.

The other thing would be bad battery cables or a bad ground connection. They can cause intermittent problems as well.

SeamusOB · Post by **SeamusOB** » 04 Mar 2010, 12:53

Thanks for the advice. Tried re-inserting the key a few times - no joy, but when I came back 30 mins later, the car started. ??
By the way, If the immobiliser system stopped the car from starting, would there be a message on the dash? The manual suggests there would be.
Checking out the battery /ground cables next.

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 04 Mar 2010, 15:40

Hello, Clean terminals are important and easy to overlook since the battery is way-in-back and covered. The CPS-Crankshaft Position Sensor- is another electronic bit which sputters to death. Posters also say to try your other key if you always use the same one. Kira

mrk9182 · Post by **mrk9182** » 06 Mar 2010, 23:34

check the turn on wire (small wire) on the starter. I have seen several of those start to loosen up and cause the exact issue you are having. you can either replace the terminal or just tighten it down some