Intermittent immobilizer issue Topic is solved

Makingendsmeet · Post by **Makingendsmeet** » 29 May 2018, 16:08

Ok I’m sure this topic has already been beaten to death so please forgive me , I’m awful with computers and couldn’t find any comparable issue/info on this problem :

I have a 07 S80 that I just purchased for my daughter dealer maintained till 125k (currently 141k miles) . I had no issues starting the car for the first couple days after I bought it , and then out of no where I went to start it and was presented with the “service steering column lock/ immobilized info on the cluster . I had no idea what to do so I took a cab home , got my other key and replaced all the batteries (the car is push button and doesn’t need the key in the ignition) . I got to the car , opened the door and it started up without hesitation. Drove it home, turned it off , steering lock didn’t engage , and it wouldn’t start back up . Frustrated , I went in and had a beer , came back out and tried again, started right up. OK... after about 20 mins I realize that sometimes the SCL will work (and can hear the relay/cem under the glove box) click and engage ... other times it doesn’t . When it doesn’t , if I lock the door and wait two mins , the immobilizer warning comes off the screen , I can unlock the door , tap the starter and it fires right up . So now I know I can get it started any time if I wait ... I checked all the connections on the SCL and the cem and found nothing questionable .. I also found that if I quickly unplug the cem and plug it back in the car “resets” itself and starts without problem for about 7 starts and the SCL functions properly .. I’m a backyard mechanic and don’t want to get taken at the dealer , so any info or sharing of knowledge in here would be GREATLY appreciated. Is it possible the SCL needs to be reprogrammed ? I just give up

.

Again I’m very sorry for likely beating a dead horse with this topic but I’m at a loss... thanks so much for ANNNYYYY help. I’m close to just wiring a ground break on a switch so I don’t have to keep unplugging/plugging the cem

Post by **SuperHerman** » 30 May 2018, 22:17

Wow - tough one. I have nothing for you other than some ideas. I suppose one approach is to get a VOM out and start pulling fuses that are related to your problem. Also look for current draw once you single out any potential offending circuits. This can narrow down the offending parts.

It sounds like something is not shutting down. A solenoid is sticking? A relay in one of the modules is failing? Leaning against software corruption because once disconnected it works. If I recall on my old 2005 V50, which has a slightly different set up, had an issue with the key fob socket that was a dealer recall - it was serviced before I bought the car. Maybe look into that and see if it is the same symptoms.

Other route, at least for the interim, is see if you can pull a fuse rather than the entire CEM. Maybe fashion a switch on that until you can figure out why the car is misbehaving.

Makingendsmeet · Post by **Makingendsmeet** » 31 May 2018, 03:36

I’m gonna go fuse by fuse after work and see what comes of that . Is it possible the car needs to be reset? I don’t have Volvo vida software so I’m now debating on buying that lol. Thanks for the input

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 31 May 2018, 05:43

For intermittent electrical problems, first look for loose or corroded connectors.
If you are in an area where the car is exposed to salt. The is salt highly likely to be the root cause.

Makingendsmeet · Post by **Makingendsmeet** » 31 May 2018, 07:40

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑31 May 2018, 05:43 For intermittent electrical problems, first look for loose or corroded connectors.
If you are in an area where the car is exposed to salt. The is salt highly likely to be the root cause.

I checked all the connections top to bottom , and the car is extremely clean. No salt issues , rust or corrosion anywhere .

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 31 May 2018, 09:07

Do you have two keys in the car? Sometimes when two keys are in the car the immobilizer energizes RFID chip both keys and the two RF signals confuse the immobilizer.

If you have two keys on the same key ring, take one of them off the key ring.

Some people have reported having problems with the immobilizer when the service key is stored in the glove box or ash tray.

Makingendsmeet · Post by **Makingendsmeet** » 31 May 2018, 09:40

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑31 May 2018, 09:07 Do you have two keys in the car? Sometimes when two keys are in the car the immobilizer energizes RFID chip both keys and the two RF signals confuse the immobilizer.

If you have two keys on the same key ring, take one of them off the key ring.

Some people have reported having problems with the immobilizer when the service key is stored in the glove box or ash tray.

I’ve tried it .. that wasn’t in. Gonna try something now .. I think I might have figured it out

Makingendsmeet · Post by **Makingendsmeet** » 31 May 2018, 09:47

OK SO I FIGURED IT OUT **** When I got the car , I removed the cluster for a new one and when I did , I programmed the mileage to be sure it was accurate and I had no mileage discrepancy... ONCE I did that my issues began . Fast forward to now , I found that when the “immobilizer “ and “service column lock” comes up on the screen, if I pull the fuse on the cluster , it resets something and the car fires right up! NOW WHAT ??? Does the car need to be reset ? How do I correct this ? I might just set up a hidden kill switch with it if I can’t figure it out ...