New switch, no start.

Terens · Post by **Terens** » 21 Dec 2010, 14:18

RyanGLT wrote:Okay. This won't make sense.

I pulled the Alarm Relay out and jumpered it. no change.

Out of frustration I decided to take the ignition switch back out and see if the old one would make the car start.

It did.

So I put the new one on. It ALSO made the car start.

put it back in and tried the key and....

nothing.

So final synopsis?

Somehow the tumbler is ALMOST but not quite making it far enough to make the contacts touch. I can feel the spring in the ignition switch though, so it's getting REALLY close but maybe just not quite there.

in the meantime, my button is working nicely. LOL

I'm in the same boat, and starting to think more and more that my tumbler may be at fault. I installed a new switch like you as well and am rather lost on what could be causing this to happen. I'm thinking that maybe I just need to wiggle the tumbler assembly??? Going to start from the bottom first and get a fuel pressure gauge on this thing and then check for spark. If I find any clues I will report back as well.

Post by **RyanGLT** » 21 Dec 2010, 15:28

have you pulled out your switch and tried to start it that way? It takes mere minutes to pull the ignition switch out.

Post by **holler1** » 21 Dec 2010, 19:12

RyanGLT wrote: When I turn they key to start it, the lights dim/go off, but the starter does not turn.

This may have nothing to do with the problem, but the lights dimming makes me wonder if there might be a short to ground in the key switch or the wire connected to the key switch "start" terminal. Just thinking out loud.

Post by **RyanGLT** » 21 Dec 2010, 20:10

look at my last couple posts- it will start if the only thing I take out of the equation is the key tumbler itself.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 21 Dec 2010, 20:42

Ryan,

I think you have indeed narrowed the problem to a mechanical problem with the tumbler. The good news is that it is super easy to change the tumbler on an 850, the bad news is that you need to pony up some real cash to get the same, original, key to work for all of the locks (avoid like the plague Superior Volvo in Kansas City if you can - nice people but very expensive). A junk yard tumbler will work if it comes with a key but you wind up with a two key car.

At the moment I have 4 identical looking keys for the fleet on my key ring so it is constant confusion as to what key fits what car. To make my life easier I split just the remote and the key to the Plat that I normally drive onto its own key ring.

It might be worth removing the old tumbler and giving it a good visual inspection. All that holds it in place is a single locking tab at the 12:00 position above the tumbler on the casting. It (the tumbler) wants the key to be in position II to remove it without serious effort as I recall but it can be persuaded to come out no matter what the key position is.

...Lee

Post by **RyanGLT** » 21 Dec 2010, 21:49

Thanks Lee. I have e-mailed with John J at Superior Volvo and he has been helpful (with other things). I'm planning on having them make some extra keys for me at some point since no one in town seems to be able to. 18.50 a piece...

I put it back together for now. I'm broke anyway and with Christmas and this trip coming up and already having to buy a battery...I just don't have the time or the money to play with it any more right now.

I actually feel better about my momentary switch now...because I know I'm just giving the same exact signal to the solenoid that it would be getting from the ignition/alarm relay anyway. I feel less leary about it now, since that switch handles like...one amp or something...and I'm guessing the solenoid is pulling very little amperage through that switch to make it switch the solenoid on.

Terens · Post by **Terens** » 04 Jan 2011, 15:19

my issue was cold or damp fuel pump relay, itermittently working.. hope this helps someone else out.