My neighbor's '88 240 DL station wagon won't start. It turns over, and I'm getting spark to the distributor when the key is turned, but don't seem to be getting fuel. I changed the fuel pump but it still won't start. Anybody have a good idea how to trouble shoot this issue? I'd hate to replace the in-tank pump if I don't have to. Already busted some knuckles replacing the in-line pump.

Thanks to all who responded to this query. It turned out to be a faulty 25 amp fuse. It looked good, but must have been corroded. As soon as I replaced it the car started right up. Rock on Brickboarders! So thankful for all your help, knowledge, and ideas.
Peace,
Amos

You should replace the fuse holder and connection to the + of the battery with a marine grade fuse holder for about $8.
Dan

what is wrong? are fuel pumps dead or the injectors won't open? a dead pre pump USUALLY won't keep a car from starting. NEVER in my experience. run bad, yes. a main pump will, though. good luck, chuck.

How do you check if the injectors won't open? This is my first time diagnosing a fuel problem. Thanks!

one way is to listen to them while cranking, they will click rapidly. use a looong screwdriver or something as a stethoscope. or, get a test light-

http://www.ryderfleetproducts.com/ryder/af/ryder/core/content/product/srm/oid/276437/erm/productDetail.do?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=product&gclid=CM3A3--2lsECFabm7AodhSUANg

if the injectors are working, the light will flash when plugged into an injector connector. good luck, chuck.

Connect a jumper wire from fuse terminal #4 to fuse terminal #6 (count down from the top).
The fuses are on the post in front of the left front door beside the drivers knee.
This will by-pass the Fuel Relay and the pumps should run as long as the jumper is installed. No need to turn on the ignition switch.

Listen for the pumps....the Main one that you replaced and the in-tank pump (thru the fuel fill pipe).
If the pumps run, I would change the fuel relay and clean the fuses (4 and 6 especially).
The fuel relay is above the front passengers knees under the felt panel.
It should be clipped to the interior, but may be hanging free.
It's a white cube about 1" thick, 2" wide and 2" long with the electrical plug attached at one end.
It is a common no-start problem on these cars.

check that first.
hope this helps
steve

How corroded is the 25 amp fuse under the hood ?

The 88 model didn't have the 25 Amp fuse under the hood, Volvo moved it back inside after 1987.

steve

Thats funny as my 88 has one under the hood. Early nineties it was eliminated

I'm apparently mistaken.
I've never owned a 88 model but my 87 model 240 has a fuse under the hood.

I was getting my information from my "Mitchell On Demand" electrical schematics that show the 87 model having the under the hood fuse and from 88 on it's back in the interior.

steve

Ok, I've been doing some looking and let me see if I've got this correct.

This has always been a cloudy issue for me, and apparently for the people who draw electrical schematics too.

From 1983 until mid year of 1991 the 240's had the 25 amp blade type fuse under the hood.

From mid year 1991 and all of 1992 the fuse was back in the cabin and replaced by fuse #4 and #6.

From 93 onward the fuse was back under the hood.

Is that right?
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

steve

My experience was both my 91's and both 93's are inside, very late year 93's had them on the + battery terminal.
Dan