Contents Section: Procedures All sections

Maintenance Information Volvo 240 I

Procedures 21 illustrations ~2505 words

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 2

Scheme 2: VIN Code ID Explanation

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions

Normal Service

  1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
  2. No Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule

Severe Service (Unique Driving Conditions)

  1. Short Trips In Freezing Temperatures
  2. Towing Or Heavily Loaded
  3. Severe Dust Conditions
  4. Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
  5. Extensive Idling Conditions

CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT

CAUTIONFailure to replace a faulty camshaft timing belt may result in serious engine damage.

The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".

Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.

Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist

  1. Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
  2. Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
  3. Oil Contamination
  4. Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
  5. Incorrect Tension Adjustment

Volvo recommends replacement of the camshaft timing belt at the following intervals

ApplicationInterval (Miles)
1986-9150,000

CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT INTERVAL

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: ADDITIONAL SERVICE INFORMATION
  1. With gear selector in Park, depress brake pedal.
  2. Move gear selector to desired position.
  3. If gear selector DOES NOT MOVE, check fuse #12.
  4. TO MANUALLY RELEASE gear selector, push finger between brushes at base of shifter and push catch to the left. (Scheme 4)
  5. Select a gear.

Note. 1986-90 models are not equipped with a shift interlock.

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: ALIGNING CAMSHAFT TIMING MARKS

Note. For more information regarding camshaft timing belt service refer to the 2.3L 4-CYL & 2.3L 4-CYL TURBO article in the ENGINE MECHANICAL section.

EngineModel Year5K10K50K55K60K100K105K110K
B230F86-91AXAXA
A = Adjust timing belt
X = Required timing belt replacement

MODELS 240 with B230F TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT

Scheme 6

Scheme 6: VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT - GASOLINE

Note. For more information regarding valve clearance adjustments refer to the 2.3L 4-CYL & 2.3L 4-CYL TURBO article in the ENGINE MECHANICAL section.

Scheme 7

Scheme 7: GASOLINE FUEL FILTER MAINTENANCE

Scheme 8

Scheme 8

Note. For more information regarding Non-Turbo fuel injection service refer to the FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM - BOSCH LH article in the FUEL SYSTEMS section.

Scheme 9

Scheme 9: ADJUSTING IDLE SPEED

Note. For more information regarding fuel injection service refer to the ADJUSTMENTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE section.

Scheme 10

Scheme 10: PCV VALVE & FLAME TRAP MAINTENANCE POINTS

Scheme 11

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

Scheme 12: ADJUSTING KICKDOWN CABLE

Note. For more information regarding transmission cable service refer to the ADJUSTMENTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE section.

Scheme 13

Scheme 13: REFILLING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID

Scheme 14

Scheme 14: MANUAL TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE FILTER (1986 M46)

Scheme 15

Scheme 15: BODY SERVICE POINTS

Scheme 16

Scheme 16: SUSPENSION TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

Scheme 17

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

Scheme 18: VEHICLE LIFT POINTS

Note. For more information regarding lifting and hoisting refer to the JACKING & HOISTING article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.

Scheme 19

Scheme 19: INFORMATION LABEL LOCATIONS

SERVICE LABOR TIMES

Note. For 1990 and newer vehicles, labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.

TIRE INFLATION

Tire specification label is located on the right front door.

WHEEL TIGHTENING

Tighten all wheel lug nuts to 85 ft. lbs. (115 N.m) using pattern (Scheme 20)

Scheme 20

Scheme 20: TIRE ROTATION PATTERNS

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.

Use appropriate BCI group battery. Gasoline engine vehicles use batteries with a 60 amp hour rating. Diesel engine vehicles use batteries with a 88 amp hour rating.

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG - 1990-91 Models)

Note. See the AIR BAGS article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section.

Modifications or improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), can adversely affect system performance. DO NOT cover, obstruct or change the steering wheel horn pad in any way, as such action could cause improper function of the system. Use only plain water when cleaning the horn pad. Solvents or cleaners could adversely affect the air bag cover and cause improper deployment of the system.

