Volvo aq125a starting problems

Dr400

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Aug 12, 2012
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7
I know there are a lot of threads Witt this issue but here goes mine. 84 bayliner Capri aq125a and 270 out drive . When I turn the key all I hear is a click of the starter relay. So far I have a rebuilt starter a new battery and a new starter relay I have replaced some connectors on battery wires that were corroded etc.... Now tonight after installing a new battery thinking that would solve it well it didn't. When I turned the key at first engine turned over I stopped did it again and it turned over, third time relay just clicks, I have power to the starter but im at a loss now!! Could this be a ground issue?
HELP PLEASE
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Volvo aq125a starting problems

I would bet you have battery cable problems. If the connectors needed replaced, I would bet the cables are bad (corroded) too.
 

Dr400

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Re: Volvo aq125a starting problems

So today much the same start sometimes then not. I cleaned everything again all the light tests don in your how too check out everything should be working relay and starter solenoid, after done trying everything today the battery voltage was 12.51 and was the same at the starter. I did notice initially on the dash my voltage ther read 12 then later it read 11 despite volt meter saying 12.51the battery is brand new first time I used it would corroded wires show same voltage at starter but not be able to draw enough to activate solenoid and starter?
Motor starts up perfect when I used a screwdriver between posts A and C on the solenoid when I try A and B where the wire from the relay connects it works sometimes but not nearly as good
Any other suggestions?
 

dennis461

Chief Petty Officer
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Aug 11, 2011
Messages
516
Re: Volvo aq125a starting problems

I had a loose wire on back of the ignition switch (key switch on console), had the same symptoms as a loose battery cable or flaky solenoid.
 

Dr400

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Aug 12, 2012
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Re: Volvo aq125a starting problems

so here is todays update... new cables and connectors installed, checked all connections again, good voltage at the new battery as well as starter. same condition only click from relay. However the signal wire coming from the relay only reads 11.7 to 11.8 volts when key is turned on to start position, everything i read states this needs to be 12v or the solenoid will not engage. it is a short red/yellow wire and appears in good shape, no corrosion or cracks. As i said before relay clicks starter solenoid does not engage. where could the voltage drop come from??
 
Joined
May 17, 2010
Messages
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Re: Volvo aq125a starting problems

If you have to cross solenoid with screw driver sounds like it could be ignition switch is problem because the power to run the solenoid comes from the switch. check connections on switch for corosion on wires or switch.
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Messages
62,321
Re: Volvo aq125a starting problems

11.7 is plenty to activate the relay. But you have to have good connections on the 30 and the 87 terminals of the relay to activate the starter solenoid. And, the relay has to actually work, not just click. They can click, but not make contact internally.
 

Dr400

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Aug 12, 2012
Messages
7
Re: Volvo aq125a starting problems

i put a new relay in there and the same problem, just clicks no start. a week ago with a fully charged battery(the old one) it ran and started all day with the key. the next day was when the no start began.
Again i cleaned the ground on the engine block

the 11.7v is not at the relay its at the tab on the starter to the right of the main positive post

how much power should be at the ignition switch? screws are tight and clean, the only thing that moves on the ignition switch is one tab in behind i can pivot it back and forth where it is soldered, but it does not pull out. is there a way to hot-wire to test if the ignition is the issue?
 

Dr400

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Joined
Aug 12, 2012
Messages
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Re: Volvo aq125a starting problems

one other thing is once its running i can shut it down and then start it with the key. if i wait more than 3 seconds or so it won't start
Also after some fiddling and reconnecting things it starts fine twice , then nothing but a click.
I am just getting frustrated with it...
 

no704

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
199
Re: Volvo aq125a starting problems

sounds like you have most of the system covered. BUT check out or hotwire (for testing) the neutral safety switch.
 
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