2000 Volvo S40 electrical problems

Filed Jan 29, 2016 · Electrical, Fuel system · 103,000 miles · WA

This happened yesterday 1/28/16 and in april 2015 (the dealership "fixed it" but it didn't work!!!!) yesterday, while driving home from work, the car did the scariest thing I've ever experienced while driving. All the lights on the dash, all the warning lights flashed several times and the car came to a complete standstill. No power at all. It didn't slow to a stall, no weird sounds...it just literally stopped in it's tracks. Right there, in the road. All of a sudden my car shut off. When I say shut off I mean the headlights, dome lights, engine....anything that was electrical completely shut off. This would include the steering wheel locking up. Imagine driving on the freeway/highway in the middle of the night with traffic around you and your lights going out, steering wheel locking and having no way to control the vehicle. This could have killed me and my baby. Last night, I has nightmares all night long of that happening on the freeway or the trestle with my baby. Where I drive frequently. Had that have happened there, I could have been killed especially if a semi truck was behind me, as is often the case. They can't stop that fast. Most people can't stop that fast going 55-75 MPH. I had been on the trestle about 15 minutes before it happened. And I am petrified to think what could have happened since I often have my baby in the car. The car is at the dealership in service. They cannot find anything wrong with it. The check engine light didn't come on, so there are no codes. They cannot get it do it again.

Filed Jan 10, 2007 · Electrical · PA

The starter keeps getting stuck in the forward position, I have to manually turn it back to the correct position. Also, it is taking about 5 seconds to start the car.

Filed Sep 22, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · OK

Bought a new 2000 volvo s40 in april of 2000. The car now has 60,000 miles on it....light driving by most standards. At 18,000 miles rear brakes and rotors were replaced at a cost of more than $400. Front and rear brakes have been replaced another time since then. On 9/21/05, I have now also had to replace the alternator at a cost of $600. This car only has 60,000 miles on it. I have read a lot of other discussions online from other 2000 volvo s40 owners who also complain about the car running through brakes every 15-20,000 miles.

Filed Jul 22, 2004 · Electrical · NC

While driving, vehicle will loose electrical power and shut off. Sometimes prior to this happening lights will dim and flicker. Sometimes the engine will stumble. This seems to happen more when it is hot outside and the AC is on. This happens mostly when car is at idle or low speeds. Car was taken to dealer and they cannot duplicate the problem.

Filed Jan 6, 2004 · Electrical, Lights · 6,000 miles · CT

Dealer replaced, in the past two years, headlights/alternator/tail lights, and signal lights, but the problem was still occurring.

Filed Jul 21, 2003 · Electrical · MI

Unable to remove key for the ignition.

Filed Feb 6, 2002 · Electrical · MD

While driving vehicle lost all electrical power. Dealer has been contacted, cannot locate source of problem, please provide further details.

Filed Oct 31, 2001 · Electrical · MI

Buttons in steering for horn can be depressed 1/2 inch with heavy force applied to them before horn will activate. Dealership has examined vehicle, and replaced connectors. This failed to remedy problem. Please provide any additional information / attachments.

Filed Oct 31, 2001 · Electrical, Transmission · IL

While driving 40 MPH, my car engine stopped. After being in the shop for a month, they detected that the tackometer was bad and replace it. This is a major safety issue in that I do not feel comfortable driving the car anymore. It has not occurred again but I think this needs to be researched. Regarding the radio, we have had problems with this over the last year. I have had them look at the problem at least 12 times. We are having static throughout the chicagoland area.

Filed Sep 19, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · NY

Both headlights almost simutaneously went out while driving. Dealer notified, and made repairs. *ak the dealer replaced both bulbs,at 16766 the brakes were replaced, the dealer suggested that since asbestos has been removed from brake pads that the brake life is shorter. Nlm consumer suggest that manufacturer design a back up lighting system in case of headlight failure.