Volvo 740 1991 Owner Manual
Volvo 1991 740 Model
740 Owner's Manual
VOLVO
740
1 9 9 1
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 help 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 driver's door opening and on the left wheel housing in the engine
compartment. For further information please contact your dealer.
Contents
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1 Instruments and controls
2 Body and interior
3 Occupant safety, Reporting safety defects
4 Starting and driving
5 Wheels and tires
6 In case of emergency
7 Car care
8 Service and routine maintenance
9 Specifications
Important
You should also be familiar with the information in the first three chapters before you operate the car.
Information contained in the balance of the manual is extremely useful and should be studied 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.
It should be noted that there are differences among model versions and market requirements; thus, you
may find features described and/or pictured in this manual that do not appear on your car.
The photograph on the cover shows the international version.
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Instruments, switches and controls
Instruments, switches and controls
pg. 1:1 Instruments, switches and controls
pg. 1:11
1 Air louver
pg. 1:6
2 Headlights, parking lights
pg. 1:6pg. 1:10
3 Turn signals, Cruise Control (accessory)
pg. 1:6
4 Hazard warning flashers
pg. 1:2
5 Instruments
pg. 1:7
6 Wiper/washer
pg. 1:11
7 Air louvers
pg. 1:11-1:13
8 Heating and ventilation
pg. 1:17-1:28
9 Audio cassette/tuner
- 10 Space for additional equipment
pg. 1:16
11 Ash tray
pg. 1:14
12 Electrically-heated seats
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pg. 1:16
13 Parking brake
pg. 1:15, 2:7
14 Power door mirrors, electrically operated windows
pg. 2:15
15 Hood release handle
pg. 1:8
16 Rear fog lights
- 17 Space for additional equipment
pg. 1:8
18 Instrument panel lamps rheostat and clock reset knobs
pg. 1:8
19 Electrically operated power antenna
pg. 1:7
20 Starting (ignition) switch/steering wheel lock
pg. 1:9
21 Rear window demister
pg. 1:9, 2:8
22 Electrically operated sun roof
pg. 1:16
23 Cigarette lighter
- 24 Horn
The pages in this section provide detailed descriptions of the vehicle's instruments and controls.
Note that vehicles may be equipped differently, depending on special legal requirements, etc.
pg. 1:2 Instruments
1 Fuel gauge
The total fuel tank capacity is approx. 15.8 US gals (60 liters). When the warning light comes on, there
are approximately 1.6 US gals. (6 liters) of fuel remaining in the tank. See "Refueling" for further
information.
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2 Quartz crystal clock
3 Trip odometer reset knob
4 Speedometer
NOTE: Canadian model speedometers/odometers indicate kilometers
only.
5 Odometer
6 Trip odometer
Used for measuring shorter distances. The last digit indicates 1/10 mile/kilometer. A black number on a
white background = original speedometer. A red number on a white background = replacement
instrument.
7 Tachometer
Displays in thousands of engine rpm. Engine should not be operated in red range.
WARNING! Allow engine to cool before adding
coolant.
8 Boost gauge (Turbo models)
The boost pressure gauge is divided into sections.
Black section : The engine acts as a normally-aspirated engine. Best fuel economy is achieved while
driving in this range. White section: The turbo is providing boost pressure.
9 Temperature gauge
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The pointer should be approximately midway on the gauge face when driving. If the pointer approaches
the red range repeatedly, check coolant level and fan belt tension. Do not drive the car with the pointer
in the red range. See sections "Coolant" and "Drive belts".
pg. 1:3 Indicator and warning lights
1 Turn signal, left
2 Turn signal , right
3 Check engine
4 Direction indicator, trailer
5 Service reminder light (see page 1:5)
6 Low washer fluid level
If the lamp glows continuously there is
only about 1/2 - 1 US qt remaining in the
washer fluid reservoir
7 Rear fog lamp
8 Bulb failure warning lamp
9 Alternator not charging
10 Low engine oil pressure
11 High beams
12 Brake failure
13 Parking brake applied
14 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
(see page 1:5)
15 (Not in use)
16 5th gear (overdrive) engaged, manual transmission models
17 4th gear (overdrive) disengaged (automatic transmission models) or shift indicator light (manual
transmission)
18 Seat belt reminder light
19 SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
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20 (Not in use)
21 (Not in use)
pg. 1:4 Warning lights
The warning lights described on this page should never stay on when driving
When the ignition key 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.
