No starter when engine is hot.

studio112 · Post by **studio112** » 25 Jun 2012, 19:23

My 98 V70 just began not engaging the starter after a drive, when engine is hot (normal hot). As soon as it cools down 45 Mins. or so it starts. The key turns all the dash lights but no click or other sounds at starter. New battery and alternator are not the problem. Any ideas? Thanks.

850_GLT_Owner · Post by **850_GLT_Owner** » 26 Jun 2012, 14:31

There is NO noise whatsoever? I know you emphasized that point, but I had a similar thing happen, except there was a noise(not the low battery clicking) from the starter. It was a problem with the solenoid, only happened when hot. Essentially you described my problem, only happened when hot, would work fine when cool...but there was a sound which was the starter spinning freely, just not engaging the engine. Kind of a slight whirring noise.

If I remember correctly, when my starter motor went completely(different starter then the one I mentioned above), it did what you described except it never came around even when cold. Either way with the heat being a factor I'd lean towards your starter going bad. It's pretty easy to do. Good luck.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 26 Jun 2012, 20:51

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Begin the process by working backwards. When the Starter does not crank set the Key to Pos II with gloves and long sleeves remove the Green Wire to the Starter. Next using the Starter Post with the 2 large red Cables bring Voltage to the Spade on the Starter where the Green Wire use to be. If it cranks and starts your Starter is OK. Proceed to look for loose or corroded Ground Wires or other problems.

Blessings,
BKM
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studio112 · Post by **studio112** » 28 Jun 2012, 08:58

Thanks for those replies. First there is absolutely no sound at the starter, ie; no whirring sound. There is a slight sound (almost a click) in dashboard when key is turned to start position. I will try the power test at the starter and reply back. The car is original at 560,000 kms. It blows a touch of oil on start-up but engine runs fine. I'm impressed with the toughness; just has the array of lights on the dash that never go off...I have a second car with less kms., (blown head gasket), for parts; very handy.

trigtm · Post by **trigtm** » 29 Jun 2012, 10:55

Check your ignition switch. They can fail intermittently when hot.

studio112 · Post by **studio112** » 08 Jul 2012, 18:32

I just got back with my refurbished starter; new solenoid, and new brushes. It worked well at the rebuilders but not on the car. Also tried the starter off my spare V70 and same result.There is a click maybe at the key but starter doesn't budge. Also a weird thing is the when key is on, the starter housing lights up my tester when grounded for testing. Seems like some power is traveling around. Someone mentioned the switch; could that cause these problems? Is the switch an easy replacement?
Thanks.

studio112 · Post by **studio112** » 09 Jul 2012, 16:53

Thanks again. After many attempts at different possibilities, it ended up being the ground; ran a new wire from battery to engine and "PRESTO"; maybe other things will work now, like the speedometer. Unfortunately I rebuilt the starter for nothing, and won't install it.