1994 Volvo 850 won't start unless drift started

SKIHEART

MEMBER
1994 VOLVO 850
6 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
260,000 MILES

This has been a stellar car until recently. What started out as an intermittent starting problem is now a constant starting problem. In the past 6-12 months, per 2 different mechanics (one being the dealer), we have replaced the starter, the rpm sensor twice, and a new battery. The only way it starts is by drift starting and then it runs fine. Any ideas?

5 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Two things to check Alarm Relay lft rear engine compartment.

or clutch switch up on pedal.

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Friday, October 23rd, 2009 AT 10:02 AM

SKIHEART

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you so much for the ideas. My husband checked and the alarm lights are not working. We are amateurs, it is possible for us to check to see if alarm relay is faulty and replace it?

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Friday, October 23rd, 2009 AT 11:24 AM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

If relay does not click when key is turned to start then faulty. If relay termoinals marked put jumper wire between B1 and B5

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Friday, October 23rd, 2009 AT 11:34 AM

SKIHEART

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Really appreciate your input. Found fuse box and can't quite figure out how to get to relays under box. In meantime, we do hear a clicking noise when the key is started so I guess that means the relay is ok. Also we were able to set off the alarm 3 times so again would think that indicates the relay is ok.

The curious thing is when we set off the alarm the first time the car did start 3 times without having to drift start, then after the 2nd and 3rd attempts at setting off the alarm, it would not start.

Don't think it is clutch switch because the car would start from the neutral position without using the clutch (when it was starting normally).

Also checked the engine codes (A2), and no faults detected. Any other ideas? Really appreciate your help.

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Friday, October 23rd, 2009 AT 1:13 PM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Put test light on starter solenoid wire turn key to start does it light?If I am looking at the correct wiring diagram you have an alarm relay on this car. The relay is located in the engine compartment driver side near the cowling. First unplug the solenoid wire to the starter and verify that when you turn the key to the start position you are actually getting battery voltage. If that is good then you will need to do a voltage drop test on the battery cable from the battery terminal to the starter to check for high resistance. If you dont get battery voltage to the solenoid wire then remove the relay. It is a big relay so it is taking position 210 and 211. This part is tricky. You need to look for pins 5b and 1b. Get a jumper wire and connect to 5b and 1b. Have some one try and start it up again and check for battery voltage at the solenoid wire again. If it is present replace the relay. If no battery voltage connect the voltmeter or test light to pin 5b Have the key turned to the start position and you should see battery voltage. If you dont you either have a bad ignition switch or an open in the wire from 5b to pin 50 on ignition switch. If you do get battery voltage to 5b then you have an open circuit from 1b to the starter solenoid.