1985 Volvo 744 problems
The Volvo 700 series is a range of executive cars produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1982 to 1992. The 700 series was introduced in 1982 with the luxurious 760, followed two years later by the lower priced 740 which capitalized on the prestige attained by the very similar 760. The 700 series was then gradually replaced, beginning in 1990, by the 900 series. The 700, designed by Jan Wilsgaard, was originally to have been a replacement for the 200 series, but production of that model continued until the early nineties. The expensive 780, a Bertone-designed coupé version, entered production in 1986 and departed without a direct successor only four years later.
The most visible differences between the 700 and the 900 series were the more rounded corners on the body of the latter, and a somewhat better-appointed interior. The 700 series came to an end in late 1992 when the last 740s were built (although they were considered to be of model year 1993). The range had been augmented and finally supplanted by the Volvo 900 in 1993, with the last of the 900s being sold in 1998.
Volvo 740
Introduced in early 1984 (in the U.S. and Australia for the 1985 model year), the 740 arrived nearly two years after the luxurious 760. It was the lower-end version of the original 760, intended to be a mid-size car that offered more style, performance, and luxury than the 200 series. The '4' in the middle of the Volvo model name had once signified a four-cylinder engine, but by the time of the introduction of the 740 it simply meant less luxurious equipment as four- and six-cylinder engines were fitted across both ranges. The 740 was available as a four-door sedan (sometimes referred to as the 744) and a five-door station wagon (also known as the 745). The station wagon premiered simultaneously at the 1985 Toronto and Chicago auto shows in early February 1985. The wagon was aimed squarely at the North American markets and only went on sale in Europe several months later, in the fall of 1985.
The Volvo 740 was a popular choice as a police car in several parts of Europe, especially so with the police in Scandinavian countries.
For 1985, an intercooled version of the 2-litre turbo engine (B200ET) was introduced for markets such as Italy, where larger engines were heavily taxed. This unit produces 160 PS (118 kW) at 5500 rpm, ten horsepower more than the preceding non-intercooled B19ET variant, enough for a claimed 200 km/h (124 mph) top speed. Model year 1986 marked the worldwide introduction of the station wagon; other differences were limited to a new font for the "740" badging and new hubcap designs. First shown at the 1988 Geneva Motor Show with tentative specifications but only going on sale with the introduction of the 1989 model year cars, a 16-valve version of the larger B230 engine was introduced (B234). This model has nearly as much peak power as the turbo version and was Volvo's first multi-valve engine.
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Common 1985 Volvo 744 problems
The Volvo 744, introduced in 1985, is known for its reliability and safety features. However, like any vehicle, it has some common problems that owners may encounter.
- Rust and Corrosion: Rust and corrosion are common problems with older vehicles, including the Volvo 744. The car's body and frame are particularly susceptible to rust, especially in areas with harsh winter conditions or high humidity. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent rust, but once it starts, it can be difficult to stop.
- Electrical System Issues: Electrical system issues can range from minor problems, such as blown fuses or faulty switches, to major issues, such as a failing alternator or battery. These problems can cause a variety of symptoms, including difficulty starting the car, flickering lights, or intermittent electrical failures. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
- Suspension and Steering Issues: Suspension and steering issues can cause a variety of symptoms, including a rough ride, wandering on the road, or difficulty steering. These problems can be caused by worn or damaged suspension components, such as bushings, struts, or tie rods. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission issues can cause a variety of symptoms, including difficulty shifting, slipping gears, or a grinding or shaking sensation when shifting. These problems can be caused by low transmission fluid, worn or damaged gears, or a failing clutch. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
- Brake System Issues: Brake system issues can cause a variety of symptoms, including squeaking or grinding noises, a soft or spongy brake pedal, or difficulty stopping the car. These problems can be caused by worn or damaged brake pads, rotors, or calipers. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
- Interior and Exterior Trim Issues: Interior and exterior trim issues can range from minor problems, such as worn or faded upholstery, to major issues, such as leaking windows or sunroofs. These problems can be caused by wear and tear, exposure to the elements, or faulty components. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
- Fuel System Issues: Fuel system issues can cause a variety of symptoms, including poor fuel economy, difficulty starting the car, or a rough idle. These problems can be caused by clogged fuel filters, faulty fuel pumps, or damaged fuel injectors. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
- Cooling System Issues: Cooling system issues can cause a variety of symptoms, including overheating, leaks, or poor performance. These problems can be caused by low coolant levels, faulty thermostats, or damaged radiators. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
- Exhaust System Issues: Exhaust system issues can cause a variety of symptoms, including loud noises, vibrations, or poor performance. These problems can be caused by damaged or worn exhaust components, such as mufflers, catalytic converters, or exhaust pipes. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
Is the Volvo 740 FWD or RWD?
