97 R multiple electrical outages

wolfspiritky · Post by **wolfspiritky** » 17 May 2011, 13:28

97 R has been sitting for a couple months. It cranks but doesn't start.
First thing I noticed was no hummm when the key is turned on. I have a few extra so, I immediately changed the fuel pump relay...nothing. Then I got to checking and found several other electrical items not working.......heat/ac fan, fuel, boost amp and, tach gauges, radio.

Is there like a "master" relay that could be the cause??

wolfspiritky · Post by **wolfspiritky** » 18 May 2011, 12:30

MIJ....LEE, I know one of you two must have some idea what's going on.

Post by **jblackburn** » 18 May 2011, 12:42

The common point that ALL of those trace back to is the electrical portion of the ignition switch.

It's about $40, and a pretty common failure point in the electrical system that can cause all sorts of weird stuff to happen. Most of those sound like they could be tied into a problem there.

wolfspiritky · Post by **wolfspiritky** » 18 May 2011, 16:44

Thanks, I never even thought of that.
Now I need to find the location. I have seached my Haynes manual and repair database. I can find info on the key/tumbler replacement but not the electrical portion.

Post by **jblackburn** » 18 May 2011, 16:51

Oh it's super easy! 10 min job.

Once you crack open the clamshell around the steering wheel (3 Torx screws, I think 4 on an 850), it's on the left side. remove the wire and two screws, pop in the new switch, and button it back up!

wolfspiritky · Post by **wolfspiritky** » 18 May 2011, 17:12

Ill have to check my "parts Department". I know I have to have one....I have stripped 4 850's.

Post by **jblackburn** » 18 May 2011, 19:12

I hope you bought them dinner first!

wolfspiritky · Post by **wolfspiritky** » 20 May 2011, 18:16

Well.....the ignition switch wasn't the problem.......
I hate electrical crap!!!

wolfspiritky · Post by **wolfspiritky** » 29 Jul 2011, 07:33

This is still an issue. I need to sell this car but, no way I'm going to not running.
Hate to pay a shop to tace an electrical issue...we know where that could lead..$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Any help here is greatly appreciated. You guys on here have never let me down before!!!

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 29 Jul 2011, 10:52

wolfspiritky wrote:97 R has been sitting for a couple months. It cranks but doesn't start.
First thing I noticed was no hummm when the key is turned on. I have a few extra so, I immediately changed the fuel pump relay...nothing. Then I got to checking and found several other electrical items not working.......heat/ac fan, fuel, boost amp and, tach gauges, radio.

Is there like a "master" relay that could be the cause??

Yes - In fact, there are a couple. 105 and 106 carry a lot of system loads.
But I would start with a voltage drop check between the battery and the B+
connection, first. It's a common failure item on these cars at this age.

To learn more about the "Overload" relays and which systems are handled by
which relays, you can dowload your diagrams and track that info down.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/volvo-wiring-diagrams/