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Volvo 1990 240 Model
 
A Clock  
B Direction indicator (green)  
C Speedometer  
   In kilometers and miles per hour (U.S. models)  
   In kilometers per hour (Canadian models)  
D Odometer  
   Total reading in miles (U.S. models)  
   Total reading in kilometers (Canadian models)  
E Temperature gauge  
   The gauge pointer should remain inside the black range during normal \
operation.  
   If the pointer enters the red range repeatedly, check coolant level a\
nd fan belt tension. (See sections 
titled "Cooling system and coolant")  Warning: allow engine to cool before adding 
fluid. 
 
Do not continue to drive the car with the pointer in the red zone.  
F Fuel gauge  
   The fuel tank capacity is approx 60 liters = 15.8 US gals. See "Fuel \
requirements".  
G Clock reset knob  
H Service reminder light  
I Check engine (red)  
J Alternator warning light (red)  
K Oil pressure warning light (red)  
   Do not drive the car with this light on.  
L SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)  
M Trip odometer reset knob Push in to reset  
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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
pg. 70 Manual transmission 
 
 
Manual transmission with overdrive, M47 II
 
Capacity: 1.6 US qts 1.5 liters.  
Fluid type: Automatic Transmission Fluid Type F  
Replace: at 600-1,200 mile (1,000-2,000 km) service only. 
 
The oil level should be up to the level/filler plug.  
When replacing transmission oil, drain the oil immediately after driving\
, while it is still hot, by 
removing the drain plug. 
  Warning: Use care to prevent possible burning from hot transmission 
oil. 
pg. 71 Automatic transmission 
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Volvo 1990 240 Model
 
 
Automatic transmission
 
Capacity: 7.8 US qts (7.4 liters)  
Fluid type: Automatic Transmission Fluid type Dexron II D.  
Replace: every 20,000 miles (32,000 km). 
 
A Cold transmission: oil temperature = + 105°F ( + 40°C) .  
This is a normal temperature for the transmission after idling for about\
 10 minutes.  
At oil temperature below +105°F (+40°C), the level may be below \
the MIN mark. 
 
B Warm transmission: oil temperature = + 195°F ( + 90°C) .  
This temperature is obtained when driving for about 30 minutes.  
At oil temperature above + 195°F ( + 90°C), the level may be abo\
ve the MAX mark. 
  Note!  
The engine should be idling when checking transmission fluid 
level. 
 
Check the oil level as follows:  
Park the car on level surface with the engine idling.  
Slowly move the selector lever through all the gear positions and then t\
o position P. Wait 2 minutes 
before checking the oil level. As the illustration shows, the dipstick h\
as a "Cold" and a "warm" side.  
The oil level should be between the MIN and MAX marks.  
Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth. 
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Volvo 1990 240 Model
 WARNING! The oil may be very 
hot! 
 
Do not use rags which can leave lint on the dipstick.  
The transmission is topped up via the dipstick tube.  
The space between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick corresponds to 0\
.5 US qts (0.5 liter). Do 
not fill the transmission with too much oil, since this can result in oi\
l being ejected from the 
transmission.  
Too little oil, on the other hand, can negatively affect transmission op\
eration, particularly in very cold 
weather. 
pg. 72 Rear axle oil, Power steering fluid, Brake fluid 
 
 
Rear axle oil
 
Capacity: 1030 1.4 US qts 1.3 liters  
1031 1.7 US qts 1.6 1iters  
Oil type: API GL-5 (MIL-L-2105 B or C) or Volvo Rear Axle Oil 1161329 \
 
Viscosity: SAE 90 or 80W / 90  
Replace: at 600 - 1,200 mile (1,000 - 2,000 km) service only 
 
The oil level should be up to the filler plug (A).  
Drain rear axle oil through drain plug (B).  
When the temperature is consistently below 15°F (-10°C), use API\
 GL-5 SAE 80/90W oil.  
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Volvo 1990 240 Model
Cars equipped with limited slip differentials should use oils with prope\
r additives. 
 
 
 
Power steering fluid
 
Capacity: 0.8 US qts = 0.75 1iters  
Fluid type: ATF  
Replace: no fluid change required. 
 
The dipstick is attached to the cap. Fluid level should be between MIN a\
nd MAX marks. Add fluid 
when the level is at the ADD mark. 
 
 
 
Brake fluid
 
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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
Cargo opening, maximum width 45.7" (116 cm) 
Cargo opening, maximum 
height  30.7" (78 cm) 
  WARNING: When adding accessories, equipment, luggage and other cargo to \
your vehicle, the total 
loaded weight capacity of the vehicle must not be exceeded. Consult your\
 dealer for information. 
  Dimensions and weights for Canadian models 
4 door Wagon 
Length  482 cm 484 cm 
Curb weight (depending on 
type)  1306-1321 
kg 1373- 1388 
kg 
Gross vehicle weight  1830 kg 1950 kg 
Capacity weight  440 kg 540 kg 
Permissible axle weight, front  
rear  855 kg  
990 kg 855 kg  
1180 kg 
pg. 99 Specifications 
Engine B230F (2.3 liters; 141 cu. in.) 
 
Liquid-cooled, gasoline, 4-cylinder in-line engine. Cast-iron cylinder b\
lock with cylinders bored directly 
in block. Aluminum-alloy cylinder head with single overhead camshaft and\
 separate intake and outlet 
channels. Engine lubrication is provided by a gear pump driven from the \
crankshaft. Full-flow type oil 
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