Hi Volvo Forums-

My Volvo 240 wagon just stopped running while I was driving about 25mph and won't start up again. It will turn over when I turn the key and strangely the speedometer jumps all the way up to it's max when I turn the key. I did replace the instrument panel a few days ago which got my gas gauge working but a couple days later the speedometer died while driving (I'm wondering if I might have plugged in the red/white cable that you're not supposed to plug in? I took careful photos and replaced everything as it was originally but who knows). It's also cold outside ~25F and I've noticed when I've started it cold it doesn't want to keep running unless I give it a little gas. It's being towed now to the local service station.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you!

 

Please give us more info. Year, engine, trans, work space, tools, manuals, skill level, past work on this car, how long you've owned it. Forgive me if your profile is already somewhere on this site.

 

Hi Johnsf-

Here's some more info. It's an 1989 245 wagon 2.3L automatic. I'm working outdoors in my driveway in the Northeast and it gets cold in the winter. I may have access to an indoor garage at some point. I only have very basic tools (socket set, adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers etc.). I'm an enthusiastic beginner who knows very little about electronics or cars. I've not owned a car in twenty years. I do have the Bentley Manual and beer. I've owned this vehicle since July but have only gotten the car running and inspected in the last month as it required extensive work.

After the car died two days ago while driving my local mechanic was able to bring it back to life by replacing fuses #2, 4 & 9. He also noted codes #231 and #113. The heater is no longer blowing any air.

Also worth noting - the car was turning on fine but would quickly die if I didn't immediately give it a little gas.

The only repair I've done myself is replacing the instrument panel which brought the gas gauge back to life but the speedometer died a couple days later. Also the odometer and temperature gauge have never worked and the check engine light is on.

Work performed by mechanic in last couple months:
extensive body work done to deal with copious rust and rot (engine sub frame, transmission crossmember, drivers trailing arm)
Headlight, horn and and e-brake fixed
Replaced catalytic convertor
Replaced main fuel pump and fuel line with new unit
Accessory belts were replaced on the alternator
Replacement gas tank and sending unit with a used unit
Rear shocks
Torque Hard Mounts and Pan Hard Rod
Spring Top and Bottom Mount Work
New Trailing Arm and trailing arm bushing
Header Gasket replaced
Oil Change & Filter
Oil pan replacement and gasket
Transmission Line fixed
June:
Starter assembly was replaced
Alternative assembly was replaced

Here's a picture:

 

Your pod work could not have affected this latest woe.
I'd look at the crankshaft sensor, not sure if the '89 has that or a Hall sensor--same function. Or the fuel injection relay.
Sadly, after all that work and new parts, it may be some "new" replacement that is faulty.
You'd have to go back to the "spark or fuel" question, start at the beginning. I like to squirt some starter fluid in the intake, if it fires up it's a fuel issue, if not then spark.

 

as lev has said and since the CEL is on check codes... altho your mechanic should bear some responsibility considering all the work done in the recent past.
btw it looks like an excellent example so don't give up!

 

Thanks Lev - great suggestions. I'll try the starter fluid in the intake.

Thanks Silvermine - I'm hoping my mechanic can give me some more info tomorrow.

A bit of an update: I replaced fuse #3 and the heater blower is working :-) I also took out the instrument panel out and noticed a burnt caramel smell and brown spot on the back of the speedometer. It appears I fried it by plugging in the red/white cable. Whoops :-/ I replaced the speedometer from another instrument panel and it's working again. Wondering if this could have contributed to the blown fuses?

One other question - I noticed there's a rubber tube near the gas tank dragging slightly on the ground. I'm not sure what this is? A drainage hose of some sort? Is this something that needs to be trimmed or zip tied up to something? Here's a pic. Thank you for all the help!

 

the tube looks like the water drain from next to the gas cap. trace it back up to see where if that's where it came from and
re-attach if necessary.

 

Thanks Silvermine - I just got it zip-tied back in place :-)