89 240 dl no start

I have an 89 volvo 240 dl that was given to me. It does not run at all. It was running fine about 3 months ago but I went in to the store and came out and it wouldn't start. I replaced the starter with a used starter, replaced every single fuse and I just now bought a ignition switch to put on it, but the mechanic hasn't put it on yet. When the ignition switch is turned, it makes no sound at all, the lights come on and the radio will come on and everything but no start. We ran a wire from the battery to the starter and it turned over but still no catch to keep it running. Help!! I am afraid that I will end up buying trial and error parts for this car. ANy and all help will be very much appreciated
Rachel

[Paul240480]

[B]Hi, I am a bit of a novice in all things mechanical, but last year my trusty 89 245GL developed simalar symptoms. After changing many items like your self, I was advised to change the Fuel Pump Relay. These are available from GSF carparts (German Swedish & French) at around £18.50. Dead easy to replace, just remove the glove box 8 (ish) screws. Then you will see a few relays. Two are GREEN. One is round & one is square. The fuel pump relay is the square one (the other is for the bulb failure system). The fuel relay simply unplugs. My car was out of action for about 6 weeks, but fired up immediately after replacing the relay. I hope yours is as simple!

[Glen Morangie]

Hi, I see you are located in the USA (or do we have Texas somewhere in the UK - I know there's a 'Paris' in Texas) where 1989 was a 'change' year for the fuel injection system - you may need to find out what you have if you haven't solved the problem yet.

If the engine 'cranks' the fuel relay is a good place to check, but it might be better to follow a process of elimination - for example when the key is turned you should be able to hear the relay, and the pump, operate. If the relay operates, but not the pump it's likely to be the cause - your mechanic should be able to bypass it's contacts quite easily to confirm this.

There's quite a bit of information on all of this out there, but if you are in the USA you might be best served checking here:

http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-90...ceSymptoms.htm

as the information will relate directly to your vehicle model. Another source of info is here:

http://www.swedishbricks.net/faq/volvofaq.html

which should guide you to the diagnostic process to use. If your car was running it's quite likely to be something reasonably straightforward, but as you said, without knowing the car it's not a good idea to keep buying parts.

You might ask your mechanic if he's OK with auto electrics, as he should be able to determine non functional items like the ignition switch using an everyday test meter or VOM. He may have done so and the new switch will fix it, but you can follow what he's doing with the info from the various resources.

When the starter cranked it may have been by either bypassing the solenoid or energising it directly, bypassing the ignition switch - your mechanic should be able to tell you if that was the case - and check it, as it may have been swapped when the starter was replaced (they are fixed together).

[Paul240480]

Nice one Glen, yes I did miss the fact that Rachel is in Texas! That said I would, for the small out lay go for a new relay - they are a good spare to carry if it turns out not to be the fault.
regards to all