WARNINGTo avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all warnings and service precautions. See appropriate AIR BAGS article in ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
CAUTIONDisconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air bag system, steering column or passenger side dash component. After any repair, turn ignition key to the ON position from passenger's side of vehicle in case of accidental air bag inflation

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAR WARNING

Note. For information on air bag DIAGNOSIS & TESTING or DISPOSAL PROCEDURES, see AIR BAGS article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section.

System circuit is grounded by 2 screws beneath the driver's seat. DO NOT use these screws to ground any other accessory. DO NOT ground any other components near this system.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (1991 Models)

The anti-lock brake system contains electronic equipment that can be susceptible to interference caused by improperly installed or high output radio transmitting equipment. Since this interference could cause the possible loss of the anti-lock braking capability, such equipment should be installed by qualified professionals.

On models equipped with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS observe the following cautions

  1. DO NOT attempt to bleed hydraulic system without first referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article in the BRAKES Section.
  2. DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the original diameter, increasing the width is acceptable. Rolling diameter must be identical for all 4 tires. Some manufacturers recommend tires of the same brand, style and type. Failure to follow this precaution may cause inaccurate wheel speed readings.
  3. Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in an ABS-equipped vehicle.

BATTERY WARNING

WARNINGWhen battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION section.

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES

CAUTIONBefore replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload.

BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT

WARNINGUse caution when checking and/or changing brake pads, some pads may contain asbestos which can irritate eyes and may cause other health hazards. A water based solution should be used to clean brake dust from wheel and brake components. DO NOT use compressed air to blow off brake dust.

BRAKE SYSTEM

CAUTIONIf brake warning light comes on while driving it indicates a low fluid level or failure in one of the braking circuits. If the brake pedal can be depressed further than normal it is an indication that one of the brake circuits is not functioning. Stop vehicle and check brake reservoir fluid level. If level is below MIN mark, DO NOT drive vehicle. Have it towed to a repair shop. If level is between the MIN and MAX marks, proceed cautiously to a repair shop.

BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR

CAUTIONIndicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

CAUTIONContinued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and vehicle.
CAUTIONAny modification to the exhaust system on turbo models, which reduces exhaust backpressure, will lead to lean fuel mixtures and excessive spark advance. This could cause serious engine damage.

COOLANT (PROPYLENE-GLYCOL FORMULATIONS)

CAUTIONTo avoid possible damage to vehicle use only ethylene-glycol based coolants with a mixture ratio from 44-68% anti-freeze. DO NOT use 100% anti-freeze as it will cause the formation of cooling system deposits. This results in coolant temperatures of over 300° F (149°C) which can melt plastics. 100% anti-freeze has a freeze point of only -8° F (-22°C).
CAUTIONPropylene-Glycol Mixtures has a smaller temperature range than Ethylene-Glycol. The temperature range (freeze-boil) of a 50/50 Anti-Freeze/Water Mix is as follows: Propylene-Glycol -26° F (-32°C) - 257° F (125°C) Ethylene-Glycol -35° F (-37°C) - 263° F (128°C)
CAUTIONPropylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol Mixtures can cause the destabilization of various corrosion inhibitors. Also Propylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol has a different specific gravity than Ethylene-Glycol coolant, which will result in inaccurate freeze point calculations.

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS

WARNINGMany solid state electrical components can be damaged by static electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not. Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component.

ENGINE OIL

CAUTIONNever use non-detergent or straight mineral oil.

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE

WARNINGRelieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system component (fuel injection models).

HALOGEN BULBS

Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs.

RADIATOR CAP

CAUTIONAlways disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling system is hot.

RADIATOR FAN

WARNINGKeep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine is turned off.

WHEELS & TIRES

CAUTIONOnly wheels tested and approved by the manufacturer should be used on models equipped with Air Dam aerodynamic components.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

CAUTIONDue to the different warranties offered in various regions and the variety of after-market extended warranties available, please refer to the warranty package that came with the vehicle to verify all warranty options.

