1990 VOLVO 240 maintenance

Volvo 1990 240 Model
You should be familiar with the information in the first two chapters be\
fore you operate the car.
Information contained in the balance of the manual is extremely useful a\
nd should be studied shortly
after operating the vehicle for the first time. The manual is structured\
so that it can be used for reference.
It should thus be kept in the car for ready access.

All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manu\
al are based on the latest product
information available at the time of publication. Volvo reserves the rig\
ht to make model changes at any
time, or to change specifications or design, without notice and without \
incurring obligation.

Introduction to the manual 2
Before you drive 7
This section provides a detailed description of the vehicle's instrument\
s and controls.
Operating the car 41
This section contains items such as starting the engine, operating gear \
selector, towing trailers.
Service and maintenance 53
An investment which will pay dividends in the form of improved reliabili\
ty, durability, and resale value.
Specifications 97
All specifications are subject to change without notice. Consult your Vo\
lvo dealer for information.
Should you require more detailed information please contact your Volvo d\
ealer. pg. 2 This manual deals with the operation and care of your Volvo
Welcome to the world-wide family of Volvo owners. We trust that you will\
enjoy many years of safe
driving in your Volvo, an automobile designed with your safety and comfo\
rt in mind. To ensure your
satisfaction with this vehicle, we encourage you to familiarize yourself\
with the equipment descriptions,
operating instructions, and maintenance requirements/recommendations in \
this manual. We also urge
you and your passengers to wear seat belts at all times in this (or any\
other) automobile. And of course,
please do not operate a vehicle if you may be affected by alcohol, medic\
ation, or any impairment that
could hinder your ability to drive.

Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable safety and emission standa\
rds, as evidenced by the
certification labels attached to the door opening sheet metal and on the\
left wheel housing in the engine
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Volvo 1990 240 Model
WARNING: Never use any single seat belt for more than one occupant.
Never wear the shoulder portion of the belt under the arm or otherwise o\
ut of position. Such use could,
in event of accident, cause injury.
Volvo recommends that all occupants fasten their seat belts. Aftermarket\
devices used to induce slack
into the shoulder belt portion of Volvo's three-point belt system will h\
ave a detrimental effect on the
amount of protection available to you in the event of a collision
Note: Legislation in your state or province may mandate seat belt
usage.

Maintenance

Check periodically that the anchor bolts are secure and that the belts a\
re in good condition.
Use water and a mild detergent for cleaning.
As the seat belts lose much of their strength when stretched, they shoul\
d be replaced after collision, even
though they may appear to be undamaged.
Never modify or repair the belt on your own. If repair is required, have\
the work performed by an
authorized Volvo dealer.
pg. 30 Supplemental Restraint System (optional in Canada)

As an enhancement to the three-point seat belt system, your Volvo is equ\
ipped with a Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS). The Volvo SRS consists of a drivers side air b\
ag with a driver's side knee
bolster. The system is designed to supplement the protection provided by\
the three-point seat belt
system.
The interior of an SRS-equipped Volvo looks very much the same as any ot\
her. The only indications of
the system's presence are the "SRS" embossed on the steering wheel pad, \
and the knee bolster beneath
the steering column. Also, the SRS diagnostic receptacle is indicated on\
the center dash panel.
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Volvo 1990 240 Model

A self-diagnostic system incorporated in the sensor monitors the SRS. If\
a fault is detected, the "SRS"
warning light will illuminate. the light is included in the warning/indi\
cator light cluster in the instrument
panel. Normally, the SRS warning light will be illuminated along with th\
e other warning/indicator lights
when the ignition key is turned to the ON position (position II), and \
go out a short time after the engine
has been started. Check that this light is functioning properly every ti\
me the car is started.

