1989 volvo 240 starter/ ignition switch problem

[Isaiah Jacobs]

I recently bought an 89 240 that doesn't run supposedly due to starter issues.When you turn the key, you can hear the fuel pump working, but otherwise there isn't a sound. But the owners manual says, if the starter is broken, then when you try to start the car, the headlights will NOT dim. And when we try to start the car, the lights DO dim.
Does this mean the starter is not the problem. And if not, could it be a faulty ignition switch? I'm
not good with electrical things so any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[waynej]

If the lights dim when trying to start that means the ign switch, starter solenoid etc. are all working.Check the battery voltage. Should be 12 or more volts at rest and minimum of 9 volts when trying to start and lights are dim. An old tired battery will show 12 V + at rest but will go to 5 or 6 under load.

[Isaiah Jacobs]

thanks for the advice, im going to go check now.

[Isaiah Jacobs]

okay, I tried jumping the car, and still nothing. The car is absolutley silent. At this point I don't even have a vague idea what the problem is. Could it possibly be a lose wire or something mechanical? Thanks for your help.

[waynej]

Did the dash lights dim when you turned the key to start position? Did you listen for the fuel pump? Did You leave the jump on for a few minutes to charge your battery? If so how many volts do You show right after the jump and how many an hour later?