Positioning:
The Volvo 940 was positioned as a premium, durable, and safe executive sedan/wagon, competing with luxury brands and offering a strong value proposition for its target demographic. Known for its robust construction and long-term reliability.
Competitors:
Competed against models like the Mercedes-Benz W124 series, BMW E34 5-series, Audi 100, and American luxury sedans of the era. Volvo emphasized safety, durability, and a more understated luxury.
Features:
Rear-wheel drive, solid rear axle (on most models), legendary Volvo safety cage, comfortable and spacious interior, potent inline-four engines, and a reputation for longevity.
Engine:
All engine variants (B230FB, B230FT), including fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, and emission control systems.
Transmission:
Manual (M46, M47) and Automatic (AW71, AW72) transmissions, including torque converter, clutch, gearbox, and hydraulic controls.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (if equipped), hydraulic system, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, steering linkage.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, component testing, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, ECUs.
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, bumpers, underbody, chassis components.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, alignment specifications.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel specifications, tire pressure recommendations, wheel alignment procedures.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems and components.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, common problems and solutions.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed instructions for component removal, inspection, and reinstallation.
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, alignment settings, electrical resistance values.
Rebuilding:
Procedures for engine component rebuilding, transmission overhaul, and differential service.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic trees for electrical and mechanical problems, including specific symptoms and probable causes, based on Volvo's diagnostic principles.
Engine Code:
B230FB (Naturally Aspirated) / B230FT (Turbocharged)
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2316 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Horsepower Na:
Approx. 114-130 hp (depending on specific market and emissions configuration for B230FB)
Horsepower Turbo:
Approx. 162 hp for B230FT (Turbocharged variant)
Torque Na:
Approx. 135-150 lb-ft (for B230FB)
Torque Turbo:
Approx. 181 lb-ft for B230FT
Injection Type:
Bosch LH-Jetronic Fuel Injection
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (EDIS or similar)
Oil Type:
API SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on ambient temperature)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Length:
Approx. 189.0 inches (4800 mm)
Width:
Approx. 68.5 inches (1740 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.0 inches (1450 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 109.1 inches (2770 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3100-3400 lbs (1400-1550 kg) depending on body style and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4500-4700 lbs (2040-2130 kg)
Safety Cage:
Volvo's renowned integrated safety cage construction.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard on 1993 models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear, with pretensioners for front occupants.
Impact ABSorption:
Energy-absorbing crumple zones front and rear, reinforced side-impact protection.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option on most models.
Oil Filter Change:
Every 3,750-5,000 miles or 6-12 months (whichever comes first), based on driving conditions. Consult manual for exact interval.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (platinum plugs may extend life).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Volvo 940 uses a timing chain, not a belt, offering extended longevity and no replacement interval for the chain itself under normal conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic transmission: Every 30,000-50,000 miles. Manual transmission: Inspect as per manual, fluid typically lasts longer but replacement recommended at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters).
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) for a complete fluid change (including torque converter).
Common Problems:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, fuel pump failure, brittle vacuum hoses leading to air leaks, worn engine mounts, rear axle bushings degradation, rust on wheel arches and sills, coolant leaks from radiators and hoses, O2 sensor failure, intermittent electrical issues (often related to grounds or old wiring).
Key Tasks:
Regular inspection and replacement of vacuum hoses, check for coolant leaks, clean MAF sensor, inspect and replace engine/transmission mounts as needed, monitor for rust.
Heritage:
Volvo Car Corporation, founded in Sweden in 1927, is synonymous with safety, durability, and build quality. Known for pioneering automotive safety innovations.
Platform:
The 940 is part of Volvo's 900 series, succeeding the 240 series and sharing a platform with the 960. It represented an evolution of Volvo's traditional rear-wheel-drive sedan and wagon design.
Positioning Vs 960:
The 940 was positioned below the 960, typically featuring simpler engines (often the 2.3L inline-four) and less luxurious appointments compared to the 960's straight-six engines and more upscale features.
Production Years:
1990-1998 (940/960 series).
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Sweden (Gothenburg and Uddevalla).
