240GL Idles but won't run - Fuel pump?

moberer · Post by **moberer** » 13 Mar 2006, 18:36

I just bought an 86 240 GL, and I can't get it to run. It will start up and idle for about 5 seconds, and then die out. I can even get it to rev a little bit, and then die out. I pulled the intank fuel pump and hooked it up to battery power, and it did turn. I also tested the electrical connections right before this pump and I have power. I also found the fuel pump relay on the passenger side footwell, pulled the cover, tried to start the car, and saw the relay work, so I know that's good. I tried the trick with the rock on the fuel pump (or deadblow hammer in my case) to see if that would jiggle the external fuel pump to get it to work, and there was no change. I can hang my head outside of the car and hear the pump buzzing while the car is running.

I called a local volvo place and they suggested to unplug the MAF, and it actually runs a lot better when I do this, but if I push the throttle to a certain point, the car dies. Also if I put it in gear and try to get it to drive, it dies. It's almost like a certain spot in the pedal travel causes it to quit running.

Any ideas? I'm open to anything. I bought the car for $200, so I'd rather keep the repair cheap, if at all possible.

wetbackZO · Post by **wetbackZO** » 13 Mar 2006, 19:24

all you need is a new MAF meter...that'll fix it. Or you can get a used good one from ebay...my $.02.

moberer · Post by **moberer** » 13 Mar 2006, 20:08

Are you sure it's the MAF? Doesn't unplugging the MAF put the car into "limp home" mode, making it run rich, but still be able to run? I'd like to be 100% sure before I spend the money on a part that is probably more than I paid for the car... (ok, it might be less)