Again, for those who do not know, I am looking at buying a 78-84 Volvo wagon... So I am asking questions to know about them so I know what I will need to look out for and know what I am getting myself into.

Ok, so for the older Volvo's (75-80), where there computers in them like cars today? I am assuming not.

I have been searching on eBay for 240, and there are some ECU parts...would the older Volvo's have those in them? If not, when did 240's start coming out with them?

Would you recommend on rewiring the older volvo's, so that you are safe from any thing happening - age can lead to wear on those wire harnesses etc...

Conrad

 

My '75 has no computer. It's just another thing to break. You should get yourself a '75, by the way. They're hard to find but it's the only year that has a B20. Also you won't have to bother with emissions.

 

In the older 240's, what did they do to sensor or find out if something is wrong?

Say if I buy a '78, how can I trust that it will pick up on something wrong, and light up on the dash?

Do you recommend on checking the fuses in the car, and making sure all the wiring is correct - so the thing is does not die, catch on fire, and is safe?

I might sound paranoid, but I just want to make sure that one of the older 240's can be safe for being an everyday driver.

Conrad

 

Brother, if you buy a lovely '75 like mine you're gonna have to actually pay attention to keep your car safe and reliable. Trust me, once you learn to take care of a car you won't miss your check engine light.

 

I would assume the '76 and up Lambda Sond fuel injected cars would have some kind of funky 1970's computer. I don't know how you'd run an o2 sensor without one. I'm new to Volvos, so please correct me if I'm wrong. I know my '84 has a computer, and I think I found a diagnostic connector under the hood. (OBD II is for chumps!) It has a vacuum line going to it. I assume it's an internal MAP sensor? Crafty Norsemen...

 

Volvo had several different ignition AND fuel systems for any given year, for various reasons.

The key is to find out exactly what you have and learn is much about it as possible.

The VIN number can be decoded to state the engine/ignition/fuel combo.