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PNP switch? Perhpas not! 900 1992

uid 42's pic
posted by  Shatz on  Wed Jul 17 16:35 CST 2002
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last visit: Fri May 6 11:38 CST 2011
[RELATED]

In a recent post I suggested that my PNP switch was failing. After cleaning the battery terminals as recommended as a simple no-cost first step, I took it out this evening and promptly got stuck in the mall parking lot. After attempting the usual shift lever run through with no luck, I then, for some reason,jiggled the ignition key and if fired up immediately. Now wondering if it's an apparently rare but possible electrical failure in the ignition. Kinda weird that it would light up all the dash lights, radio on, etc. but no ignition. An easy fix in about five minutes, so I think I'll try this next. Of course the other possibility will be a starter..according to my good friend and Volvo mechanic whom I immedidately called. (The new PNP switch is not installed)
--
John Shatzer, '92 965 @100K; one of a few still in captivity.








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    PNP switch? Perhpas not! 900 1992

    posted by  Peter Penguin on  Thu Jul 18 11:20 CST 2002
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    last visit: Mon Oct 13 08:59 CST 2014
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    The ignition switch on my old 1980 245 needed to be jiggled in order to actuate all the electrical systems. It took a deft touch to jiggle it just right... no mechanic ever seemed to be able to do it.

    Stayed that way all the 14 years I had it...

    I dare say the electrical on that 245 was mysterious! Things would stop working... looking like they were broken... then they'd start working again two weeks later and run for years.










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    PNP switch? Perhpas not! 900 1992

    posted by  someone claiming to be bill on  Wed Jul 17 18:28 CST 2002 [RELATED]

    Ignition switch failure on volvos is common.








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      PNP switch? Perhpas not! 900 1992

      uid 42's pic
      posted by  Shatz on  Wed Jul 17 23:07 CST 2002
      Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
      last visit: Fri May 6 11:38 CST 2011
      [RELATED]

      Really? I've owned four Volvos and have never had to change out an ignition switch. At any rate this isn't the switch per say, but an electircal module that comes right off witha couple of screws, if that's different than the switch....I really don't know. Never have done it before. 5 minutes and 50 bucks retail.
      --
      John Shatzer, '92 965 @100K; one of a few still in captivity.








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        PNP switch? Perhpas not! 900 1992

        posted by  M on  Thu Jul 18 00:02 CST 2002
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        last visit: Sat May 1 10:12 CST 2010
        [RELATED]

        The old style (240/740 and possibly also 940) switch often fails, yes - I've had to replace two of them in different cars. It's a cylindrical multi-pole module, secured with two screws. But I would have guessed the 1988- 760/960 steering column used a different and perhaps improved switch.

        Testing the old style switch usually requires wiggling the ignition key with engine running as you've described. Lost position I functions, like wipers and fan, is a common sign of a switch just about to go. Never heard of starter problems related to the switch though but if you've got a different design there will be lots of new possibilities..:-/

        Btw - is the problem no ignition or no starter? Not that obvious in your first mess but when dash warning lights work, the rest of the ignition circuit should be ok too.

        /Martin
        --
        65' 121, 73' 165








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          PNP switch? Perhpas not! 900 1992

          uid 42's pic
          posted by  Shatz on  Thu Jul 18 00:18 CST 2002
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          last visit: Fri May 6 11:38 CST 2011
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          Well, if it's differnet, it may only be in it's functions. I was told by my friend who has spend his whole career as a Volvo mechanic that the 960 module is also held on by only two screws, and literally takes about 5 minutes to change out. The display of dash lights, radio and antenna working while the car could not start confused me too, but he said it was still possible, but rare as I stated. Just to clarify, what I mean by 'no start', it does nothing. No noise, no attempt to turn over, nothing...
          --
          John Shatzer, '92 965 @100K; one of a few still in captivity.








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            PNP switch? Perhpas not! 900 1992

            posted by  someone claiming to be Mullah bin Spanked on  Thu Jul 18 01:37 CST 2002 [RELATED]

            Your friend is correct. $26 part, 2 screws, 5 minutes, high rate of failure.







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