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.