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Volvo 1990 240 Model
To obtain best parking brake performance, the brake linings should be br\
oken in.
Stop 5-7 times from 30 mph (50 km/h), transmission in neutral, applyin\
g the parking brake with the
release button pressed in during the stop. The force must not lock the r\
ear wheels. If this happens,
release the brake enough to let the wheels rotate. Drive a mile between \
each stop to cool the brakes.
Check for proper parking brake operation.
Note: The brake lights are not illuminated when applying the parking bra\
ke. To warn traffic from
behind it is therefore advisable to depress the brake pedal slightly to \
illuminate the brake lights.
600 - 1,200 mile maintenance service
To ensure proper operation the car should be taken to a Volvo dealer bet\
ween the first 600 - 1,200 miles
(1,000 - 2,000 km) for a maintenance service. The oil in the engine, m\
anual transmission and rear axle
will then be changed. This is very important since the oil rapidly colle\
cts impurities during the break-in
period.
pg. 43 Driving economy, Shift indicator light
Economical driving does not necessarily mean driving slowly
Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid\
starts and stops and
adjusting the speed of your vehicle to immediate traffic conditions. Obs\
erve the following rules:
l Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by \
driving with a light foot on
the accelerator pedal instead of allowing the engine to idle for a prolo\
nged period. A cold engine uses
more fuel and is subject to increased wear.
l When possible avoid using the car for driving short distances. This does\
not allow the engine to reach
normal operating temperature.
l Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
l Do not exceed speed limit.
l Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the car.
l Check tire pressures regularly (cold tires).
l Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
l Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc., increase air resistance and there\
by fuel consumption.
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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.
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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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Page 124 of 143

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
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Volvo 1990 240 Model
Spark plugs, high tension leads or distributor
cap worn (defective) Clean distributor cap and leads, check the cap for
cracks. Replace defective or worn parts.
Worn spark plugs. Remove. Clean or replace spark plugs.
Condition: Engine stalls at irregular intervals
Possible cause Correction
Defective wires. Check wire terminals at: fuel pump, fuse No. 5 and 7, coil, distributor,\
ignition
switch and relays.
Intake system
leaking. Check vacuum hose connections at manifold and auxiliary air valve.
Fuel filter clogged. Clean fuel tank filter and replace line fuel filter.
pg. 95 Service diagnosis
Condition: Excessive fuel consumption
Possible cause Correction
Fuel lines
leaking. Check
tightness.
Spark plugs
worn. Replace plugs.
Condition: Misfiring at highway driving speed
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