V40 2000. 123000 miles. It happened now twice. Drive the car do some shopping get in and the car will not start. Everything works, display lights, you hear the gas pump but if you turn the key nothing happens. Really nothing no click or tick. Nothing. Tried several times to start, moved shifter to drive and back, but nothing. Let it sit for 15 minutes and it starts right up.
Any suggestions?

thanks

 

I have a 1999 v40 T2, originally sold in Belgium. Finally someone describes the problem that have plagued me for years.
I have no solution, but I have noticed that in my car the problem is temperature dependent. It is appearant at temperatures between 10 and 20°C. I suppose there is a connection to the starter relay that contracts/expands. The fuel pump is activated, which should rule out an immobilizer problem.

Lately the instrument panel light started to go out at temperatures between 0 and 10°C. It is just plain strange. Exept for going over every connection relevant to these functions with cleaning solution – which I really dont have the time to do– I have no idea. But it's a really good car to drive, and I would be sad to see it go...

If anyone ever comes up with a solution, please post it ;-)

 

That is usually a bad starter.

 

I don't want to give you false hope, but the next time it happens try wiggling the wire on the starter solenoid. I sometimes have the same thing going on with my Volvo and at first I thought it was due to the temperature. Then it happened when it was warmer. After spending a few days looking over countless wiring diagrams I just went out to the car and started trying things. That is when I found the problem. I guess I have a poor connection at the solenoid. My car starts up first time, every time. Except when the connection is loose. Then it does nothing. I pop the hood, wiggle, wiggle, and it starts up with no fuss.

 

Thanks for comments. For my part, motor and ambient temperature is a consistent factor over the last two years. Living in a sub-arctic climate, temperatures above 10°C are not a too frequent issue, which makes the dependent conditions rather obvious ;-)
I look at the thermometer/forecast and choose the family car I use according to whether I can afford the extra waiting in case it acts up.

Yes, it might actually be something inside the starter, although it cranks all right. So I'll probably get another this summer. In case I figure this out, I'll post the solution. Thanks again...

 

hi i had a similar problem with my v40 it turned out to be a bad earth take your battery out of the car check down by te air filter to see if the earth strap is not corroded hope this helps