I recently replaced the radiator in my 1994 Volvo 850 Turbo. Except for a lost screw for the fan shroud, it was uneventful. After buttoning everything up, the first time I tried to start the engine, it wouldn't start. It cranked OK, but that was all. When I put the ignition switch in the II position, I noticed the transmission indicator on the dash blinked on and off. Also the Econ/Sport lights on the center console blinked on and off depending on the Econ/Sport switch position. I attempted to check the trouble diagnostic sockets A-1 and A-2. Whenever I inserted the jumper wire into one of those sockets, the red LED light would come on and stay on. I could not get a readout as to what the problem is.

I'm guessing I might not connected all the connectors during the radiator repair, but everything looks good. Or maybe I broke a wire. Any ideas as to where to start looking?

 

Hi and welcome to the forum.

 

One other thing: I did happen to check all the fuses and they're OK!

 

I had that exact same problem. Here is why: On top of the radiator is the fuel injection "main relay". I has a 4 round hole plug. The round hole plugs on the 850, and earlier volvos, is very prone to disintegrating. So when you unplugged that relay, it didn't get plugged back in. The female wire ends are not inside that plug where they are supposed to be.

When this happened to me, I got a dim glowing LED on the diagnostic panel, and it wouldn't flash. It wasn't off, it was dim.

Now, let me just mention that the diagnostic thing itself is also the same round hole plugs that are subject to failure. So you might have that problem instead of the one I had, plus an additional problem that is preventing the start. But I bet you have the same problem I had.

 

There is a website that sells stuff to fix these sockets, but you might find a better one in junkyard. I personally got 4 bullet connectors and just kludged something together, that also works at least somewhat.

see DaveBarton.com

 

Thanks a lot firebirdparts, that's exactly the problem. The insulation in the connector is loose and contaminated the contacts. I cleaned it up and it's working fine. I probably should replace that connector. I'll contact a Volvo dealer and see if they have a part number.


Thanks again.

 

Great! Glad you found it! It took me a while to figure out..