Volvo 740GL will not turn over when Wet

[ian_journeaux]

if it is wet out, my mother's Volvo will not start. THe motor doesn't
turn over, the starter doesn't move, no click. Nothing.

She has put a new battery in and had someone grease all of the
connections to try and eliminate water but it still has problems.

If you let it sit for a while (a few hours) it will usually start just
fine.

Any ideas where I could look?

 

[Randy G.]

if it is wet out, my mother's Volvo will not start. THe motor doesn't
turn over, the starter doesn't move, no click. Nothing.

She has put a new battery in and had someone grease all of the
connections to try and eliminate water but it still has problems.

If you let it sit for a while (a few hours) it will usually start just
fine.

Any ideas where I could look?

Try removing the other end of the battery cables, cleaning them (use
Scotchbrite and WD-40), and reinstalling. Do the same for the ground
cables (engine to frame, etc.).

Next step is to use a volt meter when it won't start and trace the
current flow. It it getting to the fuse panel? To the ignition switch?
Will the horn blow? Do the headlights illuminate? This was you can see
if it is system wide or just the starter.

I just pressure washed the entire undercarriage and some fo the engine
compartment, and the car started just fine.
__ __
Randy & \ \/ /alerie's
\__/olvos
'90 245 Estate - '93 965 Estate
"Shelby" & "Kate"

 

[Michael Pardee]

if it is wet out, my mother's Volvo will not start. THe motor doesn't
turn over, the starter doesn't move, no click. Nothing.

She has put a new battery in and had someone grease all of the
connections to try and eliminate water but it still has problems.

If you let it sit for a while (a few hours) it will usually start just
fine.

Any ideas where I could look?

When it doesn't crank - try whacking the starter. Some people use a hammer,
but I prefer using the handle end or a soft-faced mallet. If it cranks
immediately after doing that, the starter is the #1 suspect.

When it does crank (but the engine is still cold) - try sprinkling the lower
engine and the battery with a hose. If it stops cranking, back to the
connections or possibly the starter. If it still cranks, I would suspect the
ignition switch... a common failure point.

The wild card in the whole scene is the neutral safety switch (if an
automatic transmission) or clutch switch (if a manual and so equipped).
Presuming an automatic, it doesn't hurt to try moving the shift lever
through the range and seeing if it will start then.

Mike

 

[James Sweet]

if it is wet out, my mother's Volvo will not start. THe motor doesn't
turn over, the starter doesn't move, no click. Nothing.

She has put a new battery in and had someone grease all of the
connections to try and eliminate water but it still has problems.

If you let it sit for a while (a few hours) it will usually start just
fine.

Any ideas where I could look?

Are you getting voltage at the small terminal on the starter when the key is
turned?

If it's an automatic, try wiggling the shifter when it won't start.

 

[ian_journeaux]

Great suggesstions. I am going to add my voltmeter to my travel bags so
I have it when I get there. Thanks again. I will let everyone know if
I have any success or lack of success.