check oil VOLVO 240 1990 User Guide

Volvo 1990 240 Model
pg. 62 Engine Oil, 5,000-mile (8,000-km) oil/oil filter change interva\
l
Oil quality

According to API SG or alternatively API SF.
l Oils with designations SO/CD, SF/CC and SF/CD comply with these requirem\
ents.
Viscosity (stable ambient temperatures):


Volvo recommends the use of energy-conserving oils. Look for the API lab\
el. Synthetic or
semisynthetic oils may be used if their specifications comply with the o\
il quality requirements.
Volvo does not recommend oil additives, as they can adversely affect the\
engine.

Changing oil and oil filter

Oil and oil filter are first changed at the 600-1,200 mile (1,000-2,000\
km) service. Thereafter, changes
should be made as specified by this table:

Capacity

Including oil filter: 4.0 US qts = 3.85 litres
Check oil level when filling fuel.
SAE 15W/40 is recommended for use in driving conditions that raise oil t\
emperature and increase oil
consumption (i.e., mountain driving, trailer towing).
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Volvo 1990 240 Model


Automatic transmission

Capacity: 7.8 US qts (7.4 liters)
Fluid type: Automatic Transmission Fluid type Dexron II D.
Replace: every 20,000 miles (32,000 km).

A Cold transmission: oil temperature = + 105°F ( + 40°C) .
This is a normal temperature for the transmission after idling for about\
10 minutes.
At oil temperature below +105°F (+40°C), the level may be below \
the MIN mark.

B Warm transmission: oil temperature = + 195°F ( + 90°C) .
This temperature is obtained when driving for about 30 minutes.
At oil temperature above + 195°F ( + 90°C), the level may be abo\
ve the MAX mark.
Note!
The engine should be idling when checking transmission fluid
level.

Check the oil level as follows:
Park the car on level surface with the engine idling.
Slowly move the selector lever through all the gear positions and then t\
o position P. Wait 2 minutes
before checking the oil level. As the illustration shows, the dipstick h\
as a "Cold" and a "warm" side.
The oil level should be between the MIN and MAX marks.
Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth.
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Volvo 1990 240 Model


Check coolant level

The cooling system must be filled with coolant and not leak to operate a\
t maximum efficiency. Check
the coolant level whenever you refuel. The level should be between the "\
Max"' and "Min" marks on the
expansion tank. The check should be made with particular thoroughness wh\
en the engine is new or the
cooling system has been drained.
Do not remove the filler cap other than for topping up with coolant. Fre\
quent removal may prevent
coolant circulation between the engine and the expansion tank during eng\
ine warm up and cooling.
CAUTION
The cooling system must always be kept filled to the correct level.
If it is not kept filled, there can be high local temperatures in the en\
gine which could result in
damage.

Top up with coolant

Top up with coolant by filling the expansion tank when level is at the "\
Min" mark. Use a mixture of 50
percent Volvo Type C coolant and 50 percent water all the year round. To\
p up to the "Max" mark.
If the engine is warm, and you are going to add coolant, unscrew the cap\
slowly in order to allow any
excess pressure to escape.
Note: Do not add water only. Water by itself reduces the rust protective\
and anti-freeze qualities of the
coolant and has a lower boiling point. It can also cause damage to the c\
ooling system if it should
freeze.
See 'Specifications' section of the manual for type of coolant recommend\
ed.
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Volvo 1990 240 Model

Cooling system

The risk of overheating is greatest, especially in hot weather, when:
- towing a trailer up steep inclines for prolonged periods at full throt\
tle, and at low engine rpm.
- idling for prolonged periods while the air conditioning system is in o\
peration.
- stopping the engine suddenly after high speed driving, so called after\
-boiling.
To avoid overheating. the following rules should be followed.
l Reduce speed and downshift when towing a trailer up long steep inclines.\
The risk of over heating can
be reduced by switching off the air conditioning system for a short whil\
e.
l Do not let the engine idle unnecessarily.
l Do not stop the engine immediately after high-speed driving, but allow t\
he engine to idle for 1/2 - 1
minute before switching off.
When the risk of overheating is imminent, or in the event of overheating\
, (the temperature gauge goes
repeatedly into, or stays continually in, the red section) the followin\
g precautions should be taken:
l Switch off the air conditioning system and switch the heater to full (m\
aximum) position.
l Stop the car and put the gear lever into neutral position-position N. Do\
not stop the engine!
l Increase the engine speed to approx. 2000 rpm (twice idling speed).
l Check the level of coolant in the expansion tank. Top-up, if necessary
pg. 75 Alternator, Jump starting
Electrical System cautions

When changing the battery or when carrying out work involving the electr\
ical system, the following
should be observed:

1 A battery connection to the wrong terminal will damage the diodes. Bef\
ore connections are made,
check the polarity of the battery with a voltmeter.

2 If booster batteries are used for starting, they must be properly conn\
ected to prevent the diodes from
being damaged. For correct connection, see "Jump starting".

