Hello all im new to the volvo scene but i have a very good understanding of cars and engines. But that aside i have a 1990 volvo 240dl 2.3l n/a auto trans with 170,000 miles on the clock. This is the problem the engine will start sometimes with no problems sometimes will be very hard to start (No relation to engine temp).Once its started it will idle perfect if i hit the accelerator softly the engine will idle up normally but when i hit the gas quickly the engine will stumble miss and sputter and then clear and rev most of the time some of the time it will just sputter and die and some times it will die just by shifting into gear. This is what i have done and tested Distributor Cap,Rotor,Plug wires,Plugs,TPS,Mass Air Meter,Cleaned the throttle body,air filter. I cant just keep throwing parts at this thing to dianose it im going broke if anyone canidentify the problem that i can test and it fixes the problem i will send them 20$via paypal for the help thanks for the help i hope i can figure this out i really like the car and dont want to have to sell it but i have to get it going and im stumped.

 

Did you test the O2 sensor?
If not take a volt meter and connect to the single wire with the positive lead. Then ground the lead. Start the car and let it run for a few minutes. Then it should start sweeping. It should sweep between 0 to 12 volts. 0 being lean 12 being rich.

If that is working normally unplug the ECM for a few minutes then plug it back in and see if it helps.

Also any engine codes?
If you don't know how to pull them follow the link.
http://www.troublecodes.net/Volvo/
Check A2 and A6 for codes.

Also with the car idleing put it in gear and see if the RPM go up for a second then settle. Then go back into park and see if it does it again. If you have a tach when you go into gear and back in to neutral it should go up to 1000 then back down to around 850.

Did you adjust the throttle switch correctly as well?

 

Sorry one more question how much gas is in the tank?

 

Hey thanks for the super fast reply. I have adjusted the tps, The car has a full tank of gas, and is not throwing any codes. I will check the oxygen sensor voltage tommorrow morning and let you know asap. Also one more thing the car seems to not sputter or misfire as much if i leave the Air Mass Meter unplugged but it does idle poorly with it unplugged. Thanks again

 

The mass flow could be going bad.
I have also seen the coils cause the same problem.
You might want to try to find a used MAF cheap to try.

Also with the throttle switch do you know how to set correctly?
You did make sure it clicks just barely above Idle?

I just want to make sure you have ot set right.
Also the throttle plate adjustment. You should just barely be able to see light around the blade. Then the switch is adjusted after that.

 

Quick update i just went out and checked the codes one more time i got a code 1-1-3 the chart says fuel injectors?? what could be the problem with them??? also i just repalaced the MAM today and the coil has been replaced with a new one. And also i adjusted the Tps exactly as you described.

 

113 is short term fuel trim lower limit (vacuum leak)
Check the intake gasket spray carb cleaner around the intake with the car running and see if the idle changes. If it does there is the leak.

 

Alright Tommorow morning i will test for vacuum leaks and i will also test the O2 sensor.And will report back to you with my findings i will also clear the codes tonight and try and drive it some tom and check the codes againbecause the code might have been triggered by me runnig the car without the MAM plugged in and just for the hell of it this is the car got it for 100 bucks fell in love lol

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Nice buy for only $100.00
I need to find one like that next year oldest daughter going to drive after next year.

 

Hey sorry i have not been able to get back to you sooner i have been super busy. i went to check the oxygen sensor i looked that exhaust over three times no sensor on it just a bung where the oxygen sensor should be with a bolt in it. couls that cause the car to not start or give me the intermittent stumble thanks

 

Yes it would but it would also set a codes. Make sure the wiring is over by the a/c lines on the firewall.
There should be the 2 plugs.