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Starter or ignition switch? 850 1995

posted by  someone claiming to be Brian on  Wed Feb 13 06:37 CST 2002 [RELATED]

Hello,

I have a 1995 Volvo 850 with 217,000 miles on it which I bought recently from my brother.

I am trying to determine the source of the following problem:

When I turn the key to start the car, there is often a lag before the starter begins turning. During that lag, there is power in the car (lights, etc.) but nothing happens - as if there is no power making it to the starter. Also, during the lag, there is no sound at all.

The lag normally lasts for only 1 or 2 seconds. On one very cold day, however, I had to turn the key about 10 times before the car would start. Once the starter is engaged, it turns over very quickly like Volvo starters normally do.

I have had one person tell me it's probably a shorted armature in the starter and another told me it could be the ignition switch.

Any thoughts out there?

Thanks.







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    Starter or ignition switch? 850 1995

    posted by  someone claiming to be Ron on  Thu Feb 14 00:03 CST 2002 [RELATED]

    Besides those two, there's a starter relay and PNP switch BUT before guessing, take a test light to the small "S" wire at the starter solenoid and see if it's getting 12 volts as soon as the ignition switch goes to start. If it is, then I'd suspect a faulty starter solenoid whereas if it's the voltage that's not getting there immediately causing the lag, then it could be one of the other 3 parts and ideally, you should check them using a wiring diagram and voltage guage (or test light) rather than guessing.
    Also, don't overlook battery terminals and cables checking for looseness, corrosion.








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    Starter or ignition switch? 850 1994

    posted by  dklew on  Wed Feb 13 11:40 CST 2002
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    last visit: Wed Nov 25 15:07 CST 2009
    [RELATED]

    I had the PNP switch and microswitch problems as described by Mrsha. They were replaced by my mechanic at different times. However, I had a similar problem with difficulty starting up after the PNP switch being replaced. After checking everything out from the electrical to the fuel system my mechanic broke down and called the Volvo dealership and they told him that the Mode Selector Switch (that's the button that controls Sport and Economy Modes) causes this problem and should be changed when you fix the PNP switch because they fail around the same time. After he changed it no more problems starting, no Flashing Arrow, no stalling, my face cleared up, I've lost my excess weight, my sex life improved, I'm making more money...








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    Starter or ignition switch? 850 1995

    posted by  someone claiming to be Mrsha on  Wed Feb 13 08:55 CST 2002 [RELATED]

    On the cold day tried this turn your key on to position 2 than apply the foot on the brake than move all your gear from P,N,D,,ect all off them 3 or 4 times

    now turn the power on...

    I think it could be your PNP switch that is why I am said do this ..

    PNP acting up during the cold, I just think it could also so may be your Micro swtich in the gear seletor....


    go to www.volvospeed.com and read all about the PNP switch and the micro switch... it have all the detail it also teach you how to fix it...


    PNP cause the car to run slugish... with flasing airrow...

    do you get any code reading ??? from your engine check light..

    try to read the code.. at the above website will show and teach you all the detaill

    after all the web site also teach you how to replace the ignition swtich to....
    with picture and all this site save me big $$$$$$$$$$

    it is a must site for 850 owner

    good luck






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