My 740GLE (172K miles) has suddenly started dying when I'm at a stop light, or if it just sits and idles for about 5 minutes. Sometimes I can restart it, but it usually dies within several seconds. If I let it sit, it'll start and run for about a minute or two, then die again. I replaced the fuel inj. relay with a known good one, but no joy. Tried tapping on various relays in the relay bay on the center console, and occasionally it would start back up, but I am thinking the problem is elsewhere. Has anyone else had this problem, and do you have any suggestions? I'm familiar with where the RPM sensor is at, but I've never changed one. They look kinda hard to get to.

Before you replace the hall sensor - check the connector for the hall sensor on the distributor. Mine was broken off and shorting to ground causing the same problem you describe. The connector is a very simple $3 fix.

Yep, as soon as it starts to die, the tach needle goes dead. Duplicated it several times, so I gues a trip to the Volvo dealer for the Hall Sensor is in order, eh? (THey're about 2 miles down the road - convenient!) Have you ever replaced one? Any hints or tips? Thanks for your help!

As Mr. Fisher says, check connections to distributor first. Post back if more info is needed.
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BillB

Faq has information about the hall sensor. It looks somewhat difficult- but probably not so after you've done it once. You have to get into the innards of the distributor. I have the same problem, except my car dies when I am driving, sometimes when I come to a stop. It isn't as frequent as yours either (1-2 times a week... until I quit driving it, it may be worse now). I opted to replace the entire distributor- about $100 more I believe. BTW, you could find a hall sensor somewhere on the internet for much cheaper I bet (fcpgroton.com, alloemvolvoparts.com etc). The volvo dealer in mine town wanted $270+tax for a dist. I got it on the internet for $170 with free ship and no tax.
Good luck,
Nathan

My daddy had same problem, car was stalling every time he stopped for red light.
I clean the throttle body and the problem went away.

Your post was just ahead of mine so here's an instant reply! When it dies next, watch the tach needle. If this suddenly drops, suspect the ignition sensor which I would have thought is a hall sensor in the distributor on an 88 GLE? (mine is late 88 and this is the case).
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BillB

Thanks Bill. I'll take a look at it. It's fairly easy to duplicate, but maddening as hell when it happens unexpectantly! This Hall Sensor is inside the distributor cap? Yuck - that looks like a royal pain to take off.