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.
Wire Harness Woes[240-260/83] posted by Michael Vrhel on
Monday, 27 April 1998, at 11:57 a.m.
I see much discussion on the wire harness problem. I was
just hit with it my self. My 83 240 would not start and I couldnt figure out
what the problem was: 2.0 LH injection, chrysler ignition.
I have over the years fixed some
bare wires that would cause problems. The insulation
just crumbles away. What did they make this stuff out of?
The car is getting a spark and tons of fuel,
too much fuel. I finally broke down and took it to the local
volvo dealer here (stillpass volvo in cincinatti). The verdict
$900 harness, $700 ecu, and $500 labor. The car is in great shape
no rust, new fuel pumps, new tires. My problem is that I cant pour
that much money into a 1983 car. One thing that bothers me
is that they really did not test if the ecu was bad. They stated
that to test it they would have to plug a new one in and they
wouldnt do that if there were harness problems ( a catch 22 of sorts!).
Plus I thought that if the thing was getting a spark the ecu
is probably not bad.
Anyway, north of here in Akron is Drennen Volvo which is a used
parts place and repair shop. I am going to try and tow the
thing up there and see if they can fix and repair it as opposed
to replacing every piece of electronics with brand new over priced
volvo replacement parts. I read on here where someone bought a harness
from some aftermarket place for 200. Anyone have any information on this?
Thanks
--Michael Vrhel
Re: Wire Harness Woes[240-260/83] posted by john on
Monday, 27 April 1998, at 1:15 p.m.
I had similar symptoms and found the real problem to be a bad coil. It had spark, was real rich and wouldn't start (except sometimes when it was real cool,~50 deg). I checked all the wires at the ECU and the readings were all
ok despite the bad wires. The guru advice was to replace the harness. Unless I could identify a problem, I didn't want to replace the harness and still
have it not run, so I kept messing with it.
Finally it quit sparking. I plugged in an old electronic ignition coil from
a Vega and it started right up. I went ahead and repaired the bad wires using a Volvo part that has the male plug (like at the gray plug at the firewall
where all the crumbly insulation problem stories start)on about 2'of wire.
The method someone described where you solder the new wire to the old one
and pull it through works real well. I cut a couple of the plastic jackets
off to make the pull through go easier.
I totally sympathize with your problem because I was in the same boat. It's a shame a mechanically sound car gets shut down because of some crappy wire.
Good luck.
Re: Wire Harness Woes[240-260/83] posted by Steve Seekins on
Tuesday, 28 April 1998, at 7:40 a.m.
If your car is not a turbo, then you have two harnesses to be concerned with. The engine FI harness and the Ignition harness. These used to list for about $700, but the prices have come down significantly. Check with some of the VCOA dealers listed in the discount listing. Also, there is a plug for the ECU that is on the firewall - sometimes the wires the goe through the firewall are also deteriorated. These can be repaired using the pigtails available from Volvo, and the wires on the inside of the firewall are rarely a problem.
The labor charge is also high on this job. IT should require about 4 to 5 hours for an experienced mechanic to do the repairs, even if he has to make repairs to the ECU harness plug. Most shops charge less than 70/hour.
It is unlikely that you need a new ECU. While it is possible, I have seen very few go bad.
Your new harnesses - both engine and ignition - should be less than $500. The labor should be in the neighborhood of $350 -$400.
Steve Seekins,
Tuesday, 28 April 1998, at 9:55 a.m.
Steve makes an excellent point. When I posted my original wire harness memo I was refering only to the 240 turbo engine wiring harness for under $200. I don't know what other engines this harness will fit and I don't know the costs of the other harneses. I don't think the harness will fit other applications, but people have said otherwise.
1985 245 Turbo Engine (B21FT) wiring harness is Volvo Part # 3515393. You should call your local dealer to get a quote (minus your VCOA discount) OR call one of the fine companies that advertise in Rolling!!!
Paul S. (Mr. Project 245T)