Car not starting

Tiny
DAVID MOHLOMI
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 VOLVO S40
  • 1.8L
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 87,000 MILES
My car was functionally okay, all of a sudden the next day when trying to start, it does not start, it writes "immobilizer see manual" and "engine needs urgent service", a general diagnosing was done, no serious fault was found except climate control which I did reset. Please help.
Do you
have the same problem?
Yes
No
Tuesday, March 12th, 2019 AT 4:24 AM

39 Replies

Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,293 POSTS
Hello and welcome to 2CarPros. I've looked up your issue on AllData and the only tests that are suggested there would have to be performed at the Volvo dealership, using expensive proprietary machinery and such. So that won't be much good to us.

What I do know though is this: (1) The keys in these cars use a cr2032 battery (aka a disk battery) which needs to be strong for the immobilizer system to get the proper code from the key. Change that battery. (2) If that doesn't do it, try getting under the hood and inspecting the starter for corrosion (greenish whitish powdery gunk) on it's connectors. If you see any at all, take off that connector and clean it off using a wire brush, piece of sandpaper, or something along those lines.

(4) You'll also want to check every fuse that you can find. See the attached images for fuse box locations. And here's a general guide that we've prepared: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Start there and good luck to you! Thanks for using 2CarPros.

Harry
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, March 12th, 2019 AT 5:19 AM
Tiny
DAVID MOHLOMI
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Thank you, I will give it a try.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, March 12th, 2019 AT 5:23 AM
Tiny
DAVID MOHLOMI
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Hi Harry, the car when immobilizer is bypassed, using battery terminal, start for about a minute or so, no rev, all fuses looks fine, one suggest I replace ICU for ignition. Could that be the case?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, March 12th, 2019 AT 5:52 AM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,293 POSTS
Yes, it's possible. But I'd like to rule out the other possibilities first. Go ahead and replace the battery in the key if you haven't already. Also, have the key tested at the dealership (most dealers will do that for free or a very low cost).
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, March 12th, 2019 AT 6:51 AM
Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,408 POSTS
Which body style S40 do you have. In the middle of 2005 there was a change in body. The old body style had the traditional key with chip. The new body style has the black plastic key.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, March 14th, 2019 AT 9:19 PM
Tiny
DAVID MOHLOMI
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
It is Salon body style and yes it uses black plastic key.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, March 15th, 2019 AT 5:06 AM
Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,408 POSTS
Do you have another key and have you tried using that that as well?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, March 15th, 2019 AT 7:05 AM
Tiny
DAVID MOHLOMI
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I do not have another key, I am soon to take it to Volvo for inspection of its memory chip.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, March 15th, 2019 AT 7:21 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,468 POSTS
Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, March 18th, 2019 AT 12:49 PM
Tiny
DAVID MOHLOMI
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
It is still being under service, was told the ICU and ECM needs replacement, and it needs re-programming. So let's see until end of week.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:30 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,468 POSTS
Makes sense, please let us know what happens.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 11:49 AM
Tiny
DAVID MOHLOMI
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
With new key now the car is cranking but it cuts. My mechanic is still working on it but hints, fuse box may have to be replaced at it have memory box, and also I'm told it needs to be replace old memory to new memory. I heavily reliant on expect knowledge, please let me know?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 12th, 2019 AT 7:16 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,468 POSTS
Have you run the codes if not here is a guide to help see whats going on:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down this guide and report back.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 12th, 2019 AT 10:44 AM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,293 POSTS
Run those codes and get that car away from that mechanic. I hate to say it, but it sounds like he's just guessing and changing out parts hoping to get lucky.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, April 13th, 2019 AT 3:40 AM
Tiny
DAVID MOHLOMI
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I will be taking the car away this week thanks. The challenge is I will have to order it from abroad but its worth the wait. Thanks
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 3:21 AM
Tiny
DAVID MOHLOMI
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I have just enquired with the only shop in SA which imports they are out of stock, they suggested the following, please help me choose the best one.
https://www.importitall.co.za/search.php?query=Diagnostic+scanner+&CatBase=Everything
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 3:34 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,468 POSTS
I like the Foxwell.

FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner Professional Enhanced OBDII Diagnostic Code Reader R2092.00

let us know.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 11:12 AM
Tiny
DAVID MOHLOMI
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Thank you all for the expert advices, finally a Volvo specialist attended the car, the scan showed the CEM software crashed and it had to be updated. He however mentioned this could have been caused by poor battery or jump starting with unsuitable cables/batteries. I have now bought a new battery but the car works fine, except that the right windows sometimes do not respond to the immobilizer and hence I lock the car doors manually.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, April 24th, 2019 AT 1:51 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,468 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help. Start a new question for the doors and window problem please.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, April 24th, 2019 AT 11:36 AM
Tiny
MARIE271066
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 VOLVO S40
  • 5 CYL
My sons volvo s40 wont start I tried to jump it with mondeo but it drained my battery to the point were my car just cut out
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, April 24th, 2019 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links