1996 Volvo 850 Electrical Problem Starting the Car

1996 VOLVO 850
250,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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JBAUSCHKA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
1. Something is draining my battery. No lights or radio left on. Battery dead. Not even a dashboard light comes on after several days without driving.

2. Even with a fully charged battery, once a week, when I try to start the car, the full dashboard of red warning lights comes on, I turn the key to start the car and nothing happens. The engine doesn't turn over. The key is turned all the way but nothing. Then after about 5 - 10 minutes, I turn the key and the car starts like nothing was wrong. Happens randomly.
Feb 13, 2010 at 1:16 AM
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BUDDYCRAIGG
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 2,262 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
#2 is a strong indicator that you have a dirty connection somewhere and it is "amping out"

could be battery terminals.
or
where the positive battery cables connect to (be it a fuse box or on the starter)
or
where the ground cable attaches to the engine.

Also check where the cables attach to the battery terminals.
Feb 13, 2010 at 10:38 PM
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