For about eight months, I've had an intermittent and random starting problem with my 2000 V70XC (88,000 miles) that my independent mechanic typically isn't able to duplicate, even after the car has been towed to his shop on a flatbed truck.
With the key turned to the right in the ignition, the car engine doesn't crank or "turn over," and doesn't make any of the usual sounds of the engine starting up. Usually, if we simply let the car sit for a number of hours, or overnight, it will start up again without any problem. At other times, we have had to have the car towed in to the shop.
We replaced the original, eight-year old battery a few weeks ago, as it seemed to be a bit week, but the problem persists. All of the electricals (headlights, radio, window switches, etc.) seem to come on strongly when the ignition key is turned, but the engine simply doesn't start up. There is no pattern we can see, as it happens from both cold and warm starts, after sitting all night, after driving and stopping for an errand, in rainy weather and in dry weather.
This has happened about a dozen times in the past few months. On one (and only one) occasion recently, the "Check Engine" light came on.
The mechanic thinks it's probably either (a) the starter, (b) the immobilizer ring, or (c) the neutral safety switch, but without being able to duplicate the problem consistently, he isn't able to diagnose it accurately. He has had the problem a couple of times when the car has been towed in, but by the time he gets it up on his lift to explore it further, the problem is gone.
The car has always been garaged, original owner, meticulously serviced. I have an excellent extended warranty (has always paid for every repair needed) that will expire in about three weeks, and I'm anxious to get this one fixed while the car is still under this warranty.
Thanks in advance for any helpful thoughts.
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