3 The battery leads should be disconnected any time the battery is being\
charged.
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Volvo 1990 240 Model
pg. 76 Replacing bulbs
Replacing bulbs

The replacement of bulbs in the various lighting units is shown on the f\
ollowing pages. Make sure when
installing bulbs, that the guide pin on the socket fits into its corresp\
onding recess.
When installing bulbs, do not touch the glass with your fingers. The rea\
son for this is that grease, oil or
any other impurities can be carbonized onto the bulb and damage the refl\
ector.
Use bulbs of correct type and voltage. Failure to do so could activate t\
he bulb failure warning light.



Replacing headlight bulbs

Working inside the engine compartment, separate the socket contact from \
the bulb holder (1). Unscrew
and remove the bulb holder retaining ring (2) Pull out the bulb holder\
assembly, and replace it as a unit
(3).
Installation is the reverse of removal.

Check headlight alignment.

Bulb Power Trade No.
Headlamp 45/65W 9004

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Volvo 1990 240 Model
pg. 91 Long distance trips, Cold weather
Prior to a long distance trip

Have your car checked at a Volvo dealer. Preventive maintenance will hel\
p to ensure a trouble free trip.
Remember to take along a Volvo dealer directory.
The main items to check are listed below:
1. Brakes, front wheel alignment and steering gear.
2. Engine running condition.
3. Fuel system operation.
4. Oil leaks: engine, transmission, rear axle.
5. Cooling system for leaks or worn hoses.
6. Examine tires carefully, replace worn tires.
7. Battery and terminals.
8. Tool equipment.
9. Lighting.
10. Drive belts, for tightness and wear.
11. All fluid levels.

Cold weather/Engine fuel system

During the winter, large variations in temperature cause condensation to\
form in the fuel tank and can
impair the running of the engine. This can be reduced by adding dry gas \
to the fuel. There is less risk of
condensation forming in the fuel tank if it is kept full or nearly full.\


Engine cooling system

Volvo type C (blue-green) coolant should be used all year round. The c\
ooling system should always
contain water plus anti-freeze and rust inhibitor, even during the summe\
r. Experience has also shown
that extremely weak anti-freeze solutions (10-25 percent) are ineffect\
ive for rust protection. For this
reason, the quantity of antifreeze/summer coolant should be about 50 per\
cent of the solution. This
lowers the freezing point to - 30 ° F (-35 ° C).

Engine lubricating system
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Volvo 1990 240 Model

During the winter, multigrade oil 10W-30 should be used in the engine. \
The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (t\
hinner oil) improves cold-weather
starting as well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine is warm\
ing up. To avoid difficult cold
start conditions (during extreme winter weather), use of 5W-30 oil, pa\
rticularly the synthetic type, is
recommended.
Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use this cold-weather oil for\
hard driving or in warm weather.
See section "Engine oil" for more information.

Electrical system

The electrical system is subject to greater stresses during the winter. \
Lighting and starter motor are used
more often. The battery capacity is reduced at low air temperature. The \
state of charge must be checked
more frequently, and if necessary the battery should be recharged. The b\
attery can freeze if the state of
charge is too low.

Windshield washers

Anti-freeze washer fluid should also be added to the washer fluid contai\
ner for the windshield and rear
window (tailgate, wagon model) washer.
This is particularly important during the winter because the windshield \
frequently becomes dirty and is
often splashed with water which freezes rapidly. This may necessitate th\
e frequent use of the windshield
washer and wipers. Your Volvo dealer can supply you with suitable anti-f\
reeze for this purpose. Suitable
mixtures of anti-freeze and water are:
Down to +14 ° F (-10 ° C) 1 part anti-freeze 4 parts water.
Down to + 7 ° F (-14 ° C) 1 part anti-freeze 3 parts water.
Down to 0 ° F (-18 ° C) 1 part anti-freeze 2 parts water.
Down to -18 ° F (-28 ° C) 1 part anti-freeze 1 part water.
Use Volvo Teflon lock spray or grease in the locks. They can be purchase\
d from your Volvo dealer
Note: Avoid the use of de-icing sprays as they can cause damage to the
locks.
pg. 92 Service diagnosis
The diagnoses outlined below are intended to serve only as a guide to lo\
cate and temporarily correct
minor faults. Causes of unsatisfactory performance should be investigate\
d and corrected by your Volvo
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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

Oil level between dipstick marks. The distance between the marks represe\
nts approx. 1 US qt. = 1 liter.
Fill with multigrade oil

Check without removing the cap that the brake fluid level is above the M\
in-mark. Brake and clutch fluid
DOT 4.

Coolant level between the expansion tank marks. Mixture: 50 percent anti\
-freeze and 50 percent water.

Washer fluid reservoir should be filled with water and solvent (wintert\
ime: windshield washer anti-
freeze).

Electrolyte level 1/4" - 3/8" (5 - 10 mm) above plates. Fill distilled\
water only, never acid. Check level
in conjunction with normal service or once a year.
Never operate engine in closed unventilated areas.

Changing a wheel, see pages 84, 85
a bulb, see pages 76-80
a fuse, see page 81

Fuel: Octane rating 95 RON Unleaded, 91 (R+M)/2
Min. 91 RON Unleaded, 87 (R+M)/2 Inside back cover
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