Problematic switch - any other way to start the engine??

[cmedsailor]

Volvo Penta MD2030D, instrument panel with starter button (no key):
When I push the on/off button, which is basically a switch for connecting and disconnecting the instrument panel, a blower begins to operate (that’s for cooling the engine area and is always on) and also the various light warnings are one until I push the starter button to start the engine. However sometimes, after pressing the on/off button, nothing happens and suddenly after some minutes current is on and I can start the engine by pressing the start button. I guess it’s a problematic connection somewhere which I need to find (electrolysis maybe).
However, in the meantime is there any other way to start the engine by over passing these two buttons? And if yes, will the alternator and everything else work properly (probably not the blower but at least I could leave the engine compartment door open in case of emergency)?

 

[oldharry]

Try soaking the switch with WD40. If that doesnt make any difference, spray all the contacts and terminals with the stuff. Once you have located the fault (do it a bit at a time) then you know where to look when it re-appears, and you can get a new 'bit' to fix it.

 

[VicS]

There are two red/blue wires leaving the panel switch both of which need to have power on for various systems to work. On is the supply the glowplug relay via one half of the toggle switch and without which you will get no preheating. The other supplies power to the starter button, (without which the starter solenoid will not close), and power to the electronic module and the tacho, without which none of the alarms, warning lights or tacho will work.

If it were mine I would look at the possibility of replacing the panel switch with a simple toggle switch! (just a simple on off switch!)

As a temporary measure just rig some means of jumping across the panel switch. That would get all the various circuits up and running. A remote toggle with the connections decently insulated would be convenient.

I must add that I am looking at an earlier wiring diagram as there is not one in the 2030D owners manual. Found HERE

 

[Paprikachu]

Problem sometimes overlooked are the battery switches.
oxydation make them able to pass enough current to light up the dashboard but not enough to start the engine.
Do the lights dim when you push the start button?
if they do, try bypassing the battery switches.

 

[Mal113]

On some Volvo starter circuits there is a second solenoid that is used to totally isolate the engine to stop corrosion. This second solenoid is only closed when the starter motor is being cranked, check the wiring to and from the starter motor solenoid and the earth side of the motor and see if this second solenoid is fitted. I have just repaired the similar problem on a friends boat with a 2003 model engine and this solenoid was not closing at times and gave the same symptoms as you describe.

 

[mjd]

Had very similar problem on my VP 2001 i.e. No power to panel when i operated push switch (intermittant of course) Problem turned out to be faulty fuse unit (which in my case anyway ) sits on top of engine block. Replaced fuseblock supplied by Keypart and not a bother since. Hope this is some help to you.

 

[cmedsailor]

Ah, MJD the first time I encountered this problem, I actually touched the wires of the fuse box and it seemed to worked. So, I sprayed them with some "electricians spray" (don't remember the name) I though it was going to be OK. But it happened again. And strangely, nothing happens if I now touch the fuse wires!! I just leave the button to "on" position and wait for some minutes for the current. Anyway, I will check the cicuit starting from the on/off switch.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

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