850 Start Up Problem

Sadenah · Post by **Sadenah** » 15 Nov 2006, 10:07

We have a '94 850 wagon (155,000 miles) that has been having a problem starting. Here's the situation: It will start right up in the morning. If it is driven only a short time (maybe 1/2 mile) is turned off, and then you try to restart it--nothing. It won't start, and it makes no noise whatsoever--no clicking--nothing. If you let it sit for about 5 minutes and try it, it will start right up again. If you drive it a long distance, turn it off and try to restart it, it will start right up as well. So, it seems to only do it when the car hasn't had a chance to warm up. Our mechanic tried installing a new relay thinking that might be the problem, but it didn't work. Now he is wondering if it needs a new starter. The car is always kept in great shape--all scheduled service is up to date. Any ideas about what could be going on?

Post by **billofdurham** » 15 Nov 2006, 12:14

I love mechanics who try something then something else if the first something did not work - all on your money.

Seems a drastic step to be changing the starter motor without further checks. I can't see how the semi warmth of the engine would knock out the starter motor. I would run a lead from the battery + to the starter solenoid at that time. That will tell you if the starter is the cause.

Personally, I think it is more likely to be a bad connection between the starter switch and the solenoid.

Bill.

Sadenah · Post by **Sadenah** » 15 Nov 2006, 13:14

Appreciate the input Bill--we'll give it a try. Thanks!

tca217 · Post by **tca217** » 17 Nov 2006, 02:11

Check the battery. Have a parts store or mech do a load test on it. I had that same kind of problem with my Camaro a while back. It would start, back out of the driveway and I would shut it off, I would come back a few minutes later and no start. wait 10 minutes or so and it would fire right up. After 75 dollar bill at the shop I found out that the problem was a bad cell in the battery. After I would start the car it would draw just enough juice that if i didn't let it sit and "recharge itself" for 10 or 15 minutes, it would not have enough juice to tell the computer to excite the injectors. Just something to think about.

Sadenah · Post by **Sadenah** » 17 Nov 2006, 08:52

Thanks for the reply. We had thought about the battery, but since the headlights still worked didn't think that could be the problem, but we'll go ahead and check it, too.

Svenska 850 Wagon · Post by **Svenska 850 Wagon** » 17 Nov 2006, 22:38

I have 157,000 Miles and I just replaced my Ignition switch in the summer. I seemed to have odd issues once and a while where I could start the car but nothing else would work (Signals, ABS, Radio). Have you tried jiggiling the key? Close mileage to mine. Just a thought. Replaced at Volvo for $140.