Alternator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, check the tension of the generator drive belt as soon as
possible.
NOTE: This warning lights is illuminated if the generator is not charging. However, parking brake,
brake failure and bulb failure warning lights will be illuminated at the same time due to the design of
the system.
Check Engine warning light
If the lamp comes on (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.
Oil pressure warning light
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. See the section titled "Engine oil". If the light stays on after
restart, have the car towed to the nearest authorized Volvo dealer. After hard driving, the light may come
on occasionally when the engine is idling. This is normal, provided it goes off when the engine speed is
increased.
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Parking brake reminder light
This light will be on when the parking brake (hand brake) is applied. The parking brake lever is situated
between the front seats.
Brake failure warning light
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)!
WARNING!
If the level is below the MIN mark in either section of the reservoir: Do NOT drive. Tow the car to
shop for check/repair of brake system.
If the fluid level is above the MIN mark, or is below the MIN mark in only one of the two parts of the
reservoir, drive with caution to an authorized Volvo dealer for inspection of the system.
pg. 1:5 Warning lights, Indicator lights
Service reminder indicator
This light will come on at 5,000 mile (8,000 km) intervals. It is a reminder to the driver to have the
engine oil and oil filter changed. The light will stay on 2 minutes after the start until reset by the
servicing dealer.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is designed to improve vehicle control (i.e. stopping and steering)
during severe braking conditions by limiting wheel lock-up. The system performs a self-diagnostics test
when the vehicle is started. When the system "senses" impending wheel lock-up, braking pressure is
automatically modulated in order to help prevent lock-up, which could lead to a skid. While the system
is modulating braking pressure (or performing the self-diagnostic test), the driver may detect a pulsation
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of the brake pedal. The on/off switching of ABS modulator may also be audible. This is normal. Please
be aware that ABS does not increase the absolute braking potential of the vehicle.
Shift indicator light
(Manual transmission cars 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 obtained by shifting gears at low
engine rpm and high relative engine load. The Volvo S.l.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 the next higher gear as soon as the light comes on. You may find
after using the S.I.L. for some time that your natural shifting rhythm will adapt 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 light would indicate, for example,
when climbing hills or trailer towing. Using the light regularly, however, should result in a mileage
improvement of six percent or more. depending on how you normally drive.
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. Drive to an authorized Volvo dealer for inspection. (See section "SRS" for further information.)
Programming instructions for shift indicator
If the current supply to the control unit is cut (battery disconnected), the control unit will have to be reprogrammed as the control unit memory will be erased.
Drive the car in each gear, first gear not necessary, for approximately 8 seconds.
The gear change indicator light will flicker once (0.5 seconds), as each gear is programmed.
NOTE : Remember the foot completely from the clutch pedal after each gear change when
programming the control unit.
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Bulb failure warning light
The light will come on if any of the following bulbs are defective:
one of the low beam headlights
one of the tail lights
one of the brake lights when the brake pedal is depressed.
Check the fuse and bulb.
See sections titled "Replacing bulbs" and "Fuses".
Should the warning light come on after a defective outside bulb has been replaced, the corresponding
bulb on the other side of the car should also be replaced.
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pg. 1:6 Lighting, Turn signals, Hazard warning flasher
Headlights and parking lights
All lights off *
Parking lights ON. With the headlight switch in this position, the parking lights will stay ON.
Headlights and parking lights are ON, if starting (ignition) switch is in position I or II. If the
headlight switch is in this position, all lights will go out when the starting (ignition), switch is turned
OFF. Change from high to low beam (and vice versa) by moving the turn signal switch lever on the left
side off the steering column toward the steering wheel.
Canada only: (On models with day running lights)
The low beams will come on automatically when the engine is started. The high beams can only be
switched on if the headlight switch is in position
.
Turn signals
1 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.
2 Signal lever engaged for normal turns
Note: Defective turn signal bulb will cause turn signal indicator and remaining signal lights to flash
more rapidly than normal.
3 High beam/low beam switch (headlights on)
Move the lever towards the steering wheel past the headlight flasher position 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.
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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. 1:7 Wiper/washer, Starting switch
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Wipers/washer
1 Intermittent wiper.
With switch in this position, the wipers will sweep approximately every seventh second.
