Volvo is one of the most interesting executive premium car manufacturers these days because it makes luxurious, safe, efficient, and desirable cars. The most desirable cars Volvo makes are the XC40, the XC60, and the XC90, but its S60 and S90 sedans are also fairly popular. All of these cars are complex which means that they can sometimes break.
In this article, we are going to focus on when a Volvo won’t start – its causes, and how to fix it. For starters, your main point of interest should be the battery which can become weak or depleted. The terminals on top of the battery can also get corroded which will cause an issue with delivering current. Besides the battery, you should also inspect your key fob battery.
The alternator and the starter motor are crucial when it comes to starting the car up which is why these should also be inspected in due time. Sometimes your spark plugs and your fuse box can also be the reason why a Volvo won’t start which means that you should inspect these as well.
Finally, if all of the above doesn’t cut it, it’s a good idea to check your fuel delivery system. All in all, these are the most common reasons why a Volvo won’t start. If you don’t solve your problems with either of these, it’s best to take your car to a dealership as the problem is obviously more serious.
Battery Issues
As mentioned in the intro, the battery is usually the most common reason why any car won’t start, but for three different reasons. The first one is when your battery is completely depleted which means that you will need to find a multimeter to check for the battery’s output. If the multimeter reads less than 12-13 volts, your battery is too weak, if it reads above 12-13 volts, something is wrong as well.
If you aren’t getting any power to any of your accessories and lights, chances are that your battery is dead or the terminals are corroded. Be sure to disconnect the battery and clean the corroded terminals with a proper battery cleaner before testing the battery once more. If the battery does not react, you ought to replace it with a new one.
Weak Key Fob Battery
All modern-day Volvo models come with a key fob instead of a regular blade key which means that most of them feature central locking, push-to-start, or the keyless entry-and-go system. These systems work by the car recognizing that the key is in the near vicinity of the car which enables you to get into the car and start it up.
If your key fob battery is weak or depleted, the car will not be able to recognize it and thus will not let you start the car up. As such, if your power is there and all the accessories and lights work, the problem is not related to your battery. If you can’t get into the car with the keyless system, chances are that your key fob battery is to blame.
Alternator and Starter Motor Issues
The alternator works in tandem with the battery and is tasked to charge up the battery whenever you are on the road. This means that if your lights and accessories are flicking when starting the car up, your battery or your alternator are to blame. If you jump start your car, but you still lose power and your battery isn’t charging on the move, your alternator has failed.
The starter motor is tasked with cranking the engine which means that if you can’t hear it cranking when turning the key, you should inspect and potentially replace your starter motor.
Spark Plugs and Fuse Box
Spark plugs are tasked with igniting the fuel and air mixture within the combustion changes which means that if you can’t start the car up or the car badly misfires and stalls, the spark plugs could be the reason why. The fuse box is tasked with protecting your car’s electrical systems which means that if a short circuit happens or one of your systems is in danger of electrical damage, the fuse will pop.
As such, be sure to go over your fuse box and check if all the fuses are intact. If not, replace the damaged fuse with a new one, but always go for the same amperage.
Fuel Delivery System Issues
Last but not least, your fuel system delivery could also be the reason why your Volvo won’t start. Go through your fuel filters first as these can sometimes block fuel passage and thus not let it go into the engine. The fuel pump can be heard when you turn on the ignition. Therefore, if you can’t hear the fuel pump, it is likely broken.
FAQ Section
How Much Does A Volvo Battery Cost?
You can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for a new Volvo battery without installation costs. Sometimes the costs can be lower than that if you manage to come across discounts and special deals. A Volvo battery should be able to last around 5 years if everything is going according to plan, if not, it can die in just a matter of months.
Does Volvo Make Reliable Cars?
Volvo does make reliable cars in general, but executive premium brands such as Volvo, BMW, Mercedes, and Audi aren’t too fussed about making the world’s most reliable cars. They are more interested in making desirable luxury cars that are filled with technology and innovation which means that making them reliable isn’t as easy as one could hope for.
As such, you can expect a Volvo to be somewhere in the average position when it comes to reliability.
Do Volvo Cars Come With Two Batteries?
Yes, some Volo models do feature two separate batteries. The first one is tasked with all the regular stuff such as powering up the car and providing electrical current to start the car up. The other battery is intended for the start/stop system which is used to save fuel.