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Volvo 1990 240 Model
pg. 52 Catalytic Converter
Catalytic Converter Cautions
l Keep your engine properly tuned. Certain engine malfunctions, particular\
ly involving the electrical,
fuel or ignition systems, may cause unusually high converter temperature\
s. Do not continue to operate
your vehicle it you detect engine misfire, noticeable loss of power or o\
ther unusual operating conditions,
such as engine overheating or backfiring. A properly-tuned engine will h\
elp in avoiding malfunctions
that could damage the Catalytic Converter.
l Remember that tampering with or unauthorized modifications to the engine\
or the vehicle may be
illegal and can cause catalyst or exhaust system overheating. This inclu\
des:
-- Altering fuel injection settings or components.
-- Adjusting ignition timing beyond specified limits.
-- Altering emission system components or location or removing component\
s.
-- Use of leaded fuel.
WARNING: Do not park your car over combustible materials, such as grass \
or leaves, which can
come into contact with the hot exhaust system and cause such materials t\
o ignite under certain wind
and weather conditions.
l Excessive starter cranking (in excess of one continuous minute) with a\
n intermittently firing or
flooded engine, can cause catalyst or exhaust system overheating. This a\
lso applies to lengthy pushing or
towing of vehicle to start (manual transmissions only). Do not attempt\
to start a car with automatic
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Volvo 1990 240 Model
transmission by pushing or towing .
CAUTION: Unleaded fuel is required for cars with catalytic converter. A \
label on the instrument panel
and rear fender, near the filler inlet, will remind owners and filling s\
tation attendants of this
requirement.
Important! It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into any vehicle label\
ed "unleaded gasoline only".
Contents | Top of Page
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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).
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Volvo 1990 240 Model
Note: SAE 15W/40 must not be used at low ambient temperatures; see visco\
sity
chart.
Volvo recommends the use of oils with the American Petroleum Institute (\
API) label. This
label certifies that the oil conforms to the applicable standards and sp\
ecifications of the
API.
If driving conditions include: Then the correct oil/oil filter change interval
is:
l Extended periods of idling and/or low-speed
operation
l Frequent short trips (less than 7 miles = 11 km)
l Extended periods of driving in dusty and/or sandy
areas
l Trailer towing
l Driving in mountainous areas EVERY 3 MONTHS
or 5,000 miles = 8,000 km
WHICHEVER COMES FIRST
l Primarily highway driving
l Frequent trips of longer than 7 miles = 11 km
EVERY 6 MONTHS
or 5,000 miles = 8,000 km
WHICHEVER COMES FIRST
pg. 63 Cooling system
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Volvo 1990 240 Model
Cooling system
The risk of overheating is greatest, especially in hot weather, when:
- towing a trailer up steep inclines for prolonged periods at full throt\
tle, and at low engine rpm.
- idling for prolonged periods while the air conditioning system is in o\
peration.
- stopping the engine suddenly after high speed driving, so called after\
-boiling.
To avoid overheating. the following rules should be followed.
l Reduce speed and downshift when towing a trailer up long steep inclines.\
The risk of over heating can
be reduced by switching off the air conditioning system for a short whil\
e.
l Do not let the engine idle unnecessarily.
l Do not stop the engine immediately after high-speed driving, but allow t\
he engine to idle for 1/2 - 1
minute before switching off.
When the risk of overheating is imminent, or in the event of overheating\
, (the temperature gauge goes
repeatedly into, or stays continually in, the red section) the followin\
g precautions should be taken:
l Switch off the air conditioning system and switch the heater to full (m\
aximum) position.
l Stop the car and put the gear lever into neutral position-position N. Do\
not stop the engine!
l Increase the engine speed to approx. 2000 rpm (twice idling speed).
l Check the level of coolant in the expansion tank. Top-up, if necessary
pg. 75 Alternator, Jump starting
Electrical System cautions
When changing the battery or when carrying out work involving the electr\
ical system, the following
should be observed:
1 A battery connection to the wrong terminal will damage the diodes. Bef\
ore connections are made,
check the polarity of the battery with a voltmeter.
2 If booster batteries are used for starting, they must be properly conn\
ected to prevent the diodes from
being damaged. For correct connection, see "Jump starting".
3 The battery leads should be disconnected any time the battery is being\
charged.
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