Volvo 240 starting probs

Hi all,

I have a 92 240 wagon that is a beast to start when it's wet out. I've
replaced cap, plugs, coil, rotor & wires, & still have a weak spark
(dim, small & orange) is the next step an new (or new to me) ECU?

Thanks,

Andy

 

sounds like you've checked or replaced all the ignition parts from the coil
to the plugs, so I'd start looking at the PRE-coil parts. I doubt the ECU is
defective... if it was, you'd probably get NO spark at all. Perhaps the fuse
to the ECU is corroded? That might drop the voltage thru it enough to affect
the spark. Try turning each fuse back and forth a little to "polish" the
contacts. Also, have you checked your battery? And the connections to the
battery? That could be the cause of a low voltage supply to the ECU and
ignition...

One last thought... there are several grounding straps from the car body to
the engine block. If they are corroded or missing, that MIGHT affect the
ignition system....

 

Hi Perry,

I did not think of the grounds at all. So essential, so neglected.
It's no wonder they feel lonely.

Andy

 

Hi,

Same here. On mine, water gets in the winshield strut (i Think) and
drips down to corrode the fuse box, fuses and clips by my left foot. I
can even see drips of water after a heavy rain dangling prettily from
the wires, partially grounding or shorting several connections at
once. Once I had the feul pump fuses cleaned and greased I had fewer
problems.
Still, I had NO problems after replacing my secondary feul pump and re-
establishing a good ground.
You may also want to check the relay (over the passenger side foot
well) these also can get wet, especially if they are hanhing upside
down.
Lastly, what always worked for me before the actual repair, was to
bump start the car... turn the key, let the pumps build pressure, turn
the ignition once( just enough to slightly turn the motor..about a
half second) and then give it a regular ingition. This bump start has
to be done first off... won't work if you crank the starter as usual
and then bump....Bump first.

 

On the wifes 89 240 gl we have to hold the shifter forward, north of
park before it will start. Being this is the first Volvo we have owned
I'm still lost of common problems.
Hey the wife drives the hell out of it and is very happy I think I
have to learn to keep it on the road...lol

Mario
Did I mention I own a VW restoration shop. (Please don't hate me)

 

Just bypass the starter interlock switch, the harness for it is under the
lip of the carpet behind the center dash console by the shifter. The manual
transmission cars came with a jumper plug there anyway.

 

Too late:

Mario Gavazzi Vintage Werks:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=96792

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=troubleshooter&id=5665438