Segment:
Mid-size sedan/station wagon, known for safety, durability, and Scandinavian design.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Audi 100, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz W124, Saab 9000, and Japanese luxury sedans.
Safety Focus:
Volvo's strong emphasis on safety, including robust construction, laminated side windows, and advanced seatbelt systems.
Durability And Reliability:
Reputation for longevity and solid engineering, appealing to buyers seeking a long-term vehicle.
Design Philosophy:
Classic Volvo styling, boxy yet functional design, emphasizing practicality and occupant protection.
Engine Management:
Operation of fuel injection (LH-Jetronic), ignition system, engine sensors
Powertrain:
Automatic and manual transmission operation, clutch, driveshaft, rear axle
Braking System:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake
Electrical System:
Lighting, instruments, warning lights, fuses, battery, alternator, starter
Climate Control:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system operation
Chassis And Suspension:
Basic principles of suspension and steering operation
Body And Interior:
Doors, windows, seats, seatbelts, dashboard controls, interior features
Daily Checks:
Fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure inspection
Maintenance Scheduling:
Recommended service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, inspections
Tire Maintenance:
Proper inflation, tire rotation recommendations, spare tire usage
Lighting Operation:
Headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lighting
Wiper And Washer Operation:
Windshield wipers, rear wiper (if equipped), washer fluid system
Towing Information:
Basic guidelines for towing a trailer
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting, dealing with overheating, basic troubleshooting
Depth:
Focuses on owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions.
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
2.3 liters (2316 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
96.0 mm x 80.0 mm
Horsepower:
114 hp @ 5000 rpm (approximate, depending on market and specific tune)
Torque:
135 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (approximate)
Induction:
Bosch LH-Jetronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (AW71) or 5-speed Manual (M46/M47)
Transmission Options:
Available with both manual and automatic transmissions, depending on trim and market.
Overdrive:
Top gear in both transmissions provides overdrive for improved fuel economy.
Manual Overdrive Button:
Manual transmission models often featured an overdrive button on the gear shifter.
NHTSA Driver Side Impact:
Likely received good ratings for its era; specific ratings may vary by year and test protocols.
IIHS Crash Tests:
Known for strong frontal crash protection, a hallmark of Volvo engineering.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System available as an option on some models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for all occupants, with front pretensioners.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard on many models for 1989.
Side Impact Protection:
Integrated side-impact protection beams in doors and body structure.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced roof structure and A-pillars designed to withstand rollover.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette player with optional CD player and amplifier.
Speakers:
Typically 4-6 speakers, depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Power Steering:
Hydraulic power steering for ease of maneuvering.
Connectivity Features:
Basic, primarily focused on vehicle operation and comfort. No modern connectivity like Bluetooth or USB ports.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Replacement:
Replace with every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Replace every 30,000 miles.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: Replace every 50,000 miles or 5 years, as failure can cause severe engine damage.
Engine Oil:
API SG, ACEA A2-96, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check specific conditions for optimal viscosity)
Coolant:
Volvo specified long-life coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap for specific type)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron III/Mercon (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-4 gear oil
Heater Core Leaks:
Common issue leading to coolant loss and interior fogging.
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Failure can cause intermittent starting problems or stalling.
Fuel Pump Relay:
Can fail, preventing fuel delivery.
Oil Leaks:
From valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, or rear main seal over time.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
A known weak point on these engines, often requiring transmission removal to replace.
Maintenance Parts Example
Oil Filter Part Number:
Mann-Filter W939/47 or equivalent (e.g., Purolator L30001, Bosch 3323)
Timing Belt Kit Part Number:
GMB GT30650S or equivalent (includes belt, tensioner, idler pulley)
Volvo Legacy:
Volvo Cars, founded in Sweden in 1927, with a long-standing reputation for safety, quality, and durability.
700 Series Introduction:
The 700 series was introduced in 1982, representing a more modern and larger platform than previous Volvo models.
740 Positioning:
The 740 was positioned as a more accessible model within the 700 series, often featuring simpler engine options compared to the 760.
Production Years:
1984-1992
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Sweden (Torslanda and Kalmar plants), also some production in Ghent, Belgium and Halifax, Canada.
