Posted in VolvoSpeed as well, so disregard if you have already seen...
Have had problems recently with 850 Turbo (1994 w/ 102,000 mi) not starting (NOTHING HAPPENS, new battery), then starts as usual, but not predictable. I THINK it has something to do with Transmission (mechanic says Check Engine is related to Transmission, but I think it's a Y2K problem and he just wants to replace it). Seems to have a problem coming out of Winter mode. Might also look like the ignition systems does not recognize the car is in Park and will not spin starter... sound familiar to anyone?

I made a recent posting on this, believe the problem is your ECU, read the posting see if the story sounds too familiar.

Try to clean all ground connections, or at least clean the ground connection in from of the battery on the body. When I had a no start problem and spent lots of money trying solve the problem when this is all it was.

I am dealing with a very similar situation. It COULD be a trans problem. But First look at the Neutral safety switch and Gear position locator. I had my Trans rebuild a month ago (I"m assuming it DID need to be rebuilt!!) and now I'm dealing with some not shifting properly problems (gear position locator) and when I do a restart I get nothing (neutral safety switch). I believe these two items are either combined into one device, or closely related.

glenn

Bob
See my reply to 'Any Ideas' posted on 6th Jan. Has this all started with the new battery? It may be a dud.

Possible IGN SW?

a tech I am not, I know that on those cars that there was a shiftlock microswitch that did weird things too. Your car might be even open for a Recall 76 which is the shiftlock microswitch recall. Your volvo dealer can run the VIN on the warranty inquiry screen and check your car's warranty history to see if it is open for this.

thanks, this sounds very promising, will check it out.

Could be a bad PNP switch BUT one can replace that easily. When that happens, will it then start in neutral?

no, did not start in neutral. Wife seems to think it happens more frequently and patience is required, but 3 yr old said mommy is buying a new car!