BASIC WARRANTY (1986-90)

The manufacturer warrants that repairs due to defects in material or workmanship, occurring under normal use, will be performed at no charge to the vehicle owner during period covered by the appropriate warranty. During the warranty period the warranty is fully transferable to subsequent owners. The warranty period is divided into 3 periods (1, 3 and 5 year). All periods begin the day the vehicle is delivered to the first retail customer or put into service, which ever comes first. The Basic Warranty covers the entire vehicle, with the exception of expendable items such as tires, for a period of 12 months with unlimited mileage.

BASIC WARRANTY (1991-93)

Coverage is identical to previous years, with the exception of warranty period. Warranty coverage is 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

MAJOR ASSEMBLY COVERAGE (1983-90)

Covers the following items and components for a period of 36 months with unlimited mileage from warranty start date

  1. Engine And Cooling System
  2. Transmission And Driveshaft
  3. Rear Axle And Axle Shafts
  4. Brakes (Excluding Brake Pads)
  5. Steering
  6. Suspension (Excluding Shock Absorbers)
  7. Air Conditioning
  8. Computerized Engine Control Systems
  9. Electrical Components

MAJOR ASSEMBLY COVERAGE (1991-93)

Coverage is identical to previous years, with the exception of warranty period. Warranty coverage is 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

CORROSION PROTECTION WARRANTY

Painted body panels are warranted against perforation for a period of 5 years. Structural damage due to rust or corrosion is warranted for 8 years.

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS & SEAT BELTS

Factory installed seat belts or restraint systems are warranted for a period of 5 years.

EMISSION SYSTEM WARRANTY

Manufacturer warrants that the vehicle emission control system was designed and installed to conform, at the time of sale, to all applicable U.S. emission standards. The warranty covers repairs resulting from any defect in material or workmanship which could cause the vehicle not to meet emission standards during the warranty period. The following items are not warranted

  1. Normal Scheduled Maintenance Of Emission Components
  2. Regular Maintenance Items
  3. Damage To Components Due To Accidents
  4. Damage Due To Contaminated Or Incorrect Fuels
  5. Any Component On A Vehicle With An Altered Odometer
  6. Damaged Caused By The Use Of Non-Genuine Parts

The following components are covered under Emission System or Emission Performance Warranties

  1. Ignition Cables
  2. Distributor Components
  3. Ignition Coil
  4. Ignition Control Unit
  5. Spark Plugs
  6. Knock Sensor
  7. Engine RPM Sensor
  8. Fuel Pressure Regulator
  9. Mass Airflow Meter
  10. Fuel Injection Control Unit
  11. Fuel Injectors
  12. Idle Air Valve
  13. Coolant Temperature Sensor
  14. Throttle Position Sensor
  15. Series Resistor
  16. Oxygen Sensor
  17. Cold Start Injector
  18. Temperature Sensor
  19. Manifold Pressure Sensor
  20. Evaporative Emission System
  21. PCV System
  22. Air Intake System
  23. Catalytic Converter
  24. Exhaust Manifold
  25. Exhaust Pipe (Manifold-To-Catalyst)
  26. EGR System
  27. Miscellaneous Items Used In Above System

Scheme 21

Scheme 21: FUSE PANEL LOCATION

The electrical system is protected against shorts by fuses that are designed to fail to prevent damage to the wire harness. The fuse block is located in front of the left front door pillar. If a fuse is blown, locate the cause before replacing the fuse. Always use fuses with the correct amperage rating.

