Sometimes, absolutely no rules, the motor w'ont start.
far now four or fifth times
the panel ligths are on, but no start.
After that 20 sec or maybe more (30 sec let say) the motor starts on the first key shout
ones was happened in parking zone, I goes for shopping for 5 min max, and when I came back nothing. try four or five times nothing
and try one more and :57: motor start like nothing happend.
what could be the problem?

I am reproducing this from an earlier posting at http://www.volvo-forums.com/t4151-car-would-not-start.htm

"

Anyway, here's a little troubleshooting guide I got based on some readings:-

If you could hear the engine cranking, but it doesn't 'catch' , try look at these (Of course, they are not in any order at all - but i guess you should try working it out based on what you have done already in the near past, and moving on...):-


1) Check Fuel Tank . Is it empty (you never know, man... )?
2) Check Battery power (especially if the crank sounds slower than normal). Change if necessary.
3) Check Battery terminal for any signs of corrosion or loose connections. (If you have any of those vaseline jelly lying around *ehem,ehem*, apply some to the connection bulges. - Makes you want to go out and buy more of those fantastic stuff, eh? )
4) Check Fuel Injection system
a- Fuel Pump (Listen to the sound at Position II)
b- Fuel Pressure Regulator (the one that keeps fuel in the line, instead of letting them drop back into the fuel tank. However, overnight, fuel will still run down back.)
c- Fuel Injectors in the fuel rail. (May need cleaning via those cleaners you fill in the gas-tank or replacement if necessary. But don't use too much as it would damage the rubber seals.)
d- Fuel Injection Relay (there's a thread on this already in this forum, complete with photo - run a search).
5) Check distributor cap and rotor . (Need to be opened to see - if extremely dirty inside, where the contact points are not able to 'electricise' themselves, either try to clean them or replace totally. I tried cleaning but only lasted for a month or so, as the contact points have worn its age.)
6) Check spark plugs . Someone very matured about engines that i know of (but have never met due to some reason despite agreements has thrown out a nice page on spark-plugs reading at www.kaminskimik.com Another good one is here http://www.motocross.com/motoprof/moto/mcy...plug2/plug2.htm (Might want to use this opportunity to change it to Iridium all-out, eh? Yeah!
7) Check ignition coil . (Get a proper mechanic/technician to look at this, if you don't know how to.)


Hope this helps someone.
"

When it won't start does the engine turn over?

no, nothing happened, just the lights on the dashboard

Sounds like either a bad starter or PNP switch.When it happens try checking for power at the small wire at the starter.If you have power and nothing happens then the starter is bad.

I have a similar problem, however my engine will crank. Sometimes it starts on 1st turn other times I have to hold the key in starter spot for 4-5 seconds before it can go.

I did get a fuel injection service, tune-up (plugs, wires, cap, rotor), electrical check, fuel pressure line check. Everything is okay. Do you have any suggestions? I have check other boards, but couldn't find anything.

Please help :) because two different mechanics couldn't solve the problem...

Have you checked everything in the post in blue as above?

Yep. The first mechanic did a compression test and electrctrical check. Both was normal, expect the compression test was slightly low but they added a little oil and then reran the compression test and was normal. Not sure if that is helpful. The 2nd mechanic thought the starting problems were related to a needed tune-up, so he did the plugs, so on. As for the electrical check, I am going to assume they check the coils. However, once I get some free time I will double check the things on the blue list. Again, thx for your help.

No problem. Hope you fish the problem out.

:)

Okay. I double checked everything (or at least a third shop) and everything is fine. I have noticed one really weird thing. It is it cold (around freezing) and has been sitting a while (day or longer) it starts with the first turn. However, it is warm (driving it for 20 mins) and try to restart it, the engine doesn't turn over. It cranks couple of seconds. I then wait start it again (sometimes it starts), otherwise I turn it back off and then start it again, and it starts.

Do you think it can be related to a sensor or something? What really bothers me is that it does start cold and not once it warm. Thanks again.

Problem may be related to the coil amplifier. Try touching it, if it is like really hot, then time to change it...

i've had similar starting problems when the car is left for a long time out in the cold.
it just wouldn't start, the engine wudn't even turn, all the dash lights would be on. i think it's bec of the extreme cold (upto -20C here), and then even if it starts, the auto transmission would act wierd. it will rev up and not shift at all. and it shows the transmission light even when u haven't put it into winter mode/3rd gear.

i depend on my luck for the car to start at such times, and when the transmission won't change but only rev, i just shift to 3 and drive, then it will shift automatically at around 3-4K RPM, and then when the engine is warm and if i shift to D, the transmission acts like nothing ever happened!!!

i think volvos have PMS too ;)