The following items are monitored by the diagnostic system:
l Sensor unit electronics integrity.
l Reserve energy supply.
l Diagnostic output circuit.
l System voltage.
l Integrity of system connectors.
l Mercury switch closure.
l Gas generator ignitor
WARNING! If the SRS warning light stays on after the engine has started \
or if it comes on while you
are driving, drive the car to the nearest authorized Volvo Dealer for in\
spection as soon as possible.
ATTENTION! SRS VEHICLE!
THIS CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. TO PROVIDE
CONTINUED RELIABILITY, CERTAIN ELEMENTS OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM SHALL BE SERVICED OR REPLACED BY 1999. SEE OWNERS MANUAL FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION.
VOLVO

There is no maintenance to perform on the SRS yourself. The only periodi\
c maintenance recommended
on the SRS is that the air bag module and the sensor unit should be repl\
aced every ten years and that the
other components in the system (wiring, connectors, etc.) should also \
be inspected at this time. This
service must be performed by an authorized Volvo dealer.
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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
l It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes\
to provide a safe stop (check
and observe State regulations).
l More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
l Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
l Increase tire pressure to recommended full-load pressure. See section 'W\
heels and Tires."
Note: Refer to section entitled "Automatic transmission" for additional \
trailer hauling
tips.
Warning: Do not drive with trunk lid or tailgate
open!

Poisonous exhaust gases may enter via the open trunk lid or tailgate. (\
This is especially true for wagon
models.)
If the trunk lid or tailgate for any reason must be open, proceed as fol\
lows:
l Close the windows.
l Set the heating system controls for floor and defroster to max. and the \
blower to full speed (4). See
section titled "Heating and Ventilation".

Handling, roadholding

Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure are important for prope\
r handling. Therefore check that
the tires are inflated to the recommended pressure according to the vehi\
cle load.
Loads should be distributed so that capacity weight or maximum permissib\
le axle loads are not
exceeded.
It is recommended to use tires of the same make and dimensions on all fo\
ur wheels.

Warning: Do not mix radial ply and bias ply tires as this will adversely\
alter the vehicle handling
characteristics.

Roof rack

Permanent and removable roof racks are available from Volvo Accessories.\

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Volvo 1990 240 Model
pg. 53 Service and maintenance
55Maintenance services
56Service requirements
59Engine B230F
60Fuel requirements
61Engine fluids
62Engine oil, Oil/oil filter change interval
63Cooling system
65Servicing
70Transmission oil
72Rear axle, power steering, brake fluid
73Lubrication
74Coolant
75Alternator, jump starting
76Replacing bulbs
81Fuses
82Wheels and tires
84Wheel changing
86Replacing wiper blades
87Washing, cleaning
87Cleaning, anti-rust treatment
88Paint touch-up
90What causes rust
91Long distance trips, cold weather
92Service diagnosis
96Label information
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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.
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Volvo 1990 240 Model

THE FEDERAL CLEAN AIR ACT (USA)

The Clean Air Act requires vehicle manufacturers to furnish written inst\
ructions to the ultimate purchaser to assure the proper functioning of those
components that control emissions.
The maintenance instructions listed in the "Servicing" section of this M\
anual represent the minimum maintenance required. These services are not
covered by the warranty. You will be required to pay for labor and mater\
ial used. Refer to your "Warranties and Maintenance Records Manual" for
further details.
In accordance with Federal Regulations, your Volvo is warranted to meet \
certain Emission Performance Standards. Refer to your Warranty Information
Manual for detailed information concerning:

l Emissions Performance Warranty (USA)
l Limited 5-Year/50,000-Mile Emission System Warranty (USA)
l 5-Year/80,000-Kilometer Emission System Warranty (Canada)
pg. 56 Servicing
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

A = Adjust (Correct if necessary)
R = Replace
I = Inspect (Correct or Replace if necessary)
L = Lubricate
Maintenance
operation Miles
(km) 600-
1,200
(1,000-
2,000)
5,000
(8,000)
10,000
(16,000) 15,000
(24,000) 20,000
(32,000) 25,000
(40,000) 30,000
(48,000) 35,000
(56,000) 40,000
(64,000) 45,000
(72,000) 50,000
(80,000) 55,000
(88,000) 60,000
(96,000)
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