242 1977
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1977 Volvo 242 244 245
1 9 7 7
VOLVO
242, 244, 245
Notice to Owner: Your Volvo has been built to comply with all North American Safety and anti-
pollution regulations and evidence of this can be verified from the certification label on the left wheel
housing in the engine compartment. For further information regarding these regulations, please consult
your local dealer.
Contents
(Index see page
91)
DESCRIPTION Page
Introduction 2
Keys 3
Instruments and controls 4
Instruments 6
Warning lights 7
Ignition switch, parking brake 8
Lighting 9
Turn signals 10
Wipers 11
Clock, cigarette lighter, ash tray 12
Tailgate window wiper, electrically heated rear window, hazard warning
flasher
13
Heating and ventilation 14
Air conditioning 16
Front seats 18
Seat belts 20
Doors and locks 22
Rear doors, trunk lid 23
Hood 24
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Vent windows, rear view mirrors 25
Interior light, sun roof, fuel tank cap 26
Rear seat, model 245 27
Tailgate, model 245 28
START AND DRIVING
Breaking in 31
Starting the engine 32
Gearshift positions 33
Automatic transmission 34
Emergency towing 36
Towing information 37
Trailer hauling 38
Note 39
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Maintenance services 41
Gas station checks 42
Engine compartment 43
Maintenance schedule 44
Engine oil 48
Cooling system 49
Emission control system 50
Transmission oils 56
Rear axle, power steering, brake fluid 57
Lubrication 58
Coolant 59
Note: alternator 60
Replacing bulbs 60
Fuses 64
Wheels and tires 65
Wheel changing 66
Washing, cleaning 68
Cleaning, anti-rust treatment 69
Paint touch-up 70
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Long distance trips 72
Cold weather 73
Service diagnosis 75
Specifications 80
Consumer information 86
Index 91
pg. 2 General Information
pg. 3 Keys
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Write the key number codes on the inside cover page.
In the event the original keys are lost, duplicates can be ordered from your Volvo dealer.
Top of Page
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1977 Volvo 242 244 245
1 9 7 7
VOLVO
242, 244, 245
pg. 4 Instruments and controls
pg. 5 Instruments and controls
See page
1 Defroster outlet, side window
14
2 Fresh air outlet
15
3 Headlights, parking lights
9
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4 Turn signals
10
5 Horn -
6 Instruments
6
7 Ignition switch/steering wheel
lock
8
8 Wiper/washer
11
9 Fresh air outlet
15
10 Clock
12
11 Fresh air outlet
15
12 Fuse box
64
13 Hood release handle
24
14 Instrument lights
9
15 Heating and ventilation
14
16 Cigarette lighter
12
17 Tail gate window wiper
13
18 Electrically heated rear window
13
19 Ash tray
12
20 Air conditioning
16
21 Hazard warning flasher
13
22 Seat belt reminder light
20
Pages 6-16 will give you a detailed description of the vehicle's instruments and controls.
Note that vehicles may be differently equipped, depending on special legal requirements, etc.
pg. 6 Instruments
A Odometer
Mile reading.
B Speedometer
C Left turn signal indicator (green)
D Parking brake reminder light (red)
E High beam indicator (blue)
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F Brake failure warning light (red)
G Right turn signal indicator (green)
H Oil pressure warning light (red)
I Alternator warning light (red)
J Trip odometer
(last figure represents 1/10 mile)
K Trip odometer reset knob
Push in to reset
L Reminder light, EGR Service (red)
M Bulb failure warning light (yellow)
N Temperature gauge
The gauge pointer should normally remain inside the green range.
If the pointer enters the red range repeatedly, check coolant level and fan belt tension, see
page 49.
O Overdrive indicator light (green)
Lights when overdrive is engaged.
P Fuel gauge
The fuel tank capacity is approx. 60 liters=15.8 US gals/13.2 Imp. gals
F Full
1/2
R Reserve
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O Empty
The red range from R to O represents approx. 8 liters=2.5 US gals/2 Imp. gals.
pg. 7 Warning lights
The warning lights described on this page should never be on
when driving
These lights will come on when the ignition key is turned on, before the engine is started. The lights
should go off once the engine has started. (However, the parking brake reminder light will not go off
until the parking brake is fully released.)
D 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.
F 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. Proceed cautiously to a Volvo dealer for an
inspection of the brake system.
H Oil pressure warning light (red)
If the light comes on while driving, the oil pressure is too low.
Stop the engine immediately and check the engine oil level, see
page 48.
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.
I 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
page 49
NOTE:
This warning light is illuminated if the alternator is not charging. However, control lights, parking
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brake, brake failure, EGR, and bulb failure will be illuminated at the same time due to the design
of the system.
