Hello Everyone,

My 89 240DL does not start:

I have replaced the plugs (gap is fine), volvo plug wires, speed sensor cable, bosch distributor cap, bosch dist rotor and checked the battery (which is fine). It still will not start (the gas level is ok). It will turn over and over but will not fire up.

What could it be?

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Thank You,

Shawn

89 240 DL

Hey. Ran into something like this while working on car....turned out that the 25A fuse block on the drivers side of the hood just in back of the power steering reservior was bad...right behind that small black box. Wiggled this...it started, next day I replaced it with a good after market fuse block. I'm gonna do a preemptive on the wifes 90 240 as soon as the weather clears!
Peace

I think the 89 has an RPM sensor ( AKA speed sensor - Bentley page 280-15. )
This sits on top of the bell housing with a wire running up the firewall.

If this wire has a yellow mark, go straight to the dealer and buy a replacement which should have a white mark on the wire. $55.

I had this same problem around Christmas. It ended up that the fuel pump fuse in the fuse panel had gone bad. I replaced the fuse and started right up.

Got to think back to the history when the car last started...if it was running Ok and now, out of the blue won't start...problem in 240's is generally fuel pump related. You probably have an in tank and an external pump, and the fuel relay the previous gent mentioned, also you have a large filter. You also have fuses for the relay and pumps, they corrode easily. I'd check the fuses, check the fuel flow at the outlet side of the filter, caution high pressure fuel if its working. If you get no fuel when you crank the car, pumps only work when the disributor is turning, check the relay by swapping with a new one...still no luck, then listen to the pumps under the car while someone cranks. If you get fuel from the filter, check the connections to the ECU up near the front of the car. Still no luck, take it to the dealer and expect to pay

Have you checked the error codes?
What did you get?
Also try disconnecting the AMM ( with the ignition off) and see if it starts.

In addition to other posters excellent suggestions it may be good to analyze the problem instead of guessing. You seem to have focused on ignition so far but you do not say whether you have spark at the plugs. This is an important first step in diagnosing.

David,

What is the best way to check for spark? Also, how to I check the spark from the ignition coil?

Shawn

Take a plug, connect to wire, hold side of plug to ground and have someone crank. If you have spark at plugs you have spark at the coil. To check coil same method just hook the plug wire to the coil.

Note: Of course I should'nt have to tell you this I'me sure but do not hold the plug in your hand. Hold with insulated pliers or just rest it somewhere against ground.

While cranking does the tach nudge up slightly. If yes the entire ignition system up to the coil is functioning.

David,

The tach does nudge up to about 30 mph when I crank the engine. So I guess your saying the spark and ignition are probably fine. What to do? could the fuel filter be clogged? I have already checked the fuses, they are fine.

Shawn

Had a similar disaster after replacing the blower motor and disconnecting the battery. It turned out to be the in-line fuse 30 amp blade fuse going to the ecu. I even checked the fuse, but the holder itself had corroded away to nothing.

Replaced and fired up. Something else to check.

Oops, make sure the cam turns whie you crank. Oil filler cap is your observation point.

1) Fuel pump relay above front passengers knees smack it or replace it.

2) fuel pump fuses-clean and inspect at fuse box

I bet it is the relay.