1990 VOLVO 240 warning lights

Volvo 1990 240 Model
pg. 6 240 DL Sedan
pg. 7 Before you drive
pg. 8Instruments and controls
pg. 10Instruments
pg. 11Warning lights
pg. 12Clock, ambient temperature gauge
pg. 13Oil pressure gauge, voltmeter
pg. 14Ignition switch, turn signals
pg. 15Lighting
pg. 16Windshield wipers, washer nozzles
pg. 18Washer fluid reservoir
pg. 18Rear window demister, heated seat, hazard warning flasher
pg. 19Parking brake
pg. 20Cigarette lighter, ash trays
pg. 21Electrically operated windows
pg. 22Heating and ventilation
pg. 24Air conditioning
pg. 25Audio systems
pg. 26Child safety
pg. 28Seat belts
pg. 30SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
pg. 32Doors and locks
pg. 33Trunk lid
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Volvo 1990 240 Model
pg. 11 Warning lights
The warning lights described on this page should never be on when drivin\
g

When the ignition is turned on, and before the engine starts, all of the\
warning lights should be on to test
the function of the bulbs. Should a light not go off after the engine ha\
s started, the system indicated
should be inspected. (However, the parking brake reminder light will no\
t go off until the parking brake
is fully released.)

Alternator warning light (red)

If the light comes on while the engine is running,
check the tension of the alternator drive belt as soon
as possible. (See section titled "Cooling system".)
NOTE: This warning light is illuminated if the
alternator is not charging. However, alternator,
parking brake, brake failure, and bulb failure will
be illuminated at the same time due to the design
of the system
Parking brake reminder light (red)

This light will be on when the parking brake
(hand brake) is applied. The parking brake lever
is situated between the front seats. Canadian
models are equipped with this warning light:

Bulb failure warning light (yellow)

The light will come on if any of the following bulbs
are defective:
one of the lower beams
one of the tail lights
one of the brake lights (when the brake pedal is
depressed).
See section on "Replacing Bulbs."
Oil pressure warning light (red)

If the light comes on during driving, the oil
pressure is too low. Stop the engine immediately
and check the engine oil level. See section titled
"Engine Oil". Do not continue to drive the car
with this light on.
After hard driving, the light will come on
occasionally when the engine is idling. This is
normal, provided it goes off when the engine
speed is increased.
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Volvo 1990 240 Model
Two lights will be illuminated for 4-8 seconds after the starting (igni\
tion) key is turned to driving
position. One light is located in the instrument cluster and one in the \
console between the front seats.
A chime will sound at the same time if the driver has not fastened his s\
eat belt. The front and rear
outboard seats are provided with self-retracting inertia-reel belts.

To buckle:
Pull the belt out from the retractor far enough to insert the latch plat\
e into the buckle until a distinct
snapping sound is heard. The belt should not be twisted or turned.
Note: The lap belt should sit low and tight under
abdomen.

To unfasten, depress red push-button in buckle and let the belts rewind \
into their retractors.

Before exiting the car, check that the seat belt retracts fully after be\
ing unbuckled. If necessary, guide
the belt back into its retractor slot.

The seat belt retractors are normally "unlocked",. The retractors will l\
ock up as follows:
l if belt is pulled out rapidly
l during braking and acceleration
l if the vehicle is leaning excessively
l when driving in turns
Check seat belt mechanism function as follows:
1. Attach the seat belt. Pull rapidly on the strap.

2. WARNING! Check other traffic before performing this
check.

Brake firmly from approximately 30 mph (50 km/h) or turn in a tight ci\
rcle while pulling on the belt.
In all the above checks you should not be able to pull the belt out.
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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

The power assist to the brakes functions only when the engine is running\
. When the car is moving
without the engine running the brake pedal pressure required to stop the\
car is increased 3- 4 times.
The brake pedal feels stiff and hard.
Disc brake noise: A slight-to-moderate amount of disc brake "squeal" is \
considered normal.

Air dam (front spoiler)

A non-factory air dam can negatively influence the normal flow of coolin\
g air to the front wheel brakes.
(See section titled "Wheels and Tires").

If one of the brake circuits should malfunction the red warning light wi\
ll come on



(See section titled "Warning Lights".)
The pedal stroke increases slightly and the pedal feels softer but the p\
edal pressure required does not
increase noticeably.
If the light comes on while driving and the brake pedal can be depressed\
further than normal, it is an
indication that one of the brake circuits is not functioning. Stop immed\
iately, open engine hood and
check brake fluid level.
Reservoir empty: do NOT drive. Tow car to shop for check/repair of brake\
system. Reservoir not empty:
proceed immediately and with caution to a Volvo dealer for an inspection\
of the brake system.

