Hi,
In some VOLVO vehicles produced from 2000 - 2002 there are problems with the throttle valves from the supplier Magneti Marelli (
click). In CA, USA VOLVO made a callback for about 300.000 cars with these trottle valves.
The defect usually appears at about 80000 km - 120000 km (50000 miles - 75000 miles) of mileage.
Maybe in your friends case, the motronic disables the engine's start to prevent the engine from any further damage. Motronic is able to save data from the last drive, surroundings, conditions, defects, failures etc and recognizes, that there is a defect with the throttle valve and so disables the motor.
In german VOLVO workshops they first try to clean the throttle with a special cleaner, that cracks up the coking that causes the defect. This only gives help for a few thousands of kilometres - if it ever does.
The only durable solution is this:
Displace the part with a new one. Maybe you can find a used one in good condition. But consider, that the new one is produced by BOSCH and not by MagnetiMarelli. The BOSCH throttles had been improved and have been mounted in cars after manufacturing year 2002.
After changing the throttle you maybe have to delete the OBD's failure-memory and teach the Motronic the attempts of full-load, part-load and no-load of the throttle. Maybe, this step isn't necessary. Some brands do that automatically and some have to be taught. This has to be done in a VOLVO workshop.
And/Or - if you live in the US, give your VOLVO dealer a call and ask him, if your friends car is minded for the callback, too. With the car's FIN the VOLVO dealer will be able to see, if the car is one of the "callbacks".
I hope, my answer helps you getting rid of that problem.
With best regards