940 GLE stalling randomly, starts up again - desperate plea

galnum · Post by **galnum** » 05 Dec 2012, 22:43

Hej, I’m new here. I have a Volvo 940 GLE (the second one of this kind I own) which I really love. Or loved. I am seriously thinking of junking it if this issue isn’t resolved very soon, it is driving me absolutely crazy.

Here’s the diagnosis: car dies while driving, randomly, with check engine light coming on for a split second and then stalling. Feels as if the engine gets no fuel all of a sudden. Starts up again after 20sec-2,3 minutes, which is EXTREMELY annoying on the open road. Sometimes never happens for days, sometimes happens three times on a short drive.
Also, the car (purchased used) only holds about 7 gallons and has always idled low (runs rich), even though my mechanic couldn’t find anything unusual with the tank itself.

Engine codes that show up after the car stalls:
On socket 6: 214 (Perm. Magnet Generator), 144 (Fuel system load signal)
On socket 2: 221 (Lambda operation), 121 (mass airflow sensor), 131 (Ignition RPM sensor)

Does this make any sense, pointing to whatever triggers this nonsense, assuming that a bunch of this signals is simply triggered by the engine dying off. But what makes it die in the first place?

Over the last year, I’ve had it at a mechanic two times for this. We exchanged the external fuel pump, the mass airflow sensor and another sensor I think was the crank sensor.

Please help me. I can’t put up with this much longer.

Post by **precopster** » 06 Dec 2012, 11:38

A difficult one indeed. I would change the alternator first and see if clean unadulterated power is going to make a difference. If the alternator has bad diodes or a poor regulator symptoms like these can occur.

galnum · Post by **galnum** » 06 Dec 2012, 12:22

Hm, never heard that suggestion. Anyone agrees with that? Sounds like a pretty expensive action to take.

ChaddGostas · Post by **ChaddGostas** » 06 Dec 2012, 19:35

I'm gonna guess and say your codes are put out due to failure. clear all your codes. start fresh. I am not sure whether to use a reader with your car or simply disconnect the batt. cable for 10 min. after the codes are clear, if you like / love the car, start with the cheapest parts first.
fuel filters usually do not allow the car to start back up.
check your compression.
spray your maf. with carb choke cleaner,
if you have a throttle solenoid check that it is plugged in/ clean, throttle position sensor is clear, throttle plate is operating properly,
test your alt./ batt. at a parts store with their fancy computer, usually free.
make sure your general maintenance parts are fresh,
<air filter, plugs, wires, fuel filter.>
if your car has a P.C.V. system make sure that is clean/clear
all these stupid little expensive things add up quickly, check them before you replace them. If you have a local junkyard, start with parts there.

adki110 · Post by **adki110** » 07 Dec 2012, 01:00

On my 1992 940 with Regina system replaceing the fuel pump relay behind the ash tray and the fan relay on the right side under the hood salved the problem.

Volvo1man · Post by **Volvo1man** » 23 Dec 2012, 17:33

On my 1994 940 Turbo Wagon with similar symptoms the problem was with the fuel relay, located behind the ash tray. It cost around $50 for a new one from the dealer and solved the problem. Maybe try one from a junkyard before paying for the new dealer part?

russellengineering · Post by **russellengineering** » 24 Dec 2012, 16:58

Hi Galnum,

I replaced the fuel relay and the fuel pressure regulator at the same time for my very similar problem. They were 18 years old at the time of the replacement/failure. Never had a problem after the replacements.

I did the replacements at the same time and never did figure out which one it was. However, they are both fixes you can do yourself, and they do wear out eventually (after 15 years or so). Make sure you disconnect your battery for both fixes and relieve the fuel pressure for the fuel pressure regulator. Both parts are not pricey, especially if you order them online.

The fuel filter is a good idea also, especially if you cannot determine if it was changed within the last 2-3 years. It did not fix my problem before, but it is a PM item.

Good luck keeping your baby.

Dave

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 24 Dec 2012, 18:01

This is probably the same filter as used on many VW and Audi cars of the past. They were lifetime filters only needing replacement if they managed to get plugged.