Severe strain on the brake system

The brakes will be subject to severe strain when driving in mountains or\
hilly areas. The speed is usually
low which means that the cooling of the brake is less efficient than whe\
n driving on level roads.
To reduce the strain on the brakes it is advisable not to use the brakes\
excessively.
Instead, shift into a lower gear and let the engine help with the brakin\
g. A good rule is to use the same
gear downhill as would be used ascending the same grade. For vehicles wi\
th automatic transmission use
position 2, or in some cases, 1.
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Volvo 1990 240 Model
Warning: Turn starting (ignition) switch OFF before replacing fuses. E\
xcessive heat may be created by
a short circuit. Care must be exercised while replacing blown fuses.

Some of the equipment listed below is optional

Refer to the fuse location chart at fuse box for fuses specific to your \
car.

1 Cigarette lighter, Power mirrors, Radio, Tailgate wiper/washer 8A
2 Windshield wiper/washer, Horn 16A
3 Heater blower 25A
4 Fuel feed (in-tank) pump, Lambda-sond heating element 8A
5 Turn signals, Back-up lights 16A
6 Main fuel pump relay 16A
7 Brake lights 8A
8 Central locking, Interior and glove compartment lights, Trunk and engi\
ne
compartment lights, Radio, Power antenna, Clock, Daytime running lights \
(Canada)* 8A
9 Hazard warning Flashers 8A
10 Power windows 16A
11 Heated rear window, 4th gear (automatic transmission) 16A
12 Air conditioning (with blower control), Power windows (relay),
Heated rear window (relay), Seat belt reminder, Cruise control 8A
13 Heated front seats, Daytime running lights - relay (Canada)* 16A
14 Rear fog lights 8A
15 Parking lights (left side), License plate light 8A
16 Parking lights (right side), Instruments and control panel lights, \
Shift indicator light 8A
Blade type fuse, serving LH-Jetronic fuel injection system. Located on t\
he left
wheel housing by the ignition coil 25A

* Note: Early production Canadian vehicles are not equipped with Daytime\
Running Lights.




Contents | Top of Page
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Volvo 1990 240 Model
dealer.

Condition: Starter fails to operate (or operates very slowly)
Possible cause Correction
Weak battery or dead cell. With the starting (ignition) switch in the "Driving"
or "On" position, check to see if the warning lights
on the dashboard come on and if they stay on when
the starter is engaged. If the lights do not come on or
if they go off when the starter is engaged, the battery
is discharged or see below.
Loose or corroded battery cable terminals. Check battery terminals and clamps. Clean or
replace if necessary. Check that the starter cable is
secure at its terminals.
The ground strap, which connects the battery
negative (-) terminal to the engine, should also be
checked for corrosion or looseness.
Open circuit between starting (ignition) switch
and starting (ignition) switch terminal on
starter. The circuit is closed if a clicking sound is heard
from the starter when it is engaged. If no clicking
sound is heard, check that the blue wire at the starter
is secure. If still no clicking sound is heard, the
starting (ignition) switch or the wire is defective.
Starter motor defective. If the above checks have been performed, and no
fault is evident, the starter may be defective. NOTE:
In this case the headlight intensity will not dim when
the starter is engaged.
pg. 93 Service diagnosis
Condition: Starter motor operates but engine does not start

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Volvo 1990 240 Model
Rear ash tray light 1.2 W W2x4.6d 1
License plate light, sedan 4 W Ba 9 s 2
License plate light,
wagon 5 W
S 8.5-8 2
Interior light 10 W S 8.5-8 1
Glove box light 2 W Ba 9 s 1
Instrument panel light 3 W W2.1x9.5d 2
Control panel light 1.2 W W2x4.6d 3
Shift positions, auto trans. 1.2 W W2x4.6d 1
Engine compartment light 15 W S 8.5-8 1
Trunk light 15 W S 8.5-8 1
Warning indicator lamps
Charging 1.2 W W2x4.6d 1
Turn signals 1.2 W W2x4.6d 2
Brake failure 1.2 W W2x4.6d 1
Parking brake 1.2 W W2x4.6d 1
Headlights 1.2 W W2x4.6d 1
Oil pressure 1.2 W W2x4.6d 1
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