1989 240 DL - Absolute No Start Condition

[voodoorobaz]

When you try to start it, turn on your headlights and see if they go dim or stay bright. If they stay bright go underneath the car and use a wrench to bang on the side of the starter. From what I have read in your post it seems like the starter itself. You can have someone else check for power at the starter while you crank it.

[johnny volvo]

To everyone who posted: Thanks so much for all the help!

Bill, I especially appreciate your insistence that I keep looking at the battery. This morning I took the battery that the counterman and the manager and the customer service rep at Pep Boys insisted was good and used as the core for a brand new battery from WalMart. I dropped the new one in, connected the cables, turned the key and my car roared to life. I turned it off and tried it again, and it started right up. Later, I took it for a ride, gave it a wash, and had no problems at all.

I've never had a battery so "gutted out" inside that it wouldn't take a jump. Initially, I thought it was a bad cell, but when the guy told me he tested it, I started to look elsewhere in the system. Your advice to keep looking at the battery kept me focused and it solved the problem.

If any of you know of a way to wire into the circuit board on the tail light assembly, please let me know. The connector is cracked and broken, so I only have breaklights, back-up lights, and turn signal. I need to get some taillights on that side cheap and dirty.

Finally, let me take this opportunity to advise anyone shopping at Pep Boys not to. I spent a day on the phone with the retail manager and the customer service agents trying to get this matter resolved. They told me if there was no little piece of paper coming out of their test machine, saying the battery was bad, they absolutely would not give me a replacement, regardless of the warranty. I am going to follow up with their headquarters, but I'm done shopping there. I worked in retail for 25 years and have rarely seen a company that was less interested in keeping a customer.

Anyway, I thank all of you again for the advice.

[billofdurham]

It is good to know that you have sorted this problem, albeit at the expense of another battery. As drsugg said these test machines aren't always correct. I prefer to rely on a voltmeter and, if the battery isn't sealed, a hydrometer.

Having failed to win with your local Pep Boys give serious consideration to going further up the food chain. A good strong letter to Head Office often works wonders, especially now that you have proved your point.

If you are handy with a soldering iron then it is easy to wire in direct to the bulb holder. You may have to extend the wire a little but it can be done.

Bill.

[johnny volvo]

Brilliant, Bill! I was thinking I may have to solder in there, so I think it will work out fine.

And yes, I am certainly going up the food chain on the Pep Boys problem. I spent the time waiting for my friend to come pick me up and take me for a new battery composing a letter to their CEO.

This forum is absolutely great and, again, I'm so grateful for your help on this problem.