the car starts selectively i just had it running and driving an hour ago and it wont start now. I've changed the battery, spark plugs, air filter, and distributor cap and still has the same problem

 

Does it crank over?

 

Have you had this problem many times that it starts selectively? Then do check your fuel relay.

 

Definitely check the fuel pump relay, also look at the intake vacuum hoses, start from the filter and go back from there, I had a small hose that split that caused similar symptoms. Cleaning the MAF can't hurt either, can find that at any auto parts store.

 

My 240 isn't starting right now. Crankshaft position sensor code. The crankshaft position sensor is the only one that absolutely has to work for the car to start. Might wanna give the codes a look...

 

Caveat Emptor... MAF cleaner does more harm than good. had many a MAF croak permanently after trying it.

240's were made for 20 years or something, and had 4-5 different engine management systems over their lifetime, the earliest ones were 2.0L with K-Jet (or even carbs if you're not in USA), the later ones used Bosch LH electronic injection, again a couple generations (LH2, LH2.2, LH2.4)

1) read diagnostics (if its a 1989+ with LH2.4, you didn't say).

2) verify the fuel pumps are running

3) verify you have spark.

 

Isn't there a cable that goes together with the positive connector to the battery post that belongs to the pump relay? I had an 87 240 wagon like that...one day I swapped batteries and never started due to leaving this particular small(10 or 12 gauge) wire/cable unplugged...when it would make contact it would start and not start when flapping away from terminal...

 

on a 240, I believe there should be 3 wires to the + terminal (this is from memory). 1) big fat cable that goes to the starter and on to the alternator. 2) medium weight red one that goes to the 'positive terminal' on the left fender. 3) medium weight red wire that goes to a 25A fuse just behind the battery, which in turn goes to the fuel injection system, including the fuel pump/fuel injection relay.

 

hey guys thanks for all the help i ordered a new fuel pump relay and when i got to replacing it ,since its been frigid out lately, and after looking at it the old one was out of the clip that holds it in and it wasnt plugged in all the way so i just pushed it back in and it started right up