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The '83 240 is exhibiting heretofore uncharacteristic starting problems. On attempting to start, it made one feeble click of the solenoid, and that was it. Dash lights all come on, get dim when trying to crank. OD light comes on when trying to crank - ??? Battery is good, I believe. I tried jumping it anyway - no change in behavior.
At lunchtime, I tried it again - same results. Banging on starter and solenoid has no effect. I pull the P/S belt and can turn the crank 360*, so it's not siezed. Push start attempt is successful. I figure a bad starter, so I go get one and put it in - I get much more lively clicking from the new solenoid, and I can confirm that the starter motor engaged and pushed the crank about 5*, but still no start. Again, I attempt a jump, again, no dice. I figure a bad cell in the battery, perhaps? Replaced battery - no change in behavior. Jason is very frustrated, and without any transportation (see details of the 940 problem below.)
So here I stand - It would appear that something is preventing adequate power from reaching the starter. The OD light coming on when twisting the key to pos III suggests a bad ground/voltage feedback somewhere? I noticed also that the fuel pump does not come on, and something smells hot after each crank attempt. Car ran great on a 4hr round trip out to Dartmouth and back on Saturday. This smacks of electrical gremlins. Anybody got a clue? Mr. Foster, I am looking in your direction...
Here's the brief synopsis of my bad day...
Trying to go to work, but the '83 240 does not start - won't start with a jump either. Well, no time to diagnose now, I'll just take the wife to work in the 940 and come home at lunch to troubleshoot. Get to work, network is down all morning. Fast forward to lunch - I'm driving home, when the 940 suddenly loses all power. I drift onto the shoulder and it's got fuel but no spark...
Well, there go both Volvos on the same freakin' day. I had the 940 towed to the shop, because I really need that one back in business, and w/out the 240 as a support vehicle, I'm stuck anyway. The problems with the 240 continue. Wife's friend got fired. Coworker's wife had a miscarriage. It's cooooold outside. What a day...
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Speed Racer, '83 240 R, '74 164 E, '93 940 OL1 (Manchester, CT)
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