Why does my Volvo 740 crank but sometimes not start?

Short answer: An older Volvo 740 that cranks but won't start now and then, then starts fine later (often at the mechanic's), usually has a part that fails intermittently. Members' top suspects are the ignition module, which tends to act up before it dies, and fuel delivery. The trick is testing while it's failing: check for spark at the coil and listen for the fuel pump. If your car has a factory or aftermarket theft-deterrent system, make sure it isn't cutting the starter or fuel.

Symptom: It turns over normally but doesn't fire. Let it sit and it starts like nothing happened. It's been towed to the shop and started right up there.

What to check first

1. Next time it won't start, check for spark at the coil with a spark tester. No spark points to the ignition module or its wiring.
2. Turn the key to Run, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then start. If that helps, have fuel pressure and the fuel filter checked.
3. Listen for the fuel pump humming when you turn the key on.
4. Check any theft-deterrent or alarm system to make sure it's working properly and not cutting power.
5. If it dies while driving with all dash lights on, have the mass airflow (MAF) sensor checked.

Likely causes

1. Ignition module failing intermittently. Members say these begin to fail on and off before they fail completely.
2. Fuel pump, fuel pressure or fuel filter. Suggested when waiting with the key on helps it start.
3. Theft-deterrent or alarm system. Can block starting if it malfunctions.
4. Mass airflow sensor. Suggested for a 940 that stalled with dash lights on.

What it usually costs

No owner in these threads posted repair costs. Get a quote once the failing part is confirmed.

Is it safe to keep driving?

It's safe to drive when it runs, but it may strand you. If it stalls while driving, get it fixed before regular use. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

DIY for spark tests, the key-on wait trick and listening for the pump. Ignition module swaps are straightforward on these cars; fuel pressure testing needs a gauge.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA lists no recall for starting, ignition or fuel delivery problems on the Volvo 740 in the model years we could check on 2026-10-25 (the recall lookup returned an error for 1 model-year queries). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• NHTSA complaints: 21 keyword-matched complaints for Volvo 740 1985–1992 (of 169 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-25; keywords: won't start or crank, no start, click, starter, ignition switch, stall, shut off, hard start, fuel pump, ignition). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 1987 Volvo 740 GLE Cranks But Intermittent Start on Car Talk, an '87 740 always cranked but didn't always start and had been towed twice, starting fine at the mechanic both times. A member said the ignition module fails intermittently before it fails completely and to check for spark at the coil next time.
• In 85 Volvo 740 Intermittent Starting on Car Talk, a 1985 740 GLE would turn over but not start, then start after sitting. A member suggested checking that a theft-deterrent system, if fitted, was working properly.
• In Volvo 940 starting problem on Car Talk, a '95 940 turbo (the 740's successor) sometimes needed 5 to 10 seconds of cranking. A member suggested waiting with the key on before cranking and having fuel pressure and the filter checked if that helped.
• In Volvo 940 Dies, All Dash Lights On on Car Talk, a '94 940 turbo wagon started stalling on the road. A member suggested cleaning or replacing the MAF sensor.

Quick tip

Intermittent no-starts get solved by whoever tests the car while it's failing. Keep a cheap spark tester in the glovebox and you'll know whether to tell the shop 'no spark' or 'no fuel.'

Vehicle focus: 1985–1992 Volvo 740 (and the closely related 940), non-turbo and turbo.

Safety / mechanic note

If it stalls while driving, fix it before regular use. Verify with a mechanic.