Volvo 240 Starting Problem. Possible Fuel Pump Related?

[wholenewmom]

Our 240 wouldn't work one day but you can hear the fuel pump running and the car is turning over. Had it towed to the mechanic and it started fine. Drove a few times but then it wouldn't start in aa parking lot. Went back a few days later and the car started again. Now it's dead in the driveway again.

Would appreciate any thoughts as to what we can try to get it running again. Thanks so much in advance.

 

[wholenewmom]

Anyone? Someone suggested that we try filling the tank and if it starts fine that it would help us diagnose, but I don't think that's going to help b/c it's started up again in those 2 situations that had nothing to do w/ more fuel being in the engine.

 

[Shaggy]

Our 240 wouldn't work one day but you can hear the fuel pump running and the car is turning over. Had it towed to the mechanic and it started fine. Drove a few times but then it wouldn't start in aa parking lot. Went back a few days later and the car started again. Now it's dead in the driveway again.

Would appreciate any thoughts as to what we can try to get it running again. Thanks so much in advance.

Have you got it figured out yet?

It seems like you're dealing with a classic “starts and stops randomly” issue, and the fuel pump relay is often the culprit here. It tends to overheat or develop bad solder joints, causing intermittent power to the pump. Swapping in a known-good relay is one of the quickest ways to test if that's the problem. If the relay checks out, digging into wiring, grounding, or even fuel delivery issues next is a smart move.

 

[wholenewmom]

Have you got it figured out yet?

It seems like you're dealing with a classic “starts and stops randomly” issue, and the fuel pump relay is often the culprit here. It tends to overheat or develop bad solder joints, causing intermittent power to the pump. Swapping in a known-good relay is one of the quickest ways to test if that's the problem. If the relay checks out, digging into wiring, grounding, or even fuel delivery issues next is a smart move.

Wow thanks for commenting. We have been buried w/ other things since I got the first reply so we haven't dug into this yet but this is definitely something we have to sort out soon. Are you saying we should just buy a new relay (is there a brand you recommend) and see if that does it? Thanks again!

 

[Shaggy]

Wow thanks for commenting. We have been buried w/ other things since I got the first reply so we haven't dug into this yet but this is definitely something we have to sort out soon. Are you saying we should just buy a new relay (is there a brand you recommend) and see if that does it? Thanks again!

Now I am just guessing here, but I’d say starting with a new fuel pump relay is a good first move. It’s a super common failure point on these older 240s and easy to swap out. No need to go fancy, OEM Volvo part is great if you can find it, but Bosch is usually the go-to brand and works just fine. It’s not expensive and definitely worth trying before digging deeper.

 

[Watts]

I had similar issues with my 940 and found the terminal on the negative battery node was loose. I was unable to tighten the bolt so I used a zip tie. Fixed