Anyone have some advice for a strange electrical problem I'm having on a 1988 Volvo 240 DL? I think all these problems developed at the same time, or close to the same time.

I don't know much about electrical systems or how to diagnose problems.

Here's what I do know:

1) The main blower motor does not work (on any speed). I don't know if the motor is burned out, or not getting power.

2) The radio and clock do not work.

3) All the other electrics seem to work fine. Horn, turn-signals, headlights, brake lights, etc.

4) You know the warning chime that sounds when the engine is running and the door is open? That chime will sound continously if the glove box door is open, even if all the doors are closed. That chime will also sound for a moment if the car goes over a sharp bump in the road.

5) I've checked the fuses, and they all seem fine.

 

Check them again...those ceramic fuses can be deceiving...also, removing them and wire brushing the terminal contacts is often beneficial as corrosion is always a possibility. You might also check the ignition key by gently moving it a bit while the car is running. Sometimes they will wear out and certain circuits will only work when the key is just right. If that's the case, replace the switch as it will only get worse. And...this could also be a common ground issue. Behind the center console fascia are two screws, one on either side, where several items ground converge...if one of those screws were loose it could cause issues. For that many diverse things to not work I'd think fuses. I know for a fact on 740's, if the fuse blows, the door chime sounds continuously.

 

My 2 240 series ( both with over 200K )started having "strange" electrical problems. Changed batteries,alternators,fuses,ETC. Nothing seemed to work.Friend asked if I'd changed all the belts.I thought he was crazy,but what the hey!.......the cars run like NEW!!!??

 

I had a lesser of a problem and after sorting it out it ended up being the ignition switch. Car would start but sometimes all of the accessories wouldn't work. I would then restart it and they would work. After a while I found that wiggling the key would make things work. I replaced the back of the switch and it fixed the problem.