Hi all,
I purchased a 90 245 a couple months ago. I am trying to sort out some of the issues. One in particular is strange. To start the car, I have to flash the brights. Sounds weird, I know. If i turn the key all the way over, it won't start until I flash the lights. I can flash them at any point once the key is in the ignition and it will start. The guy tried to tell me it was a safety setup by Volvo. I think he was full of it and I still wanted the car. Looked at the wiring and the turn signal stalk. It all looks original. What gives? Any suggestions are appreciated.
thanks

Yup - that's pretty funky. Ever seen 'Back To the Future?' Sounds like someone's idea of an anti-theft device. I suspect you'll find a bunch of cut wires & electrical tape in the harness somewhere... I've never heard of Volvo using anything like that. Of course I could be wrong, I often am, I just don't think so this time. Does the starter operate with the key turned without touching the light switch? Or do you have to flash the lights to even make the starter crank? Do you hold the switch down while cranking, or just flick it once then start the car?
-Chris

Your second guess is correct. The starter does not operate without flashing the lights. all it needs is one flick. Everything at the steering column seems to be oem factory(i.e no obvious splicing/cutting). I might look around the starter sometime to see if there is anything unusual at that point. Sounds like it is best to leave it alone, even though it can be annoying. Thanks all for the info. I guess no one will be able to steal my brick.

I've seen it before. It is an aftermarket anti-theft set up. Unless it really bothers you I would leave it as is. No, it is not factory original. We had a few cars like this back in the day at the dealership and other than having to hit the high beams they worked fine.

Sounds great. My 164 could really use that! Especially in my neighborhood. What a cheap security system. Anyone out there know where I can get the parts?

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(101Kmi), 95 854T(85K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

is there a relay between the starter and the high/low beam relay? how does it work exactly?

I have never looked at one that close but I always kind of figured that it was probably just that. A relay with a transistor in it that you simply toggle on and off as needed. Hit it with 12 volts once and it toggles the current to the start circuit, toggle it again and it sends the current to a red LED indicator. It should be pretty simple to do with an orange O.D. relay and the schematic.

Mark