Please, need help, start problems, 93 850 Topic is solved

glen · Post by **glen** » 31 May 2004, 12:33

My 93 850 has had an intermittant problem for several months, turn the key to start and nothing happens, don't believe it is the starter because there is no voltage drain I>E> none of the idiots light dim as if the starter is pulling current. Swapped the overload "J" relays but no help. CAn feel the outside relays engage but the middle one does not seem to engage when the key is in the start position. Does anyone know if this relay is supposed to engage at start and if so what controls it, just the key or does the circuit go through the park/neutral switch. Right now my intermittant problem has turned into a permanent one and the car is at the store parking lot waiting for me to perform my magic. I really do need help, no dealer in town, today is a holiday, etc. Any ideas out there???

Post by **matthew1** » 31 May 2004, 15:17

Never had PNP switch problems, so I don't know firsthand, but it sounds like a bad PNP would be in the realm of possibility for your problem.

Specifically --> https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=885&highlight=pnp

Generally --> https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/search.php?mode=results

glen · Post by **glen** » 12 Jun 2004, 15:23

By using the wiring diagram on this site I was able to locate the service shop remote start connector. By jumping this to 12 volts with the key on I can start the car. This means the pnp and the starter are ok. I am trying to trace the circuit but can not figure out which relay is the starter relay (also known as the alarm relay). None of the relays marked "J" is the starter relay. So now I am lost and really need to know where the starter relay is and what it looks like. CAn anyone help please????

glen · Post by **glen** » 13 Jun 2004, 08:18

This is what I have found out while troubleshooting this problem. The "J" relays provide power to several circuits when the key is turned on, they are not in the start circuit per se but I imagine they could cause start problems if bad depending on where they provide power too. The big yellow relay is the light control relay ( I know this cuz it is written on the side of the relay). The green relay is the fuel pump relay so people with fuel pump problems may want to check this one. I have no clue what the big black relay is for but I suspect it is the alarm relay and cruise control module. If I ever find out what it is I'll let you know.
I gave up looking for the alarm relay and used the instructions from volvospeed.com and checked the electrical portion of the ignition switch. This is simple if you follow the instructions. Pulled the connector off the switch, jumped 12 volts to socket #50 and the starter engaged so knew the circuit from there was OK. Pulled the electrical switch off the ignition, again simple - only two screws. Took the switch apart , not simple because the case is dimpled in several areas to hold it together. During this process I payed particular attention to how the switch was oriented, didn't want to put it back together wrong and have the moon roof open when I tried to start the car. That's a joke guys!! Anyway I found the contacts that come together to engage the starter, used a fingenail file and cleaned them up, put the switch back together, reinstalled and the car now starts with the key. Found one on the internet for $57 plus shipping and tax and placed the order. Hopefully the old one will work long enough for the new one to come in.
I don't have a digital camera so couldn't take pictures, this would have helped simplify the explanations.
I have noticed several threads outlining start problems of all kinds, perhaps what I have tried to convey here will do some good.
Matt thank you for you help and for this site, it is the first place I go when I need info. My only consternation is that the threads where people have problems and ask for help they often don't post a final reply with how the problem was fixed. Ya'll have a great day!!

Post by **matthew1** » 13 Jun 2004, 14:21

Matt thank you for you help and for this site, it is the first place I go when I need info.

Thanks very much, Glen. It's a great feeling to help people with car troubles, because I know how depressing they can be.

My only consternation is that the threads where people have problems and ask for help they often don't post a final reply with how the problem was fixed.

Yea, there will always be that certain percentage of people who don't wrap up their tale of their repair. Oh well..

Anyway, thanks for your wrap up. Glad it worked out well for you.