[Maria]

My 1998 S40 has an intermittant fault on it's ignition. When you turn the key nothing happens no lights on dash etc but anhting before ignotion eg. electric windoes work perfectly. But sometimes it starts. Yesterday it died whilst driving ignition lights came on and then off and everything died, even the steering lock went on (scary). The electronic specialist garage have changed the ignition swtich but it still keeps happening, they now don't know what to do. Dealers only suggestion was to change ignition switch. Any suggestions would be gratefully recevied.

 

[Tech]

When you say you had the Ignition replaced which part? The electrical part or the manual part?

 

[Maria]

The electical part. Yesterday at the garage they left the ignition on although it wasn't working and after a couple of hours it came on all by itself.

 

[Tech]

It kinda sounds like you have a main power problem.Like a problem with the positive or negative wire from the battery or main relay.The only thing that really doesn't make sense is the the steering lock locked the steering wheel.That only happens when the key is removed from the steering wheel.Have them make sure the power wire to the starter and the alternator is tight and has a clean connection.

 

[Maria]

Tech
Thanks for that, it has been transferred to the local rip-off dealer. At the moment they are suggesting it might be the immobiliser - loads-a-dosh. But I have seen a V40 that I have told them I would like to trade in for so hopefully they will come up with a better solution. I will pass on your suggestion. And I will also post the solution whan it happens.

Thanks
Maria

 

[Tech]

Thank you I will be looking foward to hearing what the problem was.

 

[Maria]

They say they have fixed it. Apparently part of the loom goes down under and back up the side of the radiator and during manufacture they sometimes damage the cable sheath when pulling it through. Over the years this then breaksdown and corrodes the wire within causing an intermittant fault. I call this a built in timebomb to allow the dealer to charge for repairs!!

 

[Tech]

Im glad you got it fixed.The only bad thing is what happened yes it does seem like what you said about the ticking time bomb.The only thing you have to remember is that it is all car company's that do the same thing not just Volvo.I have seen many things like this on many other car company's.

 

[mdutton]

Hi Maria and Tech,
We have a similar problem tonight with our 740. Thursday, the battery became completely discharged-- so unable to jump and start-- we replaced it (old battery had NO charge to it). Turns out it was not the recommended type--so we replaced with the recommended battery--car fired up very well and ran for two days. Tonight, after returning jhome, and then car sitting in the driveway, daughter went out and opened the door--no lights in the interior--nothing when she tried to start it. I checked the battery cables--all look good and tight--tried again, nothing. Tried again about 15 minutes later, and all lights came on, but when I turned the key to start--all lights off. Tried a couple more times, with same result.

This seems vaguely reminiscent of my old 145, way back in 1982-93, when sometines it just wouldn't stsrt...Is it perhaps a relay? And if so, why would the other battery die, why now work sometimes, why not others? Please help, if possible. We may have to tow to someplace, unless we can start it.

We bought this car (85 0r 86)last year w/ a rebuilt engine-- but we have no owner's manual. Fuses are...passenger's side?? I am out to look.

Melinda

 

[Tech]

I would check all battery cables and connections.Check the connections at the alternator and starter.Sounds like major connection between the battery and the car is what is going on.Also your fuses are behind the ashtray in the center of the dash.

 

[mdutton]

Thank you Tech,
We will do. But is there a reason that we would have power--just until we turn the key to start it, and then everything stops??

 

[Tech]

That is usually the sign of the bad connection.It doesn't take much power for the lights but when you try to pull the high amps. to start the car it looses connection.Usually the sign of bad battery terminals,battery cables, or connections at alternator or starter.

 

[mdutton]

Tech--
You are so right. When we installed the battery, my husband actually greased the cables where they contact the battery and attach. Good idea maybe to prevent corrosion-- but I suspect it caused there to be a faulty connection. I will keep my fingers crossed everything is o.k. in the morning. At least now I know where the fuses are!

 

[Tech]

Hopefully thats all it was is the grease.That is somewhat of a good idea but the grease goes on after the terminals are on and nice and clean and tight.