Segment:
Mid-size executive sedan and station wagon
Target Audience:
Safety-conscious individuals and families, those seeking durable and reliable transportation
Key Competitors 1992:
BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 100, Saab 900
Volvo Selling Points:
Renowned safety, robust build quality, comfortable ride, practical interior, durable mechanicals
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (B230F, B230FT), fuel injection (LH-Jetronic 2.4), ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, manual and automatic transmissions (M46, AW71/AW72)
Chassis:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, braking system (including ABS on some models), wheels and tires
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, wipers, power accessories, engine control unit (ECU) and related sensors, ABS control module
Body And Interior:
Body construction, doors, windows, locks, seats, climate control (HVAC), interior trim, bumpers
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid)
Engine Repair:
Timing belt replacement, head gasket repair, piston and ring replacement, valve adjustments, fuel injector testing and replacement, turbocharger service (for B230FT)
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter replacement (automatic), clutch replacement (manual), general transmission repair and troubleshooting
Brake System Overhaul:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake line replacement, ABS system diagnostics and repair
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting common electrical faults, component testing and replacement
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation (where applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair Complexity:
Covers everything from basic maintenance to major component overhaul and system diagnostics
Specifications Accuracy:
Precise torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical resistance values
Engine Family:
Volvo Redblock (B200, B230 series)
Base Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC
Base Engine Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2316 cc)
Base Engine Power Hp:
Approx. 114-130 hp (depending on exact market and tuning)
Base Engine Torque Lb-Ft:
Approx. 140-150 lb-ft
Turbo Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC, Turbocharged
Turbo Engine Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2316 cc)
Turbo Engine Power Hp:
Approx. 162-165 hp
Turbo Engine Torque Lb-Ft:
Approx. 185-195 lb-ft
Fuel Injection System:
Bosch LH-Jetronic 2.4 (or similar Bosch EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or traditional distributor depending on exact build date and market
Standard Transmission Type:
4-speed Manual (e.g., M46 with overdrive)
Optional Transmission Type:
3-speed or 4-speed Automatic (e.g., AW71, AW72, AW30-43)
Transmission Cooling:
Automatic transmission fluid cooler integrated into the radiator or as a standalone unit
Rear Axle Ratio:
Varies by model and transmission, commonly around 3.73:1 or 4.10:1
Length:
Approx. 189.0 inches (4801 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.3 inches (1760 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.1 inches (1425 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 109.1 inches (2770 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3000-3300 lbs (1360-1500 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by body style and configuration
Crash Test Performance:
Generally good for its era, emphasizing structural integrity and occupant protection
ABS Availability:
Optional on some models
Traction Control Availability:
Not commonly available on 1992 740 models
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard on most 1992 models
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Construction:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (or 6 months), depending on driving conditions
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years (critical interval for B230 engines)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 20,000-30,000 miles
Engine Oil Specification:
API SF/SG, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (check manual for specific climate recommendations)
Coolant Specification:
Volvo Blue Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based, phosphate-free coolant)
Transmission Fluid Automatic Specification:
Dexron II or III (verify specific AW transmission type)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Maintenance Items:
Worn engine mounts, fuel pump failure, oil leaks (especially front crank seal, valve cover gasket), fuel distributor issues (less common on LH-Jetronic), catalytic converter failure (on turbo models), ABS sensor issues
Turbocharged Specific Concerns:
Turbocharger wear, intercooler leaks, vacuum hose degradation
Volvo Legacy:
Longstanding reputation for safety, durability, and Scandinavian design
700 Series Introduction:
Launched in 1982 (760 GLE), 740 introduced in 1984 as a more accessible variant
1992 Updates:
Likely minor cosmetic updates, potential introduction of standard driver airbag, powertrain refinements
Production Period:
1984-1992
Production Locations:
Mainly Sweden (Gothenburg), also potential assembly in Belgium and other overseas locations
