Volvo: 86 Volvo 240 wagon startup, volvo 240 wagon, volvo experience

Question
When I initially start my car after it's sat overnight, or when I get of of work, the engine idle increases rapidly. If I try to shit into gear (it's an automatic), it sounds like gears are grinding (or flying around chaotically) or something nasty. I figured it must be something with the transmission, but a friend of mine thinks it is something with the starter (it does kinda sound like when you turn the key on to a car that is already running, though not always steady). It has only happened three times intermittenly, and always runs as good as ever when I turn it off, and start it up again. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Mike,
Your problem is something that will require a good ear there at the time of the noise and knowlege of the Volvo. I have seen in the past where a main wire harness begins to fray the covering and the wires short out causing strange things, like the injectors staying on filling the engine with fuel, and even casuing the starter to continue to run without a key turned. Have someone with Volvo experience look at the car and listen to the noise.