2002 V70 repeated immobilizer failure
 

2002 V70 5-speed. After twenty trouble-free years, the car wouldn't start or even click several months ago, although dash lights came on. I replaced the battery, no change. I replaced the starter, no change. Towed it to a dealer who cut and programmed a new key ($500!), which seemed to fix the problem. It started fine every time for a few months. Then it began to fail intermittently, of course just after I had moved the car to a remote location. At first, it would finally fire after the fourth or fifth try, but now, nothing. The fob opens the doors fine, and dash lights come on, but no solenoid click or starter engagement, no matter how many times I try. At this point, I just want a car that starts, and towing it back to a dealer would cost more than the car is worth. There is zero chance of theft where the car is now, and even if it does start, I don't dare drive it anywhere for fear of being stranded. Can I install a simple push-button start switch to bypass this ridiculous anti-theft system? No dealer will do it, nor will the local shop, for obvious liability reasons. How do I hot-wire my own car?

Unfortunately no. You could install a push button to manually engage the starter - but I'm not sure the fuel system will turn on - If indeed you have "immobilizer" problems.

Have you tried to bypass the clutch switch? The switch that won't let the starter work unless the clutch is depressed? (manual trans volvos of that age are pretty rare - so the average tech might not consider that )

The clutch bypass switch failed about ten years ago and was replaced by the dealer. It could have gone out again, but the new key fixed the problem temporarily, so I think it's more likely something in the key-ring antenna-immobilizer system. It's maddening how arrogant engineers and manufacturers assume that their systems will never fail, and leave the owner no way to bypass them in an emergency.