So I went to get into my 2002 XC70 yesterday, noticed the engine fan was running as it was quite hot and unlocked the doors just fine. When I got in and went to start it there was zero electrical power and the fan had died, and remote locks stopped working. Thought the battery was dead so I brought my truck and attempted to jump it. Quickly realized there was still no power.

DMM on battery posts and remote posts in engine compartment and fusebox show there IS power. NOTHING works in the car except if I turn the key far enough the radio does work. No locks, lights, sunroof, seat motors, nothing except for the radio.

Any ideas what this could be? Electrical connector somewhere that's unplugged I am hoping (over computer that needs to be replaced), but where?

 

All of the fuses under the hood good?

 

Mine has done this on occasion for the past five years. It cures itself then reoccurs when my wife goes on a long trip. Also the low beam doesn't work 90% of the time, the brake lights failed today, the power seat moves on its own, the replace airbag message is on. I guess its to be expected after all it is garage kept with 80,000 miles on it.
Sorry I'm no help but it looks like my 9th Volvo will be my last Volvo.

I spoke with a Volvo specialist (not a dealer) and he had encountered this situation and a reloading of the computer parameters appeared to solve the problem.
As for me, I'm off to the stealership for a cashectomy.

 

Should have posted when the problem was fixed sorry

There is an issue with how the remote positive terminal in the engine compartment is attached to the other components, and apparently it fails regularly and causes the front fusebox to become intermittently attached. This stud is not only used for jump starting but is also where the rear battery cable joins the fusebox and goes to the starter solenoid.

The stealership replaced the terminal and all is well. Apparently this is a relatively common problem, initially when I was on the phone with them asking why I couldn't jump start from that terminal (when I still thought the battery was dead) they suggested I do it from the battery if that didn't work as it had a part inside that could become crushed.

 

That's an interesting development. I do believe I had that apart once in search of bad connections as I have with every other possible power and ground connection, but I will re-examine it.
Now if you'll excuse me I have to go disassemble the rear half of the car to get at the battery and I only have 9 hours til night fall.

 

Im having the exact same issue with a 2001 V70. Can you show a picture or link of the part that was replaced on your car?

 

Original post was from 2009. best to start a new thread with your own symptoms. that said, you need to check battery cables, voltage at the fuse/relay box etc. From there I'd jiggle the key to see if its possibly the ignition switch. have you tried jumper cables or a battery tender to the terminals under the hood?