1990 VOLVO 240 check engine

Volvo 1990 240 Model

Precautionary steps to observe when towing

Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this typ\
e of towing as vehicles being
towed are subject to regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length \
and type of towing device,
lighting, etc.
l Steering must be unlocked.
l Remember that power brake and power steering assists will not be availab\
le when engine is
inoperative. Pedal pressure required is 3 - 4 times above normal and gre\
ater steering effort must be
employed.
l Towing cars equipped with automatic transmission:
-- Gear selector in position N. Check transmission oil level (see secti\
on titled "Transmission oil").
-- Maximum speed: 20 mph (30 km/h).
-- Maximum distance with rear wheels on ground: 20 miles (30 km).

CAUTION!
Do not attempt to start the car by pushing or pulling as damage to catal\
ytic converter can
result.

Jump starting, see section titled "alternator, jump starting".
NOTE:
Refer lo the section regarding "On-
Call"
pg. 49 Tow-truck information
Only use wheel lift or flat bed equipment.
CAUTION:
Sling-type equipment applied at the font will damage radiator and air co\
nditioning lines. It is equally
important not to use sling-type equipment at the rear or apply lifting e\
quipment inside the rear wheels;
serious damage to the rear axle may result.


file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_10.htm (6 of 7)12/30/2006 8:\
25:05 AM

Volvo 1990 240 Model

The power assist to the brakes functions only when the engine is running\
. When the car is moving
without the engine running the brake pedal pressure required to stop the\
car is increased 3- 4 times.
The brake pedal feels stiff and hard.
Disc brake noise: A slight-to-moderate amount of disc brake "squeal" is \
considered normal.

Air dam (front spoiler)

A non-factory air dam can negatively influence the normal flow of coolin\
g air to the front wheel brakes.
(See section titled "Wheels and Tires").

If one of the brake circuits should malfunction the red warning light wi\
ll come on



(See section titled "Warning Lights".)
The pedal stroke increases slightly and the pedal feels softer but the p\
edal pressure required does not
increase noticeably.
If the light comes on while driving and the brake pedal can be depressed\
further than normal, it is an
indication that one of the brake circuits is not functioning. Stop immed\
iately, open engine hood and
check brake fluid level.
Reservoir empty: do NOT drive. Tow car to shop for check/repair of brake\
system. Reservoir not empty:
proceed immediately and with caution to a Volvo dealer for an inspection\
of the brake system.

Severe strain on the brake system

The brakes will be subject to severe strain when driving in mountains or\
hilly areas. The speed is usually
low which means that the cooling of the brake is less efficient than whe\
n driving on level roads.
To reduce the strain on the brakes it is advisable not to use the brakes\
excessively.
Instead, shift into a lower gear and let the engine help with the brakin\
g. A good rule is to use the same
gear downhill as would be used ascending the same grade. For vehicles wi\
th automatic transmission use
position 2, or in some cases, 1.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_11.htm (4 of 6)12/30/2006 8:\
25:06 AM

Volvo 1990 240 Model
pg. 54 240 DL Wagon
pg. 55 Maintenance service
MAINTENANCE

Maintenance services

Your Volvo has passed two major inspections before it was delivered to y\
ou, according to Volvo specifications. When driven 600 - 1,200 miles (1,000
2,000 km), your car should be brought to the Volvo dealer for a mainten\
ance service. Engine, manual transmission and rear axle oils, will be changed
at this time.
Following this inspection, maintenance Inspections as outlined In this b\
ook should be performed every 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
Engine oil and oil filter changes should be performed every 5,000 miles \
(8,000) km, or at the time intervals outlined on page 62.
The extended maintenance inspection intervals make it even more advisabl\
e to follow this program.
Inspection and service should also be performed any time a malfunction i\
s observed or suspected.
It is recommended that receipts for vehicle emission services be retaine\
d in the event questions arise concerning maintenance. See your "Warranty
Information and Maintenance Records Booklets".

Maintenance Inspection Intervals

Volvo advises you to follow the inspection program at 5,000 mile or 8,00\
0 km intervals which is outlined in the "Warranties and Maintenance Records
Manual: This maintenance program contains inspections and services neces\
sary for the proper functioning of your car over the next inspection interval.
The maintenance inspections contain several checks which require special\
instruments and tools and therefore must be performed by a qualified
technician.
To keep your Volvo in top condition, specify time tested and proven Genu\
ine Volvo Parts and Accessories.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_12.htm (2 of 7)12/30/2006 8:\
25:07 AM

