1990 VOLVO 240 check engine light

Volvo 1990 240 Model

During the winter, multigrade oil 10W-30 should be used in the engine. \
The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (t\
hinner oil) improves cold-weather
starting as well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine is warm\
ing up. To avoid difficult cold
start conditions (during extreme winter weather), use of 5W-30 oil, pa\
rticularly the synthetic type, is
recommended.
Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use this cold-weather oil for\
hard driving or in warm weather.
See section "Engine oil" for more information.

Electrical system

The electrical system is subject to greater stresses during the winter. \
Lighting and starter motor are used
more often. The battery capacity is reduced at low air temperature. The \
state of charge must be checked
more frequently, and if necessary the battery should be recharged. The b\
attery can freeze if the state of
charge is too low.

Windshield washers

Anti-freeze washer fluid should also be added to the washer fluid contai\
ner for the windshield and rear
window (tailgate, wagon model) washer.
This is particularly important during the winter because the windshield \
frequently becomes dirty and is
often splashed with water which freezes rapidly. This may necessitate th\
e frequent use of the windshield
washer and wipers. Your Volvo dealer can supply you with suitable anti-f\
reeze for this purpose. Suitable
mixtures of anti-freeze and water are:
Down to +14 ° F (-10 ° C) 1 part anti-freeze 4 parts water.
Down to + 7 ° F (-14 ° C) 1 part anti-freeze 3 parts water.
Down to 0 ° F (-18 ° C) 1 part anti-freeze 2 parts water.
Down to -18 ° F (-28 ° C) 1 part anti-freeze 1 part water.
Use Volvo Teflon lock spray or grease in the locks. They can be purchase\
d from your Volvo dealer
Note: Avoid the use of de-icing sprays as they can cause damage to the
locks.
pg. 92 Service diagnosis
The diagnoses outlined below are intended to serve only as a guide to lo\
cate and temporarily correct
minor faults. Causes of unsatisfactory performance should be investigate\
d and corrected by your Volvo
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_19.htm (2 of 7)12/30/2006 8:\
25:13 AM

Volvo 1990 240 Model
dealer.

Condition: Starter fails to operate (or operates very slowly)
Possible cause Correction
Weak battery or dead cell. With the starting (ignition) switch in the "Driving"
or "On" position, check to see if the warning lights
on the dashboard come on and if they stay on when
the starter is engaged. If the lights do not come on or
if they go off when the starter is engaged, the battery
is discharged or see below.
Loose or corroded battery cable terminals. Check battery terminals and clamps. Clean or
replace if necessary. Check that the starter cable is
secure at its terminals.
The ground strap, which connects the battery
negative (-) terminal to the engine, should also be
checked for corrosion or looseness.
Open circuit between starting (ignition) switch
and starting (ignition) switch terminal on
starter. The circuit is closed if a clicking sound is heard
from the starter when it is engaged. If no clicking
sound is heard, check that the blue wire at the starter
is secure. If still no clicking sound is heard, the
starting (ignition) switch or the wire is defective.
Starter motor defective. If the above checks have been performed, and no
fault is evident, the starter may be defective. NOTE:
In this case the headlight intensity will not dim when
the starter is engaged.
pg. 93 Service diagnosis
Condition: Starter motor operates but engine does not start

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_19.htm (3 of 7)12/30/2006 8:\
25:13 AM