Volvo 240 User Manual

1987 Volvo 240

1 9 8 7

VOLVO

240

Important

It is most important that you read the first two chapters in order to become familiar with your vehicle's instruments and features. The other chapters are intended to provide you with information, and also serve as a source of reference.

Contents

Introduction to the manual Before you drive

This section provides a detailed description of the vehicle's instruments and controls.

Operating the car

This section contains items such as starting the engine, operating gear selector, towing trailers.

Service and maintenance

An investment which will pay dividends in the form of improved reliability, durability, and resale value.

Specifications

All specifications are subject to change without notice. Consult your Volvo dealer for information.

Index

Should you require more detailed information please contact your Volvo dealer.

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.

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

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_00.htm (1 of 4)12/30/2006 7:53:23 AM

1987 Volvo 240

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 further 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, car 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 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 — its becoming the law! The few seconds it takes to buckle up may one day allow you to say, "Its a good thing I was wearing my seatbelt."

pg. 4 General Information

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_00.htm (2 of 4)12/30/2006 7:53:23 AM

1987 Volvo 240

pg. 5 Keys

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_00.htm (3 of 4)12/30/2006 7:53:23 AM

1987 Volvo 240

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.

Top of Page

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_00.htm (4 of 4)12/30/2006 7:53:23 AM

1987 Volvo 240

1 9 8 7

VOLVO

240

Before you drive

pg. 6 240 DL Sedan

pg. 7 Before you drive

Instruments and controls 8

Instruments 10

Warning lights 11

Clock, ambient temperature gauge 12

Oil pressure gauge, voltmeter 13

Ignition switch, turn signals 14

Lighting 15

Windshield wipers, washer nozzles 16

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (1 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

Washer fluid reservoir 17

Rear window demister, heated seat, hazard warning

flasher

Parking brake 19

Cigarette lighter, ash trays 20

Electrically operated windows 21

Heating and ventilation 22

Air conditioning 24

Radios, AM-FM-FM stereo/tape players 25

Front seats 26

Seat belts 28

Doors and locks 30

Trunk lid 31

Hood release, long load storage 32

Rear/side view mirrors 33

Interior light, sun roof, fuel tank cap 34

Rear seat (wagon) 35

Tailgate (wagon) 36

Cargo compartment (wagon) 37

pg. 8 Instruments and controls

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (2 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

pg. 9 Instruments and controls

See page

1 Air louver

2 Turn signals

3 Headlights, parking lights

4 Instruments, lights

5 Instruments

6 Wiper/washer, tailgate window wiper/ washer (wagon)

16, 17

7 Starting (ignition) switch/steering wheel lock

8 Air louver

9 Storage compartment (extra instrument or radio location)

10 Air louver

11 Glove box -

12 Air louver

13 Fuse box

14 Hood release handle

15 Horn -

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (3 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

16 Cigarette lighter

17 Rear window demister

18 Hazard warning flashers

19 Air conditioning(some models)

20 Seat belt reminder light

21 Heating and ventilation

22 Gear lever or gear selector

43, 44

23 Ash tray

24 Fresh air louver(except models with air conditioning)

25 Radio receptacle

26 Fresh air louver

27 Electrically-operated windows (240 GL)

28 Control for electrically operated side mirrors (certain models only)-

29 Parking brake

30 Electrically-operated window, right front door (240 GL)

31 Seat belt release buttons

32 Seat heaters

33 Seat belt reminder light

34 Ash tray

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 or Tachometer (depending on model) Tachometer reads thousands of engine rpm. Engine should not be operated in red range.

B Direction indicator (green)

C Speedometer

In kilometers 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)

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (4 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

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.

F Fuel gauge The fuel tank capacity is approx. 60 liters 15.8 US gals. See "Fuel requirements".

G Alternator warning light (red)

H Oil pressure warning light (red)

I Trip odometer reset knob

Push in to reset

J Trip odometer

K High beam indicator (blue)

L Parking brake reminder light (red)

M Brake failure warning light (red)

N Bulb failure warning light (yellow)

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (5 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

O 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 system indicated should be inspected. (However, the parking brake reminder light will not go off until the parking brake is fully released.)

G 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.

H 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". 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.

M Parking brake reminder light (red)

This tight will be on when the parking brake (hand brake) is applied. The parking brake lever is situated between the front seats.

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (6 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

N Brake failure warning light (red)

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 immediately, open engine hood and

check brake fluid level (see section "Brake fluid, power steering"). 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.

O 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 tights one of the brake lights (when the brake pedal is depressed). See section on "Replacing Bulbs".

pg. 12 Clock, ambient temperature gauge

Quartz crystal clock

To reset the hands, push in the reset knob and turn.

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (7 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

Ambient temp. gauge (accessory)

An electronic thermometer that indicates ambient temperature just above the road surface. Warns you of icy road conditions.

pg. 13 Oil pressure gauge, voltmeter

Oil pressure gauge (accessory)

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.

