I've had my volvo for about a month and just recently I've been having starting issues. When turning on it just clicks. I wait a few minutes. It just clicks. I put it in Neutral, it starts and runs like normal. Any time after that like if I get off to put gas or just to the store, the car turns on like normal or does the no start thing again. Very unpredictable. I don't think it's the fuel. I hear the pump go on. Where should I begin to dignose-Neutral switch?, spark plgs, spark plug wire

 

there's a switch that tells the car whether or not you are in park or neutral, and disables the starter if you're not. it might be that?

I believe its part #14 in this diagram (click on it for full size)

 

Thanks. have you ever tried to replace it? Doesn't look like a difficult job. I will replace. FCP sells for $22.

 

no, i haven't.... but $5 gets you $10 that you get in there, and something is just loose, or the contacts are dirty, and it can be fixed without having to replace.

 

If it is starting in neautral safety switch is most likely good just out of adjustment. It is very easy to adjust just takes patience and a light touch. Now if you push the release button on the shifter and hold the shifter forward or slightly backward will it start? This will tell you if the switch needs to be moved forward or backward. First remove the shifter selector cover by removing the screws and carefully sliding it forward over the metal hold down. Slide the cover up the shifter and hold it there. You should be in the passenger seat while doing this. on the right side of the shifter pull the carpet down a bit you will expose the neautral safety switch. Loosen the screws which attach it to the shifter and move it slightly forward or backward and retighten. Try starting car in park...keep trying until you have it aligned where it will start in both park and neautral. Hope this helps and good luck but usually if the car will start in neautral the switch is fine just out of adjustment usually caused by sloppy shifter linkage which is caused by bad shifter linkage bushings...is your shifter sloppy? or is it nice and tight like it should be? If sloppy you need to replace your shifter link bushings. GOOD LUCK!

 

Thanks Volvoguy2323. Im gonna be checking this out tommorrow a.m. You definetly know what your talking about. Thanks again.

 

Well I tried adjusting the switch and nothing. Still having a hardtime starting. Should I just replace. anyway check this video I made on you tube.
YouTube - VIDEO0018

 

I've got a similar issue. Subscribing to your thread to see how you find the fix!

 

Hey bro I watched your video and it sounds like you have a bad starter. Turn on your headlights and have someone stand in front of your car while you try to start it. Do the headlights dim? If they do you have a bad starter or failed connections to the starter but I'm pretty sure I here the starter clicking. Most likely though the starter was going bad and it was just a coincidence it was starting in neautral or shifting it into neautral shifted it just enough to where the car would start. You can also take a crow bar and have someone hit the starter while you try to start the car. Most of the time this will work and at least you won't have to pay for a tow unless you think you can install a starter yourself? Shoot me a private message if you want and we'll try to nail this thing down.-"The Volvo Guy" Forgot to mention if the neautral safety switch is bad you will not here anything click etc. It won't do anything, turn key and nothing...also headlights will stay bright.

 

Yo Volvo Guy - I think you just confirmed my problem on my '93 940. Car will start intermittantly. Clicking noises - oddly coming from the ABS computer and a square relay near it that has a little metal hanger that holds in onto the car.

Headlights dim when trying to start. Bang on starter motor - fired right up! Bought a new starter motor to install - just wondering if there is anyting else I should check?

Cheers,
Ben

 

Ben-Is the relay black? if so that's your radio supression relay. It is also known as a fuel injector relay. It should click, all relays do but not like crazy just once to turn on. First replace your starter and the see if your relay is clicking uncontrollably or not. If it is you will want to replace it too.

 

Got it - the fuel injector relay clicks only once on start so that's likely all good. Starter should get here in the mail in 3-4 days. Will post the results. Love these engines - so easy to get at stuff.

 

240 doesn't have the 'radio suppression relay', thats only on the 740/940 where they put the ECU closer to the radio, so they added a relay under the hood to switch the injector current and keep the high current pulses away from the radio.

 

i had the identical problem, after adjusting/bypassing the safety switch and rewiring the starter (unnecessary) i replaced the starter and POOF its fixed.

 

Read the post he has a 940....and yes late model 240's have the same black relay...used for a/c electric fan...

 

oh, i was looking at the topic where it says 88 240.

 

I found several places in town(phoenix,az) and online that have starters that are not Bosch for about the same or lower price. Quality Built, AutoTrust. Anybody have other starters that work fine?

 

I just bought one, a DSA, brand new for $79 including shipping. Just got delivered - will post after I install this weekend how it goes :-)

Got it off Amazaon

 

I personally prefer Bosch it's OEM for a reason, it lasts!...I mean a starter is a very important part that you don't want to go cheap on...you want it to be dependable and last. try Volvo Parts, Accessories and Performance Specialists Since 1963 if that doesn't work call 206.789.7004 Northern European they can get you a new or used Bosch starter for your car and any other parts you need. They specialize only in Volvo parts used and new and will ship anywhere. Good luck!

 

odds are, those non-bosch starters are rebuilds.

IPD is a great place for the stuff that they and only they have, but you can find a lot of the same stuff cheaper at Volvo Parts, BMW Parts, European Car Parts | FCPGroton.com, and if you want real volvo stuff that neither of those have, try TascaParts.com