1990 240DL; starts and then quits suddenly

lovk262 · Post by **lovk262** » 15 Sep 2009, 20:06

My 1990 240DL; starts and then quits suddenly without warning after running very briefly. If i wait 10-20 minutes it usually restarts. It was happening about 2x/week while in my driveway, until it recently happened while driving about 40mph and wouldn't start again. No engine noise or warning, just suddenly didn't have any power and realized the car had quit. It did seem like it either did not have gas or air.
There is no engine noise or action when I tried to restart it.
I brought it to the garage, had it towed and they could not duplicate the problem.
But they had a very hard time making the diagnosis of what was wrong. So not quite sure all they recommended is needed.
They did not have a definitive answer on which part is actually causing the problem. They told me the current parts are old and should be replaced as the ECM is original and others are very old.
The garage is recommending a new electronic control module, fuel pump relay, crank sensor, knock sensor (check engine light is also on) and I'm thinking it might be a good idea to replace the neutral safety switch too (as viewed on forum).
It seems like because they are not sure, they believe changing out these parts are the most likely fix.
Any suggestions?
I replaced the O2 sensor, battery, and catalytic converter in last 3 mos. Thanks any help is certainly appreciated.
Trying to avoid buying new.

Post by **billofdurham** » 19 Sep 2009, 11:46

(check engine light is also on)

Which codes are stored?

Bill.

lovk262 · Post by **lovk262** » 19 Sep 2009, 14:10

I don't know which codes posted. The mechanic said that all parts were in working order, but because they are old he recommended replacing them. The ECM is actually the electronic ignition control.

Post by **billofdurham** » 19 Sep 2009, 15:30

Just because parts are old does not mean that they should be replaced. There are many Volvos worldwide as old as, or older, than yours still running with original parts. Throwing parts at a car can be a very expensive way of repairing it. Good money earner for the mechanic but bad for your bank account. If the check engine light is on there should be fault codes stored and this may help to point to the trouble.

Obviously the mechanic is not aware of the OBD unit fitted to that model/year of Volvo. However, you don't need a mechanic to read the fault codes as you can do it yourself. If fault codes are not erased this can affect the running of the car as it 'thinks' there is something wrong and the control units compensate accordingly. I suggest that you read the codes then erase them all, run the car and see what happens. If the check engine light comes on again read the codes again and take the necessary action.

The attached instructions are headed for the 1989 but the 1990 is the same.

200 Tests w_codes.pdf: (3.54 MiB) Downloaded 207 times

Anything you don't understand post back for help.

Bill.

lovk262 · Post by **lovk262** » 19 Sep 2009, 17:40

Because I needed transportation and didn't trust that the car wouldn't keep stalling I paid the money and had the parts replaced, but kept the old parts.
I do feel like I had unnecessary work done though - another painful car repair experience.
How do I find an honest mechanic? It seems impossible. With what he told me, I've been shopping for a newer car, but really don't want one.
Bill of Durham, are you available for timely advice for a fee? Or can you recommend a trustworthy mechanic in zip codes 30341 or 30319?
Even the Just Answer web site takes more time than I had this time to make a decision. I live in Atlanta and being without a car is much too challenging.
Thanks much for the code reset instructions.
Regards.

Post by **billofdurham** » 20 Sep 2009, 12:14

I'm sorry my advice was too late but I have been off the forum for 12 days and replied as soon as I came back on.

Bill of Durham, are you available for timely advice for a fee? Or can you recommend a trustworthy mechanic in zip codes 30341 or 30319?

Unfortunately I live in the UK so can't help you with this.

Bill.

lovk262 · Post by **lovk262** » 22 Sep 2009, 15:22

Bill of Durham.
Thank you for responding. We just had massive rains and I drove through a deep puddle, now the fuse light notification is on. Any chance I hurt something? Hopefully not my new sensors.
Also given the age of the car do you recommend selling or keeping? I do really like this car. It now has about 215K miles on it.
I'm seriously considering a 2007 corolla for mpg and backup. Any thoughts?
Thanks a whole bunch for your advice.

Post by **billofdurham** » 22 Sep 2009, 15:42

fuse light notification

I'm not sure what this is. Do you mean the bulb failure light?

Bill.

lovk262 · Post by **lovk262** » 22 Sep 2009, 18:23

on the dash a light came on, that looks like a small light bulb.

Post by **billofdurham** » 24 Sep 2009, 15:38

That is the bulb failure light. It will come on if any of the following bulbs are defective:
one of the lower beams
one of the tail lights
one of the brake lights (when the brake pedal is depressed).

215k on a Volvo 240 - it is now run in.

I don't know anything about Toyotas so I can't advise on this.

Bill.