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Volvo 1990 240 Model
l Avoid using automatic transmission kick-down feature unless necessary.
Other factors which decrease gas mileage are:
l Worn or dirty spark plugs
l Incorrect spark plug gap
l Dirty air filter
l Incorrect valve clearance
l Incorrect idle speed
l Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
l Dragging brakes
l Incorrect front end alignment
l Low tire pressure
Shift indicator light
(manual transmission models only)
The Volvo shift indicator light (S.I.L.) is a device designed to help \
you get even better gas mileage from
your Volvo car. Studies have shown that the best fuel economy is obtaine\
d by shifting gears at low
engine rpm and high relative engine load. The Volvo S.I.L. is calibrated\
to show you when to shift for
improved mileage without sacrificing smooth acceleration .
Use of the S.I.L. is simple. Shift to next higher gear as soon as the li\
ght comes on. You may find after
using the S.I.L. for some time that your natural shifting rhythm will ad\
apt to the S.I.L.'s suggestion.
Some drivers may even shift before the light comes on.
Obviously, there will be times when you need to shift later than the lig\
ht would indicate (for example,
when climbing hills or trailer towing). Using the light regularly, howe\
ver, should result in a mileage
improvement of six percent or more, depending on how you normally drive.\
Programming instructions for shift indicator
If the current supply to the control unit is cut (battery disconnected)\
, the control unit will have to be re-
programmed as the control unit memory will be erased.
Drive the car in each gear (first gear not necessary) for approximatel\
y 8 seconds.
The gear change indicator light will flicker once (0.5 seconds), as ea\
ch gear is programmed.
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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
Evaporative control systems
Vehicles intended for the North American market are equipped with a fuel\
vapor evaporative control
system, which prevents gasoline fumes from being released into the atmos\
phere.
The system is comprised of an expansion chamber in the fuel tank, a roll\
-over valve on the cross
member in front of the fuel tank, and a charcoal canister with built-in \
vacuum valve. The components
are interconnected by hoses which channel fuel vapor from the gas tank t\
o the charcoal filter where they
are stored until the engine is started and then drawn into the engine fu\
el induction system.
Engine Ignition
Change spark plugs
The spark plugs should be changed every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
However, prolonged city driving or fast highway driving may necessitate \
changing spark plugs after
10,000 miles (16,000 km) of driving. When installing new plugs, be sur\
e to fit the right type and use the
correct torque, see "Specifications".
When changing the spark plugs, check that the suppressor connectors are \
in good condition. Cracked or
damaged connectors should be replaced.
When changing spark plugs, clean the cables and cable terminals, also th\
e rubber seals. If the car is
driven on roads where salt is used during the winter, coat the cables wi\
th silicone.
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Volvo 1990 240 Model
Possible cause Correction
Intake system leaking. Check vacuum hose connections at manifold and
auxiliary air valve.
No fuel reaching engine. Check for fuel in the tank.
Check fuse No 4.
No spark Check that the high tension lead from the coil to the
distributor cap is connected and that the wires to the
distributor and coil are connected.
Check the fuse for the engine control system. The fuse
is located in the engine compartment on the left wheel
housing by the ignition coil.
Spark plugs, high tension leads or distributor
cap wet or defective. Clean the parts with a dry cloth or spray with a moisture
remover. Replace defective or worn parts.
If no fault is found following the above steps, contact
your Volvo dealer.
pg. 94 Service diagnosis
Condition: Erratic idle (misfiring)
Possible cause Correction
Intake system leaking. Check hose connections.
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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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Volvo 1990 240 Model
Possible cause Correction
Spark plugs
fouled. Drive the vehicle in a lower gear and keep the engine rpm higher for a f\
ew miles
in order to remove carbon deposit on the spark plugs. If this procedure \
is not
effective, clean or replace the spark plugs.
pg. 96 Label information
The Vehicle Identification Number should always be quoted in all corresp\
ondence concerning your
vehicle with the dealer and when ordering parts.
1 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
VIN plate is located on top left surface of dash. The VIN is also stampe\
d on the right hand door pillar.
2 Vehicle Emission Control Information
Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable safety and emissions stand\
ards. Evidence of this can be
verified from the certification label on the left wheel valance. For fur\
ther information regarding these
regulations, please consult your Volvo dealer.
3 Model Plate
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Codes for color and upholstery et\
c. This plate is located on right
wheel valance.
4 Loads, Capacities, and Tire Pressures
5 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(FMVSS) specifications (USA) and Ministry of Transport (CMVSS) Sta\
ndards (Canada)
This label is located on rear facing side of the driver's front door.
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Volvo 1990 240 Model
Type Positive pressure, closed system
Thermostat begins to open at 188.6 ° F
Fan belts, designation HC-38 x 918 (two)
Coolant: Volvo Coolant type C (blue-green)
Fuel system
The engine is equipped with an electronic fuel injection system.
Ignition System
Firing order 1-3-4-2
Ignition setting (12 ° B.T.D.C. at 750 rpm)
Spark plugs Bosch WR7DC (or equivalent)
Spark plug gap 0.028-0.032" (0.7-0.8 mm)
Tightening torque 15-22 ft. lbs. (20-30 Nm)
Distributor, direction of rotation Clockwise pg. 101 Specifications
POWER TRANSMISSION
Manual or automatic transmission. Hypoid type final drive.
Manual transmission M47 II
Reduction ratios:
1st gear 4.03:1
2nd gear 2.16:1
3rd gear 1.37:1 Rear axle reduction ratio:
4th gear 1.00:1 3.31:1
5th gear 0.82:1
Reverse 3.68:1
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