1. Check if you have power to the computer unit located at the passenger's right side panel. There is a red cable that goes from the battery positive pole to a fuse located at the left fender side, close to the coil unit. This red wire gives power to the computer of the car. Is the red cable/wire attached to the battery?, if not, reconnect it. Check if the cable is not loose, looking under the fuse attachment. Sometimes with the vibration its become loose or disconnected from that fuse. Check if the fuse is not blown.
[I had the same problem and a friend of mine(which is a good mechanic for imported cars), told me to check that cable or check if the fuse wasn't blown. If the computer does not receive power the car won't start. It will crank forever.]

2. There is a neutral switch on the transmission shift(if your car is automatic) that you need to check also. If the switch is damaged, the car won't start.

I had basically the same problem. I had to crank the car for 2-3 minutes till it would fire up.

After many ideas from different people I accidentaly discovered the "Check Valve" . If this valve is not functioning then your car won't start (87 240 DL) anyway. It's located between the 2 and 3 injectors and has a vacuum line going to it then it goes into the manifold. I removed the Vacuum line and and a friend put his finfer over it and the car starts instantly. The thing is that the line cannot remain plugged or the car stalls out. I went to volvo and the check valve is $8.00 US and I am ordering it today. I bought a fuel pump as everyone said that was it. I will probably install the new pump anyway.

This was a problem for a month and was a tough one for me to diagnose.

I hope this helps!

ecavedude

Dave

Don't overlook the basics. All it needs to start is fuel,compression, and a properly timed spark. Take off the top cover of the timing belt and make sure that when you bring the engine to TDC#1 the camshaft marks align. (straight up),also pop off the distributor cap and make sure that the rotor points at the #1 terminal. If all this checks out, make certain that the big hose(bellows) between the air flow meter and the throttle body is intact (no cracks) and that the hoses comming from the throttle body are connected.To make sure that the injectors are firing, You can use a mechanics stethescope or just a long screwdriver. Place one end at the base of the injector. and the other against your ear. Have a friend crank the engine, you should hear a click-click-click from each of the four injectors. Also check the 25 amp fuse located on the driver side of the engine compartment (near the battery) . Good Luck


Poorgie

Go under the car and disconnect the positive wire from the fuel pump and probe it w/ a test light while someone cranks the car. The test light should stay lit if there is power. If the test light is lit your fuel pump is bad and needs to be replaced. good luck.....