# Volvo restart problem

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-restart-problem/36954>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** 850, volvo\
**Created:** [September 21, 2009, 6:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-restart-problem/36954 "2009-09-21T18:22:07Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 7\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![rjrcj5g5](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjrcj5g5](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rjrcj5g5)\
**Post date:** [September 21, 2009, 6:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-restart-problem/36954/1 "2009-09-21T18:22:07Z")

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I have a 1994 volvo 850. problem is we drive the car to store or to get gas turn it off get out for about 10 minutes get back into car and turn key --NOTHING. no sound at all totally dead yet lights radio etc all work. wait about 20 minutes and car will start back up. doesnt happen all the time but randomly. my son has the car away at school with him and it happened twice since school started (9/2). we have replaced cam sensor already and fuel line has been checked car has about 125000 miles on it. any suggestions?

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**Author:** ![HugoFuchs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/858c86/32.png) [@HugoFuchs](https://community.cartalk.com/u/HugoFuchs)\
**Post date:** [September 21, 2009, 6:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-restart-problem/36954/2 "2009-09-21T18:34:13Z")

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I’ve had this problem. The key cylinder is worn/damaged and needs replacement. If you need a temporary fix, tapping the cylinder with the key several times before you turn it eventually realigns things properly.

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**Author:** ![rjrcj5g5](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjrcj5g5](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rjrcj5g5)\
**Post date:** [September 21, 2009, 11:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-restart-problem/36954/3 "2009-09-21T23:28:17Z")

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thanks I’ll try it

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**Author:** ![kbok94](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f05b48/32.png) [@kbok94](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kbok94)\
**Post date:** [January 6, 2010, 1:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-restart-problem/36954/4 "2010-01-06T13:48:31Z")

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did this work for you? I have a similar problem.

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**Author:** ![rjrcj5g5](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjrcj5g5](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rjrcj5g5)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2010, 12:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-restart-problem/36954/5 "2010-01-07T00:35:17Z")

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yes, we had the key cylinder replaced and have had no problem since

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**Author:** ![cod\_fragger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e47774/32.png) [@cod\_fragger](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cod_fragger)\
**Post date:** [January 13, 2010, 6:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-restart-problem/36954/6 "2010-01-13T06:03:10Z")

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A failing starter motor could be the culprit…tapping on starter motor with rubber or wooden handle while turning key in cranking position.If starter motor engages when tapping,starter motor needs replacement…

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**Author:** ![Bodybagger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b77776/32.png) [@Bodybagger](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Bodybagger)\
**Post date:** [January 13, 2010, 7:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-restart-problem/36954/7 "2010-01-13T07:36:55Z")

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Check for voltage at the starter solenoid. If it’s there, the solenoid is bad. If it’s not there, key switch is bad.