Hi. I know there are threads on here about this subject but I'm suffering from a case of conflicting advice so I wonder if it can be cleared up. I have an intermittent starting problem with my 2011 XC90. When it fails, the dash lights come on but the starter motor does not attempt to fire. Completely dead. There could be a number of explanations but it seems that one of the most common is that the antenna ring, situated in the ignition key barrel and which I believe controls the immobiliser (?) needs to be replaced. However I'm abroad (in France). The nearest Volvo dealer is an hour away. I've spoken to them but they supply parts and don't provide a service function, so I can get the part and fit it myself. But they've told me some reprogramming is necessary to ensure the key will 'talk' to the new antenna ring. This conflicts with other advice I have read online. Can anyone clear this up for me? Thanks!

 

I've never seen or had to replace an antenna ring at my shop. (1999 was the first year with antenna rings here in the US) It's just a coil of wire. And If replaced there is no programming needed, it's plug and play.

If your car won't start sometimes - I would start with a scan that talks to all the modules. A good scan tool should be able to know if a start signal is being sent. - And have you checked (swapped out with another of the same part number) the starter relay in the fusebox?

 

Thanks. I've already replaced the fuse. I was hoping there was a fuse for the immobiliser to maybe bypass it temporarily, but of course that one controls the ignition too. Oddly, with the new fuse the problem, although still there, is more intermittent. I was wondering if the simple act of taking a fuse out may have allowed something electrical to reset itself(?) or else it's just the law of averages! Thanks for your advice on the antenna ring. Good news! Sounds like I'm getting wrong advice here in France. I was going to try the next nearest dealership in any case because they are bigger and hence hopefully more knowledgeable. You also mention a relay. I haven't touched any relays, just the fuse. The relay is different, right? Thanks again so far.

 

I seem to remember when the immobilizer prevents the car from starting you get a message in the message center.
Here's where the relay is and a wiring diagram. The 5 cyl wiring diagram is similar and uses the same components.

 

Very many thanks! I've opened it up and have made sure all the fuses and relays in the box are well seated. Car started 4 times out of 4 yesterday (on all occasions it was a cold start) whereas a couple of days ago it was completely random although my impression is that it's more often failing when hot.

 

Swap the starter relay with another of the same part number in that fuse box to see if the starter relay is erratic

 

OK many thanks. Are these very specific Volvo parts or are they relatively generic?

 

What parts? If there are 2 relays with the same part number as the starter relay in the fuse box - swap them, no part needed. Antenna ring (that is not bad) is a Volvo only part.

 

I've managed to swap over two identical relays in the box inside the engine compartment and it made no difference so I'm concluding that the relay is sound. Could still be a wiring problem with the starter of course, or else maybe that antenna ring issue I've seen mentioned elsewhere.

 

I've ordered the antenna ring. I'm hoping that's the fault!

 

I have replaced the antenna ring on a 02 v70 and no programming was needed.

 

Thanks. I'm taking delivery of the part today. Fingers crossed. Of course it could be a problem with the starter, or the wiring, or..... etc.

 

If it's the antenna ring you get a start prevented try again or immobilizer message.

 

Thanks. Yes, that's what I understood. Problem is I'm only getting that message on some of the failures to start. On others, there's no message at all. I've fitted a new antenna ring in any case and it hasn't helped. Symptoms are that it starts fine when cold but when hot, you turn the key, the dash lights up but otherwise it's dead. The starter simply doesn't fire up. I've checked fuses and relays. I'm not competent to do a thorough check of wiring but it doesn't look untidy. I'm guessing that it's either the starter itself, or the solenoid, or some wiring connecting the ignition barrel to the starter. Could even be the ignition barrel itself? I've also replaced battery in the key fob and the car's battery is at most a couple of years old.

 

Antenna ring replaced but no change.

 

I have seen starter issues where the solenoid gets heat soaked resulting in a no crank until it cools.remedyvwas to change the starter out.

 

Yes I've read about those too. Makes sense. That's probably the next step. Cheers!

 

Not good. Starter replaced, same problem. Now the local non-specialist garage who replaced the starter has referred me back to the Volvo dealer (an hour away) who supplied the new antenna ring. Apparently they've spoken and concluded that some reprogramming IS REQUIRED for it to work. This is contrary to other information I've received but not contrary to what the garage who supplied the part originally told me. The problem at their end was that they could supply the part but couldn't do the reprogramming and they referred me to larger dealers in Bordeaux and Toulouse (each two hours away). But they have now told the local garage that they CAN do the work, so I'm calling them today, hopefully to arrange that.

 

I've only replaced the ring on an 02 v70.... That required nothing.it worked immediately.cant imagine why yours would.please keep us posted.

 

Car booked in for the Volvo garage reprogramming (or whatever it is!) on Monday. Picked it up from the local non-Volvo place today. Started first time. Got it home. Switched it off. Started. And another three times without fail, even with hot engine. Your guess is as good as mine!