95 850 - No start, No crank, all accessories work Topic is solved

95_855guy · Post by **95_855guy** » 18 Mar 2017, 10:32

I know I have seen some similar posts on here for the same issue, but I want to make sure I am checking everything I need to.
1995 850 GLT wagon
5sp manual
193K miles

My current 95 850 has been sitting for about 6 months, before then it started fine. Battery has been recharged, tested fine (still not ruling it out)
Removed and cleaned battery terminals
"Lightly" tapped the starter a few times

Someone suggested the starter has gone bad, but honestly I have never had a starter go bad in any car I've owned (relays, yes; starters, no)

I've seen similar stories where the ignition switch goes bad, but usually other odd electrical things happen (radio, wipers, heater motor acting odd) which isnt occurring. And this Volvo has been in the family since 2000 and I am pretty sure it hasn't been replaced.

Any other suggestions to get this beast back on the road would be helpful.

I am not a backyard mechanic, so be gentle.

Post by **cuhfs** » 18 Mar 2017, 10:38

When you turn key all the way what happens? any noise? headlight on? headlights dim?
Also see this link abt starter relay in case this helps.
viewtopic.php?t=31345

I would start with the battery. Try jumping it. That's the cheapest and easiest diagnosis method.

Good luck.

Post by **rspi** » 18 Mar 2017, 11:12

95_855guy wrote: Someone suggested the starter has gone bad, but honestly I have never had a starter go bad in any car I've owned...

Now that we've gotten that out of the way.

Post by **erikv11** » 18 Mar 2017, 12:03

Definitely need more information to make any good suggestions - see the questions by cuhfs.

Can you try push start it without getting the car stuck in an awkward place? That will tell you if the problem is the starter system, or something more central.

95_855guy · Post by **95_855guy** » 18 Mar 2017, 12:13

All accessories seem normal. Fuel pump engages, but no click or any other sounds. Headlights come on, radio comes on, heater fan works (only in 3&4, but thats on old issue)

I just had someone come over and jump it. There was nothing again (poz on batt and neg on chassis) , but odd things was, when I wiggled the key in the Start position, I heard their alternator taking on more load, but only when I wiggled it.

Its not in a good place to bump start it (wish I could try)

I will try taking off the cam position sensor and/or cleaning the contacts on the harness and see if that might help. Or maybe ordering a new one and replacing all together. Ill start with that.

Appreciate the help guys!

Post by **erikv11** » 18 Mar 2017, 15:06

Don't waste your time there, If it is not cranking at all, that is definitely not due to a cam sensor problem. A bad cam sensor gives no spark, but does not affect cranking. Same for the crank sensor.

Best idea so far is a bad starter, or the circuitry to the starter. Try the green wire that bypasses the ignition switch, check continuity of wires to the starter.

95_855guy · Post by **95_855guy** » 28 Mar 2017, 11:26

Sorry, taken awhile to get back on here

Ordered and dropped in a new starter, started right up.

Thanks for your help guys!