and now for the latest problem. . .today, when i left for work, the car stalled three or four times is quick succession. the first start was UGLY. the car shuddered a whole lot and finall started up. tach went to about 1500, settles back down to 750, then dropped to zero. similar thing happened for the next few, except the initial start wasn't as ugly. the rpm's fluctuate a little (like between 750 and 1000), but it mostly just teases me a little by letting me think it will keep running, then dies. after the fourth start today, it started up, i pulled out of the driveway, no problem. it's just at a cold start. any ideas? any problems this could be that would hamper me on a long trip? (my usual question)
thanks for the help
(and thanks to all for the help on my fluids question)

Ignition wire harness. Goes from Ignition module and dist. and coil.

good idea. how do i check that? (i know where it is, just not how to verify that it works)

thanks

If it has the old type it needs a new one. The new one has a larger plastic connector housing at the ign computer. It also has small silicone boots inside the connector. There are 3 sleeves on the pins at the computer. They MUST be removed before installing the new harness with the new plug assy. There is NO WAY to test the harness. If it is the old type it must go.

ECU. Easy diagnosis is check its ground. If it's out of spec, (0.1-0.15 volts), your ECU is fried.

Possibly fuel pump relay - passenger side in front of glove box of firewall.

I had aa similar problem and it turned out to be the ECU. Sad, but true. $800 Cdn.

fuel pump relay's been resoldered, so i guess i'll check the ecu

thanks

nmi
--
Warren Bain - '86 744Ti M46 >290Kmi, '99 V70Glt > 45K mi, '96 965 >100Kmi Wifemobile near Manassas Va.. Check the 700/900 FAQ via the 'features' pull down menu.

ah, the dreaded engine wiring harness. i was hoping to avoid it. do you happen to know which wire/wires would cause this problem? i was just thinking that an easy way to testwould be to simply connect a wire spanning the same length as the current one and look for a change.

I have a similar problem; starter motor cranks like all hell but engine won't turn over. Lately engine just dies on the highway, after 10 minutes of driving. Refuses to restart. Replaced main fuel pump two weeks ago; car died on highway last Sat. My mechanic tells me it's the fuel injection controller.
Rebuild one costs around $730; at the junk yard $225.


Good luck!

Your mechanic is shotgunning with your dollars.

Be certain your fuel pump relay is OK. You can resolder it: $0, 15 minutes, no risk, clean 'n easy work. This has been discussed and described on this posting board about a zillion times, maybe more.

If it helps nothing, you've spent nothing.
--
Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

My 242/'84 had a similar problem 2 years ago. Is there gas in the oil? Mine ended up being the fuel pressure regulator. It went bad and was flooding the engine. It wasn't sudden, took a month or so. Hope this helps.

Hi,
Have you checked for vacuum leaks, cleaned the throttle body,checked to see if your Throttle Position Switch is correctly set?Is your PCV system clean, how about the plugs,wires cap and rotor? How are your fuel and air filters? All stuff you can check for free.
Philvo
P.S. My '85 used to stall all the time when I first put it in gear.Ended the problem by fixing the hose that goes to the charcoal canister(runs down under the AMM.)Also a good throttle body cleaning does wonders.
--
philvo

i've been tols several times to clean the throttle body. where is the throttle body, and what would i use to clean it? i could check the volvo manuals when i get home, but i figured i might as well just ask here.

thanks

You might want to start with the obvious . . . perhaps you got a bad tank of gas. The symptoms you describe can be related to simply having some bad gas running through the cars system. When was the last time you filled your tank? Was this problem present before your last fill?

Whatever the answer I would: 1.) Go to an auto parts store and get a bottle of dry gas and fuel injector cleaner. 2.) Go to a different gas station from the one you last purchased fuel from and fill your tank to the brim after dropping in both bottles of dry gas and cleaner (STP makes both products which can be used together in the same filling).

Try it out and let us know.

Good luck,
Nathaniel: VCOA

good theory, but this has been going on longer than one tank of gas from several gas stations. that being said, any other ideas?

Ignition wire harness. Goes from Ignition module and dist. and coil.

I agree, this sounds like an electrical problem. With the tach showing wierd readings is a good indication Check out all the wires. (engine compartment and to the fuel pump) Also check out the coil and make sure the distributer cap is on good and tight too. Those little metal clips sometimes pop off.
Ben