The gauge pointer must not go down to the red field while driving.

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.

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (8 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

Voltmeter (accessory)

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

The steering wheel lock may be under tension when the car is parked. Turn the steering wheel slightly to

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (9 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

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 headlights or parking lights are on when the door is open. The chime goes off when the front door is closed.

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 (headlights on). Move the lever towards the steering wheel and release it.

3 Headlight flasher (headlights off).

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (10 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

Move the lever towards the steering wheel. The headlight high beam will be on until the lever is released.

pg. 15 Lighting

Headlights and position lights

All lights off

Parking lights on

Headlights and parking lights on

Switch from upper to lower beams, and vice versa, by moving the turn signal switch lever on the left side of the steering column towards the steering wheel. The parking lights can be used without switching on the starting (ignition) key.

A chime will sound if the parking lights are on and the front door on the driver's side is open. The chime will also sound if the starting (ignition) key is in the switch lock when the door is open. The chime goes

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (11 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

off when the driver's door is closed. If the headlight 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

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.

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (12 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

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

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.

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (13 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

Adjusting washer nozzles The fluid spray may be adjusted by carefully inserting a needle into the metal nozzle and rotating nozzle to desired position.

4-8" = 10-20 cm. 12" = 30 cm.

pg. 17 Washer fluid reservoir, Rear fog lights

Washer fluid reservoir The washer fluid reservoir for the windshield and tailgate washer (wagon) is located in the engine compartment and holds approx. 0.8 US gals = 3.2 liters. During wintertime, the reservoir should be filled with anti-freeze washer Fluid specified in section titled "Cold weather".

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (14 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

Rear fog lights The rear fog lights are 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 night time visibility of other vehicles to less than 500 ft. (152 meters). (The headlights must be switched on.) Note that local regulations governing the use of these lights may vary.

pg. 18 Rear window demister, hazard warning flasher

Rear window demister To operate depress the switch. The indicator lamp in the switch will come on. The system will be switched off automatically after 10-15 minutes or when the starting (ignition) key is switched off. Do not place items against the inner surface of the rear window that may damage the printed circuit. Do not scrape the inner surface of the rear window glass with a hard object or use an abrasive window cleaner, otherwise damage to the printed circuit will occur.

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (15 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

Hazard warning flasher The four-way flasher should be used to indicate that the vehicle has become a traffic hazard.

Note: Regulations regarding the use of the hazard warning flasher may vary from state to state.

pg. 19 Parking brake

Parking brake (hand brake) The lever is situated between the front seats. The brake is applied to the rear wheels. The PARKING BRAKE reminder light on the instrument panel comes on whenever the parking brake lever is not fully released and the ignition is on. Always use the parking brake (hand brake) when parked. In order to obtain the best possible performance of the parking brake, the brake linings should be broken in. (See section titled "Break-in period".)

Seat heaters The front seats are equipped with electrically-heated backrests and seat cushions. The switches engage

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (16 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

the heating which then is thermostatically controlled. It switches on automatically when the temperature drops below 60°F (15°C) and switches off at approx. 95°F (35°C).

pg. 20 Cigarette lighter, Ash trays

Cigarette lighter To operate, depress the knob fully. When the knob automatically releases, the cigarette lighter is ready for use. The starting (ignition) switch must be ON for the cigarette lighter to function.

Ash trays To remove the ash trays depress the center spring and remove.

pg. 21 Electrically-operated windows

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (17 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

Electrically operated windows (standard on certain models) The electrically-operated windows are controlled by switches set in the door arm rests. All the windows can be controlled from the driver's are rest as shown in the above illustration. The starting (ignition) switch must be ON for the electrically-operated windows to function. The window is lowered if the rear part of the switch is pressed and raised if the front part of the switch is pressed.

WARNING! Remove the starting (ignition) key from the car when children are left alone in the car.

Cut-out switch for rear-door electrically-operated windows If the car is equipped with rear-door power windows, this function can be disabled by a switch located on the driver's door armrest. This switch is positioned 90° in relation to the other switches.

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (18 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

The rear door windows can be raised or lowered with the respective door switch on the driver's door.

The rear door windows cannot be raised or lowered with the respective door switch but instead only

with the corresponding switch on the driver's door.

pg. 22 Heating and ventilation

Heating system

1 TEMP

Left = cool Right = warm

FLOOR

Out = no air to floor In = full flow of air to front and rear floor

Defrost

Out = low volume air flow to defroster In = full flow

REC (recirculation)

To be used only on cars equipped with air conditioning. Do not use for heating. Out = full flow of outside air In = air is recirculated for faster cooling

Blower motor

Has 4 speeds and is shut completely off when the knob is turned to the left.

6 Air louvers - dash The air flow through the louvers is decreased when the

(2) and/or (3) controls are depressed.

