I have run out of ideas for my gf car.

[muddyjames]

She has a volvo 480 celebration which I think emans it has the 2.0litre engine in rather than the 1.7L.

Anyway.

The other day it wouldnt start with her 6month old battry on, she changed it back for her old one she luckily kept and it fired up. Started ok again when she came home from work. She also drop tested (not as in on her foot drop testing) the battery and it said it was good.

Now with either battery on and jump starting the ignition lights come on, turn the key and nothing and the lights go out. The lights stay out until the battery is disconnected and reconnected.

My thinking could be the starter motor but I cant see it to tap it with a hammer butthe whole light things seems wierd.

Both battery readings are in the high 12volts.

[Mutz]

check the main earth points

[bilge rat]

easy way of eliminating the earth points, get  a good jump lead, neg side of batt to the engine block somewhere..alan

[Mutz]

Also try putting a volt meter across battery while turning key to see if volts drop when everything else dies.

[Disco Matt]

I'd check the battery negative cable - it could be that the other end is loose, so when you disconnect and reconnect the battery it shakes it a little and sorts the problem out briefly.

[90Mike]

Hi mate

I'd check the battery negative cable - it could be that the other end is loose, so when you disconnect and reconnect the battery it shakes it a little and sorts the problem out briefly.

Sounds to me like a poor connection check all the earth points on the body under the body and connections on the battery make sure they are all clean and tight. As you are putting it under load the two surfaces / contacts are parting causing you to lose everything. If you get someone to try and start it while your under the bonnet you can sometimes hear it crack or pop as the connection is parting  ;) let us know how you get on with that  :D

[Mutz]

Well have you found the problem?