hardly runs

cary398 · Post by **cary398** » 23 Aug 2009, 09:34

barely runs
I had my '89 240 off the road for 2 yrs. (started it occasionally) recently registered and it ran reasonably well -- but would sometimes cut out briefly upon accelerating. Suddenly would barely start --managed to pop and sputter the 2 miles home.
I diagnosed faulty tank pump --replaced it along with main pump and filter.
Now will start and run fine (with gas peddle up) for a few seconds --then die.
I cracked gas line under hood at pressure regulator -seems fully pressured--and will pump gas out well with line off.
Could faulty air mass sensor cause this big an issue -as suggested by FCP? I do have a spare 240 parts car (and know the engine ran well (prior to friend frying his auto tranny). -- thought I'd ask for ideas prior to changing air mass sensor. -- any other ideas ? I'm not a skilled electrical diagnostician -so haven't touched ECU yet --oh I did change pressure regulator --to no avail.
--nearest Volvo shop is 35 miles away --but may decide to have it hauled there anyway if saga continues-- thanks, cary398

Post by **billofdurham** » 23 Aug 2009, 12:35

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

If you have the non-turbo model there is an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) unit attached to the rear of the left strut assembly.

This unit will read any fault codes that have been stored in either the fuel injection or ignition ECU. This speeds up the diagnostic process.

Instructions for its use are in the attachment. Check for fault codes and post back the results.

200 Tests w_codes.pdf: (3.54 MiB) Downloaded 221 times

Bill.

cary398 · Post by **cary398** » 23 Aug 2009, 13:20

Thanks Bill--I did try to pull the codes a couple of days ago--and unfortunately the code box is unresponsive. The contacts look ok--and I think I'm doing it correctly as I've had no difficulties getting the codes off the more elaborate system in my two Volvo 850s. I wonder if the little red light could be burnt out--but this seems unlikely. Even though I live in the Notheast (upstate N.Y.) "salt" belt this car's body is in excellent shape--as it's a Virginia car. I'll check and see if the box in the newer 240 wagon (not sure of the yr. right now) is the same--and perhaps I could wire it in this car.
Any other ideas appreciated-- Thanks, Cary

Post by **billofdurham** » 23 Aug 2009, 15:25

There is a section on page 5 giving the procedure for checking the box.

Bill.

cary398 · Post by **cary398** » 23 Aug 2009, 19:21

Ok thanks Bill I will check this out--it certainly would simplify the diagnose if I can get the box working. Cary

cary398 · Post by **cary398** » 25 Aug 2009, 11:11

I have some indications that the crank position sensor may be my core problem--and I have one coming in hopefully tomorrow. I expect to be able to put it in Thursday (8/27/09) and will post response. Thanks, Cary