740 / 760

1982-1992 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 740 / 760 problems All workshop issues

Common Electrical

Fusebox Corrosion

Symptoms

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

Cause

The fusebox (under the dashboard, driver's side) corrodes from water ingress via the windscreen or door seals. Volvo used cheap tin-plated contacts that corrode easily.

Fix

Pull every fuse, clean the contacts with emery cloth and contact cleaner, apply dielectric grease.

Check for water leaks at the windscreen seal.

Some people replace the whole fusebox with a modern blade-fuse unit.

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Other known issues

Critical Electrical

Alternator Failure

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

Critical Electrical

Ignition Amplifier Failure

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

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