1994 440 No start

[hog883]

Hi I wonder if anyone can help. I have been left a 1994 Volvo 440 after a berevement in the family, it was stood for some 8 months. I went to collect the car & with a jumpstart it started fine, I drove it for about 300 yards & it stalled. It will now not turn over. I have fully charged the baterry & still nothing. If I disconect the wire to the strter in the harness & apply current to that it turns over ok, but will not start, I dont think there is a spark. It would be nice to be able to sort this problem rather than having to scrap the poor old thing. Its done about 59000 miles so should be good for a few more yet. Yours Reg

[billofdurham]

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

Which engine is fitted?

If I disconect the wire to the strter in the harness & apply current to that it turns over ok, but will not start, I dont think there is a spark.

Is this the wire that comes from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid?

Bill.

[hog883]

Hi sorry I am sure its the 2 litre engine & the wire is the one going to the selonoid so I assume it comes from the ignition switch, if I put a voltmeter on the other end & turn the key there is no voltage. Thanks for your help. Cheers Reg

[billofdurham]

With a lack of spark and no voltage at the solenoid I would suspect the electrical portion of the ignition switch is faulty. Do all the warning lights come on when you first turn on the ignition?

Bill.

[hog883]

Hi yes all the lights come on , all ignition accesories are working ok, Cheers for your help. Regrds Reg

[billofdurham]

Sorry to keep asking questions but I don't want you to go out and buy any parts if that isn't the problem.

If I disconect the wire to the strter in the harness & apply current to that it turns over ok, but will not start, I dont think there is a spark.

I am assuming that you applied current direct to the starter solenoid when you did this. Was the ignition switched on or was it off? If it was off have you tried the same thing with it on?

Bill.

[hog883]

Hi yes the ignition was on when I tried to start the vehicle. Reg

[billofdurham]

One final check for voltage at the ignition switch. Check outgoing voltage with the key turned to the start position. It should be at least 8 volts. If it is 8 volts or more check the wiring from the switch to the solenoid. If it is less than 8 volts the switch is defective. You can buy just the electrical portion of the switch and it is an easy job to replace it.

Bill.

[hog883]

hi sorry for the delay been hard at work. When I turn the key I am getting good voltage at the end of the ignition switch harness, it just doesn't seem to get to the starter. I also dont have a spark when turning over. Cheers Reg.

[billofdurham]

When I turn the key I am getting good voltage at the end of the ignition switch harness, it just doesn't seem to get to the starter.

If the voltage is at the ignition switch end of the harness but not at the solenoid end I would suspect a fault in the wiring to the solenoid from the ignition switch. Try running a wire from the ignition switch to the solenoid outside the harness. You could splice it into the existing wire using a Scotchlock connector, run it outside the car and connect it to the solenoid after removing the existing wire. Using the Scotchlock makes it easy to remove the wire after the test.

I also dont have a spark when turning over

In your first post you said "I don't think there is a spark". Have you now confirmed there is no spark?

Bill.