Volvo DL 1981, GL 1981, GT 1981 Owner Manual

1981 Volvo DL, GL and GLT

1 9 8 1

VOLVO

DL, GL and GLT

Notice to Owner: Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable safety and emission standards. Evidence of this can be verified from 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.

Notice: 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.

Contents

(Index see page

95)

DESCRIPTION Page

General Information 2

Keys 3

Instruments and controls 4

Instruments 6

Warning lights 7

Ignition switch, turn signal 8

Lighting 9

Windshield wipers, tailgate wiper 10

Washer fluid reservoir 11

Rear window demister, hazard warning flasher 12

Parking brake, choke 13

Clock, boost pressure gauge, ambient temperature

gauge

Oil pressure gauge, voltmeter 15

Cigarette lighter, ash trays 16

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Electrically operated windows 17

Heating and ventilation 18

Air conditioning 20

Radios, AM-FM-FM stereo CB/tape players 21

Front seats 22

Seat belts 24

Doors and locks 26

Rear doors, trunk lid, vent windows 27

Long load storage, hood 28

Rear/side view mirrors 29

Interior light, sun roof, fuel tank cap 30

Rear seat, wagon 31

Tailgate, wagon 32

Cargo compartment, wagon 33

STARTING AND DRIVING

Service inspection 34

Break in period 34

Driving economy 35

Starting the engine 36

Gear shift positions 37

Automatic transmission 38

Emergency towing 40

Towing information 41

Trailer hauling 42

Automatic transmission, brake system 43

Catalytic converter 44

MAINTENANCE SERVICE

Maintenance services 45

Servicing 46

Engine B21F, B23E, B21A, B21FT 48

Gas station checks 50

Engine oil 51

Cooling system 53

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Servicing 54

Carburetor 57

Transmission oil 60

Rear axle, power steering, brake fluid 62

Lubrication 63

Coolant 64

Alternator, jump starting 65

Replacing bulbs 66

Fuses 71

Wheels and tires 72

Wheel changing 74

Replacing wiper blades 76

Washing, cleaning 76

Cleaning, anti-rust treatment 77

Paint touch-up 78

Cold weather 81

Long distance trips 82

Service diagnosis 83

Specifications 89

Volvo service manuals 94

Index 95

pg. 2 General Information

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Do not export your Volvo to another country before investigating that country's applicable safety and exhaust emission requirements. In some cases it may be impossible to comply with these requirements.

pg. 3 Keys

Write the key number codes on the inside of the front cover of this manual as well as your pocket diary. These number codes are stamped on a separate tag supplied with the keys. This tag should be separated

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from the key ring and kept in a safe place. In the event the original keys are lost, duplicates may be ordered from your Volvo dealer.

Top of Page

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1981 Volvo DL, GL and GLT

1 9 8 1

VOLVO

DL, GL and GLT

pg. 4 Instruments and controls

pg. 5 Instruments and controls

See page

1 Fresh air louver

2 Instruments lights

3 Headlights, parking lights

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4 Turn signals

5 Instruments

6 Ignition switch/steering wheel lock

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

8 Clock

9 Storage compartment (boost pressure gauge turbo engined cars

only)

10 Fresh air louver

11 Choke (only carburetor engine)

12 Fuse box

13 Hood release handle

14 Horn -

15 Cigarette lighter

16 Rear window demister

17 Hazard warning flashers

18 Air conditioning

19 Seat belt reminder light

20 Fresh air louver

21 Heating and ventilation

22 Ash tray

23 Parking brake

24 Control for electrically operated side mirrors

25 Electrically operated windows

The pages in this section provide a detailed description of the vehicle's instruments and controls. Note that vehicles may be equipped differently, depending on special legal requirements, etc.

pg. 6 Instruments

A Clock/Tachometer (certain models) Reads thousands of engine rpm. Black range for momentary use, during acceleration. Engine should not be operated in red range.

B Direction indicator (green)

C Speedometer

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In kilometers and miles

D Odometer Total mileage reading.

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.

Note: Canadian model speedometers indicate kilometers only.

F Fuel gauge

The fuel tank capacity is approx. 60 liters = 15.8 US gals.