2 "Single sweep" 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 sweeps after lever is released.
Starting (ignition) switch/steering wheel lock
The steering wheel lock might be under tension when the car is parked. Turn the steering wheel slightly
to free the ignition key. In order to reduce car theft, make sure the steering wheel lock is engaged before
leaving the car.
A chime will sound if the starting key is left in the ignition lock and the front door on the driver's side is
opened.
0 Locked position:
remove the key to lock the steering wheel.
I Intermediate position:
heater blower, cigarette lighter, accessories etc. on.
II Drive position:
key position when engine is running.
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III Starting position:
release the key when the engine starts. The key returns automatically to driving
position.
pg. 1:8 Rear fog light, Panel lighting, Clock, Power antenna
Rear fog light
The rear foglight is considerably brighter than the normal tail lights and should be used only when the
atmospheric conditions, such as fog, rain, snow, smoke or dust reduce the daytime or nighttime visibility
of other vehicles to less than 500 ft (150 meters). The headlights must be switched on. Note that the
local regulations governing the use of these lights may vary.
Rheostat, instrument panel lighting
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Move control upward - brighter
Move control downward - dimmer
Setting clock
> Forward
< Backward
The hands of the clock will move faster if the button remains depressed.
Power antenna
The power antenna switch can be used to retract the antenna when the audio system is turned on. This
will permit operation of the cassette drive with the antenna in the down position.
CAUTION: Always lower the antenna when entering a garage or car wash to avoid antenna
damage.
pg. 1:9 Rear window demister, Sun roof, Tailgate window wiper/washer
Rear window demister
To operate, depress the switch. The indicator lamp in the switch will come on. The system switches off
automatically after 10-15 minutes on certain models.
Electrically-operated sun roof
(Optional)
To open the sun roof as a sliding roof, depress the top portion of the rocker switch.
To raise the rear edge of the sun roof, depress the bottom portion of the switch.
To close the sun roof, depress the side of the rocker switch opposite the side used to open the sun roof.
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Tailgate window wiper/washer
(wagon)
The tailgate window wiper/washer is operated by a switch at the end of the wiper lever.
1. The wiper operates continuously.
2. Intermittent position: the wiper strokes approximately every 10 seconds.
3. Tailgate washer.
After the button is released the wiper strokes 2-3 additional times before stopping.
The electrical circuit is protected by fuse 12, located in the central electrical unit. See the section entitled
"Fuses", page 6:12-6:14.
pg. 1:10 Cruise control
Cruise control
(accessory on certain models)
The cruise control switches are located on the turn signal switch lever.
To engage and set desired speed:
· Set switch (1) to ON.
· Accelerate to desired cruise speed.
NOTE: The cruise control cannot be engaged at speeds below 22 mph (35
km).
· Depress SET SPEED switch (2).
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Operating brake pedal or clutch pedal
(where applicable)
This will automatically disengage the cruise control. Previously selected cruise control speed is retained
in the memory and by momentarily setting the switch to RESUME position that speed will be reengaged.
If the cruise control is already engaged, the cruising speed can be increased by depressing the SET
SPEED button (2). The vehicle will then maintain the current speed.
Depressing the SET SPEED button briefly will result in a 1.6 km/h increase in the set speed.
NOTE:
When driving on a grade, actual vehicle speed may vary slightly from the set cruise control speed.
If ground speed falls below 70% of set speed or if the wheels spin, the cruise control will disengage
automatically.
Acceleration
Momentary acceleration, such as for passing, does not interrupt cruise control operation. The previously
selected speed will be maintained without having to set switch to RESUME.
To disengage the cruise control system : set switch (1) to position OFF, or depress the brake pedal.
Switching off the starting (ignition) switch or moving the gear selector to position N will automatically
disengage the cruise control system.
WARNING! The cruise control should not be used in heavy traffic or when driving on wet or slippery
roads.
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pg. 1:11 Heating and ventilation
Heating and air conditioning
Your Volvo is equipped with a heating system combined with air conditioning.
Depending on which function you select, warm or cool/cold air is distributed to the different parts of the
passenger compartment.
If your car is equipped with air conditioning, system contains a CFC-12, a type of Freon. CFC-12 is a
gas which affects the ozone layer of the earth's atmosphere. Let your Volvo dealer check your air
conditioning system regularly for leakage.
