I have a 1991 Volvo 940 turbo.
I was driving my car and it just shut off. I put new fuel filter on. Didn't fix it. I don't know what's wrong. I took of the cord that goes from the spark plugs to the distributor and there was no spark. Any ideas as to what this is!???? Please help!

 

You need to ask fellow 940 owners. You posted this in general volvo chat.

Moved to 940.

 

check the power stage chip, sometimes called the ignition control module. It's located on the inside of the fender on the 740 series (which I have). If it's defective there will be no high intensity spark.

 

to run, an engine needs fuel, spark, and it needs the basic mechanics.

if you broke your timing belt, that would cause a total stop, and complete refusal to run. a compression test on all 4 cylinders would verify this, at least 2 cylinders would probably show completely zero compression because the valves are staying open. good new is, its extremely unlikely a broken belt would cause any mechanical damage, you just need to replace the timing belt.

if the compression tests OK, then its time to get to spark and fuel delivery....

does the tach move when you crank the car? if yes, then the CPS (Crank Position Sensor) and the power module are probably OK. if the tach doesn't twitch, unplug the power module, and connect a 12V test light between pin 5 and pin 2 (ground), and have a friend crank the car, does THAT blink? if so, then your power module is probably bad. pin 4 should be +12V always if the ignition is switched on. ditto ignition coil pin 15 should be +V if the car is switched on. if that pin 5-2 test does NOT blink, then its quite possible the CPS (or its wiring) is bad

the power module is on the left fender of a turbo 91... this mess is my son's old 1991 940SE which spent too much time on desert dirt roads, hah... anyways, you can see the power module on the far right of the picture just right of that little blue connector inside the fender.




see this site for a LOT more troubleshooting tips specific to 740/940...
Engine Tune and Performance

 

You can check for a broken timing belt without performing a compression test (many folks don't have a compression tester). Simply remove the oil cap on the top of the engine. Have a friend crank the starter while you look down in the oil filler. If you see items moving in there while your friend is cranking, then your timing belt is not broken.

Good luck