G Reminder light, Lambda-sond

TM*

(oxygen sensor system) service

H Choke reminder light (yellow)

Lights when choke is used. (Certain Canadian models only)

Boost pressure warning light (red) (turbo engine models)

I Alternator warning light (red)

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J Oil pressure warning light (red)

K Overdrive indicator light (green)

Lights when overdrive is engaged.

L Trip odometer reset knob Push in to reset

M Trip odometer

N High beam indicator (blue)

O Parking brake reminder light (red)

P Brake failure warning light (red)

Q Bulb failure warning light (yellow)

*Lambda-sond TM is a trademark of Volvo of America Corporation.

pg. 7 Warning lights

The warning lights described on this page should never be 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.)

G Lambda-sondTM (oxygen sensor system) service reminder light (red)

As required by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this light will come on at 30,000 mile (50,000 km) intervals. It is a reminder to have the oxygen sensor system serviced. The light will stay on until reset by servicing dealer.

H Boost pressure warning light (turbo engine models)

If the light goes on when driving, the boost pressure is too high. Drive the car to a repair shop for

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inspection, using care not to accelerate rapidly or drive at very high speed.

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 section titled "Cooling system".) NOTE: This warning light is illuminated if the alternator is not charging. However, alternator, parking

brake, brake failure, Lambda-sond

system service reminder and bulb failure will be

illuminated at the same time due to the design of the system.

J 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.

O 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.

P 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 "repair shop" for an inspection of the brake system.

Q 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 brake lights (when the brake pedal is depressed).

See section on "Replacing Bulbs".

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pg. 8 Ignition switch, turn signals

Ignition switch/steering wheel lock

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 will also sound if the headlights or parking lights are on when the door is open. The buzzer goes off when the front door is closed.

Turn signals

1 Signal lever engaged for normal turns.

Defective turn signal bulb will cause turn signal indicator and remaining signal lights to flash more rapidly.

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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. 9 Lighting

Headlights and position lights

All lights off

Parking lights on

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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.

A buzzer will sound if the headlights or parking lights are on and the front door on the driver's side is open. The buzzer will also sound if the ignition key is in the ignition lock when the door is open. The buzzer goes off when the front door is closed.

Instrument panel lamps rheostat

Clockwise - brighter Counterclockwise - dimmer.

pg. 10 Windshield wipers, tailgate window wiper, washer nozzles

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Wiper/washer

1 Intermittent wiper.

With switch in this position, the wipers will make a stroke every seventh second.

2 "Single stroke" 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 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.

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1 Tailgate wiper (center position off)

2 Interval position (optional) With the switch in this position, there is one wiper stroking cycle approx. every five seconds.

3 Tailgate washer Depress the button to start the washer.

pg. 11 Washer fluid reservoir

Washer fluid reservoir The single washer fluid reservoir for the windshield and tailgate washer is located in the engine compartment and holds approx. 1.6 US gals = 6 liters. During wintertime, the reservoir should be filled with anti-freeze specified in section titled "Cold weather".

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

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

pg. 12 Rear window demister, hazard warning flasher

Rear window demister Switch off the rear window demister 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 or use an abrasive window cleaner, otherwise damage to the printed circuit will occur.

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Hazard warning flasher Four way flashing is used to indicate that the vehicle 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. 13 Parking brake, choke

Parking brake (hand brake) The lever is situated between the front seats. The brake is applied to the rear wheels. 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. Always use the parking brake (hand brake) when parking, to maintain the best possible function. For winter use, see section titled "Cold Weather".

Choke (only in cars with carburetor engines for Canada)

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Pull the choke out fully before starting a cold engine. Pulling the choke out a fraction of an inch or so regulates engine idling to some extent. Choke light on the instrument panel goes on when the choke is pulled out. Use the choke as briefly as possible! Also see section titled "Starting the engine".

pg. 14 Clock, boost pressure gauge, ambient temperature gauge

Quartz crystal clock To reset the hands, push in the reset knob and turn.

Note: A slight ticking sound emitted by the clock is considered normal.

