Volvo S40 The S40 is Volvo's most affordable sedan with all the amenities of a luxury sports car.

Weird Electrical Issues (2005 s40 2.4i)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 11-06-2015, 09:39 PM
ZachFman's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Weird Electrical Issues (2005 s40 2.4i)

Hello, I have a 2005 Volvo s40 2.4i. So far I've noticed two ongoing issues.

1: While Driving (especially when turning the wheel, the radio flickers and headlights dim). Also while in park or slow speeds, the lights (headlights too) flicker, power steering goes out, gauges go crazy all while a small thumping/pulsating sound is heard.

2. Sometimes, when I go to start the car, nothing happens almost as if it's dead, sometimes I get a message stating: key error try again. This might be a faulty ignition switch, but I'm not sure.

Any help is appreciated.
 
  #2  
Old 11-07-2015, 02:16 PM
s40_Ontario's Avatar
Member
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 92
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Battery and/or alternator issue? Is your battery more than 3 years old?
If you disconnect a battery terminal when the car is running does the engine stall? If so, you likely have an alternator issue.
 
  #3  
Old 11-08-2015, 08:12 PM
mt6127's Avatar
Super Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Burlington, VT
Posts: 9,209
Received 485 Likes on 466 Posts
Default

if you have a multimeter, do some quick tests - what's the voltage at the battery terminals - engine off (should be 12.5V or so). Now start the car. what's the voltage with the engine idling - should be 14V+. Now throw on the blower, lights, rear defrost etc. voltage at the battery should stay above 13.5 or so...

I'd be inclined to think you may have an ignition switch issue or a loose wire in the steering column. Next time you get the error message, try wiggling the key as well.
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
swiftjustice44
Off Topic
8
10-25-2012 06:32 AM
merlotman
Volvo S40
2
06-11-2010 03:21 AM
96960Chris
Volvo 260, 760 & 960
26
03-19-2010 08:38 AM
JFigliuolo
Volvo XC70
2
03-05-2009 06:39 AM
Sweet740GLE
All Other Volvo's
0
01-08-2004 02:13 AM



Quick Reply: Weird Electrical Issues (2005 s40 2.4i)



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:17 PM.