Random no crank, no start issue - 2007 V8

[fastmk2]

A month ago (temps ~80-85°F) this no-crank issue happened in our garage after my wife returned home from work and parked the car. I tried to start it ~15 minutes later to move it back out but the key didn't engage the starter. All lights, radio, DRLs, etc. were on... Except for the no-crank issue it was acting normally.

In February/March I replaced both the starter and the battery (there's always a chance one or both may be a problem, but they've performed well every other time in both hot and cold temperatures). I opened the hood suspecting that one of my connections on the starter solenoid wasn't tight. All were tight, but the starter was HOT (hot enough I couldn't hold my hand on it for any prolonged period of time). I left the hood open but continued to look for loose connections. Went inside to tell my wife the car wasn't starting and ask if she'd had any issues coming home. She said 'no' went out and started it (I felt dumb, scratched my head and assumed I was missing something obvious) and went about my business in the garage.

Last night (temps 85-90°F) we had driven to the park after dinner for a short walk. Hopped back in the car and the same no-crank issue happened, this time it took 45 minutes before the key would engage the starter. Again the starter was hot, no wires were loose.

Returned home, parked in the garage, shut it down then re-engage the key... The thing starts right up. I started it again this morning. I'm at a loss and worried this will continue.

Reading through forums there's discussion about checking the starter solenoid wire on 5-cyl Volvo models around the same vintage (as mentioned above the wires on the starter are tight - and I had used scotchbrite and dielectric grease when I re-installed the wires to the terminals), and others who found that this was the result of a failing key FOB chip. I don't remember seeing any text in the instrument cluster displaying anything about a Start Failure, but can't replicate this to verify.

Has anyone out there had similar problems? What were the results? Suggestions from folks here would be appreciated on potential next steps considering I can't seem to replicate the problem.

[RickHaleParker]

She said 'no' went out and started it (I felt dumb, scratched my head and assumed I was missing something obvious) and went about my business in the garage.

The problem is obvious. The car is gender biased. Put some lipstick on and make it think you are a female.

[timfoley1]

Hello, I have the exact same issue. No key error, sometimes I hold it in crank and starter pops, other times have to turn and hold 3 times on 3 count to start... other time starts right up....do not see any difference with outdoor temps...
Looking for any help
Tim

[abscate]

The diagnostic approach would be to check for 12 V at the starter solenoid wire when the key is turned to position 3, cranking. You need an assistant for that.

If that’s happening the starter is suspect.