L Reminder light for service of EGR system or oxygen sensor (red)
If the vehicle is equipped with exhaust gas recirculation or oxygen sensor, this light will come on at
15,000 mile intervals, as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This is a reminder to
have the EGR valve or the oxygen sensor serviced. The light will stay on until reset by servicing dealer.
M 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 license plate lights
one of the brake lights (when the brake pedal is depressed).
Bulb replacement, see
page 60-63.
pg. 8 Ignition switch, parking brake
Ignition switch/steering wheel lock
The steering wheel lock might be under tension when the car is parked. Turn the steering wheel slightly
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to free the ignition key.
A buzzer will sound if the ignition key is in the ignition lock and the front door on the driver's side is
open.
The buzzer goes off when the front door is closed.
Parking brake (hand brake)
The lever is situated between the front seats. The brake is applied to the rear wheels.
Parking brake reminder light
The reminder light PARKING BRAKE on the instrument panel comes on whenever the parking brake
lever is not fully released and the ignition is on.
pg. 9 Lighting
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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 lights can be used without switching on the
ignition key.
Instrument light rheostat
Clockwise - brighter
Counterclockwise - dimmer.
pg. 10 Turn signals
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Turn signals
1 Signal lever engaged for normal turns.
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).
Move the lever towards the steering wheel. The headlight high beam will be on until the lever is
released.
pg. 11 Wipers
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Wiper/washer
1 "Single stroke" position.
Switch returns automatically when released.
2 Wipers, low speed.
3 Wipers, high speed.
4 Washer.
Adjusting washer nozzles
The nozzle may be adjusted by inserting a needle into the metal insert and rotating the nozzle.
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and holds approx. 6 liters =1.6 US
gals /1.3 Imp gals.
pg. 12 Clock, cigarette lighter, ash tray
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Clock (some models only)
To reset the hands, push in the reset knob and turn.
Cigarette lighter
To operate, depress the knob fully. When the knob automatically releases, the cigarette lighter is ready
for use.
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Ash trays
To remove the ash trays depress the center spring and remove.
pg. 13 Tailgate window wiper, el. heated rear window, hazard warning flasher
Tailgate window wiper/washer, (model 245) (17)
0 Off
1 Wiper and washer combined operating.
Move the lever to the first stop and hold it there.
2 Tailgate wiper only
The fluid reservoir is located in the concealed storage area under the floor on the right side of the rear
cargo area. Reservoir capacity is approx. 1.5 qts.
Electrically heated rear window (18)
0 Off
1 On
Switch off the rear window heater when the glass is clear of mist or frost. Otherwise the battery will be
unduly strained.
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, otherwise damage to the printed
circuit will occur.
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Hazard warning flasher (21)
0 Off
1 On
Four-way flashing is used to indicate that the vehicle is at a standstill and has become a traffic hazard
either during daylight or at night.
Note: Regulations regarding the use of the hazard warning flasher may vary from state to state.
pg. 14 Heating and ventilation
Heating system
1 TEMP
Left = cool
Right = warm
2 FLOOR
Out = no air to floor
In = full flow of air to floor
3 DEF (defrost)
Out = low volume air flow to defroster
In = full flow
4 REC (recirculation)
To be used only for cars equipped with air conditioning.
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Do not use for heating.
5 FAN (Blower motor)
0 = off
1 = low speed
2 = medium speed
3 = high speed
6 Ventilation outlets
The air flow through the ventilation outlets is not influenced by the position of the FLOOR (2) and DEF
(3) controls.
pg. 15 Heating and ventilation
How to . . .
. . . obtain max. heat
1 TEMP >>> WARM
2 FLOOR depressed
5 FAN >>> 2 (or 3)
6 All outlets halfway open.
. . . remove condensation
1 TEMP >>>WARM
3 DEF depressed
5 FAN >>> 2 (or 3)
Always keep front external inlet grille (in front of the windshield) clear of obstructions (snow, ice, etc.).
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Fresh air outlets
A Closed
B Open
C Directing air flow horizontally
D Directing air flow vertically
Contents | Top of Page
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pg. 16 Air conditioning
Air conditioning (optional)
How to use the air conditioner:
1 FAN
Position 3 for rapid cooling.
2 AIR COND
Push in the button to start the compressor.
3 REC (Recirculation)
Push in for rapid cooling.
4 TEMP
Rotate to COOL for rapid cooling, then set to desired temperature.
To obtain rapid cooling, all windows must be closed. Buttons FLOOR and DEF must be released.
The air output 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. The air conditioner will dehumidify the air inside the vehicle.
Have your Volvo dealer check the system for correct operation yearly.
pg. 17
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pg. 18 Front seats
Horizontal seat adjustment
Seat back inclination adjustment
Lumbar support adjustment
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pg. 19 Front seats
Seat back release, 2-door models
Press the button and fold forward.
Driver seat height
There are two levers, each with three positions, for adjusting the height of the front or the back of the
seat.
