1998 Volvo V70 XC, 165k. Reoccurring no start. Started in October as an intermittent no start, now a no start just about every time. Turn key to 'I' and all lights come on, full power. Turning the key to start results in a audible click from the starter solenoid. Starter motor does not turn over. When I disconnect the positive battery cable and reconnect after a few seconds, the starter engages and the car starts with no problems.

I have already replaced the starter (October) and the ignition switch (last weekend). Thought the switch solved the problem, but alas. There is fuel at the rail.

Help me Volvo Gurus, you are my only hope.

 

PNP switch. You can read about it. Common failure at that age and mileage.

 

Thank you Thank you Thank you RSPI. I will give it a try.

 

Yeah, could be PNP; try jiggling shifter when it doesn't start next time, or putting it in neutral. If it then starts, then pretty sure bet it's the PNP.

Or you could diagnose it by cking for voltages at the starter..

 

Jiggling the shifter has no results. Nor does shifting it to neutral help. After I changed the ignition switch the car seemed to start with added gusto, if that makes sense. And it started every time for a solid week, leading me to believe I was out of the woods. I have had a dealer misdiagnose it as a starter problem when it first happened, and my wife had a weird problem with the blinkers a week ago, with lead me to believe it might be the switch. It would not start yesterday morning, so I didn't use it. Tried it again in the evening and it started up no problem.

 

Next time it doesn't start try smacking the starter with a mallet or hammer (enough to jar it but don't break it..).

If it starts after that, then you need a new starter. If it was replaced recently then they should warranty it.