1999 S70 Weird starting issue [Ignition switch electrical shorted to START] Topic is solved

[abscate]

That needs to be fixed first. That's a massive electrical short or wireless mg problem somewhere. It is also a fire and engine hazard.

[mrbrian200]

So.. The difference between trying to start (with a presumed good battery) and jump starting would be 12v on battery, 14.something while being jumped off another running vehicle...all or nothing behavior. I suspect resistance in the circuit running from the battery, through the starter relay to the starter solenoid, or the starter solenoid itself. Try activating the solenoid with direct battery voltage via jumper wire between the +B post to the solenoid electrical connection on the starter (the small wire, not the big battery cable size one). Do this key off in park. If the starter doesn't crank replace the starter. If the starter does crank replace the starter relay. If after replacing the starter relay it still wont start, trace that entire circuit/wires for a bad connection/broken insulation/corroded wire. Or actually, check the wiring first.

[RickHaleParker]

See, even if it was the battery I think there might be more problems, it starts WITHOUT turning the key when you jump it

What position is the key in when it does this? 0 I II III ...
What positions will it not do this?

[melmaclifeform]

See, even if it was the battery I think there might be more problems, it starts WITHOUT turning the key when you jump it

What position is the key in when it does this? 0 I II III ...
What positions will it not do this?

It starts with the key in 1, I stopped after I noticed that being the case because I knew something was wrong

Edit: I had the key in the ignition, and the jumper cables were connected. Then, the car just started like it was nothing.

[RickHaleParker]

1. Pull the starter relay and see of the behavior changes.

2. If the behavior does change, try a different starter relay. I think you can swap it with the one for the Air pump, check the markings to make sure they are the same relay.

3. If that does not correct it, the problem in on the ignition switch side of the relay.

If it still cranks on POS I with the starter relay pulled, the problem is on the starter side of the relay.

[melmaclifeform]

Alright, I'll try it with the relay from my brother's 2000 S70 and we'll see what happens

[melmaclifeform]

This'll sound like a dumb question, but does the car need the large box for the relay or is it all on the starter?

[melmaclifeform]

To close off this topic, I ended up getting it fixed-

My original thought was correct, it was the ignition switch. A random pick-and-pull ignition switch fixed the issue, and it starts like you would want a car to start.

[erikv11]

Thanks for closing it up!

Junkyard parts are hands down the best troubleshooting tools.

[abscate]

Added year and solution to title for Search