Hello,

I have a 1990 Volvo 240 and sometimes when cold and/or wet the car will notstart. In the cold if I try long enough it will eventually start andonce started the car runs fine. I don't hear the fuel pump trying to prime but when it doesthe car starts fine(ON A COLD DAY).If theengine compartment is wet it will not start at all.The car startsno problemabove 40F ona dry day???What should be my process to figure out this problem? Also when the coil is some what wet it will not start and I added plug wire grease to it. I'm installing a new coil tomorrow. BTW Ihave new wires and 1 year old plugs.

Thanks,
Joe

 

Welcome. First thing I would do is check the disty for moisture. And if it's been awhile replace the cap and rotor. Do you have good quality wires?

 

I would also check the cold start valve they cause that problem when the car is cold but when the car is warm car starts ok
Doesyours on normal tempoperation does it start fine. if your check engine light check for codes keep us advise with ur problem

 

The only code I get is about the idle air control 2-2-3.Theidle control valve is disconected and the idle surges up and down when it is installed. I know this is what is causing the code. BTW I was able to trymy idle controlon my sisters 1993 240 when she had it and it worked.
Today I started the car right up in the cold three times(morning,lunch, and after work x<32F)So this problem is pretty intermitent. I replaced the coil tonight to see if maybe the coil has been jumping spark. I replaced my wires with new ones on Tuesday but they arethe affordable7mm autozone wires. About 25 dollar set but they been working for me since 2001 and they have a lifetime warrenty. I've had no start issues during wet days in the pass and once the wires or ignition system was dry it would start right up.

 

Plugs are about a year old
The rotor and cap is probably 2 years old and I drive the car about 15,000 milesa year
Maybe I need to change these anyway.