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740GL ABS has bugs 700 1989

My folks late 89 740GL sedan has two recurrent problems with the ABS. When the car is moving slowly (say, through a car park at less than 10Km/h or coming to a stop) the ABS activates and the brake pedal goes hard. This lasts for a couple of seconds before all returns to normal and only occurs at slow speeds. The front sensors have been cleaned on a regular basis to address this problem and usually it helps but now it is not making any improvement.
The other problem is that sometimes the ABS warning light on the dash lights up. It will go off with all the other lights when the car is started but then come on shortly after. Is it possible these two problems are related? Could it simply be dodgy sensors? This car has always had ABS problems but I've never had a problem with ABS on my 91 940.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks
Brad








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    740GL ABS has bugs 700 1989

    There was a known problem with the early style rectangular tipped sensors originally used on the '89 740's. If you read the FAQ paragraph on ABS Sensor Replacement just above the one Steve referenced you'll see a note based on my personal experience: "If suggestions of cleaning the front ABS senders (sensor and pulse wheel) and associated electrical connectors doesn't stop the intermittent ABS fault then you may need new sensors. I found the original old style sensors (rectangular tipped) on my '89 were over-sensitive, especially at low speeds on very smooth surfaces. Your car may or may not have received the in-warranty upgrade to the less sensitive new style sensor (diamond shaped tip). If not, it would be a relatively easy DIY upgrade."

    Sound familiar? Your problem seems to be getting worse with age. Perhaps you also have a poor electrical connection or damaged wire as others have suggested.

    If you have the original style and decide replacement sensors are too pricey (like >>$300/pr) then go find a set of diamond tipped sensors from an early '90s 700/900. The sensors should be okay as long as they're not damaged. As noted in the FAQ, soak 'em good in PB Blaster (or the like) well prior to removal to make it easier to get them started as they're usually frozen in place until you "crack" the bond after which they twist out fairly easily.
    --
    Dave -own 940's, prev 740/240/140/120's & quasi-expert only on a good day








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      740GL ABS has bugs 700 1989

      Dave

      Thanks for your reply. This 740 does indeed have the square shaped sensors. My 940 has the diamond shaped sensors. I remember reading a long time ago about the sensitivity issue. I know of a 940 nearby being wrecked for parts so I might check it out. I don't even want to think what the price of new ones from Volvo would be. Dad checked the connectors to the sensors and said they were clean but hasn't checked the wiring yet.

      Thanks again.

      Brad








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    740GL ABS has bugs 700 1989

    http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/BrakesABS.htm#ABSPulsesatLowSpeeds

    I agree with Rob: either bad wiring/connectors to the sensors or (less likely) bad sensors.








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    740GL ABS has bugs 700 1989

    It may well be sensors going bad. Sometimes it's only connections to the sensors, but they are getting old- they've been out in the heat, cold, water, and vibration for over 15 years now.

    Since you say they've been cleaned regularly, it may be time to try some new ones, or good used ones if you can find a parts car.

    I always try cleaning them first and if htat doesn't keep the light off, the next thing to try is new sensors, as well as inspecting connectors and contacts.

    The system works like non-ABS brakes whenever the light is on, so you really do want to get it working again. Possibly you can read the code out of the controller, to help pinpoint the problem. An unused fuse spot in the fuse box is the connector for this car.
    --
    Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: Roterande Fläkt Och Drivremmar!








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      740GL ABS has bugs 700 1989

      There are three lights brake lights IIRC. One for the parking brake, one for the ABS brain, and one for the hydraulic differential switch / brake fluid level sensor.

      A lit ABS light does not usually indicate a significant brake failure... just a lack of ABS.

      --
      alex








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      740GL ABS has bugs 700 1989

      I was beginning to suspect problems with the sensors themselves. we checked the connections to the sensors under the bonnet (next to the suspension towers) and they were clean and tight. So new sensors might be the go.

      Thanks Rob

      Brad







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