I'm sure this has been posted before, but I'm gonna ask it anyway. I parked my 89 240 in the parking lot to go to eat. I came back, and the car would try to start, but wouldnt turn over. I immediately thought it was the fuel injection fuse, and I replaced that, but that didn't work. I didnt have that much gas, so I got 2 gallons and put it in the car. That didnt work, even after some starting fluid, where it would start for a split second. The weird thing is, the battery kept getting weaker and weaker as I tried to start it. One thing that has made me think is the noise from the pump when the gas is low. I have been meaning to put in the fuel filter also.

What should I check for? I'm gonna go check the AMM, switch out the fuel pump relay from my brother's 89 240, check the airbox for restrictions, and i'm gonna check out the LH blade fuse and its wiring. Anything else I should check for? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Sorry for the long post.

Reid Wilkins

An 89 240 has the diagnostic probe located on the drivers side, front wheel. Pull the codes and it will lead you in a general direction, however, it is a fairly rudimentary system, so you will have to do a little trouble-shooting.

Also, I'm a little confused...does the starter crank at a normal speed, or is it dragging. When you state..."it trys to start, but won't turn over" one might interpret this a starter problem.

You need to clarify this issue so we know if the nest step should be to check the starter, Fuel system, ignition, or electrical.

It definately will try to start, but will not turn over. The thing is, every time i started it, the battery seemed to lose juice, and the starting became slower.

I'm stumped.

Please... with all due respect, "turn over" is taken by the vast majority of auto people as meaning "rotating". If you want to use the vernacular, you might say your engine "turns over" (because the starter makes the crankshaft turn) but doesn't "catch."

If it doesn't "turn over" then you have a starter or electrical problem.

I don't want to offend, but I see it took a couple of posts just to understand your car's problem from the way you were describing it.

By all means check that blasted blade fuse, and your fuel pump relay. All fuses good?

Reid,

It sounds like it is "cranking" but is not "firing". Is that correct?

Will it start if you "jump start" it with another car/battery?

It sounds to me like you battery voltage has dropped too low.

How long since you replaced the battery? How was the car running previously?

When was the last tune-up? Plugs, cap and rotor, wires etc?

The point you made about low fuel definitely could point to a bad intank fuel pump or hose. Can you put some more gas in the tank, recharge or replace the battery and then try again. Then I would do the plugs, cap and rotor, wires etc.

You need to make sure you have all the basics done before you look at things like fuel filter, AMM, etc., in my opinion.

Good Luck,

TomD
'86 240
'93 240

It is cranking, but it is not firing.

It has new plugs, and a cap and rotor, but I think the wires are stock ones. I'll switch them out with the new ones on my brother's car.

With all due respect I think you are grasping at ideas instead of diagnosing the problem. Things like wires, filters, air box do just suddenly quit without plenty of warning by way of performance problems. The AMM can be eliminated as the problem by merely disconnecting, the engine will start and idle fine without it. It is normal for the battery to run down after repeated cranking of the starter. Make sure battery is charged or use jumpers before trying to diagnose and correct the problem.

To diagnose:
Is there spark at the plugs?

Are both fuel pumps running and lots of fuel in tank. If you suspect intank pump problem because of excessive noise heard from main pump then fill the tank, the main pump can work from a full tnk without the intank running.

Is the cam turning. Just look into the oil filler cap while cranking.

If the answer to the above questions is yes your car will almost surely start. It is a mistake to start guessing and swapping parts, you will likely create additional problems. You should also make use of the cars diagnostics. See 700/900 FAQ section, same for 200 series,

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David Hunter