Hello everyone. This is my first post to this forum. I happily registered, and look forward to being a part of this online Volvo community. I am a noobie on this forum and I hope I'm posting in the right section for my problem. If I'm not doing something right just let me know.

On to my issue.

I have a great (love my 940) 1994 940, non tubo model. About two weeks ago I was on the way home. Stopped at a stop sign, pulled half way through the intersection and the car stalled. I tried to crank it up, and I heard nothing other than the usual I think I can, I think I can, I can't sound from the motor. I pushed the car to a safe place (thats always fun ) I again tried to start the car, and nothing. I tried it again and all I heard was the click, click sound of the motor not starting.

My roommate came out and jumped my car and it started immediately. I drove it back to our apartment and at the exact moment I was turning into the parking lot it started to shudder (lights on dash flashed on and off) and I pulled into a parking space as it stalled again. The next day he jumped it and I let it run (hooked up to his car) for a little bit. I turned it off and tried to start it and nothing, not even a click, or the "I think I can, I think I can" sound. Just the sound of me cussing under my breath. My buddy (who I purchased the car from) told me about a little black box plunged into a wire harness next to the battery that was going bad. I was told that has something to do with the injectors, like an injector relay? Something to that effect. He told me about that issue when I got the car. He said that the car had stalled a few times on him and he would get out and whack that little box with a screw driver and it would start up again, no problem. I completely forgot about that issue because it never stalled on me. I've had the car for about 4 months. After it did this I called him and asked if it ever stalled, then he reminded me about that little black box / stalling issue. I figured that would be the part to replace. So I did, still won't crank.

My car has been sitting in my parking lot now ever since. I really miss my car. Regardless of the issue or the cost to fix it I just want to know what the issue is. Then I can decide what to do about it. I was told that its the battery, or even the starter, and it could even be the alternator. I even called a Volvo mechanic and he said that he wasn't quite sure. He said "bring it in" and I'll check it out. I don't want to tow the car to a shop and find out it was a battery. I'm not a mechanic but I can handle replacing that. Maybe I should take the battery somewhere and have it tested first? Before I do anything. Or maybe someone here knows exactly what to replace. I would like to find out more information before I have to pay for a tow and diagnostics at a shop.

Sorry for the long novel sized post. I just want to tell it like it happened. I am not looking forward to spending $100 (price I found so far) for a battery. But I hope its JUST a battery and not something more serious. I love this car, and everything inside works. Heated seats, stereo, cruise, looks good too, even the the cigg lighter works! I love this car, and I really miss it. its my first Volvo and I think I'm hooked.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated regarding this matter. Thanks in advance. Post a reply, or feel free to email me too.

Josh

 

Sounds like the alternator went bad.
Remove it and have it tested at the local Auto Parts store.

 

Go to www.stepbystepvolvo.com for free guide to no-starts on 740/940s.

 

Thanks guys, I will try those two things. Thanks for the help. I will post my results after I find out what it is.