7 Fresh air louvers - floor (except models with air conditioning) Lever placed forward = louver opens Lever placed rearward = louver closes

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (19 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

pg. 23 Heating and ventilation

How to . . . . . . obtain max. heat

1 TEMP >>> WARM

depressed

5 FAN

>>> 3(or4)

6 All dash louvers halfway open and floor air louver closed.

. . . remove condensation 1 TEMP >>>WARM

3 DEF

depressed

5 FAN

>>> 3 (or 4)

6 All louvers closed as well as the floor fresh air louver.

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (20 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

Always keep front external inlet grille (in front of the windshield) clear of obstructions (snow, ice, etc.).

Maximum defroster action For maximum defroster capacity at very low ambient temperatures, use the recirculation control (button depressed). If not using air conditioning, the recirculation feature should not be used in humid climates and at temperatures about +23°F (-5°C).

Air louvers - dash A Closed B Open C Directing air flow horizontally D Directing air flow vertically

Fresh air louver - floor (except models with air conditioning) There is a floor-directed fresh air louver on the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle (driver's side only on some models). Airflow is controlled by the lever at the center of the louver.

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (21 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

Lever placed forward = louver opens Lever placed rearward = louver closes

Maximum airflow is obtained with louver fully open and the fan (blower motor) shut completely off. (The fan forces the air through the dash louvers.)

Contents | Top of Page

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01a.htm (22 of 22)12/30/2006 7:53:24 AM

1987 Volvo 240

pg. 24 Air conditioning

Air conditioning (standard on certain models) How to use the air conditioner:

Fan

Position 4 for rapid cooling.

2 AIR COND Start the air conditioning compressor by turning the control knob clockwise toward MAX. For rapid cooling, position the knob into the orange range beyond MAX. After desired temperature is reached re-position the control knob into the blue range.

At cruising speeds, the knob should be kept within the blue range. If it remains in the orange range, icing may occur resulting in decreased cooling capacity.

Recirculation

Push in for rapid cooling and during high humidity conditions.

4 TEMP When using the air conditioner for cooling, the TEMP control should be set to COOL position, fully left. Use the AIR COND control to regulate the temperature.

To obtain rapid cooling, all windows must be closed and buttons

and out. Close the floor fresh

air louvers. Cool air will then be discharged through the four dash outlets which should be fully open.

Note: For rapid removal of condensation from inside glass surfaces, the air conditioner can be switched on even when not required for interior cooling. The air conditioner will dehumidify the air inside the

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01b.htm (1 of 21)12/30/2006 7:53:26 AM

1987 Volvo 240

vehicle.

Have your Volvo dealer check the system for correct operation yearly. The air conditioning system should be operated periodically to ensure trouble-free performance year round.

pg. 25 Radios, AM-FM-FM stereo/Tape players

Operating instructions The optional equipment is available from Volvo Accessories in several different models, each with its own special features. Operating instructions are contained in the manuals associated with each model. These manuals are placed in the cars when the equipment is installed. Your Volvo Dealer will be able to assist you with any questions regarding the operation of this equipment.

Radio antenna mast

Note: Always lower the antenna mast when entering automatic car wash.

The following information may help to explain differences between car radio reception and radio reception in the home. Signal sending FM waves do not follow the earth's surface and do not bounce against the atmosphere as AM waves do.

Cross modulation When receiving a weak signal in the vicinity of another, stronger signal, both stations may be received simultaneously.

Weak reception (fading) Because of the limited range of FM senders and the way FM waves spread, this problem usually occurs with FM reception. Mountains or similar obstacles can sometimes cause disturbances.

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01b.htm (2 of 21)12/30/2006 7:53:26 AM

1987 Volvo 240

pg. 26 Front seats

Driver seat height There are two levers, each with three positions, for adjusting the height of the seat (front and/or back of cushion). This allows adjustment of the seat cushion angle for added comfort. After adjusting the seat check that it is securely latched.

Note: Do not attempt to raise seat height while seated.

Horizontal seat adjustment

Pull control upward, then slide seat forward or rearward to desired position.

Make sure that the seat is properly secured when you release the control.

Note: For your safety, never adjust seat while driving.

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01b.htm (3 of 21)12/30/2006 7:53:26 AM

1987 Volvo 240

Electrically heated front seats The front seats are electrically heated and thermostatically controlled. The heater switches on automatically when the temperature drops below 60°F (15°C) and switches off at approx. 95°F (35°C). The heating may also be disengaged manually using the switches on the parking brake console.

Seat back inclination Rotate control clockwise to tilt seat back rearward. Rotate counterclockwise to tilt seat back forward.

Note: Body weight must be shifted to allow seat back to move forward or rearward.

pg. 27 Passenger seat, Child safety

Passenger seat height

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_01b.htm (4 of 21)12/30/2006 7:53:26 AM

+ 96 hidden pages