1. Home
  2. Volvo automobiles
  3. 240 shut down/start-up problems

240 shut down/start-up problems

I have an 86 240 DL sedan with 107K miles.

I am now experiencing the following problems, which I hope are interconnected and caused by a single common problem, like a relay. I don't know the terminology, so I hope my layman's description of the symptoms is enough for you to go on.

1) Periodically, when turning the car off after a couple hours of highway driving, the engine shuts down fine but some kind of very loud whirring motor sound/feeling with clicks and grinding noises continues from behind the center of the dash behind the radio, and quickly increases in pitch, as if the car were being shifted to a higher gear. It usually takes a couple re-starts and shut-downs to get it to stop.

2) Again, while coming off a few hours of highway driving recently, I idled the car in "park" for a few minutes in a rest stop while I heeded nature's call. I noticed a new gentle buzzing sound, similar to an insect noise, coming from somewhere under the car, towards the rear, on the driver's side. Then as soon as I put it in drive, it stalled out. When I attempted to restart, all I got was a loud "thunk," which I could also feel under my feet (driver's side) as if some part was turning a half rotation then stopping.

3) Several other occurances of this no start/thunk thing.

4) Once, after the shut-down problem in #1, I restarted the car with no problem, but all the electronics were out -- instrument, radio, headlights, climate control. The instrument cluster then flashed once before going dead again. I pulled into a gas station, and again experienced the shut down problem from #1.

5) I've blown and replaced 5 radio/cigarette lighter fuses in as many months.

I guess I should add that these problems only started this winter.

Bottom line: Is this an electrical problem, like a relay? Or is it a problem with the fuel pump system? Or the fuses, battery?

ANY HELP is much appreciated. This board is always helpful.

John

Reply to
rogadelic
Loading thread data ...

1)No clue. Starter, Heater motor, recirculate door closing???? 2)Main fuel pump buzzing noise. When it stops you walk. Remove #4 fuse when car is running. The noise should be quieter with the fuse installed. If there is no change the in-tank prepump or prepump hose are not contributing. 2a)Starter, or possible (probably likely) engine harness problem or both.)Also sounds as if a motor mount is broken. 3) 4)Gently turn the key towards the I position after having the motor running in the II position. If you can duplicate the dash light problem the ignition switch is going bad. 5) Check the wiring for the power antenna, behind the spare tire in the trunk. Even if you don't have a power antenna the wairing is there and can chafe in the clip on the left hand hinge that holds it and the wires for the trunk light, tag lights and trunk lock wires.

Bob

Reply to
User

Thanks Bob. I wonder why I didn't get the usual number of replies on this one. Have I violated some message board etiqutte or something?

As for #1, I definitely think it's the starter. I will do as you suggest on #2 and #3.

#4 makes sense. There are a lot of wires/cables in the spare tire well in the trunk. What are the others, and if they are getting banged around, could it be causing any of my other problems?

BTW, the car is now officially dead. Turn ignition and starter makes noise but engine won't turn. I think I definitely have a fuel pump, filter, or relay problem.

Also, I looked at the relays on the driver's fire wall and couldn't determine which is the fuel pump relay. There was a small white one bolted to the firewall and a big translucent plastic relay just hanging there, tucked in with a small black relay.

Reply to
rogadelic

#1) sounds like the starter selenoid. Could be a bad starter or a loose ground cable.

#2) "buzzing" is the electric fuel pump. "thunk" is the starter trying to engage, could be a poor battery or an electical problem or the starter itself.

#3) Yeah sounds like you have some electrical problems. I would suggest checking the ground straps on the engine. This is not all that uncommon in older vehicles the coating on the wires becomes brittle and cracks then driving moves it just enough to short occasionally.

#4) see #3

#5) Run a new power wire to the radio.

Regards Russ

Reply to
Russ

Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it.

Reply to
rogadelic

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.