Volvo 1992 240 User manual

1992 Volvo 240
240 Owner's Manual
VOLVO 240
Owner's Manual
U.S.A. & Canada 1992
VOLVO
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Please take the time to fill out the forms on this page. When completed, these forms will provide
information essential to the proper servicing and ordering of parts for your Volvo.
Owner:
Name
Address
City, State Zip
Code
Tel. No.
Notice:
Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable safety and emission standards, as evidenced by the
certification labels attached to the door opening sheet metal and on the left wheel housing in the engine
compartment. For further information regarding these regulations, please contact your dealer.
Vehicle Information (see "Label information" section)
Vehicle License Number
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN)
Service Designation Number
Engine Designation
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1992 Volvo 240
See "Specifications" section
Color Code
Upholstery
Tire designation
See "Tires" section
Vehicle Capacity
© Volvo Cars of North America
pg. 1 Contents
IMPORTANT
You should be familiar with the information in the first two chapters before you operate the car.
Information contained in the balance of the manual is extremely useful and should be studied shortly
after operating the vehicle for the first time.
The manual is structured so that it can be used for reference. It should thus be kept in the car for ready
access.
All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are based on the latest product
information available at the time of publication. Volvo reserves the right to make model changes at any
time, or to change specifications or design, without notice and without incurring obligation.
2Introduction to the manual
Before you drive
7This section provides a detailed description of the vehicle's instruments and controls.
37 Reporting safety defects
Operating the car
53 This section contains items such as starting the engine, operating gear selector, towing trailers.
Service and maintenance
65 An investment which will pay dividends in the form of improved reliability, durability, and resale
value.
Specifications
109 All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Consult your Volvo dealer for information.
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Should you require more detailed information please contact your Volvo dealer
pg. 2 This manual deals with the operation and care of your Volvo
Welcome to the world-wide family of Volvo owners. We trust that you will enjoy many years of safe
driving in your Volvo, an automobile designed with your safety and comfort in mind. To ensure your
satisfaction with this vehicle, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the equipment descriptions,
operating instructions, and maintenance requirements/recommendations in this manual. We also urge
you and your passengers to wear seat belts at all times in this (or any other) automobile. And, of course,
please do not operate a vehicle if you may be affected by alcohol, medication, or any impairment that
could hinder your ability to drive.
Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable safety and emission standards, as evidenced by the
certification labels attached to the door opening sheet metal and on the left wheel housing in the engine
compartment. For information regarding these regulations, please contact your dealer.
pg. 3 Seatbelts: "Something We Believe In"
Despite our strongest recommendation, and your best intentions, not wearing a seatbelt is like believing
"it'll never happen to me!" Volvo urges you and all adult occupants of your car to wear seatbelts and
ensure that children are properly restrained, using an infant or booster seat determined by age, weight
and height.
Fact: In every state, some type of child-restraint legislation has been passed. Additionally, some states
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are seriously considering, or have already made it mandatory for occupants of a car to use seatbelts.
So, urging you to 'buckle up' is not just our recommendation - it's becoming the law! The few seconds it
takes to buckle up may one day allow you to say. "It's a good thing I was wearing my seatbelt."
"SOMETHING WE BELIEVE IN"
"SOMETHING WE BELIEVE IN" VOLVO
pg. 4 General Information
Do not export your Volvo to another country before investigating that country's applicable safety and
exhaust emission requirements. In some cases it may be difficult or impossible to comply with these
requirements. Modifications to the emission control system(s) may render your Volvo non-certifiable for
legal operation in the U.S., Canada and other countries.
Model versions of the basic Volvo Models 240.
U.S.A.: Canada:
240 4 -door, wagon 240 4 -door, wagon
240 GL 4 -door 240 GL 4 -door
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pg. 5 Keys
Master Key
This key operates all locks in the vehicle
Service key
Front doors
Starting (ignition)/steering wheel lock
The key number codes are stamped on a separate tag supplied with the keys. This tag should be
separated from the key ring and kept in a safe place.
The double-sided tape on the back of the tag can be used to secure it safely.
In the event the original keys are lost, duplicates may be ordered from your Volvo dealer.
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Number Tag
pg. 6
Contents | Top of Page
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pg. 7 Before you drive:
Page
8Instruments and controls
10 Instruments
11, 12 Warning lights
13 Clock, oil pressure gauge, voltmeter
14 Ignition switch, turn signals
15 Rear fog light, lighting
16 Windshield wipers, washer nozzles
17 Cruise control
18 Washer fluid reservoir
18 Rear window demister, hazard warning flasher
19 Parking brake, heated seat, door mirrors
20 Cigarette lighter, ash trays
21 Electrically operated windows
22 Heating and ventilation
24 Air conditioning
25 Audio systems
37 Occupant safety
38 Child safety
40 Seat belts
42 SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
44 Doors and locks
45 Trunk lid
46 Hood release, long load storage
47 Rear/side view mirrors
48 Interior light, sun roof, fuel tank cap
49 Rear seat (wagon)
50 Tailgate (wagon)
51 Cargo compartment (wagon)
52 Front seats
pg. 8 Instruments and controls
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pg. 9 Instruments and controls (cont.)
