Volvo RWD 444-544 Forum

I've run in to the first problem with my new 444.
The battery I put in is new, when I turn the key left, the horn works, and the washer pump comes on, gas gauge flicks up (to full, so it's probably toast)
No lights (headlights, tail lights, blinkers or dome light), when I turn the key to try to start it, nothing happens.
I won't be able to report back 'til tomorrow, because I'm going to work on it today (its 30 miles from me)

Where should I start? Any suggestions?
--
Jake

In addition to cleaninf fuses and connections, don't forget to improve some of the grounds.

Unlike modern care, there a few (or no) ground wires in your car.

Many of the mechanical parts must be in electrical contact with each other.

For instance, in order for the license plate light to work in my 544, the small clip in the rubber light holder must contact the bumperette, which must contact the bumper, which must contact the brackets, which must contact the body.

Jake;

Refer to wiring diagram: http://sw-em.com/444LS%206V%20Wiring%20Diagram.gif

..."gauge flicks up (to full" suggests open between sender wire and chassis, and this includes sender (quite possibly open due to corrosion from extended nonmovement)...or just a full tank!!

Lights are not a fused load, so although cleaning fuses is a good general recommendation, it won't help with that...it may help with directional indicators...

Starter function is also not a fused load, so no amount of restoration of fuses will help there either...Derek has it right...PO MAY have installed a Start Switch (good idea!), and key no longer functions (or tears keys apart either) in the Start position...so you may want to take a close look under dash to locate this switch...no gray wire on terminal 50 (or ANY for that matter) of IGN switch confirms a Start Switch has been installed...follow that gray wire (which I expect leaves the harness in the area of the IGN sw, to the location of ST SW). To Start, use key to turn IGN ON, the momentarilly activate Starter by pushing Start Button...Viola!

Double check starter function by bridging input wire to battery power (when you allpy power, starter should engage and turn over engine).

I agree with advice to only feed fresh fuel, and empty and inspect what is in tank! Suggested reading: http://sw-em.com/Reviving%20a%20'decomissioned'%20Volvo.htm

Good Hunting

Why are the headlights and other main lights not a fused load?

Just curious.

ce;

"Mission critical" loads such as IGN and Headlights (and arguably Cigarette Lighter) are not fused, because for the protection that they bring in case of an inadvertent overload, they also bring with themselves additional connections and components which can fail due to various reasons...in the aerospace industry, this analysis of risk when something fails vs. the benefit of designing it in in the first place is called: Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA) and I expect a rudimentary form of this performed on the car also explains why Headlights are often not fused...then again, it can be argued either way, and in checking the cicuit diagram, guess what, the 444 Headlights ARE FUSED! Jake saw it correctly when he looked at the wiring diagram (which I didn't look at)...that left 25A fuse supplies the headlights! I stand corrected.

Cheers

Thanks for the explanation.
I thought my headlights and lights in the Duett were fused, but it had been a while since I checked my big green book.

We just always joked around years ago when I had old VW's, always check the fuses first. Window gets shattered, check the fuse. Flat tire, check the fuse. Somebody spent a lot of time trying to fix an electrical type problem and it was just a blown fuse. Kind of funny since it wasn't me.

Jake-

I've got a scan of the wiring diagram that is in English and better shape than the one Ron has on his website. If you want a copy, drop me a note off list...

Chris
agent_strangelove@hotmail.com

Thanks,
I read your guide a few times before picking the car up.
I just saw a 444 fuse diagram thing, and it said the headlights were fused..
I will check tomorrow for a starter button.
--
Jake

Check your fuses first.

It takes 8amps, 25 amps and what else?
I need to replace all of them.
--
Jake

Hello,


Check the starter solenoid.


Goatman

What they've all said.....
Fuses just 25 and 8. Check visually, lightly clean up ends and contacts in fuse box.
Does starter solenoid click? Get some light oil down the bores and take the coil lead off to get it turning over easily before you try firing it up. Having the pump inlet pipe going into a can of fresh fuel is a good idea. A rusty tank takes no prisoners. What does the oil look like? A cheap change is a good idea even if you don't change the filter straight away.

I spent a couple of frustrating hours with a "new" Duett trying to start it the same as you. Eventually found it had been fitted with a starter button...............

It has mystery oil in it (for years) and I just put some in each cylinder, I'm letting it sit for a bit.
I did take the coil off to see if it would just turn over, and I planned on using a glass coke bottle to run it off of (do it in my '36 Ford project car).

I cleaned the fuses two days, the horn started working.
I'm gonna replace them, either by buying short 25s from VIP, or doing the fuse box trick.

Whatever.

The solenoid doesn't click, or make any noise. It doesn't have a starter button though.

Hmmm...

I'm gonna be stumped till tomorrow when I go to the car.
--
Jake