Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional repair shops, Volvo enthusiasts
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Acura Legend
Unique Selling Proposition:
Volvo's reputation for safety, unique transverse engine layout, comfortable and robust design
Innovation:
First Volvo with a transverse engine and front-wheel drive (or AWD option), integrated side-impact protection (SIPS), advanced safety features for its time.
Electrical Systems:
Comprehensive coverage of all electrical systems
Engine Management:
Engine control unit (ECU) wiring, sensors, actuators
Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lights, fog lights
Instrument Cluster:
Gauges, warning lights, indicators
HVAC:
Climate control system wiring, blower motor, A/C compressor clutch
Power Accessories:
Power windows, door locks, mirrors, sunroof
Audio System:
Radio, speakers, amplifier wiring
Safety Systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) wiring, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System/Airbag) wiring
Chassis Electronics:
Wipers, horn, trailer wiring provisions
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and pinpoint tests for electrical faults
Component Location:
Identification of electrical component locations
Connector Identification:
Detailed diagrams of electrical connectors and pinouts
Fuse And Relay Identification:
Location and function of fuses and relays
Wiring Harness Routing:
Identification of main wiring harness routing paths
Depth Level:
Advanced electrical diagnostics and repair
Diagram Type:
System-by-system wiring diagrams, component diagrams
Diagnostic Codes:
Reference for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) relevant to electrical systems
Configuration:
Inline 5-cylinder (B5234 - 2.3L, B5252 - 2.5L)
Aspiration:
Naturally Aspirated (NA) and Turbocharged (T)
Horsepower Na:
Approx. 168-170 hp (for 2.3L NA)
Horsepower Turbo:
Approx. 200-225 hp (for 2.3L Turbo)
Torque Na:
Approx. 204-210 lb-ft (for 2.3L NA)
Torque Turbo:
Approx. 221-243 lb-ft (for 2.3L Turbo)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil pack configurations
Type Na:
5-speed Manual Transmission (M56)
Type Auto:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (AW30-43, AW50-42LE)
AWD Option:
Optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, often with viscous coupling
Sport Mode Auto:
Some automatic transmissions offered a 'Sport' mode
Length:
Approx. 4785 mm (188.4 in) for Sedan, 4789 mm (188.5 in) for Wagon
Width:
Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1420 mm (55.9 in) for Sedan, 1450 mm (57.1 in) for Wagon
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2665 mm (104.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs) depending on configuration
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (driver), 5-star (passenger) in 1994
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models
Sips:
Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with reinforced B-pillars and door structures
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (SRS)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette stereo with optional CD player, various speaker configurations (e.g., 4-speaker, 8-speaker premium audio)
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available as an option on later models
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to owner's manual for specific interval)
Timing Belt:
Replace every 60,000-100,000 miles or 5-7 years due to significant engine damage if it breaks.
Transmission Fluid:
Check regularly, change fluid and filter every 30,000-50,000 miles (automatic transmission)
Engine Oil:
API SJ or SL, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (consult manual for precise specification based on climate)
Coolant:
Volvo Blue Coolant or equivalent G48 ethylene glycol-based coolant
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Volvo power steering fluid or Dexron III ATF
Electrical Gremlins:
Corroded wiring connectors, faulty fuel pump relay, ABS sensor failures, intermittent power accessory issues
Engine Mounts:
Worn engine mounts leading to vibration and noise
Suspension Components:
Wear on control arm bushings, sway bar links
Turbocharger Issues:
Inability to maintain boost pressure due to vacuum leaks or turbo failure on high-mileage turbo models
Cooling System:
Leaky radiator, heater core issues, thermostat housing leaks
Brand Focus:
Volvo's long-standing reputation for safety, durability, and reliability
Platform:
First Volvo model developed entirely under Ford ownership (though initiated prior to acquisition). Based on the 'P80' platform.
Design Philosophy:
A significant departure from traditional Volvo styling, featuring more rounded lines and a modern, aerodynamic design.
Production Years:
1990-1998 (for P80 platform)
Manufacturing Locations:
Torslanda, Sweden; Ghent, Belgium
