I have been driving a 1989 Volvo 240 DL for the past 9 years and needless to say, have become quite attached.


Of late I have begun experiencing issues with startup and now stop and go driving as well.


About two months ago, I began experiencing trouble on startup where the engine would struggle to get going and sometimes not start on the first key turn or the engine would start, but would stall out if I tried to put it in drive and accelerate "too quickly." What did seem to work to keep the engine running was revving the engine while in park, this allowed me to at least get to work and back. After a bit of this trouble, a fellow Volvo Enthusiast and myself, swapped out the distributor cap, ignition rotor and the ignition wire set as well as changing the spark plugs, thinking that might be the issue. However, that did not solve the problem and is still having issues on startup.


Within the last week or so, the car has stalled out completely at one red light and barely chugged backed to life at another. I have read and heard that it may need a new O2 sensor, but am hoping to hear what some of you may think.


Thanks for your help and if you need anymore information please let me know.

 

I suspect it's the MAF sensor...mine was losing power at stop lights too. it got progressively worse where it wouldn't accelerate smoothly or go beyond 50mph.

 

a bad O2 sensor wouldn't make it stall. you'd likely have fault codes on yoru onboard diagnostic reader, which were new in 1989.