2002 Volvo XC70 worked normally. Then wouldn't start

Tiny
DADOF6
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  • 2002 VOLVO XC70
Electrical problem
2002 Volvo XC70 All Wheel Drive Automatic 165000 miles

I've replaced both the starter switch at the tail end of the key tumbler inside the steering column shroud and the key antenna that is in some way associated with starting the car. Both of these items snapped into place although the symptoms are still present. I can turn the key all the way to "start", all the lights come on normally, I hear clicks where they are supposed to click except at the starter. I'd rather not replace the ignition unit if it isn't necessary.
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 9:50 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
JIS001
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Do you have another key? Does that key also do the same thing?
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 10:00 PM
Tiny
DADOF6
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I'll try it today with my wife's key. I hope it's as simple as that. Otherwise I think i'm down to either the lock assembly or the neutral safety switch.
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Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 AT 5:27 AM
Tiny
JIS001
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Let me know what happens. Before you do any other repair you should try and get the central electronic module scanned for codes first to see if you have an immobolizer issue?
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Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 AT 8:18 AM
Tiny
DADOF6
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By issue I hope you don't mean something bigger than actually replacing it. I did that after replacing the ignition switch because i'd heard they fail and it was only $60.

By the way, I tried my wife's key and met the same symptoms as the first key.
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Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 AT 8:40 AM
Tiny
JIS001
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The tumbler has nothing to do with the starting problem. If the tumbler goes bad then you either can't turn the key all the way to the start position or the key will not come out. You either have an issue with the starter or the immobilizer. First, check the battery and make sure it is fully charged. You may want to take it out and have it tested. If that is O.K. Check for battery voltage at the battery cable on the starter after you have reinstalled the battery. If battery voltage is good then remove the solenoid cable on the starter. Get a volt meter or test light, preferably a volt meter to actually measure voltage. Have some one turn the key to the start position and see if there is battery voltage. If there is voltage when the key is turned to the run position see if you can manually turn engine over using a ratchet and socket. If engine turns over by hand then your starter motor has failed. If you have no voltage to the solenoid let me know. Maybe I could try and email you a wiring diagram. I would just need vehicle info, mainly engine size and if turbo or none turbo.
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Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 AT 10:17 PM
Tiny
DADOF6
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I'd already replaced the immobilizer with a brand new one from the dealership. I will check the battery and the voltage at the points you'd described. My wife confessed the key had been periodically difficult to remove from the tumbler although i'd not experienced the same issue when using the car. The engine is the 2.4 twin cam turbo 5cyl.
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Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 AT 5:30 AM
Tiny
JIS001
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By the immobilizer I am assuming you mean the antenna ring you just did? But keep me posted as to what you find. If you need a wiring diagram then let me know.
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Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 AT 8:28 AM
Tiny
DADOF6
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Yup. If the immobilizer is the same as the antenna ring then that's what I replaced. I think I will need that wiring diagram in order to proceed further.
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Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
JIS001
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Have you tried checking for power to the starter already?
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Friday, April 16th, 2010 AT 1:17 AM

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