Volvo Repair: wouln t start, volvo 850 turbo wagon, citgo station

Question
It doesn't turn over. When you turn on the ignition the radio works and the dash lights come on. Also the head lights work. When you turn key to start position the headlights go out as does the redio. I have replaced battery and cleaned contacts at battery end. Could it be a dead short somewhere.
Thanks,
Jim
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Followup To
Question -
I have a 1994 Volvo 850 turbo wagon. I went to gas station to fill up. tried to start car and nothing. replaced battery, checked fuses but still nothing. also headlights don't work, dash lights do and horn does.
Answer -
Couldn't say for sure what it is.  The headlights may be an unrelated issue to the no start.  Check the gas.  I had a friend last week that got 7 gallons of water out of a citgo station.  Is it a no crank, or a crank and no start?  I'd need more details to be more specific about other possible problems.

James

Answer
Could be a dead short but it would have to be on the starter cable.  It sounds like its most likely a starter problem.  If the starter gets power when you are cranking, then replace the starter.  If it doesn't then you have a problem somewhere in the control circuit, most likely an ignition switch.  The radio and headlights would normally go out when the key is in the crank position so that isn't unusual.  Does it click when you turn the key?  If it does then the starter is definitly bad (as long as you have good battery voltage).  Also if thats the case you can usually get it to start by having a friend tap it lightly with a hammer while you turn the key.  The bushings wear out and the tap can get it started again.  That'll only work a few times though.

James