Volvo AWD 850 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 5/2012 850 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

No starter 850 1996

Good evening guys

It happened a couple of times since december,
the problem seems permanent now.

Battery is fully charged & gear position switch (PnP switch)
has been replaced last october by an OEM one. No aftermarket.

Is there another places where I should look at?

Starter/solenoid ass'y is original, never been replaced.
181K on the clock

Thanks a million.

Dennis
--
Dennis








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    No starter 850 1996

    OK Dennis On Richmond, been through there.
    I want to clarify how to diagnose the NO STARTER problem using the
    service socket a wire jumper and a voltmeter.

    The service socket "17/1" will help you identify the problem as follows:



    The drawing shows where the service socket is in the starter circuit
    It is after the alarm relay "2/28" contacts.

    You can test the Tranny Range selector and starter solenoid by
    hooking the service socket to +12VDC (With the key in RUN position)
    The car should start.

    You can turn the key to Start position and measure +12VDC at the service socket
    If +12VDC The Ignition switch and 2/28 alarm relay contacts are OK

    Do it and report back, these two little tests should not take too long.

    Bill








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

      No starter 850 1996

      had the same issue a few days ago. sometimes start then not. Then definitely not.

      replaced PNP switch with another one I had that worked. Still nothing.


      So, I got smart and downloaded the starting circuit diagram. Extremely easy to diagnose.

      Ignition switch to alarm relay (mustn't forget this) and if you added an aftermarket alarm, then the relay would be in the same circuit (serial), then to the PNP switch, then starter.

      So, first, get a voltmeter and place a wire on the green wire at the starter solenoid. Turn the key and see if 12 volts appears. If not, then it's not the starter. If yes, then either 1) ignition switch, 2) alarm relay, or 3 PNP switch.

      Now to rule out the PNP switch, place the voltmeter wire on the starter service connector and turn the key. If 12 V appears, then it is the PNP switch that is bad.

      If not, then check the alarm relay before replacing the ignition switch.

      Following so far? It is a series circuit. 1) ignition switch to alarm relay to PNP switch to starter in series.

      If it is the PNP switch, then remove it (easy), open it up if it is the original and clean the contacts. You will be amazed as to how simple this switch is inside. it's just contacts that slide when you change the gear lever.

      My problem was the starter. 12vcd appeared at the green wire at the solenoid and no click or anything. removed the starter and I had a spare solenoid (new), the the screws tips were stripped and I couldn't remove them. sigh! so, new starter and no more problem.

      If you print out the volvo 850 circuit diagram for the starter you will see how easy this circuit really is. I described it above, so it is really simple.

      Also, the volvo alarm relay is complex, but many people also add an after market alarm that is also in the same series circuit killing the starter. Check the relays, clean them and make sure you are getting 12 vdc at the green wire at the starter.








      •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

        No starter 850 1996

        wrote that wrong.

        1f 12 vdc at the green wire then it is the starter or solenoid.

        If no 12 vdc at the green wire, then it is 1) ignition switch, 2) alarm relay, 3) PNP switch or 4) the wiring between them.

        Again, before spending a lot of money on stuff, after checking if there is 12 vdc at the green wire on the starter, place 12 vdc on the starter service connector and see if 12 vdc appears at the green wire at the starter. If not, then it is the PNP switch that is at fault (or the wire from the PNP switch "green") to the starter. If yes, then it is the alarm relay or ignition switch or the wiring between them adn the PNP switch.

        simple yes?








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Diagnosing No Start 850 1996

    Hi Dennis,

    Where in N Vt? I have a pal in Guildhall, and been there for -40F.

    I just wrote this up last month. See this, the basic circuit:
    https://www.brickboard.com/AWD/volvo/1661586/850/wont_start_diagnosis_info.html

    and this, more details for the series interlock switches 2/28 & 3/71
    https://www.brickboard.com/AWD/volvo/1661593/850/wont_start_diagnosis_info_part_2.html

    If the battery is OK (and you have serviced the battery terminals?)
    and the starter wont spin. Measure +12VDC at the service socket with the Voltmeter when turning key to START to confirm that the ignition switch is working. Then put +12V to the service socket if it starts then the interlock switches are OK.

    Bill








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

      Diagnosing No Start 850 1996

      I'm located northern VT in Richford, close to the canadian border.
      Guildhall is located south-east, it's colder there in the mountains.
      I should have wrote -4F instead. Yes it used to be -30F here a couple of weeks ago.

      NO click on the solenoid, absolutely nothing. The PnP switch has been replaced
      last october (flashing yellow arrow) and the ignition switch in january 2017, 2 years ago. I'm suspecting the solenoid to be intermittent. Starter ass'y never been touched.

      Thanks for the links, I'll check it out right now

      Thanks Bill
      --
      Dennis








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

    No starter 850 1996

    Either the ignition switch is kaput or the wire from the battery to the starter is broken. I am assuming this is cold weather related.

    To test the wire, car in park and brake engaged, ground the starter terminals with a long screwdriver from underneath. Key position doesn't matter.
    --
    Keeping it running is better than buying new








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

      No starter 850 1996

      I've just checked my notes and I've replaced the ignition switch (OEM one)
      on this car on Jan 5th 2017 for exactly the same problem.

      I have 4 Volvos in the parking lot (one V70 2005, one S70 2000
      and two 850s 96 & 97) and I didn't remember that I used to have
      a 'no start' problem in the past. I thought I never did,
      particularly on this one.
      --
      Dennis








      •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

        No starter 850 1996

        Checking the red wire from the battery is a good suggestion. I’ve seen that here before.

        On my 95 850 it was the solenoid sticking that forced me to replace the starter.
        --
        Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

      No starter 850 1996

      I've tried it again this morning and it started perfectly. aaarrghh

      I'm located northern Vermont and it was rather cold at 7h30 this morning. 4° only.

      You think that the ignition switch could be the culprit? I'll have a look to that.

      What about the starter/solenoid ass'y?

      Thanks Klaus
      --
      Dennis








      •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

        No starter 850 1996

        You ruled out the switch. So I suggest checking the wiring that goes to the starter, specifically the small red wire at the battery end. That wire tends to corrode and may break. I am just trying cheaper alternatives to replacing the starter motor, which may or not have a solenoid problem.

        There are times when the light grease in the solenoid plunger gets dirty and stiff in cold weather, or internal wires get shorted when the temp is really cold. Then it is time for a new/rebuilt starter.
        --
        Keeping it running is better than buying new







<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.