1997 Volvo 850 GLT - Won't Turn Over

[1997volvo850]

Originally thought battery was dead so I attempted to jump start the car but it still does not turn over.

Then I thought my problem was the starter when I heard only a clicking sound. This car was running
fine until a few days ago.

We returned from a routine trip away from the house and the car has not started since. No signs of
trouble during last trip.

Cleaned battery terminal and when I reconnect them the lights start flashing from the alarm system.
I'm not sure if this is normal or a sign the electronics are toast.

When I turn the key the up arrow flashes. Sometimes I hear a clicking sound when I try to start it.

When I open the hood I hear the idle air controller motor humming and running continuously. The
car is off - no key in ignition - and the IAC motor is running.

I originally suspected the starter but with the IAC running I now suspect a more serious problem.

It's beginning to sound like my 850 may be at the end of the road.

Any suggestions are appreciated. I'm hesitant to have it towed with no idea what's wrong with it
since the Volvo dealer is the closest service center.

Thanks

[osman]

Three things which will cause the flashing arrow and no starts are Throttle Position Sensor, PNP sensor, and immobilizer, try locking and rlocking the car then open the drivers door and try to start the car, that will rule out the immobilizer, i would suggest reading your codes. TPS is only held on by two bolts, and the PNP can be opened cleaned and sealed back up all in the engine bay in about two hours, just sand down the contacts and stretch the springs, add a little vaseline and voila.

[1997volvo850]

I did lock and unlock the doors. Is there an easy way to tell if the immobilizer is the problem?

Does the 1997 Volvo 850 have the service starter connector? If so then maybe I should try what Ozark
suggests in another thread.

According to Ozark Lee: Using service starter connector: "If it does crank it indicates either a problem
with the ignition switch or the immobilizer relay. If it doesn't crank it indicates a problem with the
PNP or the starter itself."

Thanks

[1997volvo850]

The starter on this car showed no signs of failing before now while I did experience missing reverse
lights in the past so I'm going to start by taking a look at the PNP.

There are a few different write-ups - some individuals replace the PNP while others simply clean it.
Is the "success" rate for the cleaning option good? Or should I order a used/new PNP to have ready
if cleaning fails?

Why did the PNP wait until it's so darn cold out to fail.

Thanks.

[osman]

I replaced my first PNP until I realized you could refurbish them, since then I have done many without a failure. The copper contacts build up dirt and dont conduct, the hardest part of the pnp switch is figuring out the 3 in 1 harness connector, my method leaves that alone and does it while still connected saving much time. Just be careful opening it as there are three springs under pressure that like to fall out and can be hard to find.

[osman]

Does the 1997 Volvo 850 have the service starter connector? If so then maybe I should try what Ozark
suggests in another thread.
Thanks

I believe so look in the wiring harness by the drivers side strut tower.

[1997volvo850]

So the flashing arrow points in the direction of three possible problems: Throttle Position Sensor,
PNP sensor, and immobilizer.

Sounds like the flashing arrow eliminates the starter as the problem. Or will flashing arrow also
occur when starter is dead?

Will try the service starter connector in a bit...

[1997volvo850]

The top thread for removing and cleaning the PNP removes it completely from the vehicle ["PNP Removal,
Cleaning, Installation, Alignment"].

I'm sure I can modify these instructions and not remove the PNP switch. Some of the pictures in
the tutorial are blurry, and I can't see the three springs mentioned by osman, so I'm wondering if
there is another tutorial with pictures of the springs.

Thanks

[rspi]

If you open it slowly they shouldn't pop out and disappear.

[1997volvo850]

I tried the service starter connection as suggested by Ozark Lee in another thread.

The car did not start. Now the SRS, CheckEngine, and Service warning light are on all the time
regardless of whether the car is turned on*.

*The lights finally went off. It worries me when warning lights stay on when the car is turned off.

So if I didn't make matters worse this leaves the PNP and the starter. Next I'd like to eliminate
the starter as the problem. It looks like there are two ways to do this - through a relay near the
fuse box - or by working at the starter. Will start searching/reading other threads about starter.