My 1993 240 wagon with auto transmission has started to exhibit a symptom that goes like this: the car always starts normally when cold. After the car has reached operating temperature, and has been driven, and then has been shut-off for a brief period of time (like stopping at the post office, etc.) upon restarting, the car will start right away. However, shifting into reverse or drive, will cause the engine to stall. It will restart immediately, but will still stall when reselecting a gear. If I apply a slight amount of throttle while shifting into a gear (something like powerbraking, if you will) the car is fine, and will not stall. Today, I stopped to drop off a package after driving the car for approximately 30 minutes at interstate speeds. Ambient temp was around 61 degrees F. Came out and started the engine, no problem. Put the seatbelt on, adjusted the radio, and put the trans in reverse. Stall. Restarted in neutral instantly. Put back in reverse, stalled. Restarted in neutral, and this time applied some throttle with foot on brake, and car remained running. Used this technique to navigate out of the parking lot to the service road, and to the traffic light. Let my foot off the gas at the light and stalled. Restarted right away, and no further problems. All other aspects of engine operation are normal; smooth idle, no misses at speed, good gas mileage. Help, please.

Thanks for the suggestions. I have been a way for a few days, and will let you know what i come up with.

I'm assuming no codes? Mine did a similar thing with hot start. After checking the usual suspects—IAC, Throttle, FP—it turned out to be a crankshaft position sensor. The insulation was toast, but not indentifyable due to the hard-to-reach position in the engine bay. Might be worth adding to the list of possible suspects.

I would start off with a thorough cleaning of the throttle body, idle are control valve, and PCV system.
Dan

Thanks Dan, I have owned Volvo 240's for a long time, and this is the first to exhibit these symptoms. The breather system and flame trap are clean. I was seriously thinking of the IAC valve, but wanted confirmation. Thanks!

Take it off to clean it and test it with 12 volts.
Dan

Thanks, I will.