Boost pressure gauge

(turbo engined cars only) The boost pressure gauge is divided into three sections.

Black section: The engine acts as a normally aspirated engine. This is the most economical range. Yellow section. The turbo is engaged. Red section. The pressure in the intake manifold is too high. Drive the car carefully to a Volvo dealer

for inspection. The warning light for boost pressure goes on if the gauge pointer moves into the red section.

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Ambient temp. gauge (Canada) Electronic gauge which shows ambient temperature just above the road surface. Warns you of icy road conditions.

pg. 15 Oil pressure gauge, voltmeter

Oil pressure gauge (certain models) The oil pressure gauge indicates the pressure of the oil in the lubricating system of the engine. The oil 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.

However, it may happen while idling with a hot engine that the pointer does go into the red field. This is not unusual providing the pointer rises to the normal driving range again when you increase the engine speed.

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Voltmeter (certain models) 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.

pg. 16 Cigarette lighter, ash tray

Cigarette lighter The ignition must be switched on for the cigarette lighter to function. 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. 17 Electrically operated windows

Electrically operated windows (GL-GLT U.S.A. Only) The electrically operated windows are controlled by switches set in the door arm rests. All the windows can be controlled from the driver's arm rest as shown in the above illustration. The ignition must be switched on for the electrically operated windows to function. The window is lowered if the rear part of the switch is pressed.

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

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

OFF - The rear door windows cannot be raised or lowered with the respective door switch but can be operated by the corresponding switch on the driver's door.

pg. 18 Heating and ventilation

Heating system

1 TEMP

Left = cool Right = warm

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

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. Do not use for heating. Out = full flow of outside air In = air is recirculated for faster cooling

FAN (Blower motor)

1 = low speed 2 = medium speed 3 = high speed 4 = highest speed The fan is always in operation, when the ignition switch is in ON - position.

6 Fresh air louvers (dash) The air flow through the louvers is decreased when the FLOOR (2) and/or DEF(3) controls are depressed.

7 Fresh air louvers (floor) Lever placed forward = louver opens Lever placed rearward = louver closes

pg. 19 Heating and ventilation

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

1 TEMP >>> WARM

2 FLOOR depressed

5 FAN >>> 3(or 4)

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.

Always try to keep front external inlet grille (in front of the windshield) clear of obstructions (snow, ice, etc.). This will help ensure availability of fresh air into the passenger compartment.

Fresh air louvers (dash) A Closed B Open C Directing air flow horizontally D Directing air flow vertically

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Fresh air louvers (floor) There is a floor directed fresh air louver on the driver side of the vehicle . Airflow is controlled by the lever at the center of the louver.

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

Maximum airflow is obtained with louver fully open and the fan (blower motor) at lowest setting.

Contents | Top of Page

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pg. 20 Air conditioning

Air conditioning (optional) How to use the air conditioner:

1 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 yellow range beyond MAX. After desired temperature is reached reposition the control knob into the blue range.

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

3 REC (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 FLOOR and DEF 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

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vehicle.

The air conditioning system should be operated periodically during the winter season. Have your Volvo dealer check the system for correct operation yearly.

pg. 21 Radios, AM-FM-FM stereo-CB/Tape players

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

Operating instructions This 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 by the Dealer. Your Volvo Dealer will be able to assist you with any questions regarding the operation of this equipment.

NOTE: Operation of Citizens Band (CB) radios is governed by Federal Regulations. You must obtain a special license before operation this equipment. An application for a CB license is enclosed with each Volvo CB radio.

pg. 22 Front seats

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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.

WARNING!

For your safety, never adjust seat while driving.

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

Note that body weight must be shifted to allow seat back to move forward or rearward.

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Lumbar support adjustment Rotate clockwise for firm support or counterclockwise for soft support.

Canada only: The driver's seat is electrically heated and thermostatically controlled. Automatic engagement begins at 60°F (+15°C) and ends at approx. 77°F (+25°C).

pg. 23 Front seats

Seat back release, 2-door models Press the button and fold seat back forward to allow passengers access to/from the rear seats.

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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 adjust seat height while seated.

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. 24 Seat belts

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