Stalling problem - 1990 240 DL - CANNOT diagnose

[Glenn Deluxe]

Hello,

OK, so I know this topic has been well-covered on the forums, but I was hoping someone could help me out. I have a 1990 240 DL sedan with a chronic stalling problem. I've taken it into numerous mechanics and none of them have been able to figure it out or get it to stall on them. I've replaced the fuel relay, fuses, fuse holder and fuel filter. The distributer caps and spark plugs seem to be fine, as well as the fuel pump and everything else (as far as I can see, as well as my mechanics). It stalls both while idling as well as while I'm giving it gas. It seems to happen sporadically (every couple of weeks), but it's a chronic problem.

I'm not a mechanic, but I was hoping someone here could give me some insight as to what could possibly be causing this because, from what I've read, this seems to be a common (and frustrating) issue with these old 240s. Any info would be most appreciated so that I could suggest anything when I bring the car in next time.

Other than that, the car runs great and idles smoothly, normally. When it starts acting up, it sputters a bit, as if it were out of gas... then stalls and all the lights in the console come on. the Check Engine light comes on occasionally when this happens.

I'm not sure what other info I can give... but I am at my wit's end here, with this problem. I love my 240, and would love solve this mystery and be able to rely on it a little more.

Thanks!

J

[jimmy57]

Has the fusebox been cleaned and all fuses replaced?
Have the connectors in the plugs for EFI and Ignition modules been checked for corrosion and loose terminal grip?
The Ignition power stage behind battery needs to be checked for corrosion in terminals.
Does it immediately start after it dies?

[Volvo_240_Atari_2600]

I had a similar issue on my 89 245 back in January and it was frustrating.
Of course I was going through the trial and error part alone hoping to avoid a mechanic.

As jimmy57 said, one of my issues was a power stage back in September last year. Replaced that after checking and cleaning everything else until my "ignition module" went in January and I had a serrious no-start.

But going back to September, the power stage was my culprit.
The power stage is located on the inner fender wall just behind the battery. I believe it is secured by two small screws.

If you need a VOLVO mechanic in the LA area, I found these posts in the "machanics-shop" page. Cant vouch for any of them but the other members who posted are from your area and there are several to choose from in the event you need help from a pro.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 27&t=30533

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 27&t=29353


Good luck to you!
Eric

[Glenn Deluxe]

Thanks, guys... all of the fuses have been replaced recently, and I believe the fusebox was also cleaned. The car does start after it stalls, but only after about 5 minutes and several tries.

I'll check the connectors in the plugs for the ignition modules.. and the power stage. Like I said, I'm not a mechanic, but these are all good pointers to mention when I bring it in.

Car's been running fine all day today, which makes the problem all the more frustrating. Argh. Every time I bring it in for this issue, they keep it for a few days and are not able to get it to stall.

Also, thanks for the LA mechanic links!

J

[navy salt]

Any codes?

[Glenn Deluxe]

I think my mechanic has it narrowed down to the ECU/ECM unit. They look a little pricey new, but I was just going to order one for about 100 bucks on eBay. I found this chart for appropriate fitment, but I'm not seeing which replacement would work for mine, whose part number is 0 280 000 562. Would a replacement ending in -951 be an appropriate replacement? Also, I'm guessing these ECUs don't need to be programmed for the older 240s?

http://www.nuceng.ca/bill/volvo/database/ecu.htm

Thanks!