Starter problems

Cjjm97 · Dec 26th, 2015, 12:22

Hi all I'm new to this so any help would be much appriciated! I have a 1990 Volvo 480 Es model which has been sitting for over the last 10 years, it was my mums car. In a bid to bring it back to life I am attempting to get it running and driving again but have run into a couple of problems.

First problem, I have a good battery and jump started it, when I turn the key all the lights come on, dashboard lights up, headlights work etc, when I then turn the key to crank, the lights dim a small amount but nothing happens, I'm not even getting a click from the starter

Second problem, thinking it was the starter, I said I'd test it and probably pull the starter, problem being it seems that I can't get at the starter unless I pull the motor, wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to get at the starter without pulling out the whole motor.

Again any help would be amazing as its my first Volvo project car, thanks!

cheshired5 · Dec 26th, 2015, 12:30

The starter is likely seized after so long unused so get someone to hit the starter with something solid (preferably wooden) whilst you're turning the key.

CTCNetwork · Dec 26th, 2015, 12:52

Hi,

Rocking the car whilst in gear helps too.
More help would be available if you actually posted in the correct forum for your car as well!
Doesn't anyone know how to scroll their browser these days!
/moving...

Des. . .

Anadinolin · Dec 26th, 2015, 14:07

If you can, get a refurbished starter - they tend to last longer than new ones for some reason and yes, they are a complete ass to get out.

The best thing I can advise is get the car on lifts and then go in from under the car. It is possible to remove the starter without pulling the engine. The gearbox is only 6 bolts if you want to move that out of the way. But lining it back up is a bit annoying.

Really, theres two heat Shields you need to remove, them you can get at the starter, you need children's hands to get in there and move your tools around. It's three bolts. Should take about a day to replace.

Oh amd make sure you take the positive off the battery

Anadinolin · Jan 5th, 2016, 10:23

you are in luck, mine gave out yesterday....so i guess ill be making a guide (grumble grumble)

migrator · Jan 5th, 2016, 17:25

Is your car manual or automatic?

Anadinolin · Jan 6th, 2016, 17:11

mine is a manual motor

migrator · Jan 11th, 2016, 16:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by migrator

Is your car manual or automatic?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anadinolin

mine is a manual motor

Question was aimed at the OP - thinking about the starter inhibitor system on the auto.

Looking forward to your guide, however.

glasgowjim · Jan 11th, 2016, 20:57

Are we talking about the same car ?

a 480 NA ?

you can take the starter out very easily its not a hard job you certainly dont need to do anything to the actual engine.

I have swopped out and in a number of starters it really isnt that difficult so I dont know why people are saying it is ?

doingitsideways · Jan 12th, 2016, 09:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by glasgowjim

Are we talking about the same car ?

a 480 NA ?

you can take the starter out very easily its not a hard job you certainly dont need to do anything to the actual engine.

I have swopped out and in a number of starters it really isnt that difficult so I dont know why people are saying it is ?

Agreed with Jim.

It's really not that difficult on the N/As, the turbos are a PITA, as all the turbo gubbins is in the way.

Dec 26th, 2015, 12:22	#1
Cjjm97 New Member Last Online: Jan 24th, 2016 14:38 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Dublin	Starter problems Hi all I'm new to this so any help would be much appriciated! I have a 1990 Volvo 480 Es model which has been sitting for over the last 10 years, it was my mums car. In a bid to bring it back to life I am attempting to get it running and driving again but have run into a couple of problems. First problem, I have a good battery and jump started it, when I turn the key all the lights come on, dashboard lights up, headlights work etc, when I then turn the key to crank, the lights dim a small amount but nothing happens, I'm not even getting a click from the starter Second problem, thinking it was the starter, I said I'd test it and probably pull the starter, problem being it seems that I can't get at the starter unless I pull the motor, wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to get at the starter without pulling out the whole motor. Again any help would be amazing as its my first Volvo project car, thanks!

Dec 26th, 2015, 12:30	#2
cheshired5 Premier Member Last Online: Dec 26th, 2021 13:42 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Crewe	The starter is likely seized after so long unused so get someone to hit the starter with something solid (preferably wooden) whilst you're turning the key. __________________ 2002 S60 SE D5 Manual 209000 miles

Dec 26th, 2015, 12:52	#3
CTCNetwork Forum Support Team Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Liège, Belgium View Photos By: CTCNetwork	Hi, Rocking the car whilst in gear helps too. More help would be available if you actually posted in the correct forum for your car as well! Doesn't anyone know how to scroll their browser these days! /moving... Des. . . __________________ Density:- Not just a measurement ~ It's a whole way of Life.! ! ! I drive a Volvo, Please Don't Get In My Way! OldVolvos4Ever He shows up. People die. He vanishes. People should not be afraid of their governments. "He'll deliver more justice in a weekend than 10 years of your Governments should be afraid of their people... "V" courts & tribunals. Just stay out of his way." "I plan to."

Dec 26th, 2015, 14:07	#4
Anadinolin VOC Member Last Online: Jun 20th, 2022 14:32 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Upminster View Photos By: Anadinolin	If you can, get a refurbished starter - they tend to last longer than new ones for some reason and yes, they are a complete ass to get out. The best thing I can advise is get the car on lifts and then go in from under the car. It is possible to remove the starter without pulling the engine. The gearbox is only 6 bolts if you want to move that out of the way. But lining it back up is a bit annoying. Really, theres two heat Shields you need to remove, them you can get at the starter, you need children's hands to get in there and move your tools around. It's three bolts. Should take about a day to replace. Oh amd make sure you take the positive off the battery __________________ what good music deserves is full deep bass to give it warmth. the stock volvo sub works....just at high volumes Drum n Bass and dubstep Last edited by Anadinolin; Dec 26th, 2015 at 14:26.

Jan 5th, 2016, 10:23	#5
Anadinolin VOC Member Last Online: Jun 20th, 2022 14:32 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Upminster View Photos By: Anadinolin	you are in luck, mine gave out yesterday....so i guess ill be making a guide (grumble grumble) __________________ what good music deserves is full deep bass to give it warmth. the stock volvo sub works....just at high volumes Drum n Bass and dubstep

Jan 5th, 2016, 17:25	#6
migrator Aye - him again Last Online: Today 16:15 Join Date: May 2001 Location: HAWICK	Is your car manual or automatic? __________________ (Ouch - that's another knuckle ...) VOC 11817

Jan 6th, 2016, 17:11	#7
Anadinolin VOC Member Last Online: Jun 20th, 2022 14:32 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Upminster View Photos By: Anadinolin	mine is a manual motor __________________ what good music deserves is full deep bass to give it warmth. the stock volvo sub works....just at high volumes Drum n Bass and dubstep

Jan 11th, 2016, 20:57	#9
glasgowjim Senior Member Last Online: Apr 17th, 2018 15:45 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: glasgow	Are we talking about the same car ? a 480 NA ? you can take the starter out very easily its not a hard job you certainly dont need to do anything to the actual engine. I have swopped out and in a number of starters it really isnt that difficult so I dont know why people are saying it is ?

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