Hi guys, When my ignition key is turned to the on position, all the usual lights come on, except the check engine light. the car wont start. If i wait about 15 minutes, i hear a solenoid on, type sound, the check engine light comes on and then the car starts and runs fine. What gives???

Here's how to diagnose this problem

Get a meter and read +12VDC at "17/1" The "Service Socket For Starter Motor"
when you turn the key, there has to be 12VDC at this single wire connector.

If you turn the key and that wire is not +12V then you can have trouble with
the Alarm Relay 2/28 (controlled by the Tranny) or 3/71 Tranny Interlock Switch,
then the Ignition Switch.

You can also make a jumper to the + terminal of the battery and touch it
to the Service socket to start the car. This way a problem with the ignition switch, the interlock switch, the relay, and wiring is bypassed.

See the screen shot of page 76 (1995 850) for locations for the service port.
It is simply a wire with a single pole connector on it, located by the OBD block.

Post back with results

Bill

Thanks Bill,! At least this may be the light at the end of the tunnel,... I hope it's not a train.

After more digging around in the Volvo Wiring Diagram.
There's two possible culprits: 3/71 Tranny selector and 2/28 Alarm Module.
They both have computer controlled relay points in the starter circuit.



Where you have a delay, my bet is that the 2/28 Alarm relay module could be causing your problem. It is shown in the pictoral in the main Fuse block ,
lower level. It is marked "210 211". Get one from a junk yard to try.


Another view of the 2/28 Alarm Module and the starter interlock circuitry.



Bill

If it has never been replaced, it could be the electrical portion of the ignition switch.

Do you leave the key in the on position for 15 minutes?? Could it be the idle control motor turning on after 15 minutes?
Could it be the climate control finally turning on after 15 minutes?


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Keeping it running is better than buying new

K ..the idle control motor, turning on, is the sound i hear. Once on, .the car will start.

Then jiggle the key when you turn it to position II, before you move it to position III to start the engine. My bet is the ignition switch, easy to replace if you have a long T15 to get the plastic surround off the steering wheel.

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Keeping it running is better than buying new

Thanks for the reply, Today, 1/2/19, I checked for codes, using the latest snap on reader, and an older compatable reader. Both units showed no codes!....I have just about given up!!

At the back of the ignition key, there is an electrical switch that controls power to basically everything. No codes for this item, the plastic around the key is called a shroud you remove this to expose the switch. Just google it not hard to do!

Thanks to all. A new ,oem switch didnt help. I have had it, and this miscreant is going to hell or to a better analyst!