Hello,

I have a 1984 Volvo 244 with a problem with starter or ignition. When the starter is connected to the battery you can hear it energizing, I am do not hear the flywheel engaged. This happens with keys in my pocket. Normally it will drain the battery within a few seconds if the starter is connected.

I am not sure what to replace, check, test etc.

Thank you.

 

Check the engine wiring harness where it comes up next to the #4 injector and plugs into a grey multi - connector on the firewall - The insulation comes off and wires short together in that area.

 

Or you may have a bad ignition switch.

 

I separated the gray connector box and it still tried to run the starter. The wiring may be frayed in the loom but I am not sure how to check or what is shorting on it.

 

I bought a new ignition switch from IPD Volvo and had no luck. It still makes the starter go without being turned on.

 

So it's not your ignition switch.

"When the starter is connected to the battery you can hear it energizing"

Are you saying you hear the starter spinning (engaged into the flywheel or not) when you simply connect the battery?

Does the starter spin with the small solenoid wire installed? If yes -

Disconnect the small wire on the solenoid. Does the starter still run when it's not supposed to? If yes - the solenoid/starter is bad. Replace the starter.(with solenoid attached)

If no - try a jumper wire from the battery and touch it to that terminal on the solenoid. Does the starter work normally when you energize the solenoid?

If yes - run a new wire from the solenoid to the connector/wire on the firewall to bypass the shorted wire in the harness.

 

Ignore Hoonks Jibber jabber it was the starter from the get go!!!!! Internals were reassembled wrong!!

Goldenblock

 

Goldenblock has no clue as to what he is talking about. Your car one of the years where they used biodegradable insulation in the wiring harness and is prone to the insulation deteriorating and causing all kinds of electrical gremlins. Odds are you need a new engine wiring harness.

Or, as Hoonks was stating, chase down which wire is shorted and run a new one.

 

It does not sound like the fly wheel is engaged.

When the small wire (blue and yellow one) is removed the starter does not run. The starter is also new.

I am going to remove the wiring harness and repair, rebuild, or replace.

Thank you hoonk

 

It seems to be a short on the wiring harness. I know some other wiring (headlights) has bad insulation.

I will remove the whole wiring harness and probably repair it just long enough and see what other issues come up and then build a new wiring harness.

 

You will not be able to "remove the whole ENGINE wiring harness" from the engine without destroying it. The outer black plastic insulation has turned into a brick. It's no longer flexible and the inner insulation on individual wires is falling apart. The engine wiring harness has all of the wiring for the injection system and the few other functions (starter, alternator, oil light, temp gauge) - and when you start moving the harness around - THE CAR WILL NEVER RUN AGAIN UNTIL YOU REPLACE THE HARNESS. You will not be able to "build a new wiring harness".

It's best to isolate the individuals wire/s causing the problem, cut them near the grey plug and run a couple of new individual wires. Usually it's not the injection or ignition wiring that's the problem. It's the wiring going to the starter,alternator, oil light, temp gauge causing the problem.

This guy sells harnesses but they are $400. Which is less than they cost from Volvo years ago. You'll need to remove the intake manifold (at least) to get it on.

https://www.prancingmoose.com/volvoh..._240_non-turbo
and they look like this -

 

Ignore that act??? Comment people on here are always quick to blame the harness#! Before you go ripping yours apart please recheck with all the appropriate test.

Im been maintaining Volvos for many many years. Hoonk has knowledge but he goes around in circles and doesnt get to the point!!!
Goldenblock isnt afraid of disagreement on this thing.
Soon as you disagree with someone they label you a troll???

Good luck my friend!!!