740 / 760

1982-1992 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 740 / 760 problems All workshop issues

Critical Electrical

Alternator Failure

Symptoms

Battery light on, dimming headlights, dead battery, car dies while driving.

Cause

Brushes wear out, voltage regulator fails, or bearings seize. These alternators are good for 150,000 miles but no more.

Fix

Replace or rebuild the alternator (Bosch rebuild around £100-150).

It's accessible, top engine mount, belt, two bolts.

An hour if you've done it before.

Know something we don't?

Owned a Volvo 740 / 760? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.

Submit an update

// More 740 / 760 problems

Other known issues

Critical Electrical

Ignition Amplifier Failure

Sudden stalling, no spark, won't restart. Usually happens when hot.

Common Electrical

Fusebox Corrosion

Intermittent electrical faults, wipers stop, indicators don't work, gauges go dead. Usually starts in damp weather.

Critical Electrical

Intermittent Instrument Cluster Failures

Speedometer stops, fuel gauge reads full/empty at random, warning lights come on for no reason, odometer stops advancing.

Critical Engine

Oil Leaks from Cam Seals and Valve Cover Gasket

Oil puddles under the front of the engine, sometimes dripping onto the exhaust manifold and smoking. The valve cover gasket weeps oil down the side of the block.

Critical Engine

Timing Belt Failure

The engine dies instantly, often with a loud slap or clatter. Won't restart. If you're lucky, it just stops; if you're unlucky, bent valves and a destroyed head.

Common Engine

Flame Trap Clogging (PCV System)

Rough idle, oil leaks from every seal, oil in the intake tract, sometimes a whistling noise from the crankcase breather.

View all 27 740 / 760 problems