I'm a newbie here looking for some answers. I have a S40 T5 AWD. I was at the pharmacy drive through and the car died. I turned the key and it started right back up. This happened two or three times. Then the other day, I was driving down the road and the car just 'shut down'. Steering wheel locked, light out, everything. Couldn't even get the hazards to come on. I sat there for about 30 seconds and it came back on. Clock was reset, etc.

I took it to a Volvo dealer who I trust (been with them for 8 years or so). They ran diagnostics, checked the battery, alternator, etc. Drove it around for a couple days and nothing.

Any idea what causes this? I've read theories about fuel pumps, ignition, etc. but wouldn't their test catch all of this?

The battery is old and I thought about replacing it, but they tested it and said it's fine.

 

Definitely something electrical. Maybe a loose battery cable or the battery shorted internally. Has it quit on you since returning from the dealer?

 

+1 With battery related issue. If they disconnected the battery while looking for the problem they may have fixed it. Check the battery cables real good to make sure none of them are cut.

What year is your car?

 

Huding - They drove it two days and nothing. I go pick it up today. I will examine the battery closely and maybe get a new one and check the cables closely for corrosion or splits. I'm hoping that's all it is and nothing major. My guess is if it was major, they would've found it.

RSPI - My car is a 2005. Sorry for not putting that in there before.

Thanks for replying so fast. I love my Volvo and plan to visit here more in the future (not just for problems)

 

Just an update. Drove the car back from dealer with no issues. Went out the next day for a new battery. Turns out the battery in the car was the original (from 2005). I've had the new battery in about a week now and it hasn't died.

 

I'm surprised the old battery even lasted that long... good luck with that new one!

 

Sounds like a faulty Mass Air Flow. They don't always go completely out! One way to test is when it dies again unplug the mass Air and start it up if it runs then you'll know it is going bad.

 

I knew it was too good to be true. After about a month, it did it again. All the lights came on, no action from the accelerator and I had to ease it over to the right to stop. Took the keys out, put them back in, and it started right back up and got me home. Also drove it today with no issue. I will check out what was mentioned above and see if that helps.