my volvo 850se 2ltr 5cyl 20valve 1994 refuses to start with the ignition key. tow it and it starts and runs fine..... the onboard computer shows no fauits and this is completely baffing me......when the key is turnedthe engine turns over. but there is no spark......on releasing the key, the coil gives a spark.....we have changed the coil,and the but it is still the starter but it is still the same ....it seems as though when the key is turned fully it drains power from the coil but sparks when the key returns to normal running position.......any help on this would be apreciated. thanks ......col 850

 

man this sounds like the same problem I have except I have a auto so i can't push start

 

Have you checked for power at the small wire at the starter when in the crank position?

 

if i put a small wire to the small wire on the starter and tuch it to the big red wire on the starter and put the ignition key in the normal running position it starts help me

 

Then you must not have power to the small wire with the key in the start position.
I would look at the PNP switch.

 

is a pnp switch is this on a AUTO my volvo is a manual

 

what is the pnp switch..........i have 9 v at the small wire at the starting position....is that ok ....

 

Ok yours is a manual transmission?
If it is then you do not have a PNP switch.

9 Volts is not enough to activate the starter.
And it does not have a clutch switch either. Maybe the ignition switch is bad.

 

i have changed the ignition switch.....i have two ignition switch it will only fire when i let the key go......

 

HMM check all your grounds. I have run into this before but forget what the fix is.

 

i have check all the ground wires ....i have check all the ignition wires... i have check all the wires at the starter ... i have check all the wires at the coil and the onboard computer shows no faults .... and this is completely baffing me...it seems as though when the key is turned fully it drains power from the coil ...but sparks when the key returns to normal running position....any help on this would be apreciated thanks....col 850

 

i have check all the ground ... i have check all the wires at the starter ....check all the wires at the coil ....it stell fires on the return of the ...i have had two batters on the car ..the onboard comouter shows no faults ...

 

I will keep racking my brain.

 

tech help me... i have been at the car all day got a new ignition switch and a new coil if i take the small wire off the starter i have over 12 volts ...at the ignition switch i have over 12 volts at the small wire at the starter when you turn the key and the starter is working it is over 9 volts at the small wire ....clean all the earths when the key is turned the engine turns over....but there is no spark ...... on releasing the key , the coil gives a spark....help

 

That would lead me to look at the cam and crank sensor.

 

had the rac at the car and it still not fire up from the key.....

 

did you find the problem with your car .... did you get it two start col 850....