Hey guys

I'll try get more details but as far as I know my dad had pressed the yellow and red buttons on the key randomly and he couldn't get the car to start, he later got the car started but after another drive it will no longer start. A mobile mechanic(AA) has come round and said it's the starter motor. Seems like too much of a coincidence that the car won't start shortly after messing around with the buttons.

 

Pressing the buttons simultaneously does nothing.

 

What year and can we assume you are talking about an S40? You should do a few tests before assuming its the starter... Does the car click or crank slowly when trying to start? Have you tried jumper cables? (if it always starts with jumpers time to check the battery and alternator). Have you inspected/cleaned the battery terminals and starter cable? Does the cable get warm after a failed attempt to start? Does the battery voltage drop when trying to start (say below 12V)? Is the car properly in park or neutral (assume you have an auto - PNP switches can act up and lock out the starter) - try shifting from P to Lo to Park 10x fast (aka the shifter row). Make sure the little button on the shifter is popped out or the car will think its in gear. Is the immobilizer set off? Try locking/unlocking the doors 5x with the key fob. Is the battery good in the fob? If you press the red button for 3-4 seconds, it should set off the panic mode flashing lights etc (resets in 30 sec). Don't know if your model has the "approach lights" feature (the button that turns on the lights via the remote) If nothing - check the fob battery...

 

2006.

Thanks guys, good info. Will do some testing.

 

And yes it's a S40.