Intermittent starting problem 00 V70 XC Turbo

[tboothe33]

I have 99 V70 EX Turbo and also have an intermittent start problem. We initially thought it just needed a good tune up, we bought it with 150k on it and knew it needed a little TLC. When that did not fix the problem we did some research and thought it was the antenna ring. Being that is a bit pricey to fix we decided to do some more investigating and now are thinking it is something else. Here is what we can do to fix the starting problem.

1. Sometimes the button on the automatic shifter "sticks". This is pretty obvious becuase when that happens, the key will not come out. I also make a point to make sure the button on the shifter is popped out before I even turn off the engine. This alleivates the start problem about 85% of the time.

2. If the front wheel is turned when I try to start the car, it will not start. Turning the wheel in line always results in the car starting.

The car has never left me stranded since we figured these things out. But it does leave us to wonder what is wrong with the car. She has 187,000 on her now. We are hoping to get 300k out of her, she runs so great once she is started!

Any ideas would be very much appreciated.

[bobice]

Mine V70 at 168k (2000) also has intermittent starting problem, Anybody figured out what's the actual problem?

[anderka]

My 2000 V70 XC (138k) has the same issue as the original poster. It also throws a P1171 code and the ETC light comes on. I purchased the car used and the dealer said he had replaced the "Throttle Body" which I took to mean the ETM. The problem started after I changed the oil and replaced the spark plugs with Autolites (Autozone gave me these). I replaced the plugs again with the recommended Bosch platinum plugs pre-gapped to 0.7 mm. Any chance the two issues are related?

[anderka]

^Cleaned MAF sensor and electrical contacts on the transponder antenna on the steering column. After 90 miles, the P1171 code has not returned and the car has not failed to start. The ETC light has come back on.

[Mikesco3]

Same issue... Ended up with the Volvo passed down by a girlfriend, sold my Audi A4 to help alleviate some issues... She was having this problem also for quite a long time.
I've noticed it more in the Cold. As a matter of fact it just occurred so I decided to come back in the house and do some searching.
The previous time it happened I took it to a Mechanic (had to have it towed) he told me it was flooded when he got it.
I'm going to try what the previous post said about straightening the wheels and making sure the button on the shifter deal but I don't think that's the case because the key came out fine.