Thanks so much for reading this, as I am new to the Volvo ownership experience.

Soon after purchasing the 850, the driver's side seat backrest went to full recline. The motor works, but not to get the back to the proper position. Nothing but motor noise. I peeled the leather but ran into the next obstacle: the *****.
What do I do with the *****?

Now the 850 will crank to start and make the usual noises, but the engine will not move. The starter seems to be OK. It works.

 

I guess you are talking about the **** on the side of the seat?
If so unscrew all the way then push in and unscrew more then pull and turn and it should come out.

Now the car will start but not rev. or it will rev but the transmission will not go?

 

Thanks for the info on the **** removal. Once I get that off, I should be able to peel off the leather cover and investigate.

What happens with the starter is that the starter motor turns but the engine doesn't turn. It's as if the flywheel lost a tooth or something. My understanding is that the motor won't start unless the solenoid is working.

Thanks for your advice.

 

I would say bad starter.

The starter may turn but the soleniod may not be pushing out.

 

I thought the starter motor wouldn't turn on unless the solenoid is working...that when the solenoid is activated then contacts are made which then turns on the motor. This prevents the pinion gear from spinning before it is pushed into the flywheel teeth. That being said, you're probably right. Maybe I can repair it. Thanks.

 

The soleniod that is connected to the starter has 2 functions it activates the soleniod and pushes the gear out and also activates the starter to turn.It can turn without being pushed out.