Volvo Repair: Volvo V40 starting problem, volvo v40, immobilizer

Question
I have a 2002 V40 with 85,000 miles on it.  The problem with starting began 9 months ago:  turning the ignition key resulted in the instrument lights going on but not a peep from the starter.  Turning off and re-trying from 5 to 20 times would eventually get the starter to work.  First dealer fix in Nov. included new immobilizer and keys (& new starter motor), which worked until this past July.  The same problem has recurred, intermittent like last Fall.  Is it possible that something is damaging the immobilizer?  Is the switch suspect?

Answer
Usually there is nothing that is killing immobilizers.  Its just poor design by the suppliers for the immobilizer.  They just seem to go bad.  If they replaced the immobilizer without the antenna ring however make sure they do that this time.  That will cause the problem just as much as the immobilizer module.  It is the ring around the ignition with the positions numbered on the face of it.  See what kind of warranty the dealer gives on their parts there also.  I think 9 months is outside the terms but if it is, its not by much.  I know its 30 days for purchased parts at the parts counter, but I think service parts are more.  I can't remember how long it is.  Some cars are worse than others with this immobilizer problem, just be glad its not a C70.  You should still take it to the dealer again to get a positive diagnosis for sure.  They will hook your car up to their computer and get a read out of exactly where the problem.

James