1996 850GLT weird starting issue

salvine · Post by **salvine** » 27 Aug 2015, 23:09

Hello everyone. New Volvo owner here. Looks like I'll be spending some time here getting to know my new car. It has a pretty odd starting issue. Once in awhile when I tun the key the car will not start and the starter will not turn over but the headlights come on even though the switch is turned off. Dash lights come on and dim as well like when you try to start the car. Now the weird part. If you turn the headlight switch to the parking light position the starter will engage and car will start. I heard the ignition switches are not uncommon problems so I tried one of those but it made no difference.
Thoughts?

Post by **scot850** » 28 Aug 2015, 10:16

Have you had the battery checked or the charging system checked? This can often be done for free at autoparts stores for free without removing anything.

Check and clean the battery cable connections (check the cable ends for corrosion), clean all the earth connections, and also remove and clean the starter connections.

The fact that turning the light switch to sidelights would tend to point to something drawing current that is reduced when you switch of the headlights which are a big draw of power. That or a low battery.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 28 Aug 2015, 10:34

Most Volvos are set up with daytime running lights (DRL) turned on.

Lights coming on with ignition fire up is part of DRL function, but when you crank the car, the X-relay should drop the lights off - all normal. If this isn't happening, then you have some electrical issues.

If you don't have DRL on, and the lights come on by themselves, you have big electrical issues - I would start where with the ignition switch, electrical part

salvine · Post by **salvine** » 28 Aug 2015, 15:05

When car is running there are no drls. It has a new ignition switch.

Post by **abscate** » 28 Aug 2015, 15:08

Sorry missed that.

Ugly. It looks like you will have to start current tracing to find the fault. Look for obvious burns or bubbles in the engine wiring looms first.

salvine · Post by **salvine** » 28 Aug 2015, 22:15

It's weird for sure. Not consistent either. Like to come and go.

salvine · Post by **salvine** » 27 Sep 2015, 20:30

Just following up on this. It looks like my ground at the battery was the issue. Not the main clamp to the battery post but the stud where the other wires ground. Took this apart and cleaned it. No visible issue like acid or corrosion but no issues since. I think the starting circuit was looking for a better found and went through the headlights somehow.