Type: Front-engine, rear-drive, five-passenger luxury sedan.
What does GLE mean Volvo?
Grand Luxe Executive
GLE (Grand Luxe Executive) GLT (Grand Luxe Touring) GT (Only 2-door sedans, "242" ) Turbo (Offered from 1981. Mostly equivalent to GLT trim, called "GLT Turbo" in the US) 1986 Volvo 244 GL.
When did the Volvo 740 get a facelift?
The exterior underwent a minor facelift in autumn 1988 to carry the model into the 1989 model year. From August 1990, the Volvo 740 was made in parallel with the 940 for two years, after which the latter took over completely from the 740.
How many Volvo 740 were made?
Between 14 April 1927 and 29 February 2024 Volvo Cars produced 24,132,038 cars.
| MODEL | YEARS | NUMBERS |
|---|---|---|
| 760 | 1985-1986 | 7,443 |
| 780 | 1985-1986 | 683 |
| 780 Totals | 1985-1990 | 8,518 |
| 740 | 1986-1987 | 100,499 |
1985 Volvo 744 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo 744 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Volvo 744 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Volvo 744 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Volvo 744.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-16
- VIN: YV1FS8817N2
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE. WITH VEHICLE STOPPED DRIVER REQUIRED SEVERAL MINUTES TO WRIGGLE FREE OF BELT. IN CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING QUICK EXIT FROM VEHICLE THIS WOULD BE A DEADLY FAILURE. *AK
1985 Volvo 744 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1985 Volvo 744.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: FRONT DRIVESHAFT FLANGE BOLTS MAY LOOSEN.
- Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE DRIVESHAFT FROM THETRANSMISSION AND DAMAGE TO THE GEAR SELECTOR.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE DRIVESHAFT FLANGE BOLTS AND NUTS; MODIFY THE JOINT BETWEEN THE DRIVESHAFT AND TRANSMISSION.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Volvo 744 problems:
M46 Woes | Turbobricks - The Volvo Performance Community
Apr 24, 2008 ... Mom's 744 had a dead pilot bearing and ... 1985-1989). My 1988 740 Turbo M46 has the same issue ... common problem although maybe only affects ...
2008 V70 Electrical problems | SwedeSpeed - Volvo Performance ...
Nov 23, 2019 ... The internal temperature sensor (the one in center panel) fan has always been making intermittent noise, more like a humming sound every few ...
no oil pressure at startup...possible synthetic oil? - D24T.com
Dec 17, 2020 ... Your mechanical oil press gauge will tell us what is really happening upon startup rather than relying on the dummy light. 1985 744 gle d24t
240DL 1985..is it hard to remove injectors? New Guy.
Oct 31, 2007 ... Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site. Removing the injectors depends on the engine that is fitted. The B230F has a common fuel rail which has to be ...
Rough idle/smoke @ cold start - D24T.com
Feb 27, 2017 ... Wire harness problems on this era are common ... Champion GPs are problematical, so are Autolite. 1985 744 gle d24t ... Vehicle: 1986 Volvo 745 TD.
Other years of Volvo 744
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