S60 intermittently wont start unless starter jumpered

dave2volvo · Post by **dave2volvo** » 16 Aug 2012, 12:53

DGM - thanks again, great tips there. The local dealership has an ignition witch in stock for about the same price as online, I'm going to pop it in tonight and see what happens.

But yeah, it's really weird how shorting it out makes it start - that's why I initially thought it was the starter or solenoid. Maybe it's backfeeding current to the ignition switch and freeing it up or something like that?

Just curious, is there are trick to measure voltage at the solenoid? It's nearly physically impossible to reach that thing!!! I don't think I could do that. I have to use an offset screwdriver (with a rubber handle) to short out the positive lug and the solenoid, and even then it's a near blind operation, and it scares the crap out of me each time.

Post by **vtl** » 16 Aug 2012, 13:51

Was that replaced starter OEM or refurbished/aftermarket?

Post by **igel513** » 16 Aug 2012, 13:53

Dave, this is getting interesting. Keep us posted.

Post by **DGM** » 16 Aug 2012, 20:26

dave2volvo wrote: Just curious, is there are trick to measure voltage at the solenoid? It's nearly physically impossible to reach that thing!!! I don't think I could do that. I have to use an offset screwdriver (with a rubber handle) to short out the positive lug and the solenoid, and even then it's a near blind operation, and it scares the crap out of me each time.

Easier said than done

. Not that I know. You may have better access by under on a set of ramp. Isolate your probe with electrical tape and keep only the tip exposed. Feeling the end of the solenoid with your hand may help guiding you. Obviously if you can start the car to go on ramp the problem will not be present. Hope it will be solved with the ignition switch.

dave2volvo · Post by **dave2volvo** » 19 Aug 2012, 07:33

Ignition switch!! That was the culprit! I replaced the switch 5 days ago and have not had a problem since, so I think that was it. Switch cost $55, and took about 20 minutes to replace, very easy, the only tool needed was a torx bit screwdriver. Lesson learned - next time check this switch first before assuming it's the starter. Still not sure why shorting out the circuit at the solenoid would always temporarily fix the non-starting issue, but must be something to do with backfeeding current to the ignition switch. In any case, thanks for all your help to all that responded - that diagram of the starting system was very useful, thank you DGM! FYI - I took apart the bad ignition switch but did not spot anything obvious - one of the tabs holding that thin, copper fan-shaped thing on the top of the spindle may have been out of it's slot in the plastic housing, but I'm not sure...it kind of fell apart when I took the cover off. I thought the ignition switch would be some solid-state piece of electronics - kind of surprised to find out that it's a rather flimsy looking mechanical contraption with copper contacts! Thanks guys!

Post by **S60T-5** » 10 Nov 2015, 09:05

I have a 2001 S-60 T5 with 237,000 miles and the exact same issue. I have owned this car since new and have thrown everything except the kitchen sink at it trying to fix the problem (new alternator, battery, starter, starter relay, and ECU relay). The description in the first post fits my circumstance exactly. The car has been to two euro specialized shops and the dealership with everyone scratching their heads. Thank god the car is a manual and I can push start it instead of calling for a tow truck. Going to try the ignition switch and will post the results.

mbreed · Post by **mbreed** » 10 Nov 2015, 11:45

For those of you still having trouble, Check for a loose/corroded connection on your starter solenoid single wire spade connector.

jenkinskg · Post by **jenkinskg** » 27 Jan 2016, 14:32

What message displays on message center?

jenkinskg · Post by **jenkinskg** » 27 Jan 2016, 14:37

On my e36 bmw the immobilizer had a large relay the was know to fail even if immobilizer was working and keys are good, the relay was jumped and problems went away. This relay is starter interrupter. After it arced it became un reliable, the ignition and other security features were unaffected. Trace line from starter to ign switch, box or relay thay breaks circuit is the culprit. Otherwise, take starter wire from switch and jump to solenoid on starter. If no problems are seen with bypass in place then locate relay that disables starter for immobilizer.

peterbrown77 · Post by **peterbrown77** » 14 Jan 2017, 07:44

where is this wire?

S60 intermittently wont start unless starter jumpered

Re: S60 intermittently wont start unless starter jumpered