Yesterday I noticed that my 242 has a very unusual problem. Turning the key to pos.4 i.e. running the starter and such, works normally. Engine fires right up with a little bit of choke even on -5 C weather.
It's only when I let go of the key and it returns to pos.3 the problem occurs. Ignition shuts off.

I suspect the culprit to be the switchplate or whatever it is called that attaches to the bottom of the key barrel. I tried looking for one locally and online and it seems to be total unobtainium here in Finland.
Thus my plan of attack is as follows:
I get 2 bandit connectors and an on/off switch. Splice the switch into the key wires so that essentially it'd be that switch which cuts off the ignition.

Problem is, I don't have the Haynes manual and my local auto parts store doesn't stock it.
If anyone here would be so kind to send the diagram of those wires and point out which 2 I need to connect.

Big thanks in advance

 

You need to replace the plastic ignition switch, the part under the lock. It is not unusual at all! They wear out and are widely available for sale.

 

That part is exactly what I mean by bottom of the key barrel. Direct translations are what they are.

As I said I can’t get them locally. Biltema, Fixus/AutoPro nor Motonet which are the 3 biggest parts retailers don’t stock it. Can’t get it from the Volvo dealership either since according to them the 240 is such an old car that they don’t stock parts and would have to order them from a 3rd party.

Rather than waiting 2-3 weeks for 1 part to arrive I just want to get this working so hence the bandit connectors and switch.

 

Found a forum post from 2014 saying that on ’86 models I’d need to put the switch between red coming from the battery and blue-yellow which he says is ignition.

Can someone confirm?

 

Well **** me silly and butter my biscuit.
I changed the starter today and now it runs fine. No issues.

I simply have no idea why it ceased running instantly with the old starter but it works good now.

 

good you're running again. don't throw away that old part yet! bench test it and see what happens!