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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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