XC90 wont start but runs fine.

StevieH · Mar 30th, 2020, 12:39

Hi all,

XC90 2011 D5 AWD auto.
Was showing "engine system service required" for a few days, but no accompanying warning icons.

Then, it wouldn't turn over at all. Nothing happened, no slow whirring as in low battery. The battery is fine. AA said he reckoned a switch unit gone. If I short the starter solenoid relay contact spades, it starts no problem, and drives fine.

We reckoned it is probably down to one of the two required signals to get a go for the relay, ie, gearbox "in park" sender, or ignition switch. I can start it with a 'hot wire' inside the car, and it runs fine. Also, it is intermittent, cos sometimes, if I instinctively turn the key to start, it does!

Don't know if the warning is related, cos it looks like the common one for too much oil after a service, which it had, but warning did not go away after I removed a bit of oil.

Any ideas?

Tannaton · Mar 30th, 2020, 13:30

Getting the codes read on Volvo (or Volvo compatible) diagnostic gear will likely tell you exactly what is wrong an save you a world of pain and expense from guesswork.

In the interim - what does the gear selector display in the dash show?

StevieH · Mar 30th, 2020, 14:48

I've just checked it after what you said, and it is reading correctly.

I thought it might have been the gearbox sender for 'in park', but I stopped it in drive, so couldn't get the key out. When I put it in park, the key released, so I guess it isn't that.

The other thing I forgot to mention is that in all this, there is just a line of dashes where the clock should be. At first I bricked it because I've seen a picture of one with a knackered gearbox, and the clock looked the same on that. But the transmission works fine.

Mar 30th, 2020, 12:39	#1
StevieH New Member Last Online: Aug 21st, 2022 12:18 Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Lincoln	XC90 wont start but runs fine. Hi all, XC90 2011 D5 AWD auto. Was showing "engine system service required" for a few days, but no accompanying warning icons. Then, it wouldn't turn over at all. Nothing happened, no slow whirring as in low battery. The battery is fine. AA said he reckoned a switch unit gone. If I short the starter solenoid relay contact spades, it starts no problem, and drives fine. We reckoned it is probably down to one of the two required signals to get a go for the relay, ie, gearbox "in park" sender, or ignition switch. I can start it with a 'hot wire' inside the car, and it runs fine. Also, it is intermittent, cos sometimes, if I instinctively turn the key to start, it does! Don't know if the warning is related, cos it looks like the common one for too much oil after a service, which it had, but warning did not go away after I removed a bit of oil. Any ideas?

Mar 30th, 2020, 13:30	#2
Tannaton Bungling Amateur Last Online: Today 00:51 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Beverley, East Yorks	Getting the codes read on Volvo (or Volvo compatible) diagnostic gear will likely tell you exactly what is wrong an save you a world of pain and expense from guesswork. In the interim - what does the gear selector display in the dash show? __________________ 2011 XC90 D5 Executive 2003 C70 T5 GT 2012 Ford Ranger XL SC 1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500 1976 Massey Ferguson 135

Mar 30th, 2020, 14:48	#3
StevieH New Member Last Online: Aug 21st, 2022 12:18 Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Lincoln	I've just checked it after what you said, and it is reading correctly. I thought it might have been the gearbox sender for 'in park', but I stopped it in drive, so couldn't get the key out. When I put it in park, the key released, so I guess it isn't that. The other thing I forgot to mention is that in all this, there is just a line of dashes where the clock should be. At first I bricked it because I've seen a picture of one with a knackered gearbox, and the clock looked the same on that. But the transmission works fine.

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