my Volvo wont start but the car seems like it has a major short. I tested the small wire going to the starter solenoid and it has power when the ignition is in the on position. I believe it should only have the 12V when you turn the ignition to start. so my question is this. if the solenoid was stuck in the energized position could this create a short that would cause a back feed to the fuse box making things that are off come on such as heater fan etc.. when the key is turned to on?

I tested the starter by jumping across the posts and it does spin but the throw out bearing does not engage. any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

I believe it all started with a brake light short that was in the tailgate hinge. I have disconnected the wire harnesses on both sides in the roof that feed the tail gate but think that this short back fed to the ignition and more or less soldered the solenoid??

 

No. It didn't.
Your starter's solenoid is bad.
Get another starter before doing too much else.

 

it was the solenoid. replace complete starter w/ solenoid problem solved. thanks for the input