See page
23 1 Air louver
14 2 Turn signals, cruise control
15 3 Headlights, parking lights
15 4 Instrument panel rheostat
15 5 Rear fog light
- 6 Horn
10 7 Instrument panel
14 8 Starting (ignition) switch/steering wheel lock
16 9 Wiper/washer, tailgate window wiper/washer (wagon)
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- 10 Space for optional equipment
13 11 Clock
23 12 Air louver
46 13 Hood release handle
93 14 Fuse box
20 15 Cigarette lighter
18 16 Rear window demister
18 17 Hazard warning flashers
19 18 Heated door mirrors (certain models only)
24 19 Air conditioning
40 20 Seat belt reminder light
22 21 Heating and ventilation
20 22 Ash tray
21 23 Electrically operated windows (certain models only)
47 24 Control for electrically operated side mirrors (certain models only)
19 25 Seat heaters (optional)
19 26 Parking brake
The pages in this section provide a detailed description of the vehicle's instruments and controls.
Note that some vehicles may be equipped differently, depending on model, special legal requirements, etc.
pg. 10 Instruments
A Clock
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B Direction indicator (green)
C Speedometer
In kilometer 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 and 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 ABS-system (yellow)
K Alternator warning light (red)
L Oil pressure warning light (red)
Do not drive the car with this light on.
M SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
N Trip odometer reset knob
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Push in to reset.
O Trip odometer
P High beam indicator (blue)
Q Parking brake reminder light (red)
R Brake failure warning light (red)
S Bulb failure warning light (yellow)
T Overdrive OFF indicator light (yellow)
(automatic transmission models)
Shift indicator light (yellow)
(manual transmission models)
pg. 11 Warning Lights
The warning lights described on this page should never be on when driving
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 has started, the systems indicated should be inspected. However,
the parking brake reminder light will not 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.
Oil pressure warning light (red)
If the light comes on while driving, the oil pressure is too low. Stop the car and then stop the engine immediately and
check the engine oil level. If the light stays on after restart, have the car towed to the nearest authorized Volvo dealer.
See section titled "Engine Oil". After hard driving, the light may come on occasionally when the engine is idling. This
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is normal, provided it goes off when the engine speed is increased.
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:
Brake fluid warning light (red)
If the light comes on while driving or braking, this indicates that the brake fluid level is too low.
Stop immediately, open the hood and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir (see section "Engine compartment" for
reservoir position)!
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:
Warning!
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in either section of the reservoir, DO NOT DRIVE. Tow the car to a Volvo
dealer, have the brake system checked and any leakage repaired.
Check engine warning light
If this lamp comes on while the engine is running (or stays on after the vehicle has started), the Engine Check
diagnostic system has detected a fault. Drive to an authorized Volvo dealer for inspection.
pg. 12 Warning Lights (cont.)
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
If the light comes on (or stays on after the vehicle has started), the SRS diagnostic system has detected a fault. Take the
car to an authorized Volvo dealer for an inspection of the system. See the SRS section for more information.
Service reminder indicator
This light will come on at approx. 10,000 mile (16,000 km) intervals. It is a reminder to the driver that the 10,000 mile
(16,000 km) service interval has been exceeded. The light will stay on 2 minutes after starting until reset by the
servicing dealer.
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Bulb failure warning light (amber)
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".
Anti-lock Brake System ABS (Optional)
If the warning lamp lights up there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system will however
function) and the vehicle should be driven to a Volvo dealer for inspection.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and steering) during sever braking
conditions by limiting brake lock-up. When the system "senses" impending lock-up, braking pressure is automatically
modulated in order to help prevent lock-up, which could lead to a skid. The system performs a self-diagnostic test
when the vehicle is started and at 4 mph (6km/h) and the driver may detect one pulsation of the brake pedal. This is
normal.
To obtain optimal effect from the ABS system, constant pressure should be kept on the brake pedal while the system is
modulating the brakes.
The switching of the ABS modulator will be audible at this time.
Please be aware that ABS does not increase the absolute braking potential of this vehicle. While control will be
enhanced, ABS will not shorten stopping distances on slippery surfaces.
Contents | Top of Page
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pg. 13 Oil pressure gauge, Voltmeter
Quartz crystal clock
To reset the hands, push the reset knob and turn.
