erratic starting problems

[TiggerToo]

An annoying occurrence: our Volvo 2030 engine fails to start: push the start button and nothing happens, no clicks, no nothing. It appears as though the starter button might be dud (how can I test this? It seems OK when I check the terminals with a meter). So far, after a bit of waiting/trying the engine eventually fires up. It sounds like a loose connection but how do I find out? And can I circumvent the problem in emergency?

 

[Trundlebug]

The way to check for a loose connection is to wiggle each connection to see if it moves, or to go around with a spanner to see if you can tighten any of the connections...

May sound tedious but there should only be a few to check if you have a good installation.

Also worth feeling each connection after using the starter to see if any are hot or warm, it's a good indication there's a high resistance - either loose or dirty connection.

 

[William_H]

The starter button is checked by bypassing it with a piece of wire or a screw driver. Hopefully you can get to the terminals.

If this is not the problem you need to get a multimeter or a test light. A small globe with 2 wires attached.
Connect it to the big terminal on the starter. It should light or should 12 volts. Press the starter button if the voltage disapears completely (and the engine doesn't start) then you have a bad connection battery via isolation switch to the starter. If the light remains bright with the button pressed then you have a bad starter or a bad switching circuit (button).

It is usual for the solenoid on the stater to be connected on one side to the battery (big terminal) and for the other side of the solenoid coil to be connected to negative via the start switch.

You could try then connecting the smaller terminal of the starter/solenoid to the body of the engine with a screw driver or similar. there will be a little sparking and if the engine starts then you have a bad connection in that wire to the button. if that doesn't start it and you have voltage on the big terminal then it is time to remove the starter to a repair shop.

it is hard to be sure how the wiring is connected so be carefull and good luck olewill

 

[Hoolie]

You need to follow through the wiring diagram - if you have one. A similar fault on our engine was traced through to a defective crimp on the "alternator running" connection. This intermittently prevented the start relay from operating.