Sometimes (now growing in frequency) my starter gear kicks out and spins but car does not turn over. It just kind of whistles. When I turn the key back into the "off" position, I can hear and feel the starter gear retract. If I try it a second or third time, the engine turns over and catches.

I tested the starter and it passed. I'm thinking it's ignition related, maybe the coil, switch or cap/rotor. Would like to narrow it down rather than buying unnecessary parts and playing a guessing game.

Any suggestions? Much appreciated.

 

Nope. Its the starter. Automobile starters have a one-way clutch in the sliding gear. They just go bad after a while. For most cars, that part is available separately (and very cheap), but Volvos might not be that way.