I need the lists help in a problem that just started with my 1991 240 wagon that has only 110K miles.

My wife called me and said the car would not start. When she turned the key to start the car the starter did not engage. The odd thing about this was she heard a "whirling fan noise" from the engine comparment. I asked her to look under at the engine to see if the cooling fan was running which it was not. The fan noise stayed on no matter what position the key was in and even when it was removed from the ignition. All the ignition lights activated when the key was turned.

I suggested she disconnet the battery (still have the original tools that came with the car). After she did this the noise went away. She hooked up the battery and the car started right up. What would be your best guess - old worn out ignition switch or bad relay some place or ??? Any help that you can give me would be appreciated.

Thanks
Al
1991 240 wagon
1996 850 turbo

I think my point has been missed. Since the whirring sound continued after the key was removed and needed a battery disconnect to stop it, it indicates that juice was going to the starter when it shouldn't have. Ie. power to the starter should end when you let go of the key and it springs back into the accessory position.

You need to find the source of the short before you run the car, otherwise the new starter may suddenly engage while you are driving. Possibly causing catastophic damage. I'm no expert but the warning signs are there.

Thanks for the feedback. I will let you know what the outcome is. I agree that the noise must be addressed. My thoughts are the ignition switch may be worn out and the contacts for the starter are stuck closed when it was turned off or the starter soleniod may need to replaced and or it is a combination of the two problems. It is odd that the power disconnect fixed the problem. I will probably end up replacing both components.

Thanks
Al

" I will probably end up replacing both components."

I was hoping that someone who knows starters and the ignition system would have responded with the exact cause and explanation. Replacing the ignition switch may be hard and unnecessary. Oh well.

Al,
While there could be a problem with your ignition circut, I say replace the starter. I'v had similar problems on other cars I'v owned. Unless there are some bare wires around the starter, that type of problem is usually related to the selenoid (spelling?) -which you may be able to replace in order to save a little cash. But, I like to think about longevity. How much work does a starter do? A whole lot... In my opinion, the safe move is to replace the entire starter because you still gotta take it out for any repair you might do in the first place. In the end, a little more costly but the benefit is peace of mind. Peace, Jon

Hold off driving the car till you get a few more replies.

Though the starter does appear to be at fault there may be another problem that may cause serious damage. Ie.

"The fan noise stayed on no matter what position the key was in and even when it was removed from the ignition."

There may be a problem with the ignition circuit. You don't want to be running the car with the starter CONTINUOUSLY engaged.

Could be the solenoid is only working sometimes. Get you a nice new starter.

If you're feeling adventurous, rebuild the existing one.

possibility #2:

You have a few teeth worn down on the ring gear. Sometimes the starter drive doesn't always engage if the engine stops turning in exactly the right spot. Live with it, really expensive fix.