:00000732: Hello I'm a new member and a relatively new Volvo owner, having defected from the Griffin.

I have a 1994 440 GLT 1.7 Turbo which I bought a few months back and up until now I have had no problems. Over the last couple of days when starting the car, the ignition sequence has started to fail, first I thought it was just the contacts on the ignition barrel, but when I turn the key all the electrics work and the starter motor clicks.

I have tried tapping the starter motor with a hammer and rocking the car in 5th and reverse gears, someone said that the solenoid in the motor may be sticking, but still nothin, as I say all the electrics are working, however I stupidly left the interior light on over night and the car would not start, but since recharging the battery the car has not failed me since (still think I may change the battery cos it looks like an old one, but is still giving out 12volts.)

Any suggestions would be welcome, also if anyone thinks the starter has had its day, is it much of a job to change.

Cheers

Lee

The clicking indicates curent at the starter motor solenoid, but if you want to be sure you can hook up a 12V test light. Also worth checking the engine earth strap is in good condition & connections aren't corroded.

My gut feeling is that you will need a new starter motor (usually exchange units). You'll have to disconnect the battery earth lead & raise & carefully support the car to get to the starter from underneath.

If you are going to change the battery anyway, put the new battery on first & see if the starter motor still refuses to play ball.

Hope it's sorted soon.

BB
:beer: