V70XC 2000 Intermittent non-starting

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 21 Feb 2016, 10:52

I am experiencing a strange non-start situation once a week or so.

When I crank the engine it starts but only runs for a second or less and shuts off. It doesn't stumble or sputter - it just shuts off. After that it will crank but not start. I hear the fuel pump when I turn the key even in the no-start situations. If I wait for just 3-4 minutes without cranking it starts right up. At first I thought it was a fuel heating issue since it seemed to be happening when the engine was warm, but this morning it happened when the engine was completely cold. It had been sitting overnight, I cranked it, it started and shut off immediately with a little cough. It started fine five minutes later.

Any ideas?

The engine runs very well otherwise.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 21 Feb 2016, 11:29

I have a very similar issue that happens at about the same regularity as yours. Maybe once every 20 starts or so. Fires up, immediately turns off (like yours, no roughness or bad sounds), and will crank but not start no matter how long I try. All I have to do to get it working again is bring the ignition to OFF once, and then I can crank and all is normal.

Sorry I'm not any help, but I figure I'd add this to help the solve the mystery.

Post by **rspi** » 21 Feb 2016, 12:06

Any codes?

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 21 Feb 2016, 12:26

ecbsykes wrote:I have a very similar issue that happens at about the same regularity as yours. Maybe once every 20 starts or so. Fires up, immediately turns off (like yours, no roughness or bad sounds), and will crank but not start no matter how long I try. All I have to do to get it working again is bring the ignition to OFF once, and then I can crank and all is normal.

Sorry I'm not any help, but I figure I'd add this to help the solve the mystery.

I think this is a help. I hadn't tried turning the key off. But when I was letting it sit for 3-4 minutes of course I always turned the key off! Thanks, I'll try turning it OFF immediately next time. Very helpful.

I haven't checked for codes - I'll do that tomorrow.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 21 Feb 2016, 17:28

I'll be interested to hear if yours works again immediately like mine. Sounds like we have the same problem, same model and year too!

No codes on mine other than the cat converter code which is now a permanent feature.

Post by **abscate** » 22 Feb 2016, 11:58

A few seconds of running after start is a classic immobiliser problem - on ME7 if the antitheft module glitches the spark is shut off after it fires.

The other suspect is ignition switch, electrical part.

VIDA will sort out which is which vs parts lottery.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 22 Feb 2016, 17:25

^^This.

Try unplugging the key antenna connector and use contact cleaner on the connection. That usually fixes it.

The clamshell around the steering column needs to come off to get to it but that is only three torx screws.

...Lee

northern_dweller · Post by **northern_dweller** » 23 Feb 2016, 09:00

I have a very similar issue with my 2000 V70XC. I have a P0014 code "Cam Position Activator B, Bank 1, Timing Over Advance" that comes on occasionally and does not seem to affect how the engine runs.

At first there was no reason to think that this code was at all related to the occasional no-start condition but now I am starting to see a connection. I only get the code occasionally, probably every 250-500 miles driven. The last two times that it happened, I cleared the code using a code reader and the very next time I tried to start the car it started for about a second and then died. After removing the key from the ignition and trying a few times, the engine starts and runs fine.

I have had the no-start condition before I ever saw the P0014 code and have been trying to figure it out for months.

jim52540 · Post by **jim52540** » 08 Mar 2016, 20:38

Have you checked the fuel pump relay. The two capacitors in the relay go bad after about 175,000 miles and result in the symptoms you describe. Can you hear the fuel pump buss for a couple seconds when you turn the key to verify it is getting current from the fuel pump relay?

Post by **abscate** » 09 Mar 2016, 04:15

Try jumping the fuel pump relay with a fused wire and seeing if the problem goes away, almost free to try!