Scheme 22

Scheme 22: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1986)

Note. The LH-Jetronic 2.2 fuel injection system is protected by a 25 Amp blade type fuse located on the left wheel housing by the ignition coil. (Scheme 21)

Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification

  1. 1 - 8 Amp Cigarette Lighter, Tailgate Wiper/Washer (Wagon), Power Mirrors, Radio, Power Antenna (If Equipped) Cruise Control (Governor), Power Trunk Release Relay
  2. 2 - 16 Amp Windshield Wiper/Washer, Horn
  3. 3 - 16 Amp Heater Blower
  4. 4 - 8 Amp Fuel Feed Pump (Tank)
  5. 5 - 8 Amp Spare
  6. 6 - 8 Amp Main Fuel Pump
  7. 7 - 16 Amp Brake Lights, Cruise Control Switch
  8. 8 - 8 Amp Interior, Glove Compartment, Engine Compartment Lamp, Trunk Lamp, Central Locking, Power Antenna, Clock, Power Trunk Release
  9. 9 - 8 Amp Hazard Warning Flashers, Up-Shift Indicator Light (M/T)
  10. 10 - 16 Amp Power Windows
  11. 11 - 16 Amp 5th Gear (M/T), 4th Gear (A/T), Rear Window Defogger Seat Heaters
  12. 12 - 8 Amp Back-Up Lights, Power Window Relay, A/C (With Blower), Rear Window Demist Relay
  13. 13 - 8 Amp Instruments, Seat Belt Reminder Lights, Turn Signals, Fuel Injection System Relay
  14. 14 - 8 Amp Rear Fog Lamps
  15. 15 - 8 Amp Left Side Parking Light, License Plate Light
  16. 16 - 8 Amp Right Side Parking Light, Headlights Chime, Instrument Panel & Control Lamps

FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1987)

Note. The LH-Jetronic 2.2 fuel injection system is protected by a 25 Amp blade type fuse located on the left wheel housing by the ignition coil. (Scheme 17)

  1. 1 - 8 Amp Cigarette Lighter, Tailgate Wiper/Washer (Wagon), Power Mirrors, Radio, Power Antenna (If Equipped) Cruise Control (Governor), Power Trunk Release Relay
  2. 2 - 16 Amp Windshield Wiper/Washer, Horn
  3. 3 - 25 Amp Heater Blower
  4. 4 - 8 Amp Fuel Feed Pump (Tank)
  5. 5 - 8 Amp Spare
  6. 6 - 16 Amp Spare
  7. 7 - 8 Amp Brake Lights, Cruise Control Switch
  8. 8 - 8 Amp Interior, Glove Compartment, Engine Compartment Lamp, Trunk Lamp, Central Locking, Power Antenna, Clock, Power Trunk Release
  9. 9 - 8 Amp Hazard Warning Flashers, Up-Shift Indicator Light (M/T)
  10. 10 - 16 Amp Power Windows
  11. 11 - 16 Amp 4th Gear (A/T), Rear Window Defogger
  12. 12 - 8 Amp Back-Up Lights, Power Window Relay, A/C (With Blower), Rear Window Demist Relay
  13. 13 - 16 Amp Instruments, Seat Belt Reminder Lights, Turn Signals, Fuel Injection System Relay, Seat Heaters
  14. 14 - 8 Amp Rear Fog Lamps
  15. 15 - 8 Amp Left Side Parking Light, License Plate Light
  16. 16 - 8 Amp Right Side Parking Light, Headlights Chime, Instrument Panel & Control Lamps

FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1988)

Note. The LH-Jetronic 2.2 fuel injection system is protected by a 25 Amp blade type fuse located on the left wheel housing by the ignition coil. (Scheme 21)

  1. 1 - 8 Amp Cigarette Lighter, Power Side-View Mirrors, Radio, Tailgate Wiper/Washer, Cruise Control
  2. 2 - 16 Amp Windshield Wiper/Washer, Horn
  3. 3 - 25 Amp Heater Blower
  4. 4 - 8 Amp Fuel Feed Pump (Tank)
  5. 5 - 8 Amp Spare
  6. 6 - 16 Amp Main Fuel Pump
  7. 7 - 8 Amp Brakelights, Cruise Control Switch
  8. 8 - 8 Amp Interior, Glove Compartment, Engine Compartment Lamp, Trunk Lamp, Central Locking, Power Antenna, Clock
  9. 9 - 8 Amp Hazard Warning Flashers, Shift Indicator (If Equipped)
  10. 10 - 16 Amp Power Windows
  11. 11 - 16 Amp 5th Gear (Man. Trans.), 4th Gear (Auto. Trans.), Rear Window Defogger
  12. 12 - 8 Amp Back-Up Lights, Power Window Relay, A/C (With Blower), Rear Window Demist Relay
  13. 13 - 8 Amp Seat Belt Reminder Lights, Heated Front Seats, Turn Signals, Fuel Injection System
  14. 14 - 8 Amp Rear Fog Lamps
  15. 15 - 8 Amp Left Side Parking Light, License Plate Light
  16. 16 - 8 Amp Right Side Parking Light, Headlights Chime, Instrument Panel & Control Lamps

FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1989)

Note. The LH-Jetronic 2.4 fuel injection system is protected by a 20 Amp blade type fuse located on the left wheel housing by the ignition coil. (Scheme 21)

  1. 1 - 8 Amp Cigarette Lighter, Power Side-View Mirrors, Radio, Tailgate Wiper/Washer, Cruise Control
  2. 2 - 16 Amp Windshield Wiper/Washer, Horn
  3. 3 - 25 Amp Heater Blower
  4. 4 - 8 Amp Fuel Feed Pump (Tank)
  5. 5 - 8 Amp Spare
  6. 6 - 16 Amp Main Fuel Pump
  7. 7 - 8 Amp Brakelights, Cruise Control Switch
  8. 8 - 8 Amp Interior, Glove Compartment, Engine Compartment Lamp, Trunk Lamp, Central Locking, Power Antenna, Clock, Daytime Running Lights (Canada)
  9. 9 - 8 Amp Hazard Warning Flashers
  10. 10 - 16 Amp Power Windows
  11. 11 - 16 Amp 4th Gear (Auto. Trans.), Rear Window Defogger
  12. 12 - 8 Amp Back-Up Lights, Power Window Relay, A/C (With Blower), Rear Window Demist Relay
  13. 13 - 8 Amp Seat Belt Reminder Lights, Heated Front Seats, Turn Signals, Fuel Injection System
  14. 14 - 8 Amp Rear Fog Lamps
  15. 15 - 8 Amp Left Side Parking Light, License Plate Light
  16. 16 - 8 Amp Right Side Parking Light, Headlights Chime, Instrument Panel & Control Lamps

FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1990-91)

Note. ABS equipped vehicles (1991) have a 10 Amp fuse located under the instrument panel on the passenger's side.

  1. 1 - 8 Amp Cigarette Lighter, Power Side-View Mirrors, Radio, Tailgate Wiper/Washer, Cruise Control
  2. 2 - 16 Amp Windshield Wiper/Washer, Horn
  3. 3 - 25 Amp Heater Blower
  4. 4 - 8 Amp Fuel Feed Pump (Tank), Lambda-Sond Heating Element
  5. 5 - 16 Amp Back-Up Lights, Turn Signals
  6. 6 - 16 Amp Main Fuel Pump Relay, Lambda-Sond
  7. 7 - 8 Amp Brakelights, Shift-Lock, ABS
  8. 8 - 8 Amp Interior, Glove Compartment, Engine Compartment And Trunk Lights, Central Locking, Power Antenna, Clock
  9. 9 - 8 Amp Hazard Warning Flashers, Shift Indicator (If Equipped)
  10. 10 - 16 Amp Power Windows
  11. 11 - 16 Amp 4th Gear (Auto. Trans.), Rear Window Defogger
  12. 12 - 8 Amp Back-Up Lights, Power Window Relay, A/C (With Blower), Rear Window Defroster Relay, Seat Belt Reminder, Cruise Control, Shift-Lock
  13. 13 - 16 Amp Heated Front Seats, Daytime Running Lights Relay (Canada)
  14. 14 - 8 Amp Rear Fog Lamps
  15. 15 - 8 Amp Left Side Parking Light, License Plate Light
  16. 16 - 8 Amp Right Side Parking Light, Headlights Chime, Instrument Panel & Control Lamps, Up-Shift Indicator Light