Positioning:
A robust and reliable executive sedan and wagon known for safety and durability, popular in North America and Europe.
Key Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz W124 series, BMW 5 Series (E28/E34), Audi 100, and upper trims of American sedans like Ford Taurus and Chevrolet Caprice during its production run.
Longevity And Durability:
The 740 is renowned for its solid construction and long-term durability, making it a favored choice for those seeking a reliable classic vehicle.
Safety Focus:
Volvo's inherent commitment to safety is evident in the 740's design, featuring strong chassis, crumple zones, and safety cage construction.
Diy Friendliness:
The mechanical design of the 740 is relatively straightforward, making it accessible for home mechanics with the right documentation, like this manual.
Engine Service And Repair:
Comprehensive engine diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for applicable engine variants.
Transmission Service And Repair:
Detailed procedures for manual and automatic transmissions, including removal, installation, and internal repairs.
Brake System:
In-depth coverage of brake system components, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair, including ABS if equipped on later models within the range.
Electrical System:
Detailed diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repair procedures for the entire electrical system.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, crucial for troubleshooting.
Suspension:
Maintenance and repair of front and rear suspension components, including alignment specifications.
Steering:
Service and repair procedures for the power steering system and steering linkage.
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, and cooling fan service and repair.
Fuel System:
Comprehensive coverage of fuel tank, pump, lines, filters, and fuel injection systems.
Fuel Injection:
Detailed information on Bosch and other fuel injection systems used, including component testing and calibration.
Emission System:
Information on emission control components, diagnosis, and repair to meet regulatory standards.
Heating Air Conditioning:
Service and repair of HVAC systems, including refrigerant handling (where applicable), component diagnosis, and cabin comfort.
Engine Control System:
Diagnosis and repair of the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and associated sensors and actuators.
Chassis Body:
Information on chassis components, body panels, adjustments, and related repairs.
Restraint System:
Information on seat belts and airbags (if equipped on later models within the range) and their related systems.
Interior:
Procedures for interior trim removal, installation, and component repair.
Differential Drive:
Service and repair of the rear differential and driveshaft components.
Axle:
Information on front and rear axles, including CV joints and wheel bearings.
General Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures and schedules.
Periodic Lubrication:
Detailed lubrication points and recommended lubricant specifications.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and complex vehicle issues.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major vehicle components.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed diagnostic trees and testing methods for identifying faults.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, and brake fluid flushes.
Electrical Troubleshooting And Repair:
Combined troubleshooting and repair for electrical system faults, supported by wiring diagrams.
Depth:
Complete Factory Service Information (suitable for DIY and professional mechanics)
Detail Level:
Detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings for critical information.
Illustration Quality:
Hundreds of photos, illustrations, drawings, and enlarged insets for detailed part examination.
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles for automatic transmissions. Manual transmission fluid may not have a scheduled interval but is recommended to check and replace if contaminated.
Timing Belt Replacement:
For B230 engines, timing belt replacement is crucial and typically recommended every 60,000 miles or 4-5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 is common. Check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate.
Coolant:
Volvo coolant or a 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water. Ensure proper corrosion inhibitors are present.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification), change every 2-3 years to prevent moisture absorption.
Oil Leaks:
Common areas for oil leaks include the front and rear crankshaft seals, valve cover gasket, and oil cooler lines.
Wiring Harness Issues:
Age-related degradation of wiring insulation, especially in the engine bay, can lead to electrical gremlins.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Fuel pumps can become less reliable with age, often exhibiting symptoms like difficulty starting or stalling.
Idle Control Valve:
The idle control valve can become clogged or fail, leading to rough idling or stalling.
Volvo Philosophy:
Founded in 1927, Volvo has a long-standing reputation for engineering safety, reliability, and durability into its vehicles.
700 Series Introduction:
The 700 series debuted in 1982 with the 760, followed by the more mainstream 740 in 1984, offering a blend of comfort, space, and Volvo's signature engineering.
740 Positioning:
The 740 was positioned as a more accessible version of the luxury 760, sharing many mechanicals but with simpler trim and fewer luxury features.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Sweden (Torslanda) and Belgium (Ghent).
