Just recently my 1999 Volvo S70 has occasionally had issues starting. After turning it on, the car shudders quite violently, the RPM gauge goes wild,
lights dim and brighten on the dashboard, and warning lights flash. All of these happen randomly with no pattern. When this happens I turn the car off
immediately. However, today when this happened I noticed the transmission fault (arrow) warning light flashed before the car stalled with a red warning
light with a battery on it (I don't have my manual with me to see what it is, i'm guessing it means it's not charging?). However, the car starts on the
next attempt or next couple of attempts and appears to run fine. If at all relevant, I also have the issue which I believe is caused by a faulty ABS
module (ie. speedometer stays at 0, odometer turns to dashes, abs and brake warning lights come on, and occasionally the transmission fault light will
blink). As well, after starting the car I need to turn the key back just a crack or the signal lights, headlights, and dash lights dont work. Any idea's
as to what the problem could be?

Thanks.

This will help with your electircal switch replacement. Good luck.

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/ignit_switch.php

As Goatman says, you have a few problems. The electrical portion of the ignition switch needs to be replaced (you have to turn the key a little to get the lights working). It is an easy fix.

Get the ABS module repaired, not replaced. It just needs new soldering. Use an E5, external torx driver to remove the module.

The ABS has the speedo signal going through it and when the module goes bad, the tranny does not get a speed signal, causing the up shift arrow.

You also have electronic throttle, ETM, which can cause problems. Before you do any work with the ETM, get the other 2 fixed and clear the codes. Do not disconnect the battery to clear codes.

Klaus
--
Cynthia Amendt, RIP

This issue has gone from being an annoyance to a safety issue I can no longer afford. After disappearing for the better part of the week, the car cut out twice while driving on the highway. I'm only lucky I was stopped/going slowly in the turning lane when it happened.

I'm currently tracking down the torx socket needed to remove the ABS module. However, my knowledge of cars is still young and I'm having trouble identifying what the electrical portion of the ignition switch should be looked at. Are there any diagrams, diagnostic tests or other articles that would help me understand this further? Whenever I search for ignition switch replacements, it seems like a very expensive repair. The key turns fine, so I assume the key/lock cylinder is fine and that there is an electrical short somewhere that would cause the car to have experience trouble running after being started up or the engine to turn off while driving.

Any further guidance will be greatly appreciated.

Sears will have the very small E5 torx socket for a 1/4inch drive. Going to Vic's site can be helpful: http://home.earthlink.net/~vicrocha/

Because you have the electronic throttle, stop by an auto parts store and ask to borrow the code scanner. Write down all of the codes, with the key in the on position but engine off, and then try deleting the codes. Codes that do not delete usually indicate a problem witth that specific part.

The next time the car stalls, if the idiot lights are still on, listen for the fuel pump (turn radio off) whining. Listen again when you try to restart, there are no codes for a pump failure.

Klaus
--
Cynthia Amendt, RIP

Do as KlausC says to diagnose the fuel pump/relay.

Also do yourself a favour and replace ALL vacuum lines and check your PCV system.

--
1998 V70 AWD->FWD Turbo 200k+

Hello,


Replace the ignition switch.

Check for codes and replace throtte if faults are found.

Replace the ABS computer.


Goatman