My 240 has begun a routine of randomly not turning over. It does not matter if it has been on a long trip or short trips. When the key is turned there is no click or engine crank. It immediately starts every time when a jumper battery is attached. I have replaced the alternator twice and the battery once. According to the the AAA tech, the alternator reads low at idle and at minimum levels under load, as if something is draining power.

 

If there is no engine crank, then it is the battery, battery cable connections, or ignition wiring somewhere. On my former 1983 244, it was the battery ground to the left wheel well. Visit www.stepbystepvolvo.com and click on "Basics of Diagnosis and Other Hints."

As for the power drain, the best way to isolate that is to connect an ammeter in series to the battery and with ignition "On" (not "Start") determine if there is any current. Then, pull the fuses one by one to see if the current reading drops. If so, you've isolated the drain to that fuse circuit.

As for the alternator, it could be the voltage regulator. Also, check brushes on alternator.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the tips. I will check the wire connections first.