Segment:
Mid-size Luxury Sedan/Wagon (RWD)
Target Demographic:
Families valuing safety, durability, and a comfortable driving experience.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Saab 9000
Competitive Advantage:
Volvo's reputation for safety, robust build quality, comfortable ride, and distinctive Scandinavian design.
Safety Focus:
Pioneering safety features including integrated side-impact protection, reinforced body structure, and often equipped with ABS.
Durability:
Known for long-term reliability and robust mechanical components.
Comfort:
Comfortable seating, compliant suspension, and quiet cabin for long-distance touring.
Engine Coverage:
2.3L B230FK Turbocharged Inline-4, 2.3L B230F Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
Transmission Coverage:
M47 5-speed Manual, AW71 3-speed Automatic, AW72 4-speed Automatic
Systems Covered:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Bodywork, Climate Control, Safety Systems
Page Count:
Approximately 1000+
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly and assembly of B230F and B230FK engines, including cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing belt, lubrication system.
Fuel Injection System:
Bosch LH Jetronic (B230F) and Bosch Motronic (B230FK) fuel injection system diagnostics, component testing, pressure testing, injector servicing.
Ignition System:
Distributor ignition system (B230F), Coil-on-plug ignition system (B230FK), timing adjustments, component replacement.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, heater core replacement, flushing procedures, pressure testing.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust manifold replacement, oxygen sensor (lambda sensor) servicing.
Transmission Manual:
M47 5-speed manual transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, gear linkage adjustments.
Transmission Automatic:
AW71 (3-speed) and AW72 (4-speed) automatic transmission diagnosis, fluid change procedures, seal replacement, torque converter servicing.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive axle, driveshaft, universal joints, differential servicing.
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar bushings, spring replacement, shock absorber replacement.
Suspension Rear:
Multi-link rear suspension, trailing arms, shock absorbers, bushings, spring replacement.
Steering System:
Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rod ends, power steering fluid flush.
Brake System:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (or drums on some models), brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper servicing, hydraulic system bleeding, ABS system diagnostics.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay functions, alternator, starter motor, battery charging system, lighting, instruments, power windows, power locks, central locking system.
Bodywork:
Body panel repair, door hinge adjustments, glass replacement, seal replacement, rust prevention and repair.
Climate Control:
HVAC system diagnosis, blower motor replacement, evaporator and heater core service, refrigerant recharge (R134a).
Safety Systems:
Seatbelt servicing, SRS airbag system (if equipped) diagnostics and precautions.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Comprehensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for all major systems.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-ups, brake fluid flush, coolant flush.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for nearly every part of the vehicle.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners and bolts throughout the vehicle.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on required diagnostic tools and special equipment for specific procedures.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics for engine management, ABS, and other electronic systems.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed rebuild procedures for engines, transmissions, and differentials.
Calibration Procedures:
Procedures for setting ignition timing, idle speed, and other critical adjustments.
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2316 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
96.0 mm x 80.0 mm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch LH 2.4 Jetronic Multi-port Fuel Injection
Horsepower:
114 hp @ 5000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
132 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code Turbo:
B230FK
Engine Type Turbo:
Inline-4 Cylinder, SOHC, Turbocharged
Displacement Turbo:
2.3 Liters (2316 cc)
Fuel Delivery Turbo:
Bosch Motronic EZK/LH 2.4 Turbo Fuel Injection
Horsepower Turbo:
162 hp @ 5000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Turbo:
177 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
15.8 US gallons (60 Liters)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3/5 stars (typically)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for its era, due to structural integrity)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard on most 1995 models)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TRACS) available on some models, especially with automatic transmission.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags were standard.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, side-impact protection beams, energy-absorbing crumple zones.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for all outboard seating positions, often with pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km).
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs; platinum/iridium plugs may last longer.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-145,000 km) or 5-7 years, as the B230 engine uses a timing belt.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Volvo Blue Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or MERCON approved ATF.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II/III or a dedicated power steering fluid.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap).
Oil Leaks:
Common leaks from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant reservoir can become brittle, hose failures, radiator leaks.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses, faulty relays (e.g., fuel pump relay), and corroded grounds can cause intermittent issues.
Suspension Wear:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and sway bar links can lead to clunks and alignment issues.
Fuel Pump Failure:
Fuel pump can be a wear item over time.
Heater Core:
Heater core leaks can lead to coolant loss and fogged windows.
Volvo Safety Legacy:
Volvo's long-standing commitment to automotive safety, dating back to the invention of the three-point seatbelt.
900 Series Introduction:
The 900 Series was introduced in 1990, evolving from the 700 Series, featuring a more aerodynamic and modern design while retaining the classic Volvo rear-wheel-drive platform.
940 Designation:
The '940' designation typically referred to models with the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, positioned below the 960 (which featured a 6-cylinder engine or the more advanced suspension).
Production Years:
1990-1998
Manufacturing Locations:
Sweden (primarily Ghent, Belgium and Uddevalla, Sweden)
Market End:
The 900 series was largely succeeded by the Volvo S80 and V70 (based on the newer front-wheel-drive platform) towards the end of the decade.