I have a 2000 Volvo s-40, I have researched this problem for months now, I have called mechanics, I have tried everything.

So basically the key will turn to the III (3rd position)the lights will turn on but the crank will not start, This problem will happen randomly and sometimes it would start in 5 mins sometimes in 30mins and sometimes takes a few hours.

I have called mechanics and asked them, What is the problem and can they fix it, They told me in order for them to find the problem they must reproduce the problem, But that's the problem I can't reproduce the problem because it's so random. But since I changed my battery yesterday, this time it hasn't started yet and its over a day.

I have searched the forums and Ive read about putting oil on the key, or WD-40, or using the FOB and clicking the unlock lock key 5times but none of that has worked. '

If anyone can help or needs additional information please help. I only have about 71k miles on it. Can it possibly be a problem with the anti theft alarm? Can I somehow disconnect that to see if it's the problem?

 

So after researching some more i hear people say it's the Neutral Relay Switch can anyone confirm this?

 

I had somewhat the same situation where I put the key in turned ignition on - no crank, tried locking it, tried the 2nd key nothing... (it never did turn over) battery good. Dealer thought it was the starter - turned out it was the ignition. Dealer only charged me for cleaning it however warned me that the ignition might need to be replaced - that was 3 years ago. Try cleaning the ignition?!?

 

how do you clean it?

 

My 1994 non-turbo, auto, 850 wagon, 180k miles, is doing the same thing. It will start and when I turn it off it will not retsart (no starter at all). Sometimes it will start after a few minutes other times it will be an hour or longer. I quit using the remote unlock (removed the battery from the fob) it seemed to help. I had 3 days of no problems. Then it happened again this time after stalling (fuel starvation? Fuel pump relay?) in traffic. I had used the key to open the passenger door. Then entered the car and started it. I think it is the alarm system disabling the ignition. The next time it happens I am going to disconnect the battery to see if it re-sets the starter. Any input?

 

No i haven't found a solution, but i've read a bit and it seems that it may be the Neutral switch relay, If you find the problem please post here. fwiw i don't think disconnecting the battery will work.

 

Another technique when you suspect the Neutral Safety Switch is to move the gear selector lever out of Park and into Neutral. Then retry the start. You can also try starting by holding the key to START while wiggling or even moving the gear selector lever into and out of neutral.

This has worked for me on several older cars including an '86 Volvo 240. This will not help a bad ignition switch or a Clutch Safety Switch on a manual trans car.

 

Just an update I think I updated a previous thread. I switched the Neutral switch relay and had no problems since then. It's been a long time.