Bad Ground?

[btracy3535]

1992 Volvo 940 Turbo won't start. Acts like the battery is dead, but has 12.9 volts. No dash lights no clicking when the switch is turned. The switch was replaced last July as well as the ignition tumbler.

About 2 months ago it died while driving down the road on my son. Restarted and made it to work and wouldn't start at the end of his shift. It would crank and act like it had turned over until the key was turned back to the run position.

It was just below 40 degrees outside. Added a touch of coolant (it was a little shy of the min line) and unplugged the crank position sensor and plugged it back in it fired right up. Drove it home. When I got home I noticed a little bit of coolant on the water pump. Replaced the water pump, timing belt, spark plugs, wires, belts, cleaned the PVC system, installed a new oil separator, replaced all vacuum lines, battery, and crank position sensor.

Got it up and running and it ran great for a week. Then the battery seemed to not be charging. All of the lights on the dash lit up. Battery still had over 12 volts, but the alternator was weak. I replaced the voltage regulator. Fired up and drove great.

Then the next week same thing. Dash lights lit up. The belt had come off of the alternator. I noticed it was wobbling at the crank pulley. I replaced the crank pulley. Made sure timing was still lined up and it ran fine until the temperature dropped below freezing. Car didn't want to start. Got the car to fire up. Made it home.

Now it won't start. Acts like the battery is dead. I thought maybe a bad relay. Tried to jump it and it would crank, but not turn over. This happened a couple of times. Then out of nowhere it was just dead. Like the battery was completely dead. I checked the voltage and it has 12.9 volts. The only thing that works is the chime when you enter the key with the door open and the interior lights.

I've been messing with this car for two months. Not sure how much money it's worth putting into it.

[jimmy57]

If it is bad ground then you'll know if the voltage between block and ground post of batt shows over .3 V when cranking engine over. This voltage drop test checks cables and connections.
The starter can get the brush end full of wear particles from brushes wearing. I take starter off and clean them all the time. Blow out the wear dust and lube all the bushings and the planetary gearset. I don't think I have ever taken a Bosch starter apart and found the brushes worn out. Same for Denso (or Nippondenso as they were labeled in 1992).

[btracy3535]

I check the voltage between the battery ground going to the engine block and it seems to be ok. I think the ignition switch has gone out again. I noticed that the chime does start until the switch is in position III. I'm going to replace it again and hope that's the final issue.

[JBedford]

Did you fix this?