240 clutch safety switch?

BDL · Post by **BDL** » 06 Aug 2009, 21:12

'87 245 w/ manual trans 356,xxx miles

When I turn the ignition on there is nothing - not even a click. Sounds like a bad starter solenoid, right? But, before I pull the starter, I was wondering if there is a safety switch at the clutch pedal that could cause this same problem, and where is it located, and can I bypass it?

Also, battery and cables have been checked and are good.

Any other Ideas?

Post by **billofdurham** » 07 Aug 2009, 12:42

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

To the best of my knowledge there is no safety switch on the clutch pedal. Definitely not on the UK models that I have had dealings with and there is no mention of one in the US model literature that I have.

Sounds like a bad starter solenoid, right?

Not necessarily. When you switch on the ignition do all the dash lights come on as they should? Have you tried using a jumper wire from the battery positive to the starter motor to see if it will crank?

Check all earth (ground) leads for tightness and cleanliness. Pay special attention to where the main earth lead is attached to the frame. Clean off any corrosion at that point.

1. Check for voltage at the spade terminal of the solenoid. It should read at least 8 volts when the ignition switch is in the crank position. If there is 8 volts go to step 3.
2. If you don't have 8 volts check the voltage at the ignition switch. If the reading is at least 8 volts check the wiring between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid. If you don't have 8 volts replace the ignition switch. (The electrical part of the ignition switch is a known failure point.)
3. Check the voltage at the starter terminal of the solenoid. Again there should be at least 8 volts. If you have 8 volts at that point the starter motor is probably defective.

Bill.

BDL · Post by **BDL** » 08 Aug 2009, 00:18

B of D, thanks for the welcome, and thanks for your trouble shooting list. I will be away from the car this weekend. Come Monday, I look forward to solving the problem. I will keep you posted.

BDL · Post by **BDL** » 15 Aug 2009, 02:55

Bill,

Thanks again for your qualified approach to solving my problem. I followed your list, and determined the BAD part to be the starter. The fun part was getting my work mates to push the old 245 so I could drop the clutch and get it running all the way home to my garage. Here's to 500,xxx

Post by **billofdurham** » 15 Aug 2009, 11:03

Thank you for the update.

Bill.