My trusty 1999 V70 T5 is having an odd issue. I have no trouble codes. It happens hot or cold, but only intermittently. The car will crank nicely, start up, then immediately die. Usually it will start right away on the next crank. Today it wouldn't start for me until I waited 5 or 10 minutes (I think it flooded). Once running, there are no problems whatsoever. It is just on the initial startup.

Any guesses? The battery is VERY strong and is an official Volvo-brand battery. I replaced all of the coil packs and plugs a year ago and generally keep things in good running order. I'm a bit befuddled where to begin with this one, especially with the absence of trouble codes.

Nate

I could even be the security ring behind the key. If the engine is suspected of flooding, mash the gas pedal to the floor during the start attempt - this tells the ECM to turn off the gas.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

Just an update . . . a month or so ago I took out the security ring, looked at it, looked at it some more, then put it back in. It looked fine. However, ever since the car has started perfectly and I haven't had the problem! Maybe the electrical connector to the security ring wasn't making a good connection? Either way, thanks for the idea! I'm glad that this was a cheap fix!

Nate

Alright, the car has stepped up a level--yesterday it cranked but would not turn over. I took the key out a few times and kept trying, and on the fourth try it started right up.

Once running, it always runs perfectly. Still no check engine light. Still intermittent. Started fine this morning.

This seems like a security thing or some electrical glitch to me, much moreso than a fuel or spark issue. I did test the fuel pressure and it was strong. No issue there.

How do I check that security ring?

Thanks again,

Nate

Your generic code reader will not pick up security problems, just tranny, engine, and emmissions.

To inspect the security ring, you have to remove the clamshell around the steering wheel. The ring is behind the key portion of the lock. Any cracks or deep scarring will require replacement. The ring is an antenna to pick up the transponder in your key and relays the info to the computer.

Klaus
--
Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.