850 cutting out

1993 850 2.5l 20V Saloon

There have been quite a few postings about this, my car would cut out just
after setting off. I traced this to the bunch of keys that I have my car
ignition key on, these were so heavy that the acceleration/motion of the car
was having the effect of turning the key, switching off the engine.

I have noted that of all the cars I've had, the ignition switch on this
Volvo is very sensitive (bit like me)

So far I have been very pleased with this car, but then it has had the
obligatory new gearbox fitted by a previous owner


Merry Xmas.........ttfn...........Alistair

 

Yes the ignition switch is a weak spot on these cars- the contacts wear
through repeated use and you loose electrical power sometimes. Wiggleing the
key solves it. The problem is made worse if you have more than acouple of
keys on the ring due to weight hanging on the lock barrel...

No problems with our 93 850 yet though...(for sale)

Tim..

 

It sounds like it is time for you to change out the electrical end of the
ignition switch. Fortunately this is a pretty easy project and the part
cost is not horrible (unlike that for the ABS brake controller ).

There is a good step-by-step procedure which I followed when I replaced the
ignition switch on my '96 850.

See: http://www.volvospeed.com/Repair/ignit_switch.htm

You really should replace the switch before it dies all together.

John