I have a 1996 Volvo 850 GLT, which won't start. When I attempt to start the car, I don't hear any noises. My headlights, dash lights, and radio comes on. I recently replaced the battery. However, my battery terminal nut and bolt won't tighten down all the way. I have about a half tank of gas in the car. Any ideas on what might be the problem? I have en tried doing the beat the starter trick to at least see if it'd start, to pinpoint it to the starter, but no cigar.

 

The starter is interlocked with the shifter, assuming it's automatic. There is a little wire to the starter which tells it to turn on, and of course a huge wire which powers it. You need to figure out if you are getting power to the starter on both wires. The battery cable (huge wire) is simple as a rock and you can see that in its entirety, and it's always on, all day and all night. The whole thing is about a 18 inches long. Easy to check.

If you don't get power on the little wire when somebody turns the key, then it goes through two switches that you should be concerned about. One is connected to the shifter at the transmission, and of course the other is the ignition switch on the steering column. There could be other issues, but the switches would be something you want to look at. You could try to start it in neutral and see what that does. If you shift it into different gears, you may find that it'll come to life when you put it back in park. You could knock some crud loose in the switch itself.

If you do get power on both wires, then the starter is simply not working.

If you don't have a volt meter or a test light that would allow you to probe for power, get one.

 

 

you can try resetting the alarm by locking/unlocking the doors 5x with the Fob to rule that out.