My daughter’s ’92 240 has a gremlin.

Some times when you turn the key absolutely nothing happens. Try again 1 0r 2 times and it starts with no problem. Her fear is that it may not start the next time this very irregular gremlin appears. I think I know what the problem is I just don’t know what to do to fix it.

I think the switch in the gear shift that has to line up with the gear shift lever for the key to turn the system over is not lining up as it should. This switch was replaced about 3 years ago. In addition I had a gear linkage kit (5 or 6 small pieces) installed about 2 years ago.

This gremlin has appeared about a 5 or 6 times that I know of since then, maybe more, but I am not aware of any other times. The real problem is that my daughter is in college 650 miles from home.

Thabnks for any help or tips

 

Just got a phone call form my daughter who is at her college...the '92 Volvo I was writing about above is not starting....so now it has happed twice in two days.

any help is appreciated

 

key turned, nothing happens ... I would say neutral switch or starter. The same switch is used for the reverse lights, see here:
http://cleanflametrap.com/neutsw.html

Notice the slots that are used to adjust the position. The blue-yellow wire runs from the switch to the starter ... no voltage in key position 3 would suggest a problem with the switch. Maybe try moving the shifter slightly while trying to start it.

 

The 240 has a neutral safety switch bypass. If you look on the firewall on drivers side inboard of the booster, you'll see a red wire w/ a black female spade connector. You can run a jumper wire from there to the starter. The only issue is it will start in any gear. Use 12 or 14 gauge wire. It replaces the small connector on the solenoid that comes from the ignition switch via the nss.

 

can any one give me an estimate of the cost of replacing the neutral safety switch

 

My bch. ook says .6 hours. Most shops round up a bit to cover the inevitable unexpected stuff. So, 1 hour plus the cost of the switch.