Ok so I've gone from auto to manual, and basically the car doesn't start unless you bridge the starter to the battery directly. I've bodged a switch in but it's a bit hit and miss. I think the thin wire I used has too much resistance.
Does anyone know much about the inhibitor circuits on the auto shifter? I need to basically fool it into thinking it's in neutral, and that should work. Is there a Mac in the house?

(beware, LHD dash owner)

the only difference between a manual and an automatic by electrix besides the tachorelais/emvk are the reverse light, (can simple be modified in the car) and the other is the startblocking, this is in an automatic version a relais,

is in a relais holder in the fusebox which is when the car is manual a bridge, and a relais if automatic. swap ém out and the car will be fooled as a manual.

in our dutch version cars, we have the big silver relais for the headlights, next to it is a short bridge, next to that is the automatic relais! and then the other relais.

i hope you can follow my descripton, my english isn't that ok when it comes to technical terms

No, that's brilliant! I think I understand, are we talking about the fusebox in the engine bay? If so I can compare my manual and auto, then swap the ones which are different.

From volvodspec's description John yup, there certainly is a metal bridge in that position, as I've always wondered what it does!

yes haha! sorry for the confusion, but indeed that's what it does

automatic: startblocker, relais is activated only in P & N
manual: bridge, always active, regardles of in wich gear.

Amazing, it works brilliantly now, so thanks for the help! I'd never have thought it would be so easy.

this is also the circuit you can make youre own startblocker circuit in, as i've done for my car. made an extra wire to the relais coil + that is hooked to the aftermarket alarm, when activated the car won't be able to be started from inside the car

volvo 300 series is supereasy, especcially when it comes to it's electrics.

great idea for a buget imobiliser