My son replaced the bulb out sensor on his '94 940 this weekend (had lost his brake lights and cruise control), but now the car won't start/crank. The dash lights come on, but when he turns the key, he only gets a 'click'. He didn't disconnect the battery cable before replacing the sensor - could he have burned out some other sensor because of that?? He tried putting the old sensor back in, but the car still wouldn't turn over.

Based on what we found in the archives on 'no starts', he's tried the following without any success:
1. checked the battery cables as best he could, and had AAA come and try to jump the battery - it still only clicked when trying to start.
2. checked the fuses
3. lifted up on the ignition key while turning it
4. moved the gear shift thru P-R-N-D (wiggling it too) while trying to start the car
5. tapping on the solenoid

He read something about trying to bridge the connection on the solenoid?? with a screwdriver to get the starter to crank, but hasn't tried that yet.

Any thoughts on what might be wrong? He's 500 miles away from home at college, so if he can't solve the problem, he'll have to find a mechanic.

Thanks!
Tom

I see no way changing the BFS could affect the starter. But I can offer something on the following comment:

"He read something about trying to bridge the connection on the solenoid?? with a screwdriver to get the starter to crank, but hasn't tried that yet.

That can be done, but an easier, safer way is to jumper +12 from the battery to the "Starter Service Socket" near the air filter box (see below). The applied +12V will go to the solenoid if the Neutral Safety switch allows it.

Note that this service socket can also be a "Test Point" for a DVM or (better yet) a 12V test light to see if the ignition switch is sending +12V towards the solenoid when in Key position III.



--
Bruce Young, '93 940-NA (current), 240s (one V8), 140s, 122s, since '63.

Thanks! I'll have him give it a try!