940 / 960

1990-1998 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 940 / 960 problems All workshop problems

Minor Body and Rust

Door and bonnet hinges sagging

Symptoms

Doors or bonnet don't align properly, hard to close, or rattle. The driver's door is usually the worst offender and may need a hip-check to latch properly.

Cause

Hinge pins and bushings wear out with decades of use. The 940/960's heavy doors accelerate the problem. Bonnet hinges lose their tension springs.

Fix

Replace hinge pins and bushings, kits are available from IPD and generic suppliers.

The driver's door is straightforward but needs a second pair of hands to support the door weight while you work.

Bonnet hinge springs can be replaced individually.

If the hinge itself is cracked or bent, source a replacement from a wrecker.

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// More 940 / 960 problems

Other known issues

Common Body and Rust

Sills, rear arches, and tailgate (wagons)

Rust bubbling through paint, holes appearing, or structural weakness. Wagons suffer worst around the tailgate lower corners and rear wheel arches.

Common Body and Rust

Windscreen and sunroof rust

Rust around the windscreen surround or sunroof frame. Water leaks into the cabin.

Common Body and Rust

Nivomat self-levelling rear shocks (wagons)

Rear of the wagon sags under load or sits low permanently. The ride becomes bouncy and wallowy over bumps. Sometimes a clunking noise from the rear suspension.

Critical Engine

Oil leaks everywhere

You'll find oil pooling under the car, dripping from the valve cover, front and rear main seals, cam seals, or oil cooler lines. The B230 engines (940) and B6304 (960) both weep oil as they age, it's not if, it's when.

Common Engine

Flame trap and PCV system clogged

Engine bogs down, idles rough, struggles to rev, or won't start when hot. You might get excessive crankcase pressure, blowing out seals and pushing oil into the intake.

Critical Engine

Rough idle, hesitation, or won't start (fuel system issues)

Stumbling acceleration, poor fuel economy, hard starting, or stalling. Sometimes it runs fine cold but misfires when warm. Check engine light may be on or flashing.

All 940 / 960 problems