V50 Engine 2.0D : Ignition Switch / Starter problem?

[sobanekv50]

Hey guys, I've owned this V50 since new and despite giving me a few problems (turbo valve, abs pump) it's still a great and I don't regret buying it. However today, it didn't want to start. Key moved to position I shows airbag light on, when moved to II it goes ding ding, lights go off including the airbag light and when I switch it to start position (III) no response... I've SOMEHOW managed to start it up and drive it home after many retries but what could be wrong? I'll be giving it to a mechanic on friday anyway but some sort of direction would be nice.

To note: THERE IS NO ELECTRICAL FAILURE, STEREO, POWER WINDOWS all of that WORKS. Also, WHEN THE VOLVO STARTS IT STARTS JUST LIKE IT WOULD NORMALLY, NO PROBLEMS, STALLS OR ANYTHING.
It looks almost as if there was no starter in the car... But there obviously is.

[iandonnadnjess]

have you tried the spare key ??

[jasonb]

No error message on the dash computer?

[sobanekv50]

Yes, tried the spare key but same result. No error on the dashboard or the diagnostic. It worked fine today, had no problems starting it up... I'll wait till Friday.

[b1ggles]

Hi there,

I know this thread is almost 18 months old...but my V50 has just started exhbiting exactly the same symptoms. No starter motor engaging when going to III, but then sometimes it does start. I presumed it may be the battery, and when there is not enough charge in there, the starter will not fire....but I have tried charging and no change.

Sobanekv50,

What did the diagnostic through up for you.

Cheers

[Daim]

Will be the ignition switch. Known fault on these cars. See if it starts when you wobble the key when in "III".

[b1ggles]

Thanks Daim for the quick reply.

Just went out to the car. Started twice. Now it no joy....just nothing when going to III. Tried wiggling, shaking, all sorts....no joy!

This is getting annoying!

[SonyVaio]

I have read somewhere on here of a similar problem and iirc it was due to a the immobiliser ring. Don't know much more about it than that but worth a search or check??

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Daim

Will be the ignition switch. Known fault on these cars. See if it starts when you wobble the key when in "III".

yes need a new ignition switch just a simple swap no software .. if you work the switch 50 times it should start on one of those attempts ..
If your car is reasonably new your car may have this problem listed against it so worth seeing a dealer first .

[Ablerider]

I have the same problem in my 2006 V50 2.4i. Occasionally it will not start and has stranded us a few times but not longer than 15 minutes before it finally starts. Sometimes it starts after putting it in Neutral but not always. No error messages.

So took it to Scandinavian Motors where we bought it and the scan was inconclusive. They recommend a new ignition switch but don't guarantee result. They would charge $700 total for the scan, part and labor.

I see the switch on ebay for less than $200, and a forum has detailed description (with pics) of how to do it. My big question is will my keys work with a new ignition switch? Clan, is that what you mean by simple swap, no software? Because in that case, i will do it myself.

Thanks,
Abe