I have a 1999 Volvo and I love it and it has been running great until yesterday. I went to start the car and it will not start. When you turn the key, the dash lights up, but the car will not start and the power locks will not work. It does not even try to start, no clicking, car is in park. Any ideas??

 

If you have a voltmeter, measure the voltage of the battery; you need 12 volts. If you've been trying to start the car, you may have a little less. If you don't have a VOM, then look at the lights with the key turned to ON; they should be bright. If they are dull, then you need to jump the car or use a charger to get it charged.

If they are bright, then turn the key to start. Do the lights stay bright or do they go dull? If they stay bright the starter is not engaging. If they go OUT then one of the battery cables is loose. If they go dull the starter is trying to engage.

If the lights remained bright, you likely have a starter solenoid issue. I don't think there is a relay for the starter. I think you just replace the starter but I would certainly test it before I switched out out

If the lights went out, undo the cables, clean the posts and the clamps and re-install. Make sure you have the radio codes before pulling the battery cable.

If the lights went dull, you need to figure out why the starter is not turning over. Can you turn the engine over manualy using the crank pulley. If it turns over, the starter is likely seized. If it won't turn over, pull the serpentine belt off and try to turn it again. If it does not turn over the engine is seized. If it turns over, an accessory is is seized (A/C happened to me).

 

Dead/weak battery.

 

I have this same issue - replaced the battery but problem remains ! HELP !