1986 Volvo 760 problems

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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.

1986 Volvo 760

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Common 1986 Volvo 760 problems

Based on the information provided in the sources, here is a list of common problems with the Volvo 760 1986 based on complaints from owners:

  • Electrical System Troubles: Owners have reported issues with the electrical system, particularly related to lights, cable harnesses, and electrical wires. It is essential to check that all lights are functioning correctly and that the cables are in good condition to avoid potential problems with the car's negative/mass system.
  • Bodywork Concerns: The Volvo 760, until Modelyear 1987, can rust as badly as earlier Volvo models like the 240 or 260. Checking the storage bins for rust or damage, ensuring the paint gloss is consistent throughout the car, and inspecting the body panels for even spacing and alignment are crucial steps to take when evaluating a Volvo 760 for purchase.
  • Flame Trap System: Volvo's use of a flame trap system in the 240 models has been highlighted as an oddity. This system has caused issues over the years, leading to oil leaks and idle problems. While Volvo's system may have theoretical advantages, it can become clogged over time, resulting in maintenance challenges.
  • OD Relay and Transmission Mounts: The overdrive system in the Volvo 240 models has been problematic, with common issues like wires disconnecting, failure of the overdrive wires, and problems with the solenoid and overdrive itself. Additionally, the engine and transmission mounts in the 240 require regular inspection and replacement to prevent serious damage, as they are designed to allow the engine to move back and under the car in the event of a collision.

These common problems reported by owners of the Volvo 760 1986 highlight the importance of thorough inspections, particularly focusing on rust, electrical components, bodywork, and specific systems like the flame trap and overdrive. Regular maintenance and proactive checks can help mitigate these issues and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.

1986 Volvo 760 engine

How much horsepower does a 1986 Volvo 760 Turbo have?

Specifications for Volvo 760 Turbo Station Wagon 2.3 Automatic, 162hp, 1986 4-speed.

What year did the Volvo 760 come out?

With the 760 saloon, introduced in early 1982, Volvo entered the small group of manufacturers of prestige vehicles with superior comfort and high performance levels.

What is a Volvo 760?

The Volvo VNL 760 is a long-haul sleeper designed to deliver reliable performance mile after mile.

What engine is in Volvo VNL 760?

D13 Turbo Compound Engine

D13 Turbo Compound Engine Standard in all Volvo VNL 740, 760, 860 Models.

How much horsepower does a 1986 Volvo 760 Turbo have?

Specifications for Volvo 760 Turbo Station Wagon 2.3 Automatic, 162hp, 1986 4-speed.

What year did the Volvo 760 come out?

With the 760 saloon, introduced in early 1982, Volvo entered the small group of manufacturers of prestige vehicles with superior comfort and high performance levels.

What is a Volvo 760?

The Volvo VNL 760 is a long-haul sleeper designed to deliver reliable performance mile after mile.

What engine is in Volvo VNL 760?

D13 Turbo Compound Engine

D13 Turbo Compound Engine Standard in all Volvo VNL 740, 760, 860 Models.

1986 Volvo 760 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo 760 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Tires problems
  • Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Volvo 760 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1986 Volvo 760 complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Volvo 760.

2002-01-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-06-01
  • VIN: YV1GX6948G1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: RECALL 87 V 064 000/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WIRING HARNESS, FRONT UNDERHOOD:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAVE VARIOUS SHORTAGES IN INSTRUMENT PANEL/ RADIO, ETC; DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE =WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THAT RECALL DUE TO VIN. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
2000-09-13

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: I PURCHASED A USED VOLVO WITH A VIRTUALLY NEW SET OF FIREWHAWK TIRES ON IT. AFTER DRIVING IT FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS, I NOTICED ONE OF THE FRONT TIRES HAD DEVELOPED A GOOD SIZED BULGE ON THE SIDE WALL. THIS WAS ABOUT A YEAR AGO. I WAS CONCERNED AND E-MAILED THE CONSUMER DIVISION OF FIRESTONE ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I DESCRIBED THE BULGE AND GAVE DIMENSIONS INCLUDING DIAMETER (APPROXIMATELY 2 INCHES) AND THE HEIGHT OF THE BULDGE (ABOUT 1/2 INCH). I ASKED IF IT WAS DANGEROUS TO CONTINUE DRIVING ON THIS TIRE AND WHO WAS RESPONSINBLE FOR REPLACEMENT. I RECEIVED NO REPLY FROM FIRESTONE. EVENTUALLY THE BULDGE RUPTURED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 65 MPH ON AN EXPRESSWAY. FORTUNATELLY, THE TIRE DID NOT DEFLATE ALL AT ONCE, ALLOWING ME TO DRIVE A LITTLE DISTANCE AND PULL OFF THE ROAD. I REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SAME BRAND AND SIZE. ABOUT 8 MONTHS LATER, I NOTICED A SIMILAR BULGE ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE REAR TIRE. I REPLACED IT IMMEDIATELY WITH ANOTHER MANUFACTURER'S TIRE. THE FIRST DEFECTIVE TIRE WAS DISPOSED BY THE SHOP THAT REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, I STILL HAVE THE OTHER DEFECTIVE TIRE. AFTER HEARING THE RECENT PROBLEMS WITH FIRESTONE TIRES, I AGAIN CONTACTED FIRESTONE. IT TOOK A FEW WEEKS, BUT THIS TIME, THEY DID RESPOND. THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT HANDLE MY PROBLEM BY E-MAIL AND GAVE ME AN 800 NUMBER TO CALL. I HAVE NOT YET CALLED THIS NUMBER.*AK( DOT NUMBER: W2V9 JBB TIRE SIZE: P195 60R15 )
1999-08-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-06-21
  • Crash: 1
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: DASHBOARD MELTED, AND WINDSHIELD CRACKED CENTER CONSOLE, AND THE SEATS WERE BURNED. THE FIRE STARTED SOME WHERE BY THE FUSES. *AK
1999-07-16

