I have a 1987 Volvo 240 that was running fine until one morning it decided to stop working. It turns over but it doesn't want to start. I was going to replace the fuel pump relay but I was wondering if their was a way to check it before I replace it. I was also wondering if their is anything else I might check that would cause this problem. I checked the interior fuses as well but they look to be in working order. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, Thanks.

 

Don't just look at the fuses, spin them around, they may have corroded a little, so no electricity may be flowing. Also, you can jump fuse 4 and 6 to bypass the relay.

 

The first step with a no start is check for spark, fuel and camshaft rotation.
Open the oil filler and look in while cranking for a second to confirm that. Spark check is easy and if they are wet after a bit of cranking, then you see you have gas, but probably not spark. Burn stains suggestion to bypass fuses is a great way to hear if the pumps run. I recommend that too.

 

Thanks for the helpful advise guys. I will give it a shot tomorrow and let you know how it goes. Also I was wondering in replacing the belt for the compressor, is there more than two bolts one the bottom plus the tension bolt on top. I am trying to replace the belt but I am only able to find those 3 bolts and with them loose it still wont budge. Thanks again for the advice.

 

Hey guys I checked all the fuses pulled them out check them replaced the bad ones or questionable ones. I looked in the oil cap to make sure there is camshaft rotation and there is. I also bypassed the fuel pump rely by jumping fuse 4 to fuse 6 and heard the fuel pump turn on. Now that I know that the fuel pump in the tank (main) works, how do I know if the in line pump works. Also I took a 5/8 socket with me to check the spark plugs but it did not fit. I was wondering if anyone knew the spark plug socket size for 87 Volvo 240. I plan on replacing the plugs but I wanted to check and make sure I am getting a spark before I do. Since I do not hear the fuel pump when I try to start the car does this mean that it could possibly be the fuel pump rely? I really want to get this baby running and any help would be greatly appreciated, Thanks.

 

My 88 wagon had the same issue after a week or so of rain with Hurricane Irene... Once it dried out, its starting fine with no issue. Im thinking it must be the leads that are getting too much moisture. Im gonna look into getting those changed out this week before winter comes.

 

I checked my plugs to make sure they fire and make sure I am getting spark and they are. I checked my fuel pump relay and replaced it with a new one and I can hear the fuel pump engage. I also opened up the oil tank cap and checked to make sure I am getting camshaft rotation and I am. So since I have fuel, spark and rotation it should start but it doesn't, and I am wondering what I am overlooking. PLEASE HELP, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

I would try starting the car with the air mass meter unplugged. Also remove the cover to the pump relay. One set of contacts should engage in key position 2. The other set of contacts should engage in key position 3.