Volvo 1990 240 Model
pg. 50 Trailer hauling
When preparing for trailer hauling, observe the following:
l Use a trailer hitch which meets Federal Safety Standards for rear end co\
llisions (FMVSS 301 -75).
For trailer weights exceeding 2,000 lbs (908 kgs) use only a trailer h\
itch offered as a Genuine Volvo
Accessory.
l Maximum trailer weight recommended by Volvo is 3,300 lbs (1,500 kg). \
However, for cars with automatic transmission, an optional Volvo automat\
ic transmission oil cooler
must be installed when trailer weight exceeds 2,000 lbs (908 kgs). Wit\
h manual transmission, 5th gear
should not be used while towing. Observe legal requirements of the state\
in which the vehicles are
registered.
All Volvo models are equipped with energy absorbing shock mounted bumper\
s. Trailer hitch installation
should not interfere with the proper operation of the bumper system.
WARNING! Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvo's, no\
r should safety chains be
attached to the bumper.
Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.
WARNING! Never connect a trailer's hydraulic-brake system directly to th\
e vehicle brake system, nor
a trailer's lighting system directly to the vehicle lighting system. Con\
sult your nearest authorized
Volvo dealer for correct installation.
Trailer hauling does not normally present any particular problems, but t\
ake into consideration:
l Recommended hitch tongue load is 110 lbs (50 kgs) for trailer weights \
below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kgs)
and 143-154 lbs (65-70 kgs) for trailer weights above 2,650 lbs (1,20\
0 kgs). However, it must not
exceed 200 lbs (90 kgs).
l For trailer weights between 2,650-3,300 lbs (1,200-1,500 kgs) a top sp\
eed of 50 mph (80 km/h)
should never be exceeded.
l Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engin\
e coolant temperature should
be closely watched when driving in hot climate or hilly terrain. Use low\
er gear and turn off air
conditioner if temperature gauge pointer enters the red range.
l Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
l Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability and economy.
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Volvo 1990 240 Model
l Observe the following points when in use.
l Avoid point loads. Distribute the load evenly.
l Place the heavy cargo at bottom of load.
l Observe that center of gravity and handling are influenced by the load w\
eight.
l Increasing load size increases wind resistance.
l Anchor the cargo correctly with a cord.
l Drive carefully. Avoid rapid starts, heavy cornering and heavy braking. \
l Max. roof load is 220 lbs (100 kg); use a root rack with a sufficient \
load rating.
pg. 51 Automatic transmission, Brake system
The following "Special Tips" apply to cars with automatic transmission
l For steep hills and when driving for prolonged periods at low speeds, po\
sition 1 should be selected.
Avoid, however, repeated changes since this can cause overheating of the\
transmission oil. For driving
on mountain roads with long persistent uphill gradients, select position\
2.
l When negotiating long, steep, downhill slopes, position 1 should be sele\
cted and position 2 for less
severe inclines, in order to obtain the best possible engine braking eff\
ect.
Do not hold the car stationary on an incline by using the accelerator pe\
dal. Instead, engage the hand
brake. This prevents the transmission oil from becoming overheated.
l 4th gear must be disengaged when hauling a trailer!
l If an additional transmission oil cooler is installed you can haul a tra\
iler with the overdrive engaged.
See next "special tip".
l When driving with heavy trailers, it is recommended that an additional o\
il cooler be installed. This
applies especially when driving under severe conditions e.g. mountain dr\
iving or prolonged driving at
high speeds without breaks. The additional oil cooler is available as a \
genuine Volvo accessory.
Regarding oil change, see section titled "Transmission oil".
Moisture on brake discs and brake pads affects braking.
Driving in rain and slush or passing through a normal car wash can cause\
water to collect on the brake
discs and pads. This will cause a delay in braking effect when the pedal\
is depressed. To avoid such a
delay, when the brakes are needed, depress the pedal occasionally when d\
riving in rain or slush.
This will remove the water from the brakes.
This should also be done after washing or starting in very damp weather.\
If the brake power assist does not function --
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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
Spark plugs R R
Catalytic converter
mounting bolts. A
Manual transmission
oil R
I I I I I I I I I I I I
Automatic
transmission oil I
I I I R I I I R I I I R
Rear axle oil R I I I I I I I I I I I I
Exhaust system I I I I I I I
1) See section "Engine Oil" for detailed information.
2) For services beyond 60,000 miles (96,000 km), consult your Mainten\
ance Service Chart.
3) Recommended, but not mandatory to maintain Volvo emission warranty. \
4) Does not pertain to B230F/EGR.
5) B230F/EGR inspect every 10,000 mile (16,000 km). pg. 57 Servicing
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)
MISCELLANEOUS
MAINTENANCE
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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
Polishing (waxing)
Normally, polishing is not required during the first year after delivery\
. Waxing may be beneficial.
Before applying polish or wax the car must be washed and dried. Tar spot\
s can be removed with
kerosene or tar remover. Difficult spots may require a fine rubbing comp\
ound.
After polishing use liquid or paste wax.
Several commercially available products contain both polish and wax. Wax\
ing alone does not substitute
for polishing of a dull surface.
A wide range of polymer based car waxes can be purchased today. The waxe\
s are easy to use and
produce a long lasting high gloss finish which protects the bodywork aga\
inst oxidation, road dirt and
fading.
Cleaning the upholstery
Generally the fabric can be cleaned with soapy water or a detergent. For\
more difficult spots caused by
oil, ice cream, shoe polish, grease, etc., use a stain remover.
The plastic in the upholstery can be washed.
To clean leather upholstery , use soft cloth and mild soap solution, for\
instance common bath soap.
For more difficult spots, consult an expert for the choice of cleaning a\
gent.
On no account must gasoline, naphtha or similar cleaning agents be used \
on the plastic or the leather
since these can cause damage.
When aging, leather changes appearance, but the typical texture remains.\
To preserve smoothness and
appearance, it is recommended to treat the leather with a special leathe\
r preservative after one or two
years of use.
Cleaning the seat belts
Clean only with luke warm water and mild soap solution.
WARNING! Do not use cleaning solvents to clean the seat
belts.
Cleaning floor mats
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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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