1996 Volvo 850 tries to start when I connect the battery cables

Myvolvo850 · Post by **Myvolvo850** » 22 Aug 2016, 20:42

So I replaced my starter all was well for about a month.. then I go to start my car and the starter keept turning and turning even when i tried to turn it off!!! i had to jump out and dissconnect the battery... so I figured the starter was bad and replaced it again as soon as I tried to connect my battery cables the starter turns over even though there is no key in the ignition. I also replaced the ignition switch. I put a test light on the small green wire that connects to the starter and it has constant power.. I'm not sure if that's good or bad.. but the big problem is I can't even connect my battery now with out the car trying to start. Please help!!!

Post by **tryingbe** » 22 Aug 2016, 20:51

First thing to do is to disconnect the starter solenoid wire, then you can hook up the battery and troubleshoot and see why that wire is energized.

I included the starter wiring diagram for you.

Myvolvo850 · Post by **Myvolvo850** » 22 Aug 2016, 21:15

Are there any inline fuses that would cause this problem? I'm not getting any engine codes for a transmission sensor... but my speedometer does only work on an occassion...

Post by **tryingbe** » 22 Aug 2016, 21:16

No inline fuses. Follow the diagram with a multimeter and see where you're getting the 12v from.

Myvolvo850 · Post by **Myvolvo850** » 22 Aug 2016, 21:26

So where ever I'm getting the 12v from that's what's bad?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 22 Aug 2016, 21:51

Assuming that the starter is wired up correctly and unless the service starter connector has a wire running from it to the battery it pretty much has to be the electrical portion of the ignition switch. You can unplug the ignition switch to verify that the problem is happening there. Be careful removing the connector on the ignition switch that you remove the whole connector and not just the cap. If the cap is removed the wires come off and they are tough to get sorted back a out.

The green wire with the red stripe should go to its own terminal on the solenoid with no other wires on that same terminal.

...Lee

Post by **scot850** » 22 Aug 2016, 22:53

Some of the aftermarket starters have an extra connection on them. It allows the battery cables to short across it and make the connection continuously live. Take the battery cables off again at the starter and look at it and compare to your old starter. If I recall I had to break/cut the extra spade type connector off to make it work normally.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 22 Aug 2016, 23:30

Almost certainly ignition switch, electrical part

Remember the replacement starter worked ok for a month so something gave out

Myvolvo850 · Post by **Myvolvo850** » 23 Aug 2016, 18:09

Thanks for all the feedback I'm going to look into it now wish me luck

Myvolvo850 · Post by **Myvolvo850** » 23 Aug 2016, 18:32

Should the red battery cable show power to the starter at all times?