Question
Mine Volvo
QUESTION: Hello Mark, I have this random problem that is driving me crazy! While driving, the RPMs drop to zero, then all the warning lights come on and the car shuts off. Some times it will turn back on and I keep going. Other times I will have to leave the car overnight and then it will start again with no problems. A friend of mine took a look at it, increased the idle speed and had no problems with it for a day. I was excited to get it back and running again, but then the problem happened again a day later! I even paid a mechanic $1800 to fix this problem a year ago and it worked for a few days and then it happened again! What is the problem and why can it not be fixed? Let me know if you need any other details. Thanks for your help!
ANSWER: Nygel, nice pic. thanks. I'm curious, what's bldg. 45?
Anyway, when the tach. drops to zero, is it like throwing a light switch? Or does it stumble and dance before dropping to zero? If it's like a switch, I would look very closely at the ignition module. A little black solid state box(2"x4"x1/2") on the left inner fender(I think)(Location varies by year/model) If the part # ends in ..024 or ..016 they are notorious for failure. Replace it with the updated part #. (I think ...032?) I assume this happens only hot?
Mark
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Bldg 45 serves as a wonderful backdrop to this picture! That all I know about it! :) And to answer your questions, the tach used to dance around and then shut off. Recently the tach is just dropping like a light switch, I found the part you were talking about on my car, but have not found a replacement part yet. What is a good website that you would recommend to find it.
Some additional info that may help, this happen all the time too: when i start the car (mostly cold), if i do not give it enough gas (a couple revs to shake the cobwebs out) the car will slowly turn it self off(the rpms slowly drop to 1000 and will then turn off) I hope this helps. Thanks!
Answer Nygel, these are relatively simple cars compared to the V series. I would also look closely at the connection to the Hall effect sensor in the distributor. They deteriote over time right where it enters. There are Kits available to replace it. Very common. As the distributor advances, these wires are "tugged" on and lose integrity. www.ramac.com www.ipd.com www.ssf.com www.worldpac.com I do not know if they do "retail" sales or not, but expect so. For sure IPD.HTH
Mark
