940 problem

[Fixitflav]

Newcomer, hope this is in the right place. It’s on behalf of my brother who is much better at mechanics than computers!

Volvo 940, 1997, bought 6 months ago. 2.3 litre petrol, auto, low pressure turbo. Only 50k miles.

A few weeks ago the engine cut out while driving along, dash lights came on. With a manual you’d drop it in gear and bump start it, can’t with auto, but it started no problem on the starter. Happened a few times.

More recently having trouble starting. Turns over and tries to start several times before eventually going. Then it runs OK for a while. But while driving along it occasionally loses power, as if starved of fuel. Splutters for a bit, but then recovers and has bags of power when running right. But you never know when it’s going to play up again.

Plug leads, distributor cap and rotor arm have been renewed. With a fuel line disconnected it gives plenty of flow when cranking, so it doesn’t sound like a faulty pump.

Be glad to hear about any similar experience, or any suggestions about the cause.

[baggy798]

Symptoms sound exactly like a failing crank position sensor. They're still available from the Volvo dealers last time I enquired, part number 271949, costs about £90.

Held on with an m6 bolt. Take care removing it, people have broken the bracket holding it on and then it's a gearbox off job. (and sourcing the NLA bracket)



There are much cheaper alternatives available on ebay and autodoc. I would probably only trust Bosch, Bougicord, or NGK. I think the original is Bougicord, they do the HT leads too.

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/...rch=OEN+271949

[baggy798]

There's a chap at FRF Swansea called Chris who usually gives a discount on parts. Although you would have to pay about £10 postage so it's swings and roundabouts if you're close to a dealer anyway.

chrisharris@frf-motors.co.uk

[Fixitflav]

Thanks Baggy that's great. I'll let you know if it cures it!

[Fixitflav]

It looks like his is different at the sensor end, but the part number is on the cable so shouldn't be any problem getting the right one.
Thanks again

[Fixitflav]

Originally Posted by Fixitflav

It looks like his is different at the sensor end, but the part number is on the cable so shouldn't be any problem getting the right one.
Thanks again

Ignore that, it was the right type, the other one was something different.
He has now got the part and fitted it, and pretty certain it has cured the problem.
So he's chuffed to bits for your help. If anybody needs plug leads, distributor cap or rotor arm, going free, they're welcome!

[Moomoo]

Originally Posted by Fixitflav

Ignore that, it was the right type, the other one was something different.
He has now got the part and fitted it, and pretty certain it has cured the problem.
So he's chuffed to bits for your help. If anybody needs plug leads, distributor cap or rotor arm, going free, they're welcome!

Put the spares in the shed! Then you’ll never need them!👍😁

[Fixitflav]

Doesn't seem to be completely right. It's stopped losing power occasionally when driving along, but still very slow starting. No problem for the first few months of owning the car. Any suggestions gratefully received!

He suspects a fuel issue and has noticed two Schrader-type valves on the fuel lines, one near the tank, the other under the bonnet. Any idea what they do? Wonder if bleeding might be needed, like manually on diesels many years ago. Or even pressurising.