XC90 intermittant starting

madskier · Post by **madskier** » 16 Nov 2012, 21:22

Hello,
Let me first say that this is an awesome forum! I've been lurking around a while, but this is my first post. I have a 2005 xc90 with a 2.5T. Every once in a while when I go to start it, It wont. When I turn the key, I have lights, radio, etc, and just get a single faint click. It'll do this a couple times, and then start. more recently, when it did this, I could not get it to start at all. My battery is old, so I replaced it just in case that was the problem. It started, and drove it about 1 1/2 days, and it did it again, but started after a few minutes...frustrating because I never know when it'll happen.
Could it be the starter? Is it an interlock somewhere? I tried moving the shifter and the wheel, but it didn't seem to make a difference. Has anyone ever heard of this? I'm hoping it's something simple, but just hope I can find the problem.
Any ideas?

Oncloud59 · Post by **Oncloud59** » 27 Nov 2012, 23:52

Good day,
A thought or two. How does the key enter and move through the positions of the switch? If it doesn't make complete contact at the start location, it could stop short sometimes. You might spray some lubricant onto the key, then place it into the switch several times. Do this a couple of times, then rotate the key to the start a few times to see if it improves the ease of use.
Another thought could include looking at a relay or two in the starter circuit, a poor connection on the starter itself.
Just some areas to inspect.
Enjoy hunting.

madskier · Post by **madskier** » 02 Dec 2012, 18:14

Oncloud59,
Thanks for the tip. I did however find the problem to be a small wire (maybe 16-18 gauge)attached to the starter with a clip. There was some corrosion on it and I removed it, squeezed the connector closed, and haven't had a problem since.
I hope this helps some other folks on this forum.
Thanks again!