I've got a 740Ti 1989. When I turn the key, there is no noise but one click, then nothing. I've had other cars with starters that have gone but this doesn't seem like that type of problem. It has an auto trans and I was wondering, is there some kind of switch on the shifter that tells the computer that the car is not in park when it really is? Could this switch be the problem or could it be the ECM or something worth $$$ ? Does anyone have a good volvo mechanic they could recommend in the NH, North MA area? I seem to have trouble getting an honest one.

The exact same thing happened to me about two weeks ago. I turned the key and absolutely nothing happened. I tried wiping off the corrosion build-up on the battery connectors and then the car started normally. Good luck.

KATE ("jetwest76")

HI; Your post heading says Intermittent, so I assume it will start some of the time ? If your battery and your battery cables are more than 5 years old, I would replace them especially if the battery cables are the originals. Volvo has had problems in the past with their battery cables from the late 80's. It also could be your starter if your car has low mileage for its year. Short trips and just local driveing , you would be starting the engine mant more times than someone that had the same year as your car no matter what manufacture or model. So I hope this generally points you in the right direction as far as the limits of your posts. Good luck and please let me know how made out and what the problem was. Dan Metz.
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Dan's 88 Volvo 740 GLE WAGON non-turbo

Check three things:
1. Battery connections for corrosion and broken wires
2. Start inhibitor switch on the tranny shifter: must be in park to engage start
3. Ignition switch worn

See the FAQ for more details.

try putting it in neutral and starting it, you never know.