When I turn my heat on in the 240, I barely move the control to on and the heat is full blast. Any ideas? Heater control valve? Vacuum leak? thanks
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90' 244 (205k); 96' 855T (165k)

Hi there,

I'm just a bit surprised you haven't run into this conversation before on the board. The "binary" heater control is almost every 240 owner's complaint.

Years ago, I thought I had a worthwhile suggestion to cure it, coming from Volvo's air conditioning manual. Volvo points out an adjustable cam on the thermostatic feedback, and in a couple of my cars, making the suggested adjustment helped - for a while. I don't have anything on my web page because I haven't come up with any sure cure besides replacing the valve, just a diagnosis. The diagnosis is what Dave mentions - the wax motor dies.

You can try the stopgap adjustment as shown here, but I think you and the rest of us will find a nicely variable heater control only after replacement of the valve. For that, I would turn back to Dave Samuels.


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Art Benstein near Baltimore

Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

Your heater valve may be bad. If you check Art B's site, cleanflametrap.com, you will find instructions on how to adjust the wax pellet motor that drives the valve. If adjustment doesn't work, time to get a new valve. While you are down there, you should check to make sure the cable from the dash control is properly connected and moving the valve's lever also.

DS

Dave and Art - Thanks for the replies. It has been a long time since I've been on the board. I probably will just replace the valve. My least favorite working environment is being crammed under the front seats...
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90' 244 (205k); 96' 855T (165k)