240 wagon '93:electrical problems

Two days ago, during a trip, my Volvo's engine
suddenly cut out...dead. I saw the indicator of rev./second counter goes
down and so I thought "is an electrical problem"....I tried to start the
engine but nothing. The day after the engine started normally but now I want
to solve the problem because I don't like this. I know that the informations
are few...thanks anyway.
Greatings from Italy, Andrea.

 

many possible causes... on my '89 240, there's a plug-in fuse in the engine
compartment, up against the top of the wheelwell and behind the battery...
it seems to be the main fuse for the computer. A couple years ago, I had
some problems with intermittant operation, and found that the socket the
fuse plugs into had cracked or broken apart, and the fuse wasn't making good
contact. Fixing that solved my problems, and it might be a good thing to
check on your car....

 

Check all fuses for contact corrosion. My 240 went dead from time-to-time
and various circuits worked intermittently. Finally, I just replaced all of
the fuses in the car -- no more problems.

TKM

 

_____
What did the on-board computer LED readout report?

I agree with the two responses already given. Some corrections and
additional suggestions:
o Remove battery terminals, clean, reconnect.
o Remove _all_ fuses, clean terminals, put in _all_new_ fuses
o Spade fuse by ignition coil is for fuel delivery system, not
computer module. Remove fuse, check fuse body, clean contacts with very
thin file, put in new fuse. The OEM location on the steel bracket by
the headlight relay is a very poor choice. Too much water gets in. I
relocated this fuse holder in a 1984 and 1989 240 onto the cage that
holds the ignition coil.

Hope this helps.

 

Hi Andrea,

When you change all the fuses in the main fusebox, as already recommended,
try to find fuses with copper or brass ends. Volvo in my experience doesn't
stock them, but VW suppliers do.
Also, before installing the new fuses, clean the fuse holders with fine
sandpaper, then coat them with DIELECTRIC grease. This procedure will
reduce the chances of corrosion occurring. Corrosion is the usual
suspect.............

Good Luck
Andy I. ('93 240 Classic Wagon)


: Andrea1717 wrote:
: > suddenly cut out...dead. I saw the indicator of rev./second counter goes
: > down and so I thought "is an electrical problem"....I tried to start the
: > engine but nothing. The day after the engine started normally but now I
want
: > to solve the problem because I don't like this.
: _____
: What did the on-board computer LED readout report?
:
: I agree with the two responses already given. Some corrections and
: additional suggestions:
: o Remove battery terminals, clean, reconnect.
: o Remove _all_ fuses, clean terminals, put in _all_new_ fuses
: o Spade fuse by ignition coil is for fuel delivery system, not
: computer module. Remove fuse, check fuse body, clean contacts with very
: thin file, put in new fuse. The OEM location on the steel bracket by
: the headlight relay is a very poor choice. Too much water gets in. I
: relocated this fuse holder in a 1984 and 1989 240 onto the cage that
: holds the ignition coil.
:
: Hope this helps.
:
: --
: Regards / JCH

 

Thanks for the informations....I solved the problem:
was a false contact in the hight tension coil....well I'm happy but during
next days I'm going to clean all the fuses contact and the fast
connections.
Greatings from Italy, Andrea.

 

_____
That makes sense. The fuel delivery system relies on the presence of a
good pulse signal from the coil. It activates the tachimetric fuel pump
relay. No pulses from coil = no fuel = no start or run.

 

I have had more 240s than I can remember as our cars, kids' cars, etc.
I have always replaced ALL ceramic fuses with Buss glass fuses and
never had a problem afterwards. They have (I think) stainless contacts
and are readily available in the correct amperage at most auto parts
stores.

Chuck Fiedler
Nothing but Volvo since 1974

 

Unfortunately Buss seems to have discontinued those .

 

In our modern mass consumption society, what isn't "in vogue" probably
isn't made any more. Might I suggest you check with IPD and see if
they have anything. My 93 240 is already so equipped (with reserves)
and my 97 850 has spade fuses so I really don't know anymore but I
*think* if anyone has it, it would be IPD (www.ipdusa.com).

Chuck Fiedler
Nothing but Volvo since 1974

 

IPD stopped selling them several years ago when Buss stopped making
them. I simply use the traditional ceramic ones and replace them once
every five years or so. No big deal.