Hi All, Today, I got in my wagon, after driving it all day on and off, and it wouldn't start. I had the transmission mount replaced today,I really don't think that has anything to do with this problem, also I just returned from a 350 mile road trip. All fuses look fine. My ALT light comes on every now and again, I tried to jump it and nothing happened. I seem to have electricity, all lights are bright as can be. I also noticed I didn't get a click when I turned the key. Any Ideas? Thanks in advance...Franco79 '79 245dl 218k...P.S.What a difference the new mount made..

That's it? You were going to put in a new starter because one person responds with a "bad starter solenoid"?!! Sheesh!

Check your wires. Do you need a new wiring harness? As suggested, in another thread, try shorting with a screwdriver the post with the red battery lead to the other post. It bypasses the ignition system (one wire goes into car to switches, other comes from switches to starter to complete circuit). So bypass by shorting to see if starter will engage and turn over engine.
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1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans

I kinda figured it was the starter, but wasn't sure. Can the starter cause the battery and alternator to die? I have had many charging issues in the last few months that seem to be gone now that the starter is installed. In the previous months, I have had the alternator bearings replaced, new battery, cables, internal voltage regulator and still had a power draw somewhere, but after those repairs the battery was charging, but I did have the alt light on now and again. Now seems fine. I know I will need a new wiring harness soon. I not looking forward to that, only because I don't have the time to fix it. I've read its a real time consuming process. I was told by an auto electrican to replace the individual wires in the harness as they go, does that sound right? Thanks and take care. Franco79 '79 245dl 218k

First see if the starter is okay. With the key out of the ignition (so car doesn't run) short the post with the red battery lead to the post with the yellow(?) wire. Check Haynes electrical diagram of starter circuit to confirm. It can be the '84 and up diagram.

"I not looking forward to that, only because I don't have the time to fix it. I've read its a real time consuming process. "
It's not time consuming. Can be done in a couple of hours time and it's easy.

"I was told by an auto electrican to replace the individual wires in the harness as they go, does that sound right? "
That's the way to go. There's a small plate on the side of the grey connector on the firewall. It's has numbers on it. Pop it off with a screwdriver. You'll be able to access the wires seperately.

I think what you lack is courage rather than ability. So try replacing an easy wire first to get the experience. You'll need spade connectors, butt connectors, crimper, wire, zip ties.

The oil switch wire (blk, goes to plug-switch between oil filter and alternator) is easy. Pull the plug (with the black wire) from the grey connector. Tug on it and see if the end attached to the oil sw. moves (to confirm). Cut off the plug LEAVING A BIT OF WIRE on the end so that you can crimp on a butt connector (I use blue connectors because they fit over the plug end forming a good seal). Note: You need to re-use the plugs but supposedly they are available from Volvo for 50 cents each. Crimp on a butt connector.

Get a length of blk wire. Crimp it in to butt connector. Run it along firewall to oil switch. (You don't have to follow route of harness.) Cut, crimp on spade connector and hook up. That's it. You can leave the old wire in the harness or pull it out.

I use polytube to cover my individual wires. It's a plastic tube which acts as protection.

Anyhow, once you've done one wire you should realize "it ain't that hard". Try the alt (red) next. Then get to cutting off harness sheath to get at other wires to examine thier condition to determine whether to re-use and re-route or replace.

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1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans

Bad starter solenoid?