My mom has a 2000 S40 and well the first issue is the key is stuck in the ignition. It has worked for weeks after that happened the problem now is that it won't start. The ignition light dash comes on and everything but the starter wont turn over, it makes a single click noise and sounds as if it's coming from under the dash panel. It started up the other day "magically" and is back to not starting...


Any help is much appreciated!

 

It seems like the ECU thinks that the car is in gear.Do a couple of fast pulls on the gear selector back and forth.You might looking at a faulty PNP switch wigling it helps sometimes but its not a permanent fix.

 

That's my guess too. Safety start switch thinks the car is in gear and won't let it start. Hold the key in the start position while moving the gear handle to see if it tries to start.

You will probably have to remove the gear shift surround and spray some lube on the safety switch and gear shift to free things up. If you've spilled sticky drinks there it really messes things up.