Hi all.
I have a volvo 240 1983. Over the last year or so I have been having some issues with it. First issue was when i stopped at a traffic light the I heard the engine kinda shake and then the car turned off. I was able to start it again after a few minutes and drive it fine. I got it serviced - Got all spark plugs, ignition leads, broken vacuum hoses replaced. Vehicle throttle body heavily choked with carbon. Cleared carbon from the body.

Then a few months later I had a problem where turning the car off and pulling the key out of the ignition caused the engine to keep running. Found the main fuel pump relay was burnt and so were some of the fuses. So I got a new relay and changed some fuses. Had no issues until recently:

I stopped the car, went to get back in it after maybe 5 minutes and the engine wouldnt start but all the lights on the dash would come on. Someone came over with a booster pack, attached it to my battery and the car started up fine again.

About a week later I was stopped at a red light and the car turned off completely again. I was able to start it back up again about 5 minutes later. Haven't done anything since. The fuel pump fuse appears burnt on one end and this would be new from about 3 months ago.

So i was wondering if all these problems are related and the source of it has not been fixed? Sorry i dont know much about cars but I would like to learn.

 

Buy an inexpensive multimeter to measure battery voltage. Before starting battery should read about 12Volts. With engine running should be 13.5 to 14.5 Volts. Practice first on a flash light battery or a 9V. If thats all ok then hook up the meter to monitor voltage to the fuel pump. Place the meter where you can see it from the drivers seat. The fuel pump should have voltage when cranking or engine running, not when the key is just in on position.