2003 volvo s40 1.6 won't start

Longdog · Post by **Longdog** » 20 Aug 2020, 01:03

Hello all can anyone help my s40 1.6 won't turn over the battery went dead and have charged it up and it still won't start am I right in thinking it could be the starter motor. Is there anything I could try before getting a new one

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 20 Aug 2020, 01:50

The first generation X40s are notorious for the column lock going defective. When this happens the key will not turn all the way to position III (Start).

1. Remove the cover from the bottom of the dash under steering column.
2. Locate the electrical part of the ignition switch and remove the one screw holding it in.
3. Turn key to position II (ON).
4. Grab the electrical part of the ignition switch and rotate it clockwise.Top moves toward you.

Did it crank over and start ?

Longdog · Post by **Longdog** » 20 Aug 2020, 03:10

I will give that a try when I finish work and let you know

Longdog · Post by **Longdog** » 20 Aug 2020, 06:37

Is that copper looking beaded wire fixable

Longdog · Post by **Longdog** » 20 Aug 2020, 09:26

: Sorry pic didn't upload first time lol

Post by **alschnertz** » 20 Aug 2020, 14:03

Generally, anything is fixable.
Is that your starter or just a photo from the internet?

Looks like that wire may have heated up so much it disintegrated.
My guess would be either a short in the starter, someone cranked it for many minutes on end or too much (well above 14V) were applied. If that's how you found your wire, I would try to find out why it fried. I would not just replace that without more diagnosis.

Though the ignition switch is prone to failure, If everything else has always been well with the car, I'd lean towards the starter having some kind of internal short.