This one has me completely baffled. About once every 20-30 starts, I will turn the key in my '95 850 Turbo and absolutely nothing happens... no sound at all. All the dash lights come on fine, but nothing else. I try it in neutral and nothing. I move the shift lever (automatic) back and forth numerous times, nothing. Just when I'm about to give up, usually after about five minutes, if suddenly starts up as if nothing happened. It then will start up fine, until the next incident. Has anyone a clue as to what may be causing this? I also have a problem in cold weather that the car will stick in first gear for about 10 seconds. I don't know if this is related or not.

 

I had the same starting problem recently and found mine to be a simple loose/dirty battery terminal connection. Cleaned it up and it went away. Also have the gear sticking in first. I understand this has to do with the valve body of the transmission. Needs polishing.

 

Hi,

As for the starting problem, I would like to know the condition of the battery. Do the following tests:

1. Voltage test with a digital multimeter. It should read at least 12.3 volts.
2. Specific Gravity test. A good battery should have reading of about 1.250 to 1.275.

BTW, which brand battery is it? I would avoid franchise shop batteries (I use Interstate Battery). Also, as alexl has noted, make sure the battery connections are clean & tight. There may also be a loose electrical connection or the starter solenoid is about to give in.

As for the tranny problem, check to see if there is a code stored in the ECU. When was the last time the fluid was flushed? You may benefit by using synthetic tranny fluid, make sure it's Dexron-III/Mercon.

-EDIT-
As for the tranny problem, the gear may stay in the 1st in cold weather, as the fluid is cold too. Let the engine idle for a few minutes before driving away, and drive easy for the first 10 miles/16km or so. This way the fluid warms up and the gearbox would be more responsive. Also, make sure that the fluid level is correct. I would flush the fluid with synthetic-type Dexron-III/Mercon at Volvo dealer, specialised shop, or do it myself with a flush kit.

I hope this helps.


JPN

 

I had exactly the same starting problem a year ago,I replaced the battery after testing it and the problem has never occurred since. I don't think it would be related to the transmission problem, mine will hold on to the lower gears a little longer when very cold. I have heard other people complain of similar problems with other makes.

 

Thanks for the feedback. The battery is an Interstate and it is not very old. I checked the voltage and it was about 14. Don't have a tool for measuring specific gravity. The connections look pretty dirty so I will try and clean them and see if it helps.

 

If that doesn't work, have you changed your PNP switch recently? That could be dying a slow death. - AB

 

Last greetings from Chicagoland.

When you reconnect the battery, you'll have to make the ECU re-learn idle. After connecting the battery cables, make sure to do the following before you start the engine:

1. Turn off ALL electrical devices.
2. Release parking brake, but keep the shifter in"P".
3. Start the engine and let it idle for 10 minutes. DO NOT turn on any electrical device or step on the brakes, or the engine will not learn correct idle and will show some problems later.

I hope this helps.


JPN

 

Also, be sure to have your radio codes handy.