Lately i've been having problems turning on my car. It takes a few tries before it turns on. But today it took forever, that is why i'm here. Today I have to actually give it some gas when I heard it turn on for about 1 second. It does turn on for a second, then it shuts down.

I dont know much about cars unfortunately but im assuming is the fact that I just hit 70k miles and I haven't had it serviced since 35k miles. And lately i've been doing alot of driving, up and down from NY to Boston quite frequently. Could it be the spark plugs, belts or wires? What should I do? Should I just take in for the 70k service? I'd prefer not to, i'm having deep financial problems right now and I could use the money for something else. Besides, those dealers charge you an arm and a leg... and a neck, ear, nose. What do you suggest I do? I appreciate any help that you can provide. Thanks in advance.

I vote for the Antenna ring problem. Happened to me a few years ago at about 70K, with symtoms similar to yours. The only added symptom was that sometimes it would do nothing at all. Of course I did not wait 35K between services. Hpefully that doesn't mean 35K since the last oil change?

I change my oil every 3000 miles religiously, so nothing to worry there.

What exactly is the Antenna ring problem? Is it something I can fix or do I have to take it to a mechanic? Thanks.

It is that lighted (I believe it is lighted) ring around the ignition switch. It is part of the system that immobilizes your car if it is not started with your key. If you were to use a key that fit your ignition, but was not programmed for your car (there is a chip in your key) the car would kind of start (for maybe a second), but immediately shut down. That is also what it does with your programmed key when it fails. Not an easy thing for you to do yourself, then the car's computer has to be reprogrammed for it to start after the replacement. The reprogramming has to be done by Volvo, or an independent with the computer program and access to Volvo Sweden.

Oh I see. But to be honest, I don't think that is it. Is not that my car turns on and then shuts down. The original problem is that when I turn the key to start it, the car doesn't start. At least thats what was happening before I reliazed that by turning the key a bit harder and keeping it turned for a second longer, the engine starts up fine. But as stated before, sometimes when I don't turn on the car for more than 24 hours, this problem becomes more prominent, even if I turn the key harder than usual.

Right now with my new way of turning on the car (turn the key hard), I haven't had many problems. But i'm concerned that this is the start of something bigger, and that is why I want to do something about it now before it just doesn't turn on for good.

Thanks for all the responses, they've been very helpful.

But now that over two weeks have gone by since my original post i've noticed a few things:

The car still doing the same, but now i'm able to turn the first time when I turn the key hard and keep it a second longer before letting go. I used to be able just to give it slight turn and the car fired up. Maybe this might be a sign of something going?

Also, i've noticed that if I leave the car off for more than 24 hours, it gives me alot more problems turning it back on. I'm sure this is all related to the original problem.

Could it be the starter thats going? Again, I know nothing about cars and its mechanisms so i'd appreciate any help that any of you can provide. Thanks in advance.

Recap: my car is at 70k miles. Last time I took it to Volvo for a service was at 35k I believe.

Your starter is fine so long as you turn the key to start and the engine starts cranking.
Please, you can change the spark plugs yourself. Make sure your oil/filter are new, dealers sometimes have deals for $25. Change the air filter yourself, they are cheap at FCPGroton. Don't forget the cabin filter, too.
Do NOT turn the key "hard", it doesn't require too much strength to make contact for the starter. Too much strength will break the ignition switch plate behind the key.
I agree, you will need the throttle body cleaned, soon.

Klaus
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(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

You know what? I think it may very well be the spark plugs! Sounds like thats the culprit. Is it common to change spark plugs at around 70k miles? I'm going to change them myself, are there any good step-by-step guides online that teach you how to do it?

Also, what is a throttle body and what does it do exactly? I'm going to ask around for mechanics that do this type of job. Or is it something only the Volvo dealer service can do? Maybe I can do it myself? I'm just to save a buck here because my current financial situation doesn't allow me to just throw money at the car.

Thanks for the response Klaus.

There are many helpful tips in the FAQs on this site. The Qs & As are for 700 Volvos, but the basics are for any car.
Spark plugs have a special plug puller 5/8in socket, that has a rubber grommet insert which holds the plug. Just remember, start screwing the plug in with your fingers - never force them so you don't strip the threads. When the plug is snug, turn an additional 1/4 turn with the socket wrench. Don't worry, the plug will not vibrate loose and fall out!
Find a socket set with metric ends and a 3/8in driver, usually around $25 at Sears. An oil change bucket @ 8 bucks. And 6 quarts of 5W40 oil. A Mann oil filter and washer from FCPGroton. Plus 2 air filters (engine air and cabin).
And a combination torx driver set - 10 through 40. Spending for this will keep your car running for 100K miles.
Throttle body is where the fresh air intake enters the engine. There is a small plastic cover over it which requires a torx screw driver.
Doing your own is easier than you ever thought possible. Just take your time, and do not over tighten bolts, screws, and plugs.
And read the FAQs and ask more questions,

Klaus
--
(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

It could also be the Antenna Ring, it's part of the alarm system, will let your car run for about 1 to 2 seconds then it just dies. Is the check engine light on?

No, no check engine light on.

Just the light saying one of the little bulbs is dead. I don't mess with the bulbs anymore because every time I change them, the other bigger ones (headlights) go out. I'm sure its a electrical problem in the system thats borked... so I don't touch the bulbs anymore, unless of curse one of the headlights go out.

I have similar problems with the spouse... but seriously, I notice a decrease in preformance at about 25-30k miles that is a sign of needing a tune up.

So I would say first step is to do tune up - plugs, dist cap, rotor, air filter at least (don't tell me the oil & filter are 35k miles old!)

If that doesn't make things better then need to look into other things, vacumm leaks, dirty throttle body, MAF and so on.

Well, it is 35K miles between check ups. Your timing belt doesn't need replacing until 105K miles. If it is just a hard start, meaning you need to touch the gas pedal to get it to fire up, you might need a new part. Or just cleaning some of the contacts.
The throttle body could be dirty. Or perhaps your ETM is starting to fail.

Driving from Boston to NYC is better for the car than driving from Boston to Framingham. If you look in the "shops" listing on this site, you will find a lot of independents in the Boston area.

Klaus
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(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

sounds like a dirty throtle body to me, but the air filter, fuel filter, psrk plugs are also all due....

please tell me the oil has been changed!