Hi

My 97 850 N/A won't start up - actually it will not crank at all.

When I turn the ignition key half way, the dash lights come on and also the headlights, as expected. When I turn the key all the way, the headlights go out (as expected) and the dash lights dim a bit, but it does not crank. There is no clicking sound, just silence. The battery seems to have plenty of juice.

PNP swtch? The symptoms seem to fit a bad PNP switch. However, there is no prior history of the flashing UP arrow, or any of the other symptoms that go with a bad PNP switch. Also, I moved the shift lever back and forth like a maniac, to no avail. Is the PNP switch still a possibility?

Ignition switch? This car's ignition switch has been acting up lately (have to wiggle key to get out of park, and to turn off ABS light). So I wonder if the electrical portion of the igntion switch could also be responsible for the no-crank problem? I have removed the old one and opened it up, but did not see any obvious problem with the mechanism or the contacts. Replacement has been ordered.

What else should I check next? Some relay (where, and how)? The solenoid?

Thanks in advance.

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'97 850 n/a Wagon, 170K mi ... '98 V70R AWD 106K mi