My son is away at college. Driving his 1990 245 and it died just as he was getting on the freeway.

No spark. There is a signal going into the distributor, yet no signal leaving the distributor. I'm guessing 1) impulse sender in the distributor, 2)RPM sensor and ignition module on the front fender, driver's side.

My hunch is the impulse sender. Is it better to replace the distributor and be done with it, o is it possible to replace the impulse sender while the distributor in the car.

This is a new one for me and your help is much appreciated.

How did you make out with this issue?
I wonder if he wiggled the wire going down to the Crank Sensor ( back of Engine if it would start up indicating the Crank sensor ( RPM sensor/Impulse sensor)http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-reference-sensor-rpm-240-740-760-780-940-271949
As mentioned, take a look at the 25 Amp fuse under the hood.. the Fuse Holder gets cruddy. ( I believe most '90's still had that Fuse). don't just buzz out the fuse, take it out of the Holder and inspect for Carboned up mess for connections.
--
'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwrd, two motorcycles, '85 Pickup: The '89 Volvo is the newest vehicle I own. it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me http://home.lyse.net/brox/TonyPage4.html http://cleanflametrap.com/tony/

Pull a plug, is it wet with fuel? If so suspect the ignition amp.

Jumper left side of fuses 5 and 7 if it starts replace fuel system relay.

Check fuse and holder near the battery for corrosion and poor contact.

Report back
Dan

Hello,

There is no impulse sender in the distributor for a 1990 Volvo 240. That job is done by the CPS(RPM sensor) on the back of the engine.

If there is spark coming from the coil, but it is weak, it might be the the ignition module.

If the spark from the coil is strong, then suspect the cap and/or rotor.
--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502