This means that the seat cushion angle can be adjusted for comfort.
When adjusting the seat in any position check that it is securely latched.
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Passenger seat height
The front passenger seat is retained by four brackets, each with three positions. The positions are the
same as for the driver's seat. However, this adjustment must be accomplished manually, using
appropriate hand tools.
pg. 20 Seat belts
Seat belts, retractable
Fasten the seat belts whenever you drive or ride. Rear seat passengers should also use the seat belts as
heavy braking can have serious effects on an unfastened passenger.
Two lights will be illuminated for 4-8 seconds after the ignition key is turned to driving position. One
light is located in the instrument cluster and one in the console between the front seats.
A buzzer will sound at the same time if the driver has not fastened his seat belt.
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To buckle:
Pull the belt out slowly, far enough to insert the latch plate into the buckle, until a snap is heard. The belt
should not be twisted or turned. To unfasten, depress red pushbutton in buckle. Let the belts rewind into
their retractors.
The seat belts are normally "unlocked". The seat belt locks and cannot be pulled out:
● if it is pulled out rapidly
● during braking and acceleration
● if the vehicle is leaning excessively
● when driving in turns
Check seat belt mechanism function as follows:
1. Attach the seat belt. Pull rapidly on the strap.
2. Brake hard from approximately 30 mph (50 km/h) or drive in a tight circle (check other traffic first!)
Pull on the belt.
In these cases the belt should not be able to be pulled out.
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Note that small children (up to the age of 8-10 years) should not use Adult type seat belt.
The front and the rear outboard seats are provided with self-retracting inertia belts.
pg. 21 Seat belts
Seat belts, manually adjustable
The center rear seat belt is a manually adjustable belt. It should always be adjusted to the correct length.
To lengthen, turn the buckle and pull it out, as shown in the picture.
To shorten, pull the upper part of the double webbing.
Maintenance
Check periodically that the anchor bolts are secure and the belt in good condition.
Use water and a detergent for cleaning.
As the seat belts lose much of their strength when exposed to violent stretching, they should be
replaced after collision, even though they may appear to be undamaged.
Never modify or repair the belt on your own, but have this done by a Volvo workshop.
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pg. 22 Doors and locks
Unlocking front doors
Both front doors can be unlocked by using the key. Turning the key 1/4 turn counterclockwise lifts the
lock buttons on the window ledge and the door can be opened by pulling the handle.
Locking doors
All doors can be locked by depressing the lock buttons. To lock the front doors, press down the lock
button and keep the door handle pulled out while shutting the door.
To lock the rear doors, press down the lock button and shut the door. It is not necessary to keep the door
handle pulled out.
To open a rear door from inside, the lock button must first be pulled up.
The lock buttons should not be in the down position during driving. In case of an accident, it
prevents aid from entering the vehicle.
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In wintertime the door locks should be "lubricated" with at suitable agent to prevent freezing. If the lock
is frozen, be careful not to break the key in the lock. Thaw the ice by heating the lock or the key.
pg. 23 Rear doors, trunk lid
Child safety locks, 244 and 245
The buttons are located on the rear door jambs.
A Normal lock function.
B The door cannot be opened from the inside.
Trunk lid 242 and 244
To open the lid, turn the knob clockwise.
NOTE: The key must be removed from the lock in order to be able to turn the knob.
The spare wheel jack and tool kit are stowed in the left side of the trunk.
pg. 24 Hood
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To open the hood
Pull the release handle (located on the left side under the dash).
Lift the hood slightly, insert a hand under the center line of the hood and depress the safety catch handle.
Open the hood.
Check that the hood locks properly when closing.
pg. 25 Vent windows, rear view mirrors
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Rear vent windows, 2-door models
A Open
B Closed
Inside mirror
D Normal position
N Night position, reduces glare from following headlights
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Outside mirrors
A Adjustment sideways
B Adjustment up/down
The mirrors should always be adjusted before driving.
pg. 26 Interior lights, sun roof, fuel tank cap
Interior light
1 Light always on.
2 Light always off.
3 Light on when either front door is opened.
Model 245 may be equipped with a light that differs from that in the 242-244.
Sun roof (certain models)
The sun roof is operated by a handle located between the sun visors.
Unfold the handle and turn it counterclockwise to open, clockwise to close.
For safety reasons the handle should always be folded when driving.
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Filling fuel
The gas cap is located behind the door on the right rear fender.
When filling, position the cap in the special bracket on the door.
Note: Unleaded fuel is required for certain models. A label on the instrument panel and rear
fender, near the filler inlet, will remind owners and filling station attendants of this requirement.
Important! It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into any vehicle labeled "unleaded Gasoline
only".
pg. 27 Rear seat, model 245
Folding rear seat
Depress either lever located at the front bottom edge of the rear seat cushion (right or left side). Tilt the
seat towards the front seat.
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