AllExperts > Volvo 
Search      
Volvo
Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions
 Home · More Volvo Questions · Answer Library  · Encyclopedia ·
More Volvo Answers
Question Library

Ask a question about Volvo
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

 
 
 
 
About Ray Niemi
Expertise
ASE Master Rated. Ask any questions about Volvo models up to 2000. Runnability, starting and charging system, diagnostic codes, brakes, front end, where to get certain parts. Should I buy this Volvo or not? I will try to answer your question and give you the knowlege to make the best decision in your case.

Experience
I started working on Volvo's in 1978 at the dealer and attended all the schools and achieved a Master rating. Since 1999 I have worked at independent shops and now own my own shop.

Organizations
Alldata on line repair manuals. IATN network of techs.
ASE rating of Master.

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Shopping > Cars > Volvo > Volvo 1996, 850 wagon, won't start

Volvo - Volvo 1996, 850 wagon, won't start


Expert: Ray Niemi - 11/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have an 1996 Volvo 850 wagon that won't start.  It has a new battery but will not crank.  I can jump start the car and drive it but when I shut it off, it will not crank.  All fuses in fuse box under the hood are good. I have tried to jiggle the shifter, nothing. I have tried to jiggle the key, nothing.
Thank you for your time.

ANSWER: Richard,
Make sure that the car is in Park. Read the fault codes in the trans to see if the Gear position sensor is bad. There is also the chance that the ignition switch has failed. The Gear position sensor has a high failure rate. It acts as the neutral safety switch the reverse light switch and the gear position switch.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your fast response.  You say, "read the fault codes in the trans".  I don't know where they are or how to read them. Also, where is the Gear Position Sensor?  I would like to fix this myself so any detail information is appraciated.

Answer
Richard,
You need a scan tool hooked to the OBD II connector. Since you do not have a scn tool it maybe time to take it to a Volvo shop that has the proper scan tools. If you use a generic scan tool you get generic codes and they are not as specific as the factory codes. The gear position sensor is on top of the trans, where the shift cable attaches.

Add to this Answer   Ask a Question


 
User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2008 About, Inc. AllExperts, AllExperts.com, and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. All rights reserved.