I'm having a start up problem.. I replaced the neutral safety switch on my 1988 740 wagon (turbo) and I have to still hold down the shift button, turn the ignition key and wiggle the shifter handle to get it to start... I've bought a used shifter assem., but haven't tried putting it in yet...
Any one have a clue what could be causing this condition..?
I want to replace the ignition switch to help eliminate it as a problem (209k miles).

 

I too think that the ignition switch must get replaced with the new one bought by you and sure it will eliminate the problem. Are radiator and coolant level okay ?

 

I dunno how a failing ignition switch would get fixed by wiggling the shift lever around.

I assume when you say it won't start that its not even cranking over? or is it cranking without starting? those are two completely different symptoms. the shift interlock switch just disables the starter motor, so if its not working, the engine wouldn't turn over at all.

 

It will start each timeI do the three things together... At first I thought it was a bad neutral safety switch.., but i see the slop in the stick while in Park... It requires a wiggle to find the place where the car starts... could it be there is a way to adjust the park, neutral starting positions..?

 

when it doesn't start, does it not crank at all, or does it turn over, but not actually start and run?

if its not cranking over, and wiggling the shift lever makes it crank, then either the shift interlock switch is not installed quite right, or parts of the transmission shift linkage are badly worn.

 

If the shift linkage is really sloppy, most likely the cause is worn out shift linkage bushings. The linkage that connects the shifter to the transmission has a plastic bushing at each end. By now, the originals are probably long gone. Here is a link to the part:

Volvo 740 8 Valve Linkage Bushing- Auto Transmission- Volvo Parts

Your car takes two of them

 

Great item... The more I look at the more I see is worn out... I'm looking at three separate shifters... Each has a separate wear pattern... My original , in reverse, sometimes allows the back up lights to come on... Positional... I'm looking into redoing the whole mechanism so its tight and like new.I really appreciate you guys coming to the rescue too.. What a great forum..
I never knew there were so many places to buy parts for Volvos... Does anybody know if the shifter assem. for the 240, 760, ....., fit the 740..? That would increase the number of parts available... But I'm not sure...
I have noticed that the shifter must press sideways in order for the "park" to touch and allow the car to start... Is there a spring in there doing that..?

 

pierce.., I really have to do all three things just to get it interested in starting... I guess the handle has to be EXACTLY over and touching the contacts in the NSS so the Ignition key will work.. But I still haven't had a start yet with just turning the key and moving the handle... It still requires me to push down the shift button...
Thanks for the part info, act1292... I guess it wouldn't hurt to replace the Ignition switch to eliminate it.., rebuild the shift handle so it wants to move and touch the contact correctly...

 

240, no, completely different. 740, 760 Turbo, and 940 shifters should be interchangable, at least if they are AW7x transmissions (early 740 were ZF). the later 740s and the early 940s are virtually the same, early 740s had a different shift ****, and I believe later 940s had yet another shift ****. *OH*, there's also some 7/940s with a 16V engine and a shifter that goes 1-2-3-D and no OD button, thats not interchangable.