Possible ignition problem

lilblondie335 · Post by **lilblondie335** » 15 Jun 2004, 20:53

I started haveing my ABS TRACS off lights come on sporadically about 3 weeks ago. I figured it must be my ABS module and wanted to wait for some extra spending money before I fixed it. Then, as I was going to and from work yesterday, my service light came on at startup, along with the ABS TRACS off lights. The service light would go off after about 5 minutes or so. I thought it was because I needed at tuneup. My last one was the 70,000 and it was done at 67,000 so I thought the service light was thinking it was time for the 75,000.
Today, when I went to use my car, the key would not turn all the way. The farthest it would go was to the point where the radio and A/C would turn on but no farther. I've had no problem starting the car before today.
Could this be a bad starter or ignition switch or wireing?

lilblondie335 · Post by **lilblondie335** » 15 Jun 2004, 21:03

I forgot to state that I have a 96 850 GLT volvo.

Post by **matthew1** » 15 Jun 2004, 21:17

TRACS light on can also be caused by gunked up wheel speed sensors, which I don't know the location of. Haynes manual does not say

, and I've never run into them. Or you may be correct: it could be the module going bad. Call wrecking yards for this as a used part. New is $400+.

Service light is simply on a timer, either milage or time. I think the max that it can be set for by the dealer is 12 months/18k miles. They may set it lower to make more money from Volvo owners.

Switch: don't know, sorry.

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 15 Jun 2004, 21:52

could be the switch... could also be the key if it's worn down a little. Also, try pulling the wheel left or right -- it sounds weird, but it sometimes works.

if you have a nice mechanic/shop they can test the switch -- mine did it for free.

glen · Post by **glen** » 17 Jun 2004, 14:26

One of the symptoms of a bad ignition switch is the abs/trac light staying on. sounds to me like you need to change the electrical portion of the ignition switch - believe me it is easy to do. Go to volvospeed.com under repairs and maintenenace - miscellaneous. There is a detailed procedure on how to change the switch. I recently did mine and the switch cost $58 plus shipping through allimportedparts.com.
Sorry, I don't know how to do links or I could have made it easy for you to find the sites I mentioned

Hope this helps