I have 1999 V70 XC. The car starts, but then immediately shuts down. If I try and start the car again, it acts like there is no spark. If I wait a bit and try again, the car starts and runs normally. This can happen in any temperature but is more prevalent when the car has been sitting in sun or after the motor has be running and sits for a time (i.e., heat seems to exacerbate the problem). When I turn the key, the fuel pump comes on and runs for its obligatory second or two. It almost seems like vapor lock. I suspect a problem with the engine master relay.

Any insights?

Thanks,

Gary

 

Is there any lights on the dash flashing when this happens?
What you descride also sounds like an immoblizer problem.
If it happens again take the key out of the ignition turn it the opposite position and try again.The antenna rings get weak and when the key in in one way the signal isn't strong.

 

No dashboard lights other than the normal set that comes on when the key is turned but the cars is not running. I have never tried turning the key over so I'll give that a try.

One other symptom of the problem seemed to be the engine trying to settle in to idle REALLY quickly, even when it stayed running. I could actually cause the problem to occur less frequently (to my mind) by pushing the gas down about 1/2 inch (some gas, not alot) when starting the car (of course, that one could be in my head). I actually swapped the master relay from my 98 s70 into the v70 (same part number, I checked) which seemed to fix the rapid drop in idle speed and the problem has not come back. But it's only been a couple of days. The uncertainty lies in the fact that switching relays did not seem to transfer the problem to the other car, YET. In fact, the other car (98) still works the way it always did.

What is an immobilizer?

Thanks for the help.

Gary

 

The immoblizer is what stops someone from making a copy of your car and steeling your car.Your key is programmed to your car.If the key is not programmed the car will not run.

Also have you had the throttle body cleaned lately?
Dirty throttle body could cause a low or jumpy idle as well.