Not Starting

[volvo always]

I have a 1996 940 LPT automatic estate with B230FK engine. 204,560 miles.

I have been out in it at work. Came out to the car and the car started no problems, turned round in the cul de sac and stopped and switched off to make sure I had locked the clients front door.

Tried to start and just not start, noticed I must of knocked one of the map reading lights at some point and so switched it off.

Tried again and no start. The rpm needle slightly shakes a bit on the 0 position but no start.

Called out "Start Rescue" thinking probably low battery.
They tried to jump start it and not starting. 2nd guy with flatbed recovered it back home.

The first breakdown chap said no spark. Second said he couldn't hear the pump priming. Took all the fuses out, non blown of related starting/ fuel things like fuse 1 and 11 etc on the list.

What do you think the issue is?

I have put the battery on charge overnight and hope to fix it before the MOT on Wednesday!

I have read about the ignition amplifier on passenger inner wing.

Crank sensor? Does my car have one?

Fuel pump relay location?

I also bought a code reader a few years ago from the forum. How do I use it, presume this may show the fault?

Many thanks. James.

[tofufi]

Did you check or bypass the fuel pump relay?

[volvo always]

Originally Posted by tofufi

Did you check or bypass the fuel pump relay?

No, is it behind the glovebox? Which terminals do I bridge?

James

[Dippydog]

Some cars don't like being stopped shortly after being started,an XJ6 I once owned was like this and could be re-started by cranking over while holding the accelerator flat to the floor as in starting a flooded engine.

[Laird Scooby]

Assuming there is no spark James, first thing to check is the CPS on top of the bellhousing - yes, yours has got one!

However, try starting it again once the battery is charged, you may get a nice surprise!

You don't have anything like an immobiliser/alarm on yours do you?

[volvo always]

Originally Posted by Laird Scooby

Assuming there is no spark James, first thing to check is the CPS on top of the bellhousing - yes, yours has got one!

However, try starting it again once the battery is charged, you may get a nice surprise!

You don't have anything like an immobiliser/alarm on yours do you?

Will do.

It would of had an alarm. Not working, disabled possibly. no fob. Immobiliser still works I think as had replacement key chipped.
Does the key have a battery inside?

We tried locking and unlocking the doors. done manually with key.

Which wire is the crank position sensor? Seems like 2 lots of wires on bulkhead leading to the engine.
Any pictures of the CPS position?

For parts I'll try my local motor factors. Hope they can get quickly. Hopefully get them after work if in stock or order.

James

[Lolvo 940]

Could be the rsr (radio suppression relay )
Near the ignition amplifier. Can bypass with a wire to coil if u have no spark?
Had that on a 940 before .

[TonyS9]

Its not clear on the symptoms.

Is the engine turning over and the rpm needle is moving (but won't fire)?

That indicates a large back emf is comming from the coil, so a spark is likely.

In that case its more likely to be fuel. Usual cause is fuel pump relay, but fuel pump also common (single in tank pump in your case).

Relay is the white one in the fuse box behind the ashtray. Its slides out if you release the clips at the side, although if you try and tap it or even slap the console at the side you might get it work.

For fuel pump you can try and giving the top mounting / round piece a thump with a bar pressed up against it and hitting the bar with a hammer to impart a shock to the pump. (accessed in a panel in the floor behind the back seat)

A lack of pump whining on priming could be pump relay or pump.

A good way to tell the difference is to check for voltage at the pump supply in the left rear cubby hole. It should be 12V when ignition turned on (If left off for more than 10s before), then again when the engine is turning.

If you get no voltage its usually the relay.

As for other theories:
key chip fuel ECU immobiliser will allow the engine to start but then go off if its not been authorised for whatever reason.
Alarm immobiliser locks out the starter motor

If rpm needle is moving the CPS and ignition amp is (usually) fine. It won't move if these are not working.

[volvo always]

Originally Posted by TonyS9

Its not clear on the symptoms.

Is the engine turning over and the rpm needle is moving (but won't fire)?

it cranks but wont fire. Like you have tried starting it in gear, My car is an auto. The rpm needle moves slightly up and down/wiggles. around 5mm up/down.

That indicates a large back emf is comming from the coil, so a spark is likely.

In that case its more likely to be fuel. Usual cause is fuel pump relay, but fuel pump also common (single in tank pump in your case).

Relay is the white one in the fuse box behind the ashtray. Its slides out if you release the clips at the side, although if you try and tap it or even slap the console at the side you might get it work.


I'll get a new fuel pump relay first, thanks for the location

For fuel pump you can try and giving the top mounting / round piece a thump with a bar pressed up against it and hitting the bar with a hammer to impart a shock to the pump. (accessed in a panel in the floor behind the back seat)

A lack of pump whining on priming could be pump relay or pump.

A good way to tell the difference is to check for voltage at the pump supply in the left rear cubby hole. It should be 12V when ignition turned on (If left off for more than 10s before), then again when the engine is turning.

If you get no voltage its usually the relay.

As for other theories:
key chip fuel ECU immobiliser will allow the engine to start but then go off if its not been authorised for whatever reason.
Alarm immobiliser locks out the starter motor

If rpm needle is moving the CPS and ignition amp is (usually) fine. It won't move if these are not working.

Thanks for the info, I'll try these tips over the weekend.

James.

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by volvo always

Will do.

It would of had an alarm. Not working, disabled possibly. no fob. Immobiliser still works I think as had replacement key chipped.
Does the key have a battery inside?

We tried locking and unlocking the doors. done manually with key.

Which wire is the crank position sensor? Seems like 2 lots of wires on bulkhead leading to the engine.
Any pictures of the CPS position?

For parts I'll try my local motor factors. Hope they can get quickly. Hopefully get them after work if in stock or order.

James

As far as i know, it's just a chip in the key - try your spare to see if it's that as that isn't unknown especially in Fords which just happen to use a similar system

Here's some pics, it's on my V6 but the bellhousing position is about the same :


New sensor ^^^^^


Viewed from the right hand rear of the engine bay ^^^^^


FUBAR! ^^^^^

Originally Posted by Lolvo 940

Could be the rsr (radio suppression relay )
Near the ignition amplifier. Can bypass with a wire to coil if u have no spark?
Had that on a 940 before .

Good point and it's new enough to have that system. A wire from battery +ve to coil +ve then try starting. Quick and simple test that covers the RSR and the ignition/starter switch plus most fuses connected to fuel and ignition.