[charlottefairfax]

I've been chasing this weird intermittent no-crank problem on my 2017 S60 for about a month now, and three different garages here in Sharjah have all given me different guesses – one said starter, another said immobilizer, and the third just shrugged and said "maybe the battery ground." The car will start fine for days then suddenly refuse to do anything, then start again an hour later like nothing happened. I'm at the point where I'm considering just taking it to someone who actually lives and breathes Volvos, even if that means a long drive to the capital. A colleague mentioned finding a Professional Volvo Repair Workshop Abu Dhabi that has the proper Vida diagnostic software and knows these P3 cars inside out, but I'm trying to figure out if it's worth the hassle of towing it down there or trying to drive it when it's behaving. Has anyone from Sharjah or Dubai made the trip to Abu Dhabi for Volvo work, and did a specialist actually solve a tricky electrical issue that regular garages couldn't figure out? I don't mind paying a bit more for someone who can properly scan all the modules and give me a straight answer instead of just throwing parts at it. Really just want my car back to normal because this guessing game is exhausting. Any advice or workshop names would seriously save my sanity.

[yateshingston]

Three garages, three different guesses is usually a sign nobody has actually traced the fault. Before you tow anything to Abu Dhabi, ask whoever you go with how they plan to catch an intermittent problem. If the answer is "swap the starter and see," keep looking.

[zillahmadron]

That kind of random no-crank is exhausting, especially when it fixes itself an hour later. Maybe carry a jump pack for a while so you're not stranded. Hope you find someone who can pin it down soon.

[almericmylor]

My old S80 did the exact same thing, fine for a week then dead, then fine again. Ended up being a corroded ground strap near the battery and a loose connection at the starter, which two shops had missed. Cost almost nothing once someone actually put a meter on it instead of guessing.

[blanchetrebilcock]

With intermittent no-crank on the P3 platform, I'd start with battery terminal and ground integrity, then check voltage drop across the starter circuit when it fails. Also worth reading the stored codes for the keyless or CEM module, since a flaky brake switch signal can block cranking too. Vida would help, but it won't find a loose cable by itself.

[crispinusticke]

Does it click or do anything when it refuses to crank, and do the dash lights stay bright? Does it happen more when the engine is hot or cold? Also, did anyone actually test the battery under load, or just check the voltage?