s40 volvo yr 2000 sometimes car not starting

mys40volvo · Post by **mys40volvo** » 02 Oct 2010, 21:20

Could we do it ourselves? i want to give it a try on my issue if i can do it myself. tx.

mg0698 · Post by **mg0698** » 17 Jun 2011, 14:48

Wow So I have the same problem after months of researching, looks Like I finally figured it out. Have any of you guys had the problem once you changed the Nuetral Relay Switch?

tl-s40_2002 · Post by **tl-s40_2002** » 31 Jul 2011, 13:21

Nope, since I have had my Neutral Relay Switch (aka PNP Safety switch)replaced it has started every time. I am not sure how to replace myself, but I had it done for around a $220 -about $110-115 for the actual switch and $110 for the labor. I had a Volvo specialist perform the job and have had 100% success starting since. Hope this info will help anyone experiencing the same problem.

shores · Post by **shores** » 03 Aug 2011, 18:24

since I had my Neutral Relay Switch replaced I have not had this issue any more. And that was over a year ago.

mg0698 · Post by **mg0698** » 13 Feb 2012, 13:40

wow thanx a lot guys !!

mg0698 · Post by **mg0698** » 21 Feb 2012, 11:12

Just switched the PNP switch today, Im praying this fixes the problem. Ill update if anything happens.

In other news the mechanic told me I should consider changing the timing belt, anyone know anything about that ? And when and how do I see signs that I need to change the timing belt. Thanx again guys

Post by **fazool** » 21 Feb 2012, 11:34

That's good news - this is a very old thread but it proved valuable in helping solve a problem for you.

The timing belt should not be diagnosed or inspected. You should go by the mileage and years (whichever is sooner) and replace it. Don't base it upon visual condition or waiting until it shows wear.

These are "interference" engines - meaning the valves and pistons *WILL* collide if the timing belt breaks. On these, you do not wait until it looks worn - a broken timing belt automatically results in destruction of the upper half of your engine and a massively lighter wallet.

Change this based upon the Volvo service interval and maybe even a little sooner. If you have no record of it being changed or don't remember when it was last changed, then it wasn't! And it needs to be changed because its about to break and your engine is about to self-destruct and its about to cost thousands of dollars.

mg0698 · Post by **mg0698** » 23 Feb 2012, 16:11

ok so im gonna change the timing belt eventually but they want $560 for the job, so im gonna hold up on it for a little bit. My car ha sonly 75k miles but has been over 10 years.

awldune · Post by **awldune** » 10 Jun 2014, 10:42

I have this same issue, hopefully it is OK to necro the thread.

I replaced the neutral switch and it seemed to work for a while but now the car is back to intermittent non-starting.

It only seems to happen when the car is hot/warm, not the first start of the day.

Dashboard lights come on as normal, no CEL or other warnings. When I turn the key to start position, nothing happens. Then after a while it will start right up first try. Trying a different key doesn't make a difference.

It is very intermittent, with sometimes weeks between incidents. Mechanics are stumped and can't replicate the issue.

cnceditor · Post by **cnceditor** » 16 Jun 2014, 14:21

Is your car also a 2000 S40? Likely a chaffed wire somewhere that's not visible in the charging system.