Hello!

I have a 1999 S70. Back in August, my car refused to start and was brought to a Volvo dealer where it sat from 8/5 until 8/23. They had no idea what was wrong with it and when I got it back, they said the battery had been recalled because of a bad cell.

Two weekends ago, same thing. Had it towed to a dufferent dealer. They immediately diagnosed it to be a bad immobilizer. Said they would fix it but it would cost $550 ($220 for part; $330 for labor). It is still under warranty with VIP but they said it wasn't covered. Told them to fix it.

Yesterday, the dealer called and asked if I had other keys. I drove there with the other key as well as two additional keys that I received from the other dealer back in August (they told me they lost my keys and had to make new ones and then found the key anyway). I gave them the keys and now it is working with the newer keys.

I've read the Forums about immobilizers. Why would the car work with the old keys for 6 months and then suddenly stop working? Did I buy a lemon? They also replaced fuel pumps, alternators, batteries, etc. in the past.

Ok, this is a big shot in the dark for me. It sounds like it was the antenna ring for the immobilizer that needed to be replaced. The keys will not work unless they are programmed to the car via software download from VADIS.

We have a '98 V70 XC amd had an after market Immobilizer installed. It is chip activated(on key ring)through antenae coil. Alarm is audio only. No problems to date.

There have been problems with imobilizer antenna rings, control units, chips in the keys, and wiring conectors. The most common problem is loose fitting terminals at the control unit and the antenna. Second most common is the antenna for the transponder. The problems are not extremely widespread, nor are they rare. Lets hope they diagnosed it corectly and applyed the corect repair.

Thanks Bob.

I just don't understand how I could have been using my OLD keys with my NEW immobilizer for almost six months before it broke again. Doesn't sound right to me. The way they explained it to be was the immobilizer comes with its own keys. If that is the case, I guess I could take your Volvo key and use it to start my car?

They still have the car and should let me get it back today. The scary thing is that they tell me its covered under warranty (which I only have VIP left on the car and they told me it was definitely NOT a covered part). So, I think they are paying for it to just get rid of me and the car because they know it is a LEMON!!

Sound about right?

Fuel pump perhaps?

DG
--
1998 S70 T5M

Funny you should say that...they have replaced the fuel pump. They have also replaced the engine control module, batter immobilizer and the fuel control module...

Hmm... Interesting.

I know of a person that had a 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee that started, you could rev it up, but as soon as you got near idle it would die. First diagnosed as the fuel pump ( thats why I suggested it), had to be towed, got new fuel pump and worked great. Then the same situation happend a few weeks later. Was traced to the immobilizer. So it would seem as though they started off in the right area and are branching off on your car. BTW, The fix for the jeep was new keys. But, you have a Volvo, so it can't be that simple.

Question for anyone reading this: 99's and up have the key based immobilizer, 98's only have the alarm based immboilizer.. correct?

DG
--
1998 S70 T5M

Thanks so much, DG, for your help.

I asked the Volvo service tech the same question today...."why would my car still work with the old keys?" His reply..."good question!" As I said before, I should be happy, according to him, that the whole thing is covered under warranty (a warranty that I do not have!) They just want rid of me! I think I will get it back and just sell it immediately. Not exactly my plan when I first bought my Volvo; I think I'd have it forever...

So... it was the keys? or something else?

I personally probably wouldn't sell it... but it's your car, not mine.

Glad I could provide some insight if anything.

DG
--
1998 S70 T5M

DG,

So far, they tell me it was the use of the old keys on the new immobilizer but they could not explain why the keys have been working for the last six months.

I'm moving to AZ from CA at the end of this month and have to drive my infant son and myself a very long distance. Hopefully the car won't decide to stall in the middle of Death Valley!

Thanks for you help.

Jaci