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1989 240 DL no start

Help, Advice, Owners' Discussion and DIY Tutorials on all Volvo's "mid era" rear wheel drive Volvos.

1975 - 1993 240
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bikeosaurousrex
Posts: 7
Joined: 20 December 2012
Year and Model: 244 DL, 1989
Location: Colorado

1989 240 DL no start

Post by bikeosaurousrex »

I have a 1989 240 DL that I purchased in August this year. When I bought the car, I went ahead and replaced the plugs and wires since they haven't been replaced in a few years, according to the guy I bought it from.

A month after that, the car began taking awhile to start. Then at the beginning of the month it didn't start at all. It would crank, but not turn over. My fuel pumps were working. I checked my fuel pump relay and that was fine. So I began looking at the ignition system. I've replaced my battery, which was dead, and I've replaced my ignition coil, distributor cab, rotor and the ignition control module. I'm not getting any spark and very lost as to the issue.

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billofdurham
MVS Moderator
Posts: 6507
Joined: 2 February 2006
Year and Model: 855, 1995
Location: Durham, England
Been thanked: 5 times

Post by billofdurham »

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

The '89 240 should be fitted with an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) unit in the engine compartment. Have you checked for any fault codes? Instructions for the use of the unit are pinned at the top of the forum.

When you crank the engine does the distributor rotor shaft turn? Easy to check by removing the cap and watching while someone turns the ignition key. If it does not turn is the timing belt OK?

Bill.
Work was good - retirement is better.

1996 850GLT 2.5 20v Estate Manual.
1995 Peugeot Boxer 2.5Tdi Autosleeper.
Previously:
1984 244DL, Manual, Beige.
1987 744GLE, Manual, Green.
1991 960 3.0 24v, Auto, Silver.
1994 940T Wentworth, Auto, Blue.

bikeosaurousrex
Posts: 7
Joined: 20 December 2012
Year and Model: 244 DL, 1989
Location: Colorado

Post by bikeosaurousrex »

I've tried the OBD and I can't get it to blink. The rotor is turning and the timing belt is in great shape. I just noticed that on the harness that connects to the ignition control module, the number 5 of 5 connections isn't staying in the harness. I've tried bending back the little prong and reconnecting the wire, but it still doesn't stay connected.

bikeosaurousrex
Posts: 7
Joined: 20 December 2012
Year and Model: 244 DL, 1989
Location: Colorado

Post by bikeosaurousrex »

I've replaced the wire harness leading to the ignition control module and still no spark. I am at a complete loss here.

User avatar
billofdurham
MVS Moderator
Posts: 6507
Joined: 2 February 2006
Year and Model: 855, 1995
Location: Durham, England
Been thanked: 5 times

Post by billofdurham »

When you replaced the coil, distributor cap and rotor did you replace the HT leads or have you tested them? If the lead from the coil to the distributor cap is not working properly you won't get any spark.

Bill.
Work was good - retirement is better.

1996 850GLT 2.5 20v Estate Manual.
1995 Peugeot Boxer 2.5Tdi Autosleeper.
Previously:
1984 244DL, Manual, Beige.
1987 744GLE, Manual, Green.
1991 960 3.0 24v, Auto, Silver.
1994 940T Wentworth, Auto, Blue.

bikeosaurousrex
Posts: 7
Joined: 20 December 2012
Year and Model: 244 DL, 1989
Location: Colorado

Post by bikeosaurousrex »

I ended finding out that I didn't connect the ECU all the way. When I plugged it in, she started right up.

User avatar
billofdurham
MVS Moderator
Posts: 6507
Joined: 2 February 2006
Year and Model: 855, 1995
Location: Durham, England
Been thanked: 5 times

Post by billofdurham »

Thank you for the update.

Bill.
Work was good - retirement is better.

1996 850GLT 2.5 20v Estate Manual.
1995 Peugeot Boxer 2.5Tdi Autosleeper.
Previously:
1984 244DL, Manual, Beige.
1987 744GLE, Manual, Green.
1991 960 3.0 24v, Auto, Silver.
1994 940T Wentworth, Auto, Blue.

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