'04 XC90 2.5T AWD no start

francisp · Post by **francisp** » 17 Dec 2015, 18:47

Hello everyone. Happy Holidays. I have a bit of a conundrum. My XC won't start despite full power from semi-new battery. Message screen says "immobilizer check manual". I check the manual and read what it said but it does not make sense to me. Just to give you a little history, I bought it with 162K and had the alarm needs servicing message already on it. Right now I have 178k and still got that same message every now and again. I understand the alarm systems in these things tend to be troublesome after 100k, apparently the battery that powers the siren and sensors leak and thus malfuntioning causing the sensors or DDM to malfunction and renderring the sunroof and driverside window and mirror inoperative. Any clues as to how to get this thing started again? I tried the 5 time lock -unlock routine to not results both by remote and through the driverside door keyhole. Thank for your time.

francisp · Post by **francisp** » 24 Dec 2015, 07:44

So after further research, the problem may be a corroded starter wire. I located the starter and the flimsy wire that connects to the device that sends the signal to start and I was able to detach it under such tight confines ( you definetly need to be a contortionist when performing this ). The wire was not corroded at all and it seemed intact so I cleaned it up a little and reconnected it. Gave it another attempt at starting and all I hear is a click and nothing...Any other ideas? Is my alarm system causing this no start issue? Anyone?

Post by **cn90** » 24 Dec 2015, 15:13

Jump the starter (search forum for the screwdriver trick) to see if the starter motor runs.
If it does, you have ruled out the starter as a cause.

Post by **gstallons** » 26 Dec 2015, 08:12

#1 do you have another key you can try this procedure with to start the vehicle ?
#2 If not , take the car to a shop / mechanic with a proper scanner that can diagnose & repair your problem .

francisp · Post by **francisp** » 26 Dec 2015, 12:50

I was able to tap on the starter and proceed to attempt a start but no results.I used the butt end of a breaker bar since there is no space down there for a hammer to be swung. I also unscrewed the red wires connected to it and cleaned it and I didn't really see any corrosion but I went ahead and used a #1 sand paper and sanded all sided of the connector and still no results. I also noticed a spark as I was fiddling with the starter and an uninsulated boxend wrench which leads me to believe there is current running through.

francisp · Post by **francisp** » 26 Dec 2015, 12:53

gstallons wrote:#1 do you have another key you can try this procedure with to start the vehicle ?
#2 If not , take the car to a shop / mechanic with a proper scanner that can diagnose & repair your problem .

I only have one master key with the swithblade type keyfob/remote. I guess I'll have a mech check it out and do a proper scan.

francisp · Post by **francisp** » 27 Dec 2015, 11:04

None of the "quick"remedies that I applied from reading posts and suggestions worked to get this "thing" started so I guess my next question is how much will a Volvo dealer shop ask for this type of repair? This is with great frustration that I say this but I am seriously thinking of replacing it.

Post by **gstallons** » 27 Dec 2015, 18:07

You should Google an independent shop to see before going to Volvo . Do some research to find a reputable shop .

Post by **cn90** » 27 Dec 2015, 20:40

This is why when I buy a used car, I always make sure I have 2 working keys.
If it comes with only 1 key, then I buy another key.
The electronic chip is usually good for the most part, but once in a while it goes out.

One of my XC90 keys just went kaput, luckily there was another key to test and we instantly diagnose a bad key (not antenna).
The problem with Volvo key is: it is not cheap, with key and license and programming, it is about $210.
You can always tow the thing to a Volvo dealer and see what they have to say.

Ou2mame · Post by **Ou2mame** » 07 Jan 2016, 22:39

Can they make a complete key with just the vin? It's hard for us to get the car there since my gf uses it and she works 9-5