Greetings from Puerto Rico

I have a 94 850 (and my wife has a 96). The car sat without running for almost a month while I was travelling. I started it today for the first time. It needed a jump but it started immediately and I let it run at idle for 40 minutes to charge the battery which it did nicely. Later I went out to start it again and the starter turned over the motor fine, but it wouldn't start. Seems as if there's no spark getting to the engine... and the little arrow is flashing. (It wasn't before) I had this same situation in the past. My Volvo parts dealer told me it could be a faulty position sensor (I believe that was what it was called) so I bought one and brought it to a Volvo mechanic. He installed it and the problem seemed to be solved. Then it came back... then it stopped and worked again.. Now my car is illegally parked and I can't start it!

One of the problems I have here in Puerto Rico is that the one Volvo dealer will not work on cars older than 8 years old. So I have to find independent mechanics to work on our cars and it's hard to find one that does really good work. I had one but he moved away.. So I figure maybe I can do something myself or at least go to them with some good info to keep them on track. Any help would be really appreciated!

Best,

Bob

 

Is the arrow flashing now?

 

yes - still flashing... but after reading through some of your postings one suggested could be the ignition switch, and another to move shifter between L and D several times.. I did that and also moved the ignition switch key back and forth a few times... and... it started! But the light is still flashing and I'm nervous that it could strand me somewhere.. I also tried to get codes from the computer. I plugged the lead into different numbers and got these codes:
(1) 2-2-3
(7) 1-2-2
(B5) 2-4-2

Not sure what they mean but maybe a clue??

Thx!

Bob

 

A1 223= throttle position sensor signal to low.

A7 122= Temp signal interval to long.

B5 242= Right seatbelt tensioner open curcuit in wiring.

The throttle position sensor being bad could cause the problem you have.

 

So you don't think my "advanced approach" (moving the shift lever back and forth and same with the ignition switch) had anything to do with it starting up again? I don't really know but it seems like it just doesn't get any spark.. I would think that if there was a spark I might hear just a little engine cough or something but when this happens the starter turns over but no ignition whatsoever.. just the same - if the sensor isn't too expensive I'll order it and get it installed. Maybe that is it..

Thanks for the quick reply Tech!

P.S. Is that a Volvo turbo in your signature?

Best,

Bob

 

LOL thats my MUSTANG SOME DAY TO BE TWIN TURBO!!