Weird power issue '01 XC70

colins84 · Post by **colins84** » 29 Dec 2010, 23:05

OK guys and gals out there, Here is a head scratcher for you.

I bought my 2001 XC70 about 9 months ago. The one thing that is an issue is this: Intermittently while driving my car, a few buttons will stop working, and without explanation, and unknown time period, they will start working again.

The buttons that lose power are the "unlock door" buttons on both the driver side door and passenger doors. Both the driver and passenger visors lose power so the light inside of them no longer turns on. All of the lights in the center ceiling console no longer are able to be controlled by the buttons, Including the lights in the back seat. (if you open the doors, the lights will still turn on, but you still do not have control with the buttons.) Also the sunroof switch does not have power. (so if the sunroof is open and this symptom starts, I have a real problem on my hands)

Every other function of the car works great while this symptom is happening. Another thing to note is that I am still able to unlock and lock the car with the keyless entry remote while the symptom is happening. I have no explainable reason why the issue starts or stops. It last for different amounts of time every time.

If anyone has even any thoughts on the matter, please respond.

your fellow volvo lover,

-Colin

Post by **precopster** » 30 Dec 2010, 05:30

Hi Colin, welcome to the forum. Here's afew guys quite happy to scratch their heads for a while on Volvo related topics.

Regarding the symptoms you're experiencing you may have a faulty ignition switch. It certainly affects 850s and 960s. On those models it kills random circuits and makes some circuits behave in very strange ways.

Not sure if the 01 cars were affected by the same problem as they have a different switch. Next time it happens try jiggling the ignition switch to see if you have an effect on the problems.

Keep us posted.

RaymanSean · Post by **RaymanSean** » 30 Dec 2010, 07:18

Collin, welcome to the board. The problem with diagnosing intermittent issue is that you have to catch the culprit in the act and also convince yourself that you have found the cause and that it did not randomly start working. Along with the ignition switch you may want to look for a loose fuse.

RaymanSean · Post by **RaymanSean** » 30 Dec 2010, 17:45

Ok so now I have (fixed 5 min ago) the same symptoms. I did a search for battery on this forum as I had just replaced the battery yesterday and came across this Link. Basically go out to your car lock and unlock the car with the remote and see if this fixes your problem. Also since your problem is intermittent I have to ask have you had to jump your car recently, do the battery connections look good?

colins84 · Post by **colins84** » 30 Dec 2010, 18:27

I have not had a jump ever.