Volvo: Volvo 240 turbo wont start and dies, fuel pump relay, volvo 240

Question
My 1984 240 turbo wagon seems to have a short of some kind.  A few months ago, the radio would cut out and then come back on.  Then the brakes, then it would stall due to idle dropping, but would almost always start right back up.  A few months ago, it died and would try to turn over, but now stay running.  I took it to my mechanic and they found nothing wrong with it.  Th eproblem seemed to cease for a few months and now the idle sometimes hops up and down while at a light..then today, it died again and wouldn't start..same thing, tries to turn over but won't.  Could this be the fuel pump relay, and if so, where is it located so I can fix it myself?

Answer
This sounds more like an electrical problem.  The first thing that comes to mind is your main engine wire harness.  On those model years, the engine harness began to deteriorate after a few years, causing shorts and problems like you describe.  I would thoroughly examine that harness first, looking for frayed wires and flaking insulation.  Beyond that, the surging and failing idle could be a sign that your throttle body needs a good cleaning.  The next time you have problems starting the car, I would check the spark at the plugs to see if you are getting current to all four plugs.  That would also help narrow down the problem.  Good luck!