Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon (rear-wheel drive)
Volvo Philosophy:
Emphasis on safety, durability, and comfort.
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Saab 900.
Safety Emphasis:
Renowned for Volvo's characteristic safety cage, impact-absorbing crumple zones, and robust construction.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) platform offering balanced handling.
Reliability:
Generally regarded as a robust and long-lasting vehicle with proper maintenance.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, valvetrain, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, timing belt/chain replacement, engine diagnostics.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system (LH-Jetronic), ignition system, emissions control systems, oxygen sensors, EGR, fuel pump, injectors, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Transmission Manual:
M46, M47, M90 gearboxes; clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, shift linkage adjustments, diagnostic procedures.
Transmission Automatic:
AW71, AW72, AW72L gearboxes; fluid and filter changes, torque converter, valve body diagnosis, shift control, general overhaul procedures.
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs; brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, caliper overhaul, pad and rotor replacement, parking brake adjustment, ABS (if equipped).
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link/live axle; shock absorber replacement, spring replacement, control arm bushings, ball joint replacement, wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system; fluid specifications, pump, rack and pinion overhaul, tie rod end replacement, steering column adjustments.
Electrical System:
12V negative ground system; battery specifications, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses and relays, wiring diagrams.
Climate Control:
HVAC system; blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, refrigerant, evaporator, condenser, dashboard controls, ducting.
Body And Interior:
Door mechanisms, window regulators, seat adjustments, dashboard removal, interior trim, body panel repair, rust prevention, panel gap specifications.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil and filter changes, coolant flush, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability, electrical, and mechanical issues.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed, illustrated instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and color-coded electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including complex diagnostics.
Engine Code:
B230F, B230FB (non-turbo), B230FT (turbo)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 8-valve (B230F/FB) or 16-valve (later models, less common in 940)
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2316 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
96.0 mm x 80.0 mm
Horsepower Non Turbo:
Approx. 114 hp @ 4800 rpm (B230F)
Torque Non Turbo:
Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (B230F)
Horsepower Turbo:
Approx. 162 hp @ 4800 rpm (B230FT - typically for 940 Turbo models)
Torque Turbo:
Approx. 185 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (B230FT)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch LH-Jetronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual)
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Timing Belt Intervals:
Refer to manual for specific interval; generally long-life design, but inspection is recommended.
Standard Transmission:
M47 5-speed Manual Transmission (common on non-turbo)
Optional Transmission:
AW71/AW72 4-speed Automatic Transmission with Overdrive (common)
Automatic Features:
Lock-up torque converter, electronically controlled (later models may have more advanced control).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, consult manual for specific Volvo recommendation)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III / Mercon compatible fluid (Volvo PN 1161540-8 or equivalent)
Length:
Approx. 188.2 inches (4780 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.5 inches (1435 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 109.1 inches (2770 mm)
Curb Weight Sedan:
Approx. 3200-3400 lbs (1450-1540 kg)
Curb Weight Wagon:
Approx. 3350-3550 lbs (1520-1610 kg)
Cargo Volume Wagon:
Approx. 36.5 cu ft (rear seats up), 71.4 cu ft (rear seats folded)
Crash Test Performance:
While specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for 1994 are not readily available in a simple format, Volvo's reputation for safety was paramount. The 940 was built with a strong emphasis on passive safety features.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on many models, especially higher trims and Turbo variants.
Structural Integrity:
Reinforced safety cage, energy-absorbing steering column, side-impact protection beams.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for all occupants, often with pre-tensioners.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard on most 1994 models.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, often with premium sound system options and amplifier.
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 4-6 speakers depending on trim level and options.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models, utilizing vacuum-actuated or electronic control.
Power Windows Locks:
Standard power windows and door locks on most models.
Connectivity Features:
None beyond the factory radio and basic electrical systems; no modern Bluetooth, USB, or infotainment screens.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using appropriate Volvo specifications).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (Volvo PN 1271601 or equivalent).
Fuel Filter:
Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles (Volvo PN 1275161-9 or equivalent).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 miles (e.g., Bosch WRF75P or equivalent, consult manual for specific type).
Engine Oil:
API SJ or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity and API rating, Volvo PN 1161530-0 or equivalent)
Coolant:
Volvo Premium Coolant (Green) or equivalent; 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity approx. 6.7 quarts.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Volvo PN 31227828 or equivalent)
Oil Leaks:
Common areas include valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, front and rear main seals due to age and material degradation.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Fuel pumps can be a wear item; symptom is hard starting or failure to start.
Cruise Control Issues:
Vacuum hose leaks or faulty cruise control modules can cause intermittent or failed operation.
Rear Main Seal:
A common, but labor-intensive, repair item causing significant oil leaks.
Dashboard Cracking:
The vinyl dashboard material can be prone to cracking from sun exposure over time.
Volvo Legacy:
Volvo has a long-standing reputation for safety, durability, and reliability since its founding in 1927.
940 Lineage:
The 940 is part of Volvo's 900 series, which succeeded the 700 series. It built upon the robust RWD platform and conservative design principles of its predecessors.
Design Era:
Represents Volvo's late 80s/early 90s styling, characterized by a boxy but functional aesthetic.
Production Years:
1990-1998
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Sweden (Torslanda, Uddevalla).
