I've had a hot no-crank no-start problem with my 1989 740 GL and had replaced all the usual suspects (RSR, FIR, crank angle/RPM sensor) and the ignition switch, but still had the problem recurring. Testing showed large intermittent voltage drops across the positive battery cable, so I decided to replace the cable.
This evening we pulled off the positive and negative cables and slit the sheath binding the two together. Lo and behold, the insulation on both cables was worn almost all the way through (to the point that the wiring was showing in a few spots) and the positive cable had a large crack in the insulation at the bend. The positive cable also showed signs of wearing through at the point where the cable comes off the cross member under the A/C compressor. I had initially intended to only pull the positive cable since it was showing signs of wear and cracking at the crimps on either end, but now I've got to get a new negative cable as well. These were most likely the original cables and the car currently has 325,000 miles on it.
I'm just glad that I found this out before I had a car fire.
Beth M.
Daily driver: Silver 1989 Volvo 740 GL wagon
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