Have a 1996 Volvo GLT wagon. For the past several months when I try to start it the starter often makes a whining spinning sound, and not even close to starting up. I can pump the gas pedal once or twice and try again and it will start up. In the good 'ol days it would just start with no pressing of the gas prior to starting. Any guesses as to what is starting to fail. I tried adding a fuel additive to clean the injectors but that did not seem to affect the issue. Appreciate any advice. Thanks.

 

Possibly a dry bendix spring on the starter motor.
You need to remove the starter motor to check it and apply grease if required.
Could be your wiring connections loose or a bad ground connection also?

 

All automotive starters have a one-way clutch just behind the gear that engages the flywheel. Here's how you can tell if that's bad. If the engine is not turning, but the starter is making a whining noise. It's relatively cheap.


If that is your problem, then touching the throttle is not actually making any difference.