1988 Volvo 760 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 1988 Volvo 760 problems
The Volvo 760, produced in 1988, is known for several common problems that owners have reported. These issues span across engine, transmission, suspension, and steering components, as well as model-specific, complectation-specific, and maintenance-related problems.
- Engine Issues
- Oil Leaks: The Volvo 760's engine can experience oil leaks due to worn-out gaskets or seals. This can lead to reduced engine performance and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Overheating: Engine overheating can occur due to issues with the cooling system, such as a faulty thermostat or radiator. Overheating can cause serious engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Timing Belt Failure: The timing belt is a critical component of the engine, and failure can result in significant engine damage. Regular inspections and timely replacement of the timing belt are crucial to prevent such failures.
- Transmission Issues
- Automatic Transmission Slipping or Failing: The automatic transmission in the Volvo 760 can experience slipping or failure due to worn-out components or low transmission fluid levels. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential to prevent such issues.
- Manual Transmission Clutch Problems: Manual transmission clutch issues can arise from worn-out clutch components or improper clutch adjustments. Regular inspections and timely repairs can help prevent these problems.
- Transmission Fluid Leaks: Transmission fluid leaks can occur due to worn-out seals or gaskets, leading to reduced transmission performance and potential transmission damage if not addressed promptly.
- Suspension and Steering Issues
- Front Suspension Wear or Damage: The front suspension system in the Volvo 760 can experience wear or damage due to regular use, leading to reduced ride quality and handling. Regular inspections and timely repairs are crucial to maintain the suspension system's performance.
- Power Steering Pump Failure: The power steering pump can fail due to worn-out components or low power steering fluid levels. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent such failures.
- Steering Rack and Pinion Leaks: Steering rack and pinion leaks can occur due to worn-out seals or gaskets, leading to reduced steering performance and potential steering damage if not addressed promptly.
- Model-Specific Problems with the Volvo 760
- First Generation (1982-1987) Issues: The first generation of the Volvo 760 can experience issues such as B28 engine valve guide wear, early model transmission problems, and electrical system issues.
- Second Generation (1988-1990) Issues: The second generation of the Volvo 760 can experience problems such as B280 engine oil pressure problems, ignition control module failures, and ABS brake system malfunctions.
- Turbo and Intercooler Versions: Turbocharger failure, intercooler and boost pressure leaks, and fuel injection and fuel pump problems can occur in turbo and intercooler versions of the Volvo 760.
- Complectation-Specific Problems with the Volvo 760
- GLE and Turbo GLE Models: Power window and sunroof issues, climate control system failures, and dashboard instrument cluster problems can occur in GLE and Turbo GLE models of the Volvo 760.
- Diesel Models (D24 and D24T Engines): Glow plug failure, fuel injector pump leaks, and cylinder head cracking can occur in diesel models of the Volvo 760.
- Maintenance Tips to Avoid Volvo 760 Problems
- Regular Oil Changes and Fluid Checks: Regular oil changes and fluid checks can help prevent engine, transmission, and power steering issues in the Volvo 760.
- Inspection of Timing Belt and Water Pump: Regular inspections of the timing belt and water pump can help prevent engine damage due to timing belt failure.
- Replacement of Worn Suspension and Steering Components: Regular inspections and timely replacement of worn suspension and steering components can help maintain the Volvo 760's ride quality and handling.
- Transmission Service and Repair: Regular transmission service and timely repairs can help prevent transmission issues in the Volvo 760.
- Use of Quality Fuel and Fuel Additives: Using quality fuel and fuel additives can help prevent fuel injection and fuel pump problems in the Volvo 760.
What is the difference between Volvo 740 and 760?
the 740 had either 2l, 2.3l, 2.3l turbo, or turbo diesel. The 760 didn't have the 2l or 2.3l, but had the 2.3 turbo, 2.8 V6, and turbo diesel. Comfort level was different too - 760 had electric seats and climate control. Late model saloons had independant rear suspension.
Why won t my Volvo 760 start?
The most common reasons a Volvo 760 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
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 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.
Are Volvo's reliable?
The answer is that, when it comes to reliability, Volvo is average. In its 2019 study, ReliabilityIndex gave Volvo a score of 127, which placed the manufacturer in 23rd place on a list of 40 brands. This places the manufacturer between MINI and Vauxhall in the 2019 rankings.
What is the difference between Volvo 760 and 860?
What is the difference between a Volvo VNL 760 and a Volvo VNL 860? While both the Volvo VNL 760 and 860 are long-haul sleepers, the VNL 860 is a premium long-haul sleeper. This means the VNL 860 is a bit more spacious than the VNL 760 and offers additional features.
1988 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:
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Volvo 760 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Volvo 760 complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Volvo 760.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-03
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YV1GA8748J0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YV1GA8746J0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES HIS 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER GOT INTO VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS, SHE PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND TURNED THE KEY TOWARDS THE ON POSITION TO ENABLE THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS, AS SOON AS SHE TURNED THE KEY THE AIR BAG EXPLODED IN HER FACE WHICH RESULTED IN SEVERE INJURIES, CONSUMER STATES KEY WAS NOT IN THE START POSITION, AND WAS NOT RUNNING AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YV1GA8746J0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE SITTING IN A PARKING LOT, CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER INSERTED KEY INTO IGNITION TO OPEN ELECTRIC WINDOWS, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER FACE WAS INJURED AND BURNED. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *AK *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-18
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YV1GA8747J0
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, A FIRE DEVELOPED UNDER THE UNDER CARRIAGE NEAR THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YV1GA8747J0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CRASH SENSOR FAILED, AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. THEN VEHICLE BEGAN SHUTTING DOWN WHILE IN MOTION, NO CAUSE HAS BEEN DETERMINED. AT TIMES VEHICLE WILL NOT START AND HEADLIGHTS CANNOT BE TURNED OFF.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YV1GA8741J0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-01
- VIN: YV1GA8758J0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAG IN ACCIDENT.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YV1GA8748J0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT DISCONNECTED DURING ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURY. *SKD
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-15
- VIN: YV1GA8748J0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S AIR BAG DURING ACCIDENT. "DUP: SEE 956682".
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RADIATOR FAILED/MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPLACE ENGINE (OTHER VEHICLE FROM 478327). *AK
1988 Volvo 760 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 Volvo 760.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONTAINS COMPONENTS WHICH MAY COME LOOSE UPON OPERATION AND CAUSE SHORT CIRCUITS IN THE SWITCH.
- Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE HEADLAMPS WILL NOT FUNCTION, ANDCHARRING OF THE INSULATION OF CERTAIN WIRES TO THE SWITCH MAY RESULT.
- Remedy: ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH REPLACED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Volvo 760 problems:
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Other years of Volvo 760
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