Oil pressure gauge
Oil Pressure gauge (optional)
The oil pressure gauge indicates the pressure of the oil in the lubricating system of the engine. The
pressure is dependent on the speed of the engine, the oil temperature and the viscosity of the oil. 1 bar =
approx. 14 psi.
The gauge pointer must not go down to the red field while driving.
Do not continue to drive the car with the pointer in the red zone.
Note: While idling with a hot engine the pointer may go into the red field. This is not a cause for
concern providing the pointer rises to the normal driving range again when you increase the engine
speed.
Voltmeter
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Voltmeter (optional)
The voltmeter indicates the voltage in the electrical system and thereby also the state of the battery.
While the car is being driven the pointer should be within the black field.
Should the pointer point to the upper or lower red field when driving, this may indicate some fault in the
electrical system.
Note: While idling with a hot engine (especially with air conditioning ON), the pointer may indicate
low voltage. This is not a cause for concern provided that the indicated voltage increases when you
increase engine speed.
pg. 14 Starting (ignition) switch, Turn signals
Starting (ignition) switch/steering wheel lock
0 Locked position:
remove the key to lock the steering wheel.
WARNING:
Never turn the key to position 0 while driving or when the car is being
towed.
I Intermediate position:
certain circuits on.
II Drive position:
key position when engine is running.
III Starting position:
release the key when engine starts. The key returns automatically to drive
position.
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The steering wheel lock may be under tension when the car is parked. Turn the steering wheel slightly to
free the ignition key.
A chime will sound if the starting key is in the ignition lock and the front door on the driver's side is
open. The chime will also sound if the parking lights are on when the door is open. The chime goes off
when the front door is closed. In order to reduce car theft, make sure the steering wheel lock is engaged
before leaving the car.
Turn signals
Turn signals
1 Signal lever engaged for normal turns.
Note: A defective turn signal bulb will cause turn signal indicator and remaining signal lights to flash
more rapidly than normal.
2 Lane change position. In maneuvers such as lane changing, the driver can flash the turn signals by
moving the turn signal lever to the first stop and holding it there. The lever will return to the neutral
position when released.
3 High and low beam switching (Headlight switch in position ( )).
Move the lever towards the steering wheel and release it.
3 Headlight flasher (Headlight switch in position ( ) or (0)).
Move the lever towards the steering wheel. The headlight high beam will be on until the lever is
released.
pg. 15 Rear fog light, Lighting
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Rear fog light
The rear fog light is considerably brighter than the normal tail lights and should be used only when
atmospheric conditions, such as fog, rain, snow, smoke or dust reduce the daytime or nighttime visibility
of other vehicles to less than 500 ft. (152 meters). (The headlights must be switched on.)
The fog light is located in the section of the tail light closest to the center of the vehicle. (Driver side
only)
Note: Local regulations governing the use of this light may
vary.
Lighting
Headlights and position lights
0 All lights off*
Parking lights on*
Headlights and parking lights on
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Switch from upper to lower beams, and vice versa, by moving the turn signal switch lever on the left
side for the steering column towards the steering wheel. The parking lights can be used without
switching on the starting (ignition) key.
* Canadian models equipped with daytime running lights: Headlights and parking lights on when
starting (ignition) switch is switched on.
A chime will sound if the starting (ignition) key is in the switch lock when the door is open. The chime
goes off when the driver's door is closed.
If the headlight switch is in position ( ), all lights will go out when starting (ignition) switch is
switched off.
Instrument panel lamps rheostat
Clockwise - brighter
Counterclockwise - dimmer
pg. 16 Windshield wipers, Tailgate window wiper, Washer nozzles
Wiper/washer
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1 Intermittent wiper
With switch in this position, the wipers will make a stroke approx. every seventh second.
2. "Single stroke" position
Switch returns automatically when released.
3 Wipers, low speed
4 Wipers, high speed
5 Windshield wiper/washer
The wiper will make 2-3 complete stroking cycles after the lever is released.
Tailgate window wiper/washer, wagon
Operated by the switch at the end of the windshield wiper/washer operating lever.
1 Tailgate wiper ON
2 Interval position
With the switch in this position, there is one stroking cycle approx. every fifteen seconds.
3 Tailgate washer
Depress the button to start the wiper/washer. The wiper will complete 2-3 stroking cycles after the
button is released.
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Adjusting washer nozzles
The fluid spray may be adjusted by carefully inserting a needle into the metal nozzle and rotating nozzle
to desired position.
pg. 17 Cruise Control
Cruise Control (ACCESSORY)
The cruise control switches are located on the turn signal switch lever.
To engage and set desired speed:
1 Set switch (1) to ON.
2 Accelerate to desired cruise speed.
NOTE: the cruise control cannot be engaged at speeds below 22 mph
(35km).
3 Depress SET SPEED switch (2).
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