240 General: 1993 2.4 SE Starting Issues

[volvogriff]

Hi all, recently my 240 is refusing to start. Dash lights on, power to everything else, starter solenoid clicking in but engine won't turn.

This was an infrequent event and a few times I managed to get it started with a tap on the starter with a small hammer thinking it was the starter. Then this method failed to work so I had the starter changed.

No difference, it started Ok a couple of times, then same issue again. I can hear the starter solenoid clicking in but it wont turn over. Seems to happen when restarting a hot engine. Could it be ignition switch or something else? Thanks

[volvogriff]

Its not starting even when cold now. Ordered a multimeter and a circuit tester to try and diagnose it myself (I have very limited tools and stuff here in Malaysia, all back in UK). Currently in CMCO (controlled movement control order) in Malaysia and I cannot get to my Volvo specialist. Found this 'long' sentence suggestion in another Forum describing test procedure, for info.

"if the starter not turning check both wires,are ok,you can have your solenoid is sticking try hit it,while someone turns the key,if that does not work ,you need to start doing tests,you will need a test meter to do this,take off your small blue wire,one side of the meter to earth,the other side on to that blue wire,you meter will not yet work ,till your key is turned so get someone to turn the key,if no power it can be a fuse ,relay, electrical part of the ignition switch,so next go to the fuse box ,remove the fuse for the starter,now use the meter,your meter each side of the fuse,if no power,earth your meter ,one side ,now the other side of the meter,incoming part of your fuse,that wire is from your ignition switch,meter will not work till the key is turned,no power means change the relay or the electrical part of the ignition switch,so next test is at the switch,you need to get to the rear of your switch,remove the cover to drivers foot well ,you will see a plug with wires on it for your ignition it pulls off,now you can see the electrical part of your ignition switch,held on by two screws one each side,before you remove it,test wiring at the plug you pulled off,earth to large red wire,for your meter,now other side of the meter,to each of the other wires,see that meter works,if not it is the relay change it ,not the switch.if you power your meter worked,then change the electrical part of the ignition switch."

[Othen]

Originally Posted by volvogriff

Hi all, recently my 240 is refusing to start. Dash lights on, power to everything else, starter solenoid clicking in but engine won't turn.

This was an infrequent event and a few times I managed to get it started with a tap on the starter with a small hammer thinking it was the starter. Then this method failed to work so I had the starter changed.

No difference, it started Ok a couple of times, then same issue again. I can hear the starter solenoid clicking in but it wont turn over. Seems to happen when restarting a hot engine. Could it be ignition switch or something else? Thanks

Good morn,

I think I recall you posted some pictures of a very smart 240 saloon some months ago?

You mention you had the starter changed recently, so we can discount that (at the moment anyway). The next most likely thing would be the solenoid, you could test that with a piece of wire (quite thick wire, like a single strand of the solid core 2.5mm^2 one gets in a domestic power circuit) - about 6" long. Use it to jump across the solenoid so power from the battery (the thick wire that goes to the +ve terminal) to the starter (the other large terminal marked with arrows in the drawing below, not the two smaller ones). Just touch the live side onto the starter terminal and if it engages you know the solenoid has failed (and needs replacing).

The above you can do without a multi meter, the other tests you listed make sense you you would need a meter, or if you has a test bulb (or make one with a 12v bulb holder, a couple of pieces of wire and some crocodile clips) you could do the same tests with that.

If you can manufacture or borrow a test lamp then this will help you check out the solenoid:



Let us know how you get on - and good fortune,

Alan

[volvogriff]

Thanks Alan for the good info. That's the GL, this is the SE that seems to be more temperamental than the GL...The solenoid is also new, so I checked power to the solenoid and all good. Traced the issue to a blown fuse coming from this relay... replaced and it started, the relays looks non original and need fixing properly along with the coil as they are all tie wrapped in place. Not even sure what these relays are for... and not sure if its just the fuse thats the issue but its fixed, for now

[Othen]

Originally Posted by volvogriff

Thanks Alan for the good info. That's the GL, this is the SE that seems to be more temperamental than the GL...The solenoid is also new, so I checked power to the solenoid and all good. Traced the issue to a blown fuse coming from this relay... replaced and it started, the relays looks non original and need fixing properly along with the coil as they are all tie wrapped in place. Not even sure what these relays are for... and not sure if its just the fuse thats the issue but its fixed, for now

Wonderful - many thanks for letting us know the good outcome. It seems odd that it was an intermittent fault previously if changing a fuse has fixed it.

The relay isn't original - I can't imagine why it would isolate the starter, unless perhaps you have an alarm or immobiliser fitted?

Alan

[volvogriff]

Originally Posted by Othen

The relay isn't original - I can't imagine why it would isolate the starter, unless perhaps you have an alarm or immobiliser fitted?

Alan

My thoughts exactly