1999 S70 Weird starting issue [Ignition switch electrical shorted to START] Topic is solved

melmaclifeform · Post by **melmaclifeform** » 13 Jan 2019, 18:50

Ok, so I just recently got a 1999 Volvo S70 base model, and it's got a weird issue going on- it doesn't crank, but when it's jumped it'll occasionally just start right up and drive and all.

Looking through the possible issues haven't really helped, I haven't seen anyone else have this particular problem.

My guess is that the ignition switch has broken, do you guys think the same?

My reasoning is that since it starts occasionally, then the car has to think that the key is turned all the way to the III position.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 13 Jan 2019, 19:09

Could be the Antenna ring on the fritz. The key has a RFID chip in it. The Antenna ring (the RFID reader) is that plastic ring around the key hole. It is common problem.

melmaclifeform · Post by **melmaclifeform** » 13 Jan 2019, 19:16

Hmmm, is that an easy repair? The thing that made me think it was the switch was that the key turned without any resistance, really. It wasn't like that in any of the other cars that I've driven so that might be of more assistance.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 13 Jan 2019, 19:20

It is very easy and on a '99 no reprogramming required.

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melmaclifeform · Post by **melmaclifeform** » 13 Jan 2019, 19:23

Awesome! Thanks man, I'll try that first

Post by **abscate** » 14 Jan 2019, 05:12

An antenna ring problem will leave you with a crank,no-start problem, not a no crank problem

How old is your battery and what is state of charge?
Turn headlights on for 30 seconds, turn off, then measure voltage and temperature at battery

Electrical part of ignition switch would be my first stop if you want to try parts swapping approach.

Post by **erikv11** » 14 Jan 2019, 08:11

Agreed, it's not the antenna ring.

Obvious candidates, in order of likelihood:

(1) Electrical portion of the ignition switch
(2) Positive or B+ battery cable
(3) Battery

Since you can test the battery and the cable. All as abscate suggested.

melmaclifeform · Post by **melmaclifeform** » 14 Jan 2019, 15:14

The car is charged enough to turn EVERYTHING on as soon as the cables are connected. Wipers will go on and whatnot, all of that stuff.

I know the battery is a few years old old, but it's been tested and it is a good battery that holds a charge.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 14 Jan 2019, 16:11

Take the battery to Autozone and get a free bench test. The battery may hold a charge but not perform under a heavy load. The starter is a very heavy load ....

melmaclifeform · Post by **melmaclifeform** » 14 Jan 2019, 17:05

See, even if it was the battery I think there might be more problems, it starts WITHOUT turning the key when you jump it