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Air louvers (dash)
A Open
B Closed
C Directing air flow horizontally
D Directing air flow vertically
A certain amount of air will always enter through the dash air louvers as long as they are open,
independently of the position of the air distribution control.
Close the dash air louvers to obtain maximum air flow to floor or windshield.
pg. 1:12 Heating and ventilation (cont.)
MCC - Manual Climate Control panel
Fan
0 = off
5 = max speed
Function selector
Set desired function
Temperature dial
Set desired temperature
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Air in the passenger compartment recirculates with this button depressed.
Will not function in defrost setting.
Light is on when function is engaged.
The air conditioning system is disengaged when this button is depressed .
The light is on when the air conditioning system is disengaged.
Function selector
Air through panel vents
Defrost. Air to windshield and side windows.
Air to floor, windshield and side windows.
Air through floor vents.
● Air through floor and panel vents.
pg. 1:13 Heating and ventilation (cont.)
Maximum heating:
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Maximum cooling:
Open the vents. The A/C button should not be depressed. Adjust the temperature with the temperature
dial.
To demist or defrost the windows
Set the function dial to position
. When the windows have cleared set the fan control to position 2.
Always keep the air intake grille at the base of the windshield free of snow.
Operating tips
The air conditioning system functions only at temperatures above 45°F (7°C).
The air conditioning will only function if the blower is set to position 1 or higher.
Choose this position if the outside air is contaminated with exhaust gases, smoke, etc or to heat/
cool the car quickly. In this position, very little air is drawn into the passenger compartment from the
outside. Do not leave the system in this mode for more than 10-15 minutes since the air inside the car
will become stale. The temperature can be controlled with the temperature dial.
Remember: If the panel vents are open, a certain amount of air will always flow through, regardless of
the position the function dial is in. To increase the flow of air to either the floor or the windows, close
the panel vents. The outer vents can be opened to avoid mist on the side windows.
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The air conditioning system will function best if it is used regularly.
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pg. 1:14 Heated front seats
Heated front seats
The front seats are equipped with electrically-heated backrests and seat cushions. The heating is
thermostatically-controlled and cuts out automatically.
Use the switches to disengage the seat heating manually when the seat is not occupied.
Extra heating (certain models)
Switched on and off as required. When switched on, the seats are automatically heated and when the
optimal temperature is reached, the heating automatically switches off .
The passenger seat will only be heated when it is occupied.
pg. 1:15 Electrically operated windows
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Electrically-operated windows
The electrically operated windows are controlled by switches from the driver's armrest as shown in the
above illustration.
The starting (ignition) switches must be ON (position II) 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 when children are left unattended in the
vehicle.
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Cut-out switch for electrically-operated rear-door windows
If the car is equipped with rear door 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.
The rear door windows can be raised or lowered with the respective door switch as well as the
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. 1:16 Parking brake, Cigarette lighter, Ash trays
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Parking brake (hand brake)
The lever is situated between the front seats. The brake is applied to the rear wheels. In order to obtain
the best possible performance of the parking brake, see section titled "Brake System".
WARNING!
Always use the parking brake (hand brake) when parking. On hills, also turn the front wheels toward
the curb.
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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 switched on (position I or II) for the cigarette lighter to function.
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Ash trays
To remove the ash trays depress the center spring and remove.
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pg. 1:17 Audio system, general description
The following pages describe the use of your CR-814 cassette radio
1.
● On/off (turn)
● Volume (turn)
● Balance left/right (push-turn)
● Fader front/rear (pull-turn)
2. Bass control
3. Treble control
4. Waveband selector
5. Frequency tuning up/down
6. Autostore
7. Display
8. Preset buttons
9. DOLBY selector
10. Chrome/metal selector
11.
● Lockable fast winding (left/right)
● Tape direction selector press both buttons
12. Cassette slot
13. Cassette eject
pg. 1:18 Anti-theft code
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The radio features anti-theft circuitry. If the set is removed from the vehicle or if the battery power is
disconnected, a special code must be entered to enable operation of the set. Ask your dealer for the
correct code .
Using the code
After installation or when the set has been disconnected from power, the set displays "codE" when it is
switched on.
Enter the 4-digit code using the preset buttons. If the correct code is entered, "codE" is no longer
displayed and the set is ready to use.
Incorrect code
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