The ignition system on my newly purchased 1990 740 is driving me nuts! Had intermitant no start - so I initially replaced the neutral safty switch and re-did the shifter link bushes. Problem solved? NO! Still would ocassionaly not start and the turning the key required more effort than usual.

So I replaced the ignition switch (found the old one was cracked on the back, plus signs someone had tried to glue it back together) and noticed at the same time that the big key/silver ignition assembly felt sloppy even after replacing the switch. No big deal - just will be loose when turning the key! I also replaced the starter as it was sounding a bit funky! Wrong!

Now with the new ignition switch I can barely turn the car off and the effort to turn the key is too much - almost to the point that I need vice grips to turn it off! Akkkkkgg! Literally can't drive it because I am afraid it won't turn off! Interesting problem there......

The price of the new ignition assembly is $160 and I am not sure how much of the steering column has to come off to replace it - and it has an air/bag I don't want to set off! I swear I am done with 740s and will only buy 240s or 850s from now on!! Years ago I did an ignition assembly on a 140, but that's the last I can ever remember being a problem.

Probably going to sell this 740 because it's made me so mad! I have around $2500 in it ( new exhaust, o2 sensor, saftey switch, plus, etc,) but I just don't like it fighting me! So it's out the door after Christmas! Who wants a 1990 740 with 147K and lots of new parts???

Bob Weber
SW Ohio
55 Volvos since 1979
Done with 740s for this year for sure!!!