brake VOLVO 240 1990 User Guide

Volvo 1990 240 Model
3rd
gear 50
mph
(80 km/h)
4th
gear 70
mph (110 km/
h)
5th
gear 80
mph (130 km/
h)
600 - 1,200 miles (1,000 - 2,000 km)
1st gear 25 mph
(40 km/h)
2nd gear 40 mph (65 km/in)
3rd gear 60 mph (100 km/h)
4th gear 80 mph (130 km/h)
5th gear 90 mph (150 km/h)

Avoid driving at low speed in high gear.

* These are the maximum speeds recommended by the factory. Note that leg\
islation in different
countries and states can stipulate other max. speeds than those given he\
re.

Automatic transmission

Do not depress the accelerator to the extent that "kick-down" is actuate\
d during the first 1,200 miles
(2,000 km) when driving a car equipped with an automatic transmission.\


Breaking in parking brakes
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_09.htm (2 of 6)12/30/2006 8:\
25:05 AM

Volvo 1990 240 Model

To obtain best parking brake performance, the brake linings should be br\
oken in.
Stop 5-7 times from 30 mph (50 km/h), transmission in neutral, applyin\
g the parking brake with the
release button pressed in during the stop. The force must not lock the r\
ear wheels. If this happens,
release the brake enough to let the wheels rotate. Drive a mile between \
each stop to cool the brakes.
Check for proper parking brake operation.
Note: The brake lights are not illuminated when applying the parking bra\
ke. To warn traffic from
behind it is therefore advisable to depress the brake pedal slightly to \
illuminate the brake lights.

600 - 1,200 mile maintenance service

To ensure proper operation the car should be taken to a Volvo dealer bet\
ween the first 600 - 1,200 miles
(1,000 - 2,000 km) for a maintenance service. The oil in the engine, m\
anual transmission and rear axle
will then be changed. This is very important since the oil rapidly colle\
cts impurities during the break-in
period.
pg. 43 Driving economy, Shift indicator light
Economical driving does not necessarily mean driving slowly

Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid\
starts and stops and
adjusting the speed of your vehicle to immediate traffic conditions. Obs\
erve the following rules:

l Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by \
driving with a light foot on
the accelerator pedal instead of allowing the engine to idle for a prolo\
nged period. A cold engine uses
more fuel and is subject to increased wear.
l When possible avoid using the car for driving short distances. This does\
not allow the engine to reach
normal operating temperature.
l Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
l Do not exceed speed limit.
l Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the car.
l Check tire pressures regularly (cold tires).
l Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
l Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc., increase air resistance and there\
by fuel consumption.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_09.htm (3 of 6)12/30/2006 8:\
25:05 AM

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.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_09.htm (4 of 6)12/30/2006 8:\
25:05 AM

Volvo 1990 240 Model
Note: Remove foot completely from the clutch pedal after each gear chang\
e when programming the
control unit.
pg. 44 Starting the engine
To start the engine;

1 Enter the car and check that the seat is adjusted properly. Make sure \
that the brake (and clutch) pedal
can be depressed completely. Move the seat closer if necessary.
2 Fasten the seat belt.
3 Apply the parking brake if not already set. Depress the brake pedal wi\
th your right foot.
4 Place the gear selector lever in neutral (position N or P, automatic \
transmission).
5 Depress the clutch pedal (manual transmission).
6 Without touching the accelerator pedal turn the ignition key to starti\
ng position. Release the key as
soon as the engine starts.

Avoid repeated short attempts to start (fuel is injected every time the\
starter is engaged when engine is
cold).
Allow the starter to operate for a longer time (but not more than 15-20\
seconds).
Do not race a cold engine immediately starting.

Engine warm-up-initial driving procedure

Experience shows that engines in vehicles driven short distances are sub\
ject to abnormally rapid wear
because the engine never reaches normal operating temperature.
It is therefore beneficial to reach normal operating temperature as soon\
as possible by driving with a
light foot on the accelerator pedal.
Warning: Always open the garage doors fully before starting the engine i\
nside the garage to ensure
adequate ventilation. The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which i\
s invisible and odorless but
very poisonous.


file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_09.htm (5 of 6)12/30/2006 8:\
25:05 AM

Volvo 1990 240 Model


Shift positions

P park D drive
R reverse 2 intermediate
N neutral 1 low

The gear selector can be moved freely between D and 2. Selections of oth\
er positions are obtained by
depressing the selector knob prior to moving the selector.
Depressing the selector knob slightly allows selection of positions N an\
d 1 .
Depressing the selector knob fully allows selection of positions R and P\
. This is also necessary when
initially bringing the selector out of position P .
Depressing the selector knob fully thus permits shifting freely between \
all positions.

P Park
Use this position when parked with the engine running or stopped.
Never use P while car is in motion.
The transmission is mechanically locked in position P. Also use the park\
ing brake when parking on
grades for added safety.

R Reverse
Never use R while car Is moving forward.

N Neutral
Neutral position = no gear is engaged. Use parking brake.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_10.htm (2 of 7)12/30/2006 8:\
25:05 AM

Volvo 1990 240 Model

D Drive
D is the normal driving position. Upshift and downshift of the forward g\
ears occurs automatically and is
governed by acceleration and vehicle speed.

