BrickBoard Archives
The files contained in this listing have been automatically archived from the active forums. Because the vast majority of posts are now in one place, this archive is considered legacy. You should use the SEARCH feature OR choose your topic and select date tabs within the forum you choose.
Idle stuck when cold (82 240 GLT)[ALL/1998] posted by Craig Murphy on
Thursday, 23 October 1997, at 5:49 p.m.
I have an 82' 240 GLT turbo with B21E engine and Bosch CI (K-jetronic) fuel injection. When I start my car in cold weather (below 35 degrees), it idles at about 1500, then gradually increases to 3000 or more if I let it. Only after it warms up, can I stomp the gas pedal all the way to the floor quickly to get it to idle down to normal. I have removed the throttle plate cover and cleaned out the gunk and lubricated all moving parts there, but it seems to do no good. I do not want to shift the car (automatic) into gear when it is idling this fast for fear of tweaking the drive shaft or tranny, but once winter really gets here in Montana, I am afraid the car will never idle down! Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank's, Craig
Re: Idle stuck when cold (82 240 GLT)[ALL/1998] posted by Dave Stevens on
Thursday, 23 October 1997, at 8:11 p.m.
Sounds like either your throttle plate or your air flow sensor plate are sticking open. This could be due to grunge (common, but you said you did that) or the plates may be off centre and binding.
During high idle, try tapping sharply on the throttle body to see if the throttle plate closes to drop the rpm (re-centre the throttle plate if needed and make sure the throttle return spring is doing it's job). Otherwise try tapping the fuel distributor area to see if the air flow sensor plate will drop there (re-centre the plate if needed). Check the air sensor arm for side-to-side slop -if enough to allow the plate to bind then the air flow sensor will need a major r&r.
Another couple of cold idle related thoughts. Check to make sure that your throttle cable isn't adjusted too snug. Idle adjust is done with the big black adjusting thumbscrew, not the cable retaining collar. Also, check that all air/vacuum lines are snug and not cracked.
Idle air valves (aka. auxiliary air slide) are another cold idle problem area, but in your case I doubt the rpm would go so high or drop back down just with a sharp hit on the accelerator. You may want to check it and clean it anyway (pinch and pull off the electrical connector, pull the hoses off, undo the Allen bolts and take the valve out for cleaning). Should be very slightly open when warm (crescent moon) and open most of the way when really cold (store it in the freezer for a few minutes). Slide plate should move relatively freely when pried. Clean with thinners if needed. Don't adjust the little nut until you've done everything else, you need a really cold engine to set the cold idle properly.
Re: Idle stuck when cold (82 240 GLT)[ALL/1998] posted by Steve Seekins on
Friday, 24 October 1997, at 7:52 a.m.
Your car is equipped with the first year of the constant idle system which includes a servo controlled idle air valve, a computer with an engine rpm input and a switch on the throttle linkage.
First action would be to remove the throttle body and clean it thoroughly, including all ports and orifices. This is a bit of a pain due to the location of the fuel distributor on the intake manifold, but should be done about 1/yr
Then check for any and all vacuum leaks. Check vacuum booster for leaks. You cannot proceed until all vacuum leaks are fixed. Look for cracked, broken and disconnected vacuum lines (including lines and vacuum motors on the ventillation system).
Check engine wiring harnesses for deteroirating insulation evidenced by bare wires in vicinity of alternator and oil pressure sender, at firewall connector, and on wires to temp sensors on left side ov block under intake manifold. If the harness has deteriorated, bite the bullet and replace it - expensive, but not worth trying to repair portions of it. Only alternative to replacing with new part is to build a complete new harness yourself from scratch.
Reinstall throttle body and trouble shoot the idle air valve. If it is sticking (likely), thenyou can remove and clean it with carb cleaner - but this is likely to be only a temporary fix. It will have to be replaced soon even if you clean it. Some have had some success in opening the motor end of the assy and cleaning brushes and commutator.
Once the idle air valve is working properly, perform base idle adjustment according to the manual - follow the procedures carefully and in order and be sure the microswitch is correctly set. If all of this is done, your car will idle correctly during startup.
Steve Seekins
Volvo Club of America
Re: Idle stuck when cold (82 240 GLT)[ALL/1998] posted by Craig Murphy on
Friday, 24 October 1997, at 5:50 p.m.
Thank's for the follow ups Dave and Steve! Dave, I went out to the car this morning and started it, and as usual it idled right up to 2000 rpm right away. So I tapped around the throttle body with a hammer and around the fuel distributor area, and nothing happened. Then I thought about what you said about the idle air valve and I tapped it one time lightly- the idle came right down to where it should be! So I will take it off and clean it this weekend. Steve, thank's for your input also, I may try to take apart the idle-air valve and clean the commutator while I have it out of the car. The throttle body is actually not very difficult to remove once you disconnect the cold start injector, linkage, etc. The fuel distributor is up on the right side of the radiator, not on the air intake manifold- or did you mean something else? By the way, I have already gone through the nightmare of replacing my wiring harness, about 2 years ago. I was told that Volvo's wire supplier in the few years of the early 80's supplied them with defective, not heat resistent wiring and a lot of people were having engine fires, ruined guages and other problems resulting from arcing wires. my guages nearly fried once too. The job took me about a day and a half, but at least I don't have to worry about it now. Anyhow, I appreciate the help!
-Craig