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-06-21
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: YV1GX8750G2
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: INTERIOR FUSES CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING, FORCING IMMEDIATE EVACUATION AND TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF CAR. THIS SAME FAILURE HAS HAPPEND TO OTHER OWNERS. *AK
1996-03-16

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-03-16
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: EVENFLO CHILD SAFETY SEAT ABLE TO BE MOVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE AFTER BEING SECURED IN PLACE DUE TO DESIGN OF VEHICLES SEAT BELT. *DH

1986 Volvo 760 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1986 Volvo 760.

1991-05-06
  • Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
  • Summary: SAFETY BELTS ARE DESIGNED TO BE ROUTED UNDER A DIAGONAL CROSS BRACE DURING FASTENING. THE INSTRUCTIONAL LABELS FOR THE BELT ROUTING ARE INADEQUATE, AND CAN RESULT IN INADVERTENT RELEASE OF THE BELT BUCKLE.
  • Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SAFETY BELT MISUSE COULD CAUSE THE SEAT OCCUPANT TO FACE GREATER RISK OF INJURY IN A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE ACCIDENT IF AN INADVERTENT RELEASE OF THE SAFETY BELT OCCURRED.
  • Remedy: INSTALL LABELS TO INSTRUCT THE USER IN PROPER SAFETY BELT ROUTING; ALSO REPLACE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES.
1987-05-11
  • Manufacturer: VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
  • Summary: ENGINE WIRING HARNESS COULD CHAFE AGAINST AN AIR CONDITIONING PIPE.
  • Consequence: A SHORT CIRCUIT AND MALFUNCTIONING OF THE ELECTRICALSYSTEM, AS WELL AS CHARRING OF THE WIRING INSULATION, COULD RESULT.
  • Remedy: RELOCATE WIRING HARNESS AND SECURE WITH A NEW BRACKET AND CLAMP.
1986-06-24
  • Manufacturer: VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
  • Summary: THE TAILGATE CHILD LOCK CAN BE OPENED FROM INSIDE WHEN THE CHILD LOCK IS ENGAGED. THE FEATURE TO PREVENT THE TAILGATE FROM BEING OPERATED FROM THE INSIDE OF THE STATION WAGON MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF A CHILD IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED IN AN APPROVED RESTRAINT SYSTEM, AS REQUIRED BY MANY STATE LAWS, AND IS ALLOWED TO RIDE IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT, HE/SHE MAY OPEN THE TAILGATE INADVERTENTLY AND FALL OUT INTO THE TRAFFIC.
  • Remedy: REPLACE TAILGATE LATCHES.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1986 Volvo 760 problems:

740, 940 common problems
740, 940 common problems
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=97166

May 14, 2021 ... Volvo Forum 240, 740, 760, 780, Bertone, 940, 960, V90, S90 ... The Fleet: Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL ... what are common leaks 2001 volvo c70 ...

B28F engine modifications? | Turbobricks - The Volvo Performance ...
B28F engine modifications? | Turbobricks - The Volvo Performance ...
https://www.turbobricks.com/index.php?threads/b28f-engine-modifications.24565/

Sep 8, 2004 ... See Common Problems for more information. [URBANCIC], [GRIMSHAW1] Cars that use this engine: (1986 780 V-6 Coupe) (1987 760 GLE) (1987 780 V ...

1991-1990, 940->760 Engine Swap. Known Problems?
1991-1990, 940->760 Engine Swap. Known Problems?
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=64180

Jun 26, 2014 ... They're basically the same car. I don't see any problem doing the swap. The 1991 Volvo 940 SE was a 960 Turbo in every market except North ...

Common Volvo NOx Sensor Problems: Q&A on Replacing and ...
Common Volvo NOx Sensor Problems: Q&A on Replacing and ...
https://www.justanswer.com/volvo/k2ctd-replaced-nox-sensor-code-keep-coming-back.html

Aug 29, 2022 ... We replaced the nox sensor and this code keep coming back. 16 DC P220013. 18 Volvo vah. We fixed inlet nox sensor - Answered by a verified ...

Radio Noise Suppression relay, can this make car not start?
Radio Noise Suppression relay, can this make car not start?
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=49080

May 28, 2012 ... ... common problem for these cars are the fuel ... apparently this can cause rough idle and starting problems ... But, does not crank can means that the ...

Other years of Volvo 760

volvo 760 1987 photo
760 1987
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volvo 760 1988 photo
760 1988
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volvo 760 1989 photo
760 1989
Volvo

15

3

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volvo 760 1990 photo
760 1990
Volvo

14

2

6

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volvo 760 1985 photo
760 1985
Volvo

2

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volvo 760 1986 photo
760 1986
Volvo

5

3

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  • 1

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1986 Volvo 760 photo