Just bought a 1990 240DL Automatic. Didn't run when I got it. No spark on plugs and reading nothing from the end of plug wires with a multimeter. Below are the parts I've replaced or modified:

• Distributor cap and rotor
• Spark plugs
• Plug wires
• Coil
• Crank position sensor
• Bridged leads for neutral safety switch

I'm new to volvos so I might be missing something stupid, but I've looked all over the forums and can't find an answer to my problem. Please help.

 

first thing is to make sure the timing belt is intact. look through the oil filler opening when cranking the engine to make sure the camshaft is turning.

 

Timing belt is intact. Compression also seems good on all cylinders.

 

any spark out of the coil wire if you ground it to the strut tower while cranking?

 

you could also look here

type in search box Volvo_Problem_ at https://ozvolvo.org/archive/

 

No spark when checked. I'm at a loss. I keep reading here and there on the ignition control module. Is there a way I can test it before I spend 100 bucks on a new one?

 

so there is no power at the coil at all? i'm assuming you already checked for any codes stored.
the troubleshooting guide mentioned above should help you further diagnose. believe the first checks would be on
the coil and power stage behind driver's side headlight.

 

Took the power stage/ignition control module to my local Napa they tested it and told me it was bad. I'm still not 100% sold, but I ordered a new one will make sure to update the thread when the new one comes in. If not the power stage then what?

 

don't throw away the old part yet!
the problem solver as posted above gives very clear instructions on how to test coil and power stage suggest you give a look. meantime you could also make sure
all your grounds are clean.

 

Got the Bentley manual today and went through the ignition system diagnostics. Also checked and cleaned every ground I could find. Results are as follows.

1. In-line fuse is good
2. ECU connections look good
3. ECU is getting battery power to terminal 6
4. Terminal 20 and 14 are good grounds
5. Coolant temperature sensor is within resistance spec
6. Throttle switch is functioning
7. LH control unit to terminal 8 voltage is in spec
8. ​​Engine speed sensor is showing Open Lead between terminal 20 and 23.
9. ECU is sending all the correct stuff to power amplifier.
10. Power amplifier ground is good.
11. Coil is good.

Per my NEW Bentley manual the only thing not checking out is the engine speed sensor and I have questions about that. The wires coming off the sensor connect to terminal 10, 11, and 23. I have checked continuity between the sensor connector and the ECU connector and they're all good. Now what I don't understand is why the book is telling me to test the resistance between 23 and 20(Ground). This can be due to me not being an electrician, but how can it be possible to check the resistance in a sensor by measuring one lead of the connector to a ground? I do get a reading when checking between terminal 10 and 23 and that is reading 170 Ohms which is a bit short of the 250 the book says 23 and 20 should be.

Now here is where I put on my tinfoil hat... The Bentley manual I have is brand-new, and just like I've seen in some of these other reprints there are some discrepancies; mainly the resolution of the figures and diagrams, but I noticed in my issue that in the check engine speed sensor step the book has two different fonts when showing the terminals to test 20 and 23. I don't know if this was a correction or if it was a mistake made in the reprint. If you have an old Bentley manual I'd like to know if it says the same, or if I should be checking another set of terminals.

Almost done, I realized I was calling things by the wrong name. The part I had tested at NAPA was the ignition power stage/amplifier not the ignition control module. I already have a new one on the way and should get it tomorrow or the next day. The book says it could be the issue, but no way to know for sure at this point since I can't get the engine speed sensor figured out.

Edit: I also checked the diagnostic system per the book and am getting code 1-1-1(All is good) All is not good.

 

while waiting on the power stage also make sure you check the 25 amp fuse and holder next to the coil for any fuel system connection issues...