Hey guys, I'm new here so I hope I'm posting in the correct section. I have a 2004.0 Volvo s40 that I bought used last summer and has about 88k miles on it. The car has been running amazing, the only thing I had to replace was the battery a few months back. Regardless, I went to start my car one night and i could not get the key past position I (I believe); the position that turns the battery on. I immediately thought it wasn't in Park, but it was. The lights, radio , everything worked. I went back in and debated with a few friends what it could be. We came to the conclusion that it could be the security features on the key/car. One of my friends took out the battery in my key and put it back in (which I think was a bad idea) and now I cannot even unlock my car. The battery was just replaced and even when I had a dead battery I was still able to lock/unlock the doors for a week before I could find the time to get it replaced (I am a student). Thankfully, I just got my tax return back and I should have plenty of cash to fix whatever the **** is wrong with this car. I want it running perfectly like it was last summer

Thanks everyone!

 

Could it be the steering wheel is turned such that it's wedged against the steering wheel lock? Have you tried moving the steering wheel just a bit? It could be a bad switch but haven't heard of the 2000-2004 models going bad yet.

 

I have tried doing that already, I move it as far to the left and right trying to start the car in multiple locations of the wheel, but now my car won't even automatically unlock itself... I'm going to go call volvo now.

dan.

 

So I put a volt-meter on the battery and it's reading 0.0- volts...I'm going to auto zone to hopefully get it replaced by the warranty that comes with it, will keep everyone updated.

dan.

 

got a new battery from warranty, changed nothing. battery is disconnected and will call AAA tomorrow to get it toed to volvo, I'm going to stop guessing at the problem and just get it checked out.

dan.

 

I suspect the original problem had nothing to do with the key.

I'll take a guess and say Volvo will:
1. Install a new ignition switch assembly.
2. Recode your key (key fob?)

Or possibly:
3. Adjust the Park ignition interlock.

Let us know what happens.

 

They took out the ignition switch assembly and found a piece of flash or some metal that didn't belong. the guy said he removed it and put it back together and it worked...boom. what the ****.