240dl 1991 245000 stalls thanks for you time

brettnelson · Post by **brettnelson** » 19 May 2008, 09:09

Hello I have a 1991 240 dl with 245000 miles on it. I live a long way to the nearest Volvo dealer. Last week I was driving my car and it started to studier. I was on the highway and I pulled off at my exit. There was a long line at the light and the car started to stall. I pulled off into a parking lot and it stalled. I got the car going again and it sputtered a long slowly for a hundred feet. I had the gas to the floor. I tried to start the car for a while and then I called AAA for a tow as I was talking to the tow people I tried to start the car (15 min later) I was able to start the car and drove it to a repair shop (100 yard). They had no problem starting the car after it had been sitting. They told me that they could not get a code and I would have to go to a Volvo dealer to get a code. I offered them money to guess with a diagnosis but they would not even consider it (mechanics need a computer for everything these days). I started the car, it drove for a mile the car would idle roughly, and if I put the gas on it would stall. I waited 10 min and was able to drive it another mile until I was almost home if I did not give it gas it would not stall but idle roughly if I gave it gas it would not move forward. I have in the past had trouble starting it but after holding down the gas and turning it over for a while it would start (this was always the first time I started it in the morning and then the rest of the day starting was no problem) 10000 miles ago I replaced both fuel pumps and the gas filter. Your help diagnosing the problem would be greatly appreciated. Not knowing the price of the repair is keeping me from towing it to the dealer for 300.00. I do all my own repair work because the price of most repairs would more or less total out the car. Alternatively, as they say more time than money. Thanks for your time I will be giving a donation to the board thanks for the board.

Best brett

Post by **billofdurham** » 19 May 2008, 11:41

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

Your friendly local mechanic must know nothing about Volvos, especially your model and year. There is a self diagnostic unit built in and you can pull fault codes for fuel and ignition yourself.

This is a link for how to use it. The heading is for a '92 740 but it applies to your car as well. Some of the codes may be different but if you pull anything you don't understand post back for help.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/p ... c&start=12

Bill.

brettnelson · Post by **brettnelson** » 19 May 2008, 12:19

2-3-2

that code box is the coolest thing i have ever seen

what is a lambda adjustment? check fuel pressure check manifold. that was such a helpful bit of information. do you have anything on how to check the intake manifold? i don't know what is wrong with that service station they are so rude and it seem not well versed. thanks thanks

Post by **billofdurham** » 19 May 2008, 12:47

Glad you like the magic box. Unfortunately after 1995 Volvo went over to the OBD11 system and you do need a code reader for that.

Sometimes erasing the code is enough to put the vehicle right. Try it and see. If the same problem occurs then it is back to the tools.

The Lambda is an O2 sensor in the exhaust system:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen_sensor

I don't think they can be adjusted - just replaced.

Testing the inlet manifold: If you have very good hearing you may be able to hear a hissing noise if it is leaking as it will suck air in around the gasket. One old fashioned way to test it is to start the engine and let it idle. Spray water from a 'trigger bottle' around the area of the inlet manifold gasket. If it is leaking the engine will hesitate as water vapour is drawn in. As I said, old fashioned and no doubt I will be shot down by someone with a more up to date method - I hope.

When you get the fault sorted don't forget to go back to the box and erase the code.

Bill.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 19 May 2008, 18:27

I spray carb cleaner or even brake cleaner (flammable)...if the engine surges, there is your leak! Same concept, different approach.

Post by **billofdurham** » 20 May 2008, 07:11

I spray carb cleaner or even brake cleaner (flammable)...

The modern approach.

When I was told how to check for an inlet manifold leak carbs were rarely cleaned and brake parts were cleaned with paraffin (kerosene).

How times change!

Bill.