1985 Volvo 240 Wagon Fuel/Ignition Problem
 

Well Folks and Gurus, I've been working and working on getting this old girl "right". I've used these forums extensively to troubleshoot thus far and I owe a big thanks to all of you for the great info here!

This problem started several moths ago on a rainy evening. We've owned her for two years and she's ran great all along? After my bro-in-law took her out to the coast, something happened though? I had to go out and recover her and she would start and run but as soon as you put her in gear, she would stall. I would try to pump the pedal but she would just load up and stall? My first thought was some extremely bad gas? I added some gasoline antifreeze or dryer and though I'd wait til morning and try again. I was able to drive her home about two miles but she couldn't pull a grade at all. And if I gave her anything but a tiny amount of gas pedal, she'd load up and stall. I proceeded to check both fuel pumps and verified voltage to both of them and that they were indeed running. I also took the cover off the fuel relay and verified both coils energizing and closing the contacts,. though one set of the contacts is a little suspect looking. BUT, I am getting good voltage at both pumps and I can hear/feel them running? I ahve not checked the pressure on the fuel delivery, as I do not have the right gauge or tool for that.

I really have not been driving her at all but she gets started every weekend and she fires right up without hesitation.She'll idle forever, with only an occasional stutter. I even managed to drive about ten miles a few weekends ago, up and over a fairly steep hill, to add some premium gas. She'll eventually get up to speed but I have to downshift when going up a hill or she'll start boggin down and want to stall. When starting out from a stop, you really have to finesse the pedal with your foot to get her going or she'll try to stall.

At this point, I am thinking that maybe the problem is some part of the fuel injection system? I could buy another fuel pump relay or a fuel filter but I hate to start guessing with my wallet? I really appreciate any of the wisdom you all can shed on this and what direction I need to go in next? Thanks!

RE: 1985 Volvo 240 Wagon Fuel/Ignition Problem
 

It sounds like it could be the mass air flow sensor. Check your error codes. If it flashes up a 1-2-1, then we know we're on the right track. Something else to check is the intake hose, if it is cracked or worn with holes, this too could cause the problem. Also check the connection to the mass air flow sensor, sometimes the pins where the connection is made are out of place. Hope this helps.

RE: 1985 Volvo 240 Wagon Fuel/Ignition Problem
 

T-I-M,

Tnx for the push in the right direction (hopefully)! I am not very familiar with the FI systems on these Volvos. I owned a 1981 Bmw E12 528i for a long time and grew intimately familair with it's FI system but it has been a few years. I guess I should try and find the old L-Jetronic manual I had for it and see if it helps me troubleshoot the Volvo? I'll try all you suggested!

Now, where did I read how to check for error codes here....?!

RE: 1985 Volvo 240 Wagon Fuel/Ignition Problem
 

Is the car fitted with a diagnostic test box?

RE: 1985 Volvo 240 Wagon Fuel/Ignition Problem
 

Aa far as whether I have a diagnostic box, if memory serves me, I went in search of it after reading here how to use it and I concluded I must not have one?

RE: 1985 Volvo 240 Wagon Fuel/Ignition Problem
 

Driver's (L) side fender liner I think.

RE: 1985 Volvo 240 Wagon Fuel/Ignition Problem
 

I don't think thatyearhad self diagnostics. You can try unplugging the MAF and see if it drives better. If it does you have it solved. I am assuming the sparkplugs, rotor,compression, etc is good