S40 - won't start or turn over intermitently - 2000 S40

dhmtcal · Post by **dhmtcal** » 23 Sep 2007, 06:33

After I drive for a while ...typically a short distance, make a quick stop, then come out the car won't start. The symptom is like the car is in gear..all the lights remain on but it just won't turnover. You can hear the full pump starting to turn and the regular stuff but it won't turn over...no clicks, no dimming lights, etc.

Once the car sets for 45-60minutes it will start fine. I can't alway repeat the symptom and it doesn't always fail as noted above. It's starting to get more frequent but it has no common pattern other than the one noted.

I have checked the battery and the battery connections and that is not the issue. I finally gave up and took it to the dealer and they said they had no idea until it failed permanently. I also checked the engine fuses and engine relay located in the main fuse panel.

Any ideas ????

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 23 Sep 2007, 08:53

Fuel pump relay? Check the pressure at the fuel rail when it does this. I believe like other Volvo's there's a shrader valve there.

dhmtcal · Post by **dhmtcal** » 23 Sep 2007, 12:56

Thanks. Will this symptom cause the car not to turn over at all...nothing? It acts like it's not in gear or something is stopping if from completing the 'start' circuit. I have been able to reproduce the same symptom by removing the starter imobilizer solenoid. I exchanged that solenoid with another of the same type in the fuse panel but it has happenned again.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 23 Sep 2007, 13:03

I don't know enough about your car to comment on that. Maybe others will. What I got from what you were saying was that your car sounded like it was starved for gas, but if you've had immobilizer issues in the past, that certainly could be it.

dhmtcal · Post by **dhmtcal** » 25 Sep 2007, 05:59

To clarify I have not HAD a problem with the Starter Immoblizer in the past...I'm asking could that be the problem. It's not a fuel or battery related problem because once it does decide to turnover it starts.

Can anyone help with how to diagnose and/or test the immoblizer system?

JaxBC02 · Post by **JaxBC02** » 10 Oct 2007, 11:53

Your problem sounds exactly like mine. My Engine light came on and the code was for the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor.

I am in the process of trying to replace this part myself, so I'm not sure yet that it will solve the problem. Any advice on changing this part is appreciated. Thanks!

HappyT5 · Post by **HappyT5** » 23 Jul 2011, 11:48

The original post sounds exactly like my issue. The morning start up is normal, then a short drive of a few miles, and then a refusal to even turn over although all normal lights come on. Wait somewhere between 15 and 60 minutes and it starts fine.
My shop says they need to see the problem, which doesn't happen by the time I drive there.
Any suggestions?
(battery cable and ETM recently replaced but issue was there before and after unchanged)

tl-s40_2002 · Post by **tl-s40_2002** » 31 Jul 2011, 13:40

FYI to all users encounter the infamous starting issue with 2000-2004 S40-Replace your Neutral Safety Switch relay (aka PNP Safety switch-Gear selector Sensor) - to make a long story short, when you drive your car and then stop and turn of, this relay is still thinking the car is in gear, hence will prevent the car from starting. For some reason after some short time the relay resets and then the car starts. I went through this problem for about a year before finally coming up with the right fix.

Part Code for any 01-04 S/V 40:#30896813, different names the part goes by: PNP Switch Gear Indicator Switch For automatic transmission, Neutral safety switch (aka PNP switch)
Price is $119.25 from dealer and between $90-100.00 through online parts stores.
Dealer recommended install time is 1.2 Hrs.

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

t

HappyT5 · Post by **HappyT5** » 04 Aug 2011, 20:01

Thanks T, I really appreciate your advice.
My car is a 1999 S70 T5 automatic. Do you think the same or similar advice still applies?
I've already sent the response to my shop along with what I got at
http://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-s70- ... ver-56316/

Keep those suggestions coming. My appointment at the shop is for the 19th so there is still plenty of time for me to compile some stuff to check.

Thanks again!

HappyT5 · Post by **HappyT5** » 29 Aug 2011, 21:26

When my shop read the replies and stuck with that I should try replacing the other battery cable, which I haven't done yet.
Here's what I've done I brought her (1999 S70 T5 - perhaps named Sally)
6/17/2011
Battery Cable to Fuse box
Electronic Throttle Module and Housing

7/21
Rear Brake Pads and Rotors
Upper Torsional Mount
Right and Left Spring seat (strut)
Engine Mount Right
Sway bar link

7/29
Timing belt
Idler pulley

8/19
Front Brake Pads and rotors
7,500 mile maintenance for oil, filter
Transmission fluid changed
Spark plugs

I think I'm close to stage zero.
I think sway bars and Bilstein HDs are next. Then perhaps bigger brakes (rims and tires?).
Then the chip, intake, turbo, exhaust from header to tail.
The auto trans is problematic. I hear swaps to manual happen but IDP says they know no way around the computer issues.
Can a auto trans be re-mapped? some say no.
It will be a fun time confronting such issues.