Usually in the morning or after sitting during my work day, I turn the key and starter begins to engage and then cuts out before engine is running, and every once in a while does the opposite- keeps the starter running even when the engine has ignited. Anybody else experience this? I would like to fix it myself but unaware of the components in this hi tech system that would cause this, a relay?, the switch?

Did a bunch of Internet reading last night and am more confused.
I looked at that starter replacement thread, yikes !
Software update, hmmm?
Some info pointed to a starter module that was problematic in 2005-2006 era.
the temperature has dropped here recently and the problem, mostly the cutting out has become more frequent.
I am a mechanic, but have previously limited myself to pre 1975 Volvos, not sure how to sus this one out.

That's what I thought when I saw what was involved in replacing the starter. Designers have figured out the dealer mechanics also get paid by the hour. It's not like you are going to junk the car when the starter quits.

Greg

True- I wonder what the 'book ' time is on this starter replacement ?

If you read this entire thread to the bottom of page one:

http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread.php?172923-Write-Up-Start-Motor-Replacement-Refurbishment/page2

A responder claimed that his problem was 'fixed' by a program update from Volvo.

Klaus
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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

Thanks for the reply Greg, seems like a reasonable thing to suspect- parts are pricey and I would assume that you can no longer just buy the solenoid. Don't want to start throwing expensive bits at it yet, hoping someone had that magic answer that happens to many of this era Volvo. Maybe I'll track down a good used starter and see if that changes anything

It would be the starter drive pinion that is acting up if the starter continues to spin but is not turning the motor. Someone is rebuilding them and I would guess the parts are available. Here is a link to a guy who replaced the starter and show pictures of it taken apart. You would no have to take as much apart as he does to just replace the pinion. Search for V50 starter pinion and see what you get.

Greg

My guess is that the starter bendix is bad or sticking. By that I mean the little gizmo that drives the gear into the ring gear when you turn the key to start. Used to be they were service parts. No idea if that is true any longer.

Greg