My 1986 240 DL is giving me problems when starting. It has started OK at first but when it is shut off before warming up, it will stubbornly not re start and sometimes it has taken 2 days before it will start again. Now it refuses to start at all. I have checked the fuel pump relay and it does not always click when I turn the ignition. When it finally clicks, the car is still not starting. I am investigating the 2 fuel pumps and I know I am getting humming from at least one of the pumps....the external. Don't know about the one in the tank. Question: can this be ignition switch related? I noticed that when my car did start ( before I stopped it and it refuses to start again), the wipers, which had been working, were not operating. Can an ignition switch problem act crazy: sometimes start and sometimes not, and then start the car but not allow the windshield wipers to work? Any advice will be helpful. Thanks. Key words: ignition switch, fuel pump, fuel pump relay, will not start.

When it wont start check for spark from the coil wire.

Definately check the coil. I had this same issue when i first got my 83 245, the relays didn't always click. The tank pump is renowned for failing in these volvos, but you should be able to run the car with the external pump (when you get to a half tank, however, you have to fill up). There is a way to jumper two fuses, i think 5 and 7 but double check me so as not to damage anything. This bypasses the relays and such and kicks the pumps on. Try then, to run the engine. Suspect a coil. Changing the coil got my car to start. As for the wiper issue, i really couldn't tell you. Intermittent failures are a real problem to investigate, but i'm sure it's some kind of a wiring fault or switch failure.

Happy motoring and good luck!!

It turned out to be the fuel pump relay. And the windshield wiper problem was separate.....old dirty wiper connections. They work when they feel like it and i will try to clean the contacts.