I have had my '99 V70XC for about six months and like so many others, love my car but... Occasionally it won't start. It has never stalled when driving. Every once in a while it won't start. When this happens, it will crank but not start. Or, it kinda' starts, as in it seemingly has started, goes up to about 3000 RPM all on its own but then gradually goes right back down to 0 RPM and pressing the pedal doesn't keep it alive when this happens. In fact, when that happens, I don't think it is responding to the pedal input at all. On the most recent occurance, it wouldn't start on the first crank, re-tried several times, usually pausing for at least 10-20 seconds between tries, sometimes leaving the ignition on, other times turning the key to off. On one attempt I got the started, rev-up, dies condition. Kept trying with no luck. Now it is sitting for half an hour or so while I search forums and type this post. This has only happened intermittently and in fact had not happened for about a month or so 'till today. Before it was maybe once or twice a week but it would always start after a few tries every time before. This time, no joy.

When I turn the key on I do hear the fuel pump running. The engine cranks nice and strong, the interior lights stay on, as far as I can tell, the battery seems to be fine.

I have read about an immobilizer but I am not understanding, if it is an immobilizer problem, does it turn over or not turn over at all, like trying to start it when in gear?

 

I forgot to mention, I do not have any check engine light or codes indicated by the OBDII reader.