Crash Mode and start problem

Post by **redbrick** » 01 Jul 2016, 07:35

V50 T5 AWD auto....175,000 miles

Last week my V50 threw a Crash Mode message and would not start. The key would turn and the car would display the startup messages and then Crash Mode, check manual. The key could not be removed from the ignition. After some delay, the car did start. The next day I took it to our local Volvo dealership. They ran a system diagnostic and found no codes. They did a system re-learn and a retest and showed no codes.

I took the car back and drove it for two days without the Crash Mode message returning however on the third day I tried to start the car and it would not turn over. I opened the hood and checked the battery terminals and noticed that the positive (red) cable seems to have a small bulge under the plastic insulation. I suspect that the cable is corroded. I carefully moved the cable and then did the old screwdriver between the posts and terminals trick to insure good battery contact. The car started immediately and has for the last few days without additional issues.

Questions:
Volvo diagnostics should flag increased battery cable resistance if it is an issue, correct?
Do the starting symptoms sound like a battery or positive battery cable issue?
Can I replace just the high voltage (red cable) or do I need to replace the entire harness?
How difficult is the replacement?

My next steps are to have the battery and the cable tested.

Some history for the car:
It had the ignition switch replaced 5 or so years ago...similar symptoms.
It was repaired 2 years ago after hitting a deer...Crash Mode came on at that time and was reset after the repairs.
All of the standard V50/Volvo issues have been addressed over the 175,000 miles including a few sets of brakes, a couple calipers, rear axles, wheel bearings.
This is probably the most reliable Volvo I have owned and although I did not love it from the start, I do now. It's grown on me over the years....

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 01 Jul 2016, 09:57

I have no idea on the "Crash Mode" warning. I'm new to the P1 platform myself. However, issues with batteries cause all kinds of issues. If it is corroded, I would for sure at least clean it up...pull the plastic covering and see how far down into the wire strands the corrosion goes. If it goes a long way, then, yes to a replacement of that cable. I would not think you have to replace the entire harness. Btw, there's a battery temperature sensor underneath the battery on our cars- something I did not know before yesterday. These cars, in my opinion are over-engineered! Anyway, good luck with figuring out what you need to do with the positive end. I could probably learn some things from you as I'm only at about 70K miles on my '07 S40.

Post by **redbrick** » 01 Jul 2016, 11:07

There isn't any corrosion on the terminals. They are clean and seem to have good contact. I am expecting to end up replacing the wire.....
I suppose I could pull the battery and see what I'm dealing with. The battery is also a possible suspect...it's original to the car.
Over engineered without a doubt but intelligently. These are great cars. If I can find another one at the right price I'll by another one. The V50 is the ideal small wagon.
If yours is like mine you will not need to do much other than change the oil. I am still on the second set of plugs and still wondering why I changed the first ones.
Envious of your 6 speed!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Jul 2016, 00:23

Thanks!