2003 XC90 T6 intermitted won't start,new starter & battery

[cocoli2007]

Hello everyone,

I come back after a few years, I need your advice again.

2003 XC90 T6 w/ 10.5K miles, it has no click, no cranking, no start issue intermittently. Dash lights come out, AC not start, headlight is on for 1 seconds. No any alerts. Looks like no electric power supply to starter.

I have replaced started and battery, I also clean the small wire terminal between ignition to starter. O'reilly checked the alternator, it is good and battery is full. Battery cables are tight and very clean.

After replaced battery, it worked for half day and I drove for 30 mils. At night, I drove it to Costco to return old battery, when came out from store, could not start it again, tried jump start, not work. Sit inside car to call AAA for joining membership, when AAA asked for detail address, I tried it again, it suddenly started. So after 10 mins, I did not do anything, it worked again.

I suspect the problem is: wires connection, ignition switch, compute boards (ECU).

Any other hints/advice for this issue.

Thanks.

[SwissXC90]

A one-word answer for this type of problem: VIDA

[cheshired5]

My one word is: MULTIMETER.

[gmonag]

Ok I'll join in - TEST LIGHT

I know, that's two words.

[SwissXC90]

Seriously, this could be really simple like the ignition switch contacts being dirty or worn, or complex like a wiring loom breakage.
VIDA will tell you very quickly what is working and what is not, especially if you cam connect during a time when the problem can be replicated.

You need more than a code reader. You need to monitor the state of the immobiliser and the ignition switch contacts.

[trumpetdropper]

It could be the alarm/immobiliser?
I had a problem a few years ago on another car where for no apparent reason it just wouldn't start - all ignition lights working etc. just no cranking when key turned.
Changed battery/starter etc. checked all wiring - in the end someone suggested disconnecting alarm/immobiliser and hey presto it started fine, every time there after.
Never got to the route of the problem, and never reconnected alarm.
Also might be an idea to check out the ignition switch on the end of the key barrel, sometimes if wires/connecters loose then the contact faces can carbon over and give intermittent starting problems

[cocoli2007]

Originally Posted by SwissXC90

Seriously, this could be really simple like the ignition switch contacts being dirty or worn, or complex like a wiring loom breakage.
VIDA will tell you very quickly what is working and what is not, especially if you cam connect during a time when the problem can be replicated.

You need more than a code reader. You need to monitor the state of the immobiliser and the ignition switch contacts.

I don't have VIDA and/or code reader, should I bring it to dealership ($150) diagnosis?

[cocoli2007]

Originally Posted by trumpetdropper

It could be the alarm/immobiliser?
I had a problem a few years ago on another car where for no apparent reason it just wouldn't start - all ignition lights working etc. just no cranking when key turned.
Changed battery/starter etc. checked all wiring - in the end someone suggested disconnecting alarm/immobiliser and hey presto it started fine, every time there after.
Never got to the route of the problem, and never reconnected alarm.
Also might be an idea to check out the ignition switch on the end of the key barrel, sometimes if wires/connecters loose then the contact faces can carbon over and give intermittent starting problems

I did not see any alerts on dash board. I did research, sounds alarm/immobilizer problem will generate error code. So you disconnected alarm/immobilizer and did not connect it back?

This morning, I tried to start it, it was failure. Then I tried it again immediately, it worked.

[SwissXC90]

Originally Posted by cocoli2007

I don't have VIDA and/or code reader, should I bring it to dealership ($150) diagnosis?

Only if you want it fixed.

You always have 2 choices:
Do it yourself using your tools and knowledge.
Pay someone else to do it with their tools and knowledge.

[rapidvxr]

somebody had a similar prob a while ago and i think it turned out to be gear lever boot material stopping lever going all the way home