Ok, i just bought this car and it seems great. The only things are

1) A/C won't cool. Freon is low and I can refill but if its the evaporator, I've been quoted $1,100 for a new one installed. Help!

2) the power window switch that controls the passenger window (switch on the driver side) will lower that window but not raise it. To raise it i have to go over and use the button on the passenger door.

3) Wipers will start but not stop! They also will not work on intermittent. Is this the relay or the motor?

4) Radio produces static, stuttering on all stations.

Thanks,

OOPS, two more things:

1) the A/C "clicks" every 3 seconds or so ( this may be because it is not chilling enough (does it have some sort of internal thermostat?).

2) I need a seal on the front of the engine ($300 quoted) since a little leak is occurring right over the water pump. Seal of water pump is slightly (but visibly) damp with oil.

Thats it!

I'm so excited with this car purchase. Now i need to get rid of my 99 VW lease!

the engine leak has an easy fix. Try the jiggle test for internal pressure, loosen your oil cap and see if the cap "jiggles" or if it stays on. If you feel air coming out from under the cap, use a straightened paperclip and clean out the vacuum line orifice (brass)in the middle of the intake manifold on the engine side. Also replace the flame trap and check all your vacuum lines. This will stop the oil leak

Hi

1. AC won't cool, you should find another AC repair shop that will find your leak with a dye test and UV light. I doubt its the evap. My 87 240 only needed a couple of O rings and it is freezing cold right now. Costs $200 to change the rings and recharge the entire system. Be sure the shop also add refrigerant oil to lubricate the AC system. R12 is expensive. You might want to switch over to R134 or Freeze12.

2. This is a upward facing switch right? in my 240 all upward facing switches has coffee inside once you open it up to clean. Becareful when removing the clips, the old plastic is brittle and can snap and you'll have to head to the "Volvo only junk yard"

3. I doubt its the motor. Because if it is it wouldn't start at all. I suggest getting a voltmeter to see if there is current going into the motor and does it stop when you switch it off. If not then it could be the switch, the relay, or the wiring. Need to trace to find out.

4. The radio in the 240s are junk. I've consulted Crutchfield and got a decent Kenwood CD radio for $180. Comes with all the wiring hardness and face plate for this car. installing is a breeze. Pop out the 2 square plates next to the radio to expose the screws. be sure to remove the factory amp behind the glove box also if you have one.

Long,

Thanks. One question about the radio, do I need to REMOVE the AMP? or will it work with whatever new radio I get? I've noticed that many radios have 20 watts as standard and I wonder if thats enough. I can't remember what is the norm for radios but I do remember having an old panasonic that you could barely hear through my old civics 2 speakers.

You don't have to physically remove it, but it will not work with the new radio because the wiring for the amp comes directly from the old radio. You could just chop it off and leave it. It's cleaner if you take it out. You'll see when you go behind there. The Kenwood I bought has more than adequate power. 45W X 4. The existing speaker could hardly handle it when cranked up. Besides, modern amps sounds alot more cleaner than the old amp. The scratchy sound that you hear from the speaker when you crank it up you'll won't hear for another 10-20 decibels. I also replaced the broken motor antenae, costs $30 at the dealer, comes with instruction to put it in. This improves reception alot.

So to summarize:

1) who came up with the evaporator thing. Why is it bad? If it is, and I doubt it, then do what we all do. Do without, do it yourself, or pay.

2) Pop the top of the window swich and put the ball back in its little holder and I bet it will work fine.

3) I bet it is the motor. Get a recent used one for $30 and if you can't, I can get you one.

4) Get a decent radio/CD player.

Hey, Can't help you with the A.C.,But for the window switch, try taking it out(screwdriver pops it right out)and cleaning it or switch it with another switch(rear window maybe).So how do you stop your wipers once they start? I doubt its the motor if they run, could be the relay or even the switch itself(both cheap at the junkyard). Get an aftermarket stereo!

Good luck, Phil Stone '85 245GL 192k, '87 240DL 146k

I've got a 1992 245 with 77,000 miles and the radio is a piece of junk. The AM reception is very good, but the FM reception is terrible. I plan on replacing it as soon as I can save some money. So I think the crummy radio reception is a common problem.