Volvo 1990 240 Model
ENGINE
Engine coolant I I I R I I R
Fuel (line) filter R
PCV nipple (orifice) I
Ventilation hoses I
EGR valve A
Battery condition I I I I I I I I I I I I I
BRAKES
Inspect brakes,
replace components
as necessary I
I I I I I
Change brake fluid R R
STEERING
Tire wear (align front
end if needed) I
I I I I I I
Check power steering
fluid level I
I I I I I I I I I I I I
BODY
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_12.htm (6 of 7)12/30/2006 8:\
25:07 AM

Volvo 1990 240 Model
pg. 58 Servicing Engine
The following items should be checked weekly Description
by the owner. (This only takes a few moments.) on page
Engine oil level 61
Brake fluid 72
Radiator coolant level 74
Tire pressures (including spare) 82, 103
Operation of all lights -
Horns -
Windshield wipers -
Level of windshield fluid -

The following should also be carried out at Description
regular intervals on page
Washing 87
Polishing 87
Cleaning 87
Rust protection inspection 87 pg. 59 Servicing Engine


Engine B230F
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_13.htm (1 of 9)12/30/2006 8:\
25:08 AM

Volvo 1990 240 Model
If it is not clear whether the fuel contains such additives, ask the sta\
tion operator for further information
regarding the detergency of their gasolines.

Gasoline Containing Alcohol

Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing alcohol without advertising\
the presence of alcohol. If you
are not sure whether there is alcohol in the gasoline you buy, check wit\
h the service station operator.

Blends of unleaded gasoline and ethanol (ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol)\
, sometimes called "gasohol", are
available in some areas. Gasohol, if used, must contain no more than 10 \
percent ethanol and must have
an (R+M)/2 rating of 87 or higher. If you experience problems with sta\
rting, drive ability, or fuel
economy with gasohol, you should discontinue its use.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refueling. Gasolines containing a\
lcohol can cause damage to
painted surfaces, which may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited\
Warranty.
Caution:
Do not use gasolines containing methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol)\
. This practice can result in
vehicle performance deterioration and can damage critical parts in the f\
uel system. Such damage may
not be covered under the New Vehicle Warranty.

Fuel Tank

The fuel tank is designed to hold approx. 15.8 US gal. (60 liters), wi\
th sufficient volume left over to
accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather.
Be aware that the "usable" tank capacity will be somewhat less than the \
15.8-US gal. (60-liter)
maximum. When the fuel level is low, such factors as ambient temperature\
, the fuel's "vapor pressure"
characteristics, and terrain can affect the fuel pumps' ability to suppl\
y the engine with an adequate
supply of fuel. Therefore, it is advisable to refuel as soon as possible\
when the needle nears the red zone.
After the needle enters the red zone, you should be able to drive approx\
. 25 miles (40 km) depending on
driving style and conditions.
pg. 61 Engine fluids
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_13.htm (3 of 9)12/30/2006 8:\
25:08 AM

Volvo 1990 240 Model

Checking oil level

The oil level should be checked each time the fuel tank is refilled. Be \
sure the oil level is maintained
between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick. Low oil level can cau\
se internal damage to the
engine and overfilling can result in high oil consumption. The distance \
between the dipstick marks
represents approx. 1 quart (1 liter) of oil.

Changing oil filter

Replace the oil filter at every oil change. If the oil filter is changed\
separately, 1/2 US qt = 1/2 liter of oil
should be added.

To add oil or change oil

Add oil of the same kind as already used. See engine oil section.
Note: Allow engine to cool before changing
oil.

Coolant

Maintain fluid level between MAX and MIN marks on expansion tank. Mixtur\
e of 50 percent Volvo
antifreeze type C (blue-green) or similar and 50 percent water should \
be used. See "Coolant" section.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_13.htm (4 of 9)12/30/2006 8:\
25:08 AM

Volvo 1990 240 Model
pg. 62 Engine Oil, 5,000-mile (8,000-km) oil/oil filter change interva\
l
Oil quality

According to API SG or alternatively API SF.
l Oils with designations SO/CD, SF/CC and SF/CD comply with these requirem\
ents.
Viscosity (stable ambient temperatures):


Volvo recommends the use of energy-conserving oils. Look for the API lab\
el. Synthetic or
semisynthetic oils may be used if their specifications comply with the o\
il quality requirements.
Volvo does not recommend oil additives, as they can adversely affect the\
engine.

Changing oil and oil filter

Oil and oil filter are first changed at the 600-1,200 mile (1,000-2,000\
km) service. Thereafter, changes
should be made as specified by this table:

Capacity

Including oil filter: 4.0 US qts = 3.85 litres
Check oil level when filling fuel.
SAE 15W/40 is recommended for use in driving conditions that raise oil t\
emperature and increase oil
consumption (i.e., mountain driving, trailer towing).
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_13.htm (6 of 9)12/30/2006 8:\
25:08 AM