Electrical problem - car won't start - real mystery
 

Hi,
Would really appreciate any insight / suggestions

Day 0 - car wouldn't start. Towed to service station (Dallas Volvo) - they replace battery and few other electrical components. Pay hefty bill and bring car back
Day 1 - car starts in morning fine - go out to run errands and shop - car won't start in the parking lot. Got car towed to Dallas Volvo again late in the night
Day 2 - Car starts fine at the service station in the a.m. - they can't find anything wrong - I bring the car back
Day 3 - car won't start again.

It is a V-70 2000 with ~74K miles. The crank turns - I even tried a jump start (it is supposed to be a brand new battery) but no luck. Many of the dash lights stay lit.

Would really, really appreciate any clues on what may eb happening.

Thanks
Nick

RE: Electrical problem - car won't start - real mystery
 

Sounds like an immoblizer problem.

RE: Electrical problem - car won't start - real mystery
 

I hada similar problem and had the starter replaced. The problem thenwent away. Hope this helps. Earl.

RE: Electrical problem - car won't start - real mystery
 

The repair shop claims that it is the Electronic Control Module (ECM) and some wiring. I have an extended warranty with a company called DSI Heritage and they are refusing to pay for this even when there is nothing in their contract that says this is not covered. When I asked for the reason they pointed me to this line in the "What is not covered" section "Retrofits or replacements of any components caused by or due to compliance with law or legislation including the 1990 clean air act, including emission control equipment and sensors"

He told me that the word sensor covers everything electrical!! Wonder if someone has had a similar experience and has any suggestion on how to get around it.

Thanks
Nick

RE: Electrical problem - car won't start - real mystery
 

Hi Nick,

If it turns out the problem is immobiliser, DSI Heritage should cover the cost of repair, as immobiliser has nothing to do with emissions system component/Clean Air Act. If they refuse,tell them that you'llconsult BBB.


JPN

RE: Electrical problem - car won't start - real mystery
 

have you checked all your fuses yet? I had this problem an hour ago but it was because I had a couple burned fuses. ...changed em' and burned rubber...cranks right up.

RE: Electrical problem - car won't start - real mystery - Resolution
 

Folks,
Wanted to post this as a FYI - I got my car back yesterday (so still keeping my fingers crossed)

They changed the ECM (Engine Control Module), a fuel pump and some wires (I had already replaced the battery). Very fortunately, Volvo covered the ECM replacement and the extended warranty I had (after a very time consuming and frustrating followups) covered the rest.

Much, much more complicated that I had imagined - well that's life :-)

Thanks to all the folks who were kind enough to reply to my post!

Safe driving!
Nick

RE: Electrical problem - car won't start - real mystery - Resolution
 

Well done Nick, come back again anytime when you have other questions/problems.

Safe driving agreed.

Cheers,


JPN