Volvo 2003 panel lights help

[Tintin]

Any ideas how to fix or what is going on?

Volvo 2003.
Standard control panel.
Engine starts well but.....
On turning the key before starting, only the oil light illuminates.
The alarm test button does nothing.
And when first started the rev counter is dead, but give it a few mkns and some revs and suddenly it jumps into life.

The alternator seems to be working fine when the rev counter is working.

 

[Tati B]

Hi,
No advice but...
I have a 2002 and have the same issue although you have 1 light illuminating more than me!
My start position on the ignition switch packed up so I have re-wired the start position through to the test button, hence I don't have a test now - it only used to sound the buzzer!
Sometimes after I stop the engine the panel lights do come on but the buzzer rarely sounds.
We have overheated before and the alarm and light work fine.
It will be interesting to see the replies - I haven't tried to sort it out because the basic function works - just need to rev the engine to get the tacho to kick in.
The sealed box which contains the lights etc has always put be off fiddling and a new one is sooooo expensive!

 

[Tintin]

Overheating and no alarm is my main concern. Not sure how to test it without actually forcing an overheat which i would rather avoid.

 

[MoodySabre]

Sometimes my key didn't go back into the correct position after starting and the rev counter didn't start. Some WD40 and key wiggling soon sorted that out.

Try putting a lead straight from the battery side of the ignition switch on to the back of the alarm and see if it works. It could be that the connections through the loom plugs are not making - undo them and look for any corrosion. The overheat sensor is in the side of the exhaust elbow so check the connection there too.

 

[pvb]

The overheat sensor is in the side of the exhaust elbow so check the connection there too.

On my 2003, the thermo sensor is on the front of the block.

 

[MoodySabre]

On my 2003, the thermo sensor is on the front of the block.

Sorry - I was looking at the wrong model
http://www.marinepartseurope.com/en/volvo-penta-explodedview-7726000-30-11719.aspx

 

[Juggler7823]

This engine is supposed to be started with 3/4 revs or the alternator will not "strike" and the tacho will not work until the revs are increased. The other problems could be due to a variety of problems including a faulty control unit. PM me to discuss.