I've got an intermittent starting problem with my 240 wagon. When she does start, she starts fine, and I have never had the engine stall while running. It has started taking more and more tries to get her started, however, and a couple days ago she refused to start at all. The engine cranks but does not turn over. I have checked the battery (lights, fan, etc. all work fine) and have thoroughly cleaned the terminals. All fuses on the drivers side panel have been recently replaced and look great. I looked at the injection fuse as well - it looks good, although the holder is pretty old and cruddy. Thinking about replacing it but don't have much experience with wiring or soldering.

What is interesting (and what I found no mention of in previous posts or in the FAQ) is that twice when I turned the key to start (without cranking the engine) I could clearly hear the fuel pump humming on the rear driver's side of the car for at least 10-15 seconds continuously. Both times, while hearing the fuel pump, I attempted to start the car. No luck. Then, I let it sit for a few minutes, and turned the key to start again. No fuel pump hum this time (or none that I could hear without the help of an assistant to turn the key). I turned the key all the way to attempt starting, and she started right up! With the engine running, I can hear the main fuel pump on the driver's side, and I believe I can hear a faint hum from the in tank fuel pump when I remove the gas cap. Later on, I started the car twice more, again without being able to hear the main fuel pump until she was running.

Does this sound like a fuel pump relay problem or a fuel pump problem? Is the fuel pump ever supposed to run continuously like that? I was under the impression that it is supposed to run for 1.5 sec and then switch off until the car is started. Ideas?

Thanks,
Amelia