Volvo 240 Wagon 1985/ Fuel Problem

Kevin Russell · Post by **Kevin Russell** » 29 Jul 2006, 13:02

When I'm driving the car, suddenly at various times, the car continues to idle, but won't accelerate. If I let the car continue to idle, while moving, it will generally start to accelerate again. However, at times, the car completly shuts off, and I have had to pull over. Then I have turned the car off, and re-started it, and it starts back up. Any ideas? Thank you.

wojeepster · Post by **wojeepster** » 01 Aug 2006, 18:04

I have not heard of this defect before. I am thinking it might be the fuel pump relay, or the air mass sensor. Relay can be obtained for $20 from fpcgroton.com, I would just replace this relay first. It is a common failure part on volvos. When the car shuts off on you unplug the air mass sensor this will put the computer in limp home mode if it is ok then maybe you need an air mass sensor. used ones can be had cheaply from www.car-part.com Look up air flow meter go to page with asterisk If it happens at ONE partular throttle setting I would suspect the throttle position sensor. This can be checked with a voltmeter Good luck, let us know what you find.

Is it possible that your catalytic converter is in pieces and plugging the exhaust when you go up hills? When cars will not acclerate sometimes it is a plugged cat.

MacD · Post by **MacD** » 07 Aug 2006, 22:56

I used to own a 1985 Volvo 240 Wagon that did exactly the same thing. The dealer swore up and down that they could not replicate the problem. I took it to a second mechanic who replaced the fuel relay (little white plastic box). The problem was fixed immediately.

I also have a 1991 Volvo 240 sedan. Last month, the car started to stall -- replaced the fuel filter (30k on it). Still had problems -- replaced the fuel relay and the problem was fixed.

Hope this helps