Three problems related to car will not start have been reported for the 1999 Volvo S70. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Ongoing problems since August 2008: engine stalls, decelerates, won't start, sometimes engine surges badly, engine lights go on, throttle gets dirty even with new part etm problems are occurring and now vehicle will not start or drive at all.
Regarding Volvo throttle control July 2001-purchased 1999 S70 with 22,600 miles; cruise control quit, warning lights lit, car began decelerating. Dealership said check gas cap securely-fitting. After restarting, cruise control worked and warning lights off. 30,000 mile service- told again to check gas cap whenever cruise problem occurred. August 2002-using cruise control, acceleration without reason. Immediately, cruise control quit, car decelerated, warning lights on. Normal function with manual acceleration. By this time, I had "learned" to restart car to get warning lights to turn off or to get cruise control to start working. At destination, car wouldn't restart. Tow truck driver jump-started battery. Ets warning light still on. Wrote to dealership October 28, 2003, regarding ets warning light. At 37,500 mile check-up, I was told car required only normal servicing. When I left dealership, ets light no longer on. Later car began idling roughly and didn't accelerate as smoothly. After 37,500 mile service, car operated more as expected. Within weeks, again idling roughly and not accelerating properly after turning corners. Dec. 31, 2003 (38,695 miles), Volvo towed to dealership because unsafe to drive. When turning, car barely moved forward. Also, motor stalling out during acceleration after turning. Noise sounded like it emanated from power steering. Power steering rack replaced. After servicing, engine's acceleration better for few months. (did dealership cleaned throttle during service?) rest of this sent in separate description due to space limitations.
The car has an electrical system problem. After several days of inactivity the car will not start. According to the dealer a faulty switch in the door allows the battery to drain over extended periods of time. Unfortunately for anyone who travels and leaves there car at the airport this is a very dangerous event. The car has failed to start for me on four separate occasions. I have replaced the battery and been to the local Volvo dealer. The dealer informed me of the design defect. However I do not know if you are aware of the problem or if there has been a recall. Somebody is going to get hurt seeking help when their car fails to start in some lonely dark setting.