New Member intro and 740 issues

[B56]

Hello all, This is my first post on this forum. I purchased a 1991 740 with auto trans three years ago. Car had 109k on it and I have since added another 10k miles at the expense of 3 oil changes, a radiator and new accessory belts. I have history of modding and repairing audi's, however I love volvo, always have. My first car was a 81 240 GL sedan brown on brown. Man i loved that car. One day i hope to own/restore a 242 turbo.

Anyway on to my issues. I have a few that I think can be resolved with some time and effort and parts. I use this car as my station and around town car. I would like to fix these issues in an effort to avoid having to sell the car and buy another car...with problems.

1) Gear shifter will stuck in park. fiddling with it will eventually get it move into revearse. Since its an issue, I park in nuetral and use the parking brake

2) driver side rear tail light fuse will blow if the overdrive is active(orange triangle light off on dash) and I step on the brake. Becasue of this, my overdrive is off and i cruise in 3rd.

I have a feeling that 1 and 2 are somehow related.

3) this should be number one but its not: When stepping on gas from a light or stop, the car does not move at all. rpms do not rise, motor slightly boggs/hesitates then it jumps up to speed. Its very dangerous in traffic and it is not pleasent feeling when you step on the go pedal and you dont go. I intially thought it was the auto trans failing, but after experiencing it several times, the rpms do not rise, if they did it would indicate slip. I think this is fuel delivery, throttle body, ignition related.

4) front suspension creaks and clanks over bumps. I think i just need bushings/new arms and those ball joints. Anyone have a good source for parts?

I havent pulled any codes, or tuned up the engine since i have owned it. Not sure how to do much on this car. However I have mechanical skills, just need to be pointed in th right direction then find the time. Thanks in Advance for you help

[ed7]

Pick up a Haynes manual for 740/760
1. Shift lock solenoid could be mechanically stuck or not getting signal from brake switch.
2. OD wiring comes through the center console also, check this, the OD relay and wiring to OD solenoid under the car.
3. Check timing, cap, rotor, wires, plugs, fuel filter, air filter. That's all the tune-up stuff.
4. Probably time for some struts and rubber goods all related to holding the suspension together.
Forum sponsors are a good place to start as well as your local parts suppliers.
Surf the archives.
Ed