I Have a strange starting problem with a 93 automatic 240 wagon;
On mostly mild or warm days,
Once driven for at least 20 minutes and then parked (turned off), the car will, sometimes, not start if I go to start it after being off for at least 15-20 minutes.
(the engine is not turning over, just no power is reaching the starter at all, but otherwise powering all other electrical.)

I then need to wait about 15 to 25 minutes, at which time it will start as normal.
The timing is strange only because it seems to start when warm. then not start after cooling slightly. but then start again when cooled further.

I can never take it in to a shop to be looked at when not started because it will always start after about 25 min.
Any ideas?
Thanks.

 

When this happens try to have some one listen out side by the drivers front wheel and try to crank it it sounds like a starter to me when hot wont work but cool will try that and let me know

 

idoes the engine start to turn over and then cut out? if this is the case, i have had the same thing happen to me in my 240. after awhile i figured out that giving some gas to the engine helps. start the car and before it cuts out, lightly step on the gas pedal and give the engine some gas until you hear it kick in.

 

I have the same exact problem as TedP. Times seem to match his description:

The car has been driven long enough to reach normal operating temperature, then shut off for 10-20 minutes. When I turn the key to restart, SOMETIMES, the starter doesn’t turn over. I have full electrical power ... power windows, radio, etc. all work. But the car won't crank. Twice, the car started just as the tow truck pulled up. Maybe my Volvo S-40 is afraid of being embarrassed in front of a tow truck driver.

Like Ted says, it would not start after cooling for 10-20 minutes, but it did start after 30-40 minutes. Is it a temperature sensor? Or is it a flat spot on the starter motor, and the car restarts after the battery has rested? However, this doesn’t make sense because I would have turned the key at least a dozen times before the car magically starts.

Any suggestions with this Volvo puzzle?

 

I still say a bad starter.

 

I have this exact issue

 

i had the same issue in another car i had and it was the starter