2 Intermediate position
Upshift and downshift of first two gears (low and intermediate) occurs\
automatically.
No upshift to 3rd (top) gear occurs.
Position 2 may be used to obtain forced downshift to 2nd gear for increa\
sed engine braking effect.
Position 2 can also be used...
l for relatively slow highway driving.
l for city driving.
l when driving on mountain roads where precise speed control is desirable.\

l for passing.

1 Low position
If position 1 is selected when driving at high speeds, 2 is engaged firs\
t and 1 when the speed has
dropped to approx. 30 mph (50 km/h).
NOTE: No upshift once 1 is
engaged.

Use position 1 to select low gear with no upshift. Use for instance, whe\
n ascending and descending steep
grades.
CAUTION:
l Never select P or R while the car is in motion.
l When initially selecting D, 2, 1 or R, your right foot should press firm\
ly on the brake and the engine
must be idling.
l Never downshift to 2 or 1 at speeds above 75 mph (125 km/h)*.
*Always observe local speed limits!
pg. 47 Automatic Transmission
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_10.htm (3 of 7)12/30/2006 8:\
25:05 AM

Volvo 1990 240 Model

1. Enter the car and check that the seat is adjusted properly. Make sure\
that the brake pedal can be
depressed completely. Move the seat closer if necessary.
2. Fasten the seat belt.
3. Apply the parking brake if not already set. Depress the brake pedal w\
ith your right foot.
4. Place the gear selector in Park (or neutral).
5. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to the \
starting position. Release the key
as soon as the engine starts.
6. Select the desired gear. There is a slight delay before the gear enga\
ges which is most notable when
selecting Reverse. Do not accelerate until you have felt the gear engage\
!
Note: Too-rapid acceleration immediately after selecting a gear will cau\
se harsh engagement and
premature transmission wear.

7. Release parking brake, then foot brake, and accelerate. To stop the c\
ar release the accelerator and
apply the brakes with your right foot.

It is not necessary to move the gear selector as the transmission will d\
ownshift automatically.
When idling for extended periods of time, select position N to prevent u\
nnecessary heating of the
transmission.
WARNING! Always place gear selector in Park and apply parking brake befo\
re leaving vehicle. Never
leave car unattended with engine running.
pg. 48 Emergency towing (pulling)

Front eyelet Rear eyelet
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_10.htm (5 of 7)12/30/2006 8:\
25:05 AM

Volvo 1990 240 Model

Precautionary steps to observe when towing

Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this typ\
e of towing as vehicles being
towed are subject to regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length \
and type of towing device,
lighting, etc.
l Steering must be unlocked.
l Remember that power brake and power steering assists will not be availab\
le when engine is
inoperative. Pedal pressure required is 3 - 4 times above normal and gre\
ater steering effort must be
employed.
l Towing cars equipped with automatic transmission:
-- Gear selector in position N. Check transmission oil level (see secti\
on titled "Transmission oil").
-- Maximum speed: 20 mph (30 km/h).
-- Maximum distance with rear wheels on ground: 20 miles (30 km).

CAUTION!
Do not attempt to start the car by pushing or pulling as damage to catal\
ytic converter can
result.

Jump starting, see section titled "alternator, jump starting".
NOTE:
Refer lo the section regarding "On-
Call"
pg. 49 Tow-truck information
Only use wheel lift or flat bed equipment.
CAUTION:
Sling-type equipment applied at the font will damage radiator and air co\
nditioning lines. It is equally
important not to use sling-type equipment at the rear or apply lifting e\
quipment inside the rear wheels;
serious damage to the rear axle may result.


file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_10.htm (6 of 7)12/30/2006 8:\
25:05 AM

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.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_11.htm (1 of 6)12/30/2006 8:\
25:06 AM

Volvo 1990 240 Model
l It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes\
to provide a safe stop (check
and observe State regulations).
l More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
l Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
l Increase tire pressure to recommended full-load pressure. See section 'W\
heels and Tires."
Note: Refer to section entitled "Automatic transmission" for additional \
trailer hauling
tips.
Warning: Do not drive with trunk lid or tailgate
open!

Poisonous exhaust gases may enter via the open trunk lid or tailgate. (\
This is especially true for wagon
models.)
If the trunk lid or tailgate for any reason must be open, proceed as fol\
lows:
l Close the windows.
l Set the heating system controls for floor and defroster to max. and the \
blower to full speed (4). See
section titled "Heating and Ventilation".

Handling, roadholding

Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure are important for prope\
r handling. Therefore check that
the tires are inflated to the recommended pressure according to the vehi\
cle load.
Loads should be distributed so that capacity weight or maximum permissib\
le axle loads are not
exceeded.
It is recommended to use tires of the same make and dimensions on all fo\
ur wheels.

Warning: Do not mix radial ply and bias ply tires as this will adversely\
alter the vehicle handling
characteristics.

Roof rack

Permanent and removable roof racks are available from Volvo Accessories.\

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1990/1990_240/90240_11.htm (2 of 6)12/30/2006 8:\
25:06 AM