Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Sedan, Wagon, and Coupe; known for safety, durability, and reliability.
Key Competitors:
While the 240 series was aging by 1992, it competed conceptually with vehicles like the Ford Sierra/Sapphire, Opel Vectra, and some Japanese sedans in terms of practicality and value, though Volvo's safety reputation was a significant differentiator.
Selling Points:
Renowned for legendary durability, robust build quality, excellent safety features for its era, and a distinctive, albeit dated, Scandinavian design. The 240 series embodies Volvo's core values of safety and longevity.
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Volvo enthusiasts, and owners seeking to maintain or repair their 1992 Volvo 240.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, emission control systems, ignition system, starter system, charging system.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, diagnosis, fluid specifications, and repair procedures.
Drivetrain:
Clutch, driveshaft, rear axle, differential, and driveshaft U-joints. Includes removal, installation, and overhaul.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.
Steering:
Steering gear, power steering system, steering column, tie rod ends, and alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, disc and drum brake components, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system including wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, instruments, gauges, power windows, power locks, and accessory systems.
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, weatherstripping, interior trim, and upholstery.
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling (if applicable to year), blower motor, heater core, and A/C components.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, differential fluid change.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common problem diagnosis, symptom-based troubleshooting for engine, transmission, electrical, and other systems.
Repair And Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I for this era), fault code interpretation, sensor testing, and component testing procedures.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance values, and alignment angles.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and tune-ups to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and body repairs.
Engine Code:
B230F (most common in North America)
Engine Type:
2.3L Inline-4 (I4), SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Horsepower:
Approximately 114-118 hp @ 5000-5300 rpm (depending on specific market and tuning)
Torque:
Approximately 130-135 lb-ft @ 2500-3000 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Bosch LH-Jetronic fuel injection (Electronic Fuel Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water). Refer to manual for specific Volvo specification (e.g., VCS-G2).
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.0-5.5 US quarts (4.7-5.2 liters) with filter change.
Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 or 10W-40, depending on climate. Refer to manual for detailed recommendations.
Emission System:
Catalytic converter, Oxygen (O2) sensor, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) if equipped. Early models might have simpler systems.
Crash Test Performance:
While formal NHTSA/IIHS ratings were less standardized in 1992, the 240 series was designed with Volvo's renowned emphasis on safety, featuring a strong unibody structure, crumple zones, and robust pillars.
Brakes Type:
Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Some models may have had optional ABS.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts in front and rear.
Structure:
Reinforced passenger compartment, side-impact beams.
Head Restraints:
Adjustable front head restraints, integrated rear head restraints on some models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Replace spark plugs and inspect cap and rotor approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as recommended by the manual.
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Timing Belt Replacement:
The B230F engine uses a timing belt. Consult manual for specific interval (often around 60,000 miles/100,000 km or 5 years). Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or specific power steering fluid as recommended by Volvo.
Common Problems:
Rust (especially in wheel wells, rocker panels, and door bottoms), aging rubber hoses and seals, fuel pump failure, ignition coil failure, immobilizer issues (if equipped), idle control valve problems, exhaust manifold cracks, cooling system leaks (radiator, heater core, hoses).
Maintenance Focus:
Due to age, proactive replacement of wear items like hoses, belts, bushings, and ignition components is crucial for reliability.
Volvo Philosophy:
Volvo has a long-standing reputation for safety, reliability, and engineering integrity, dating back to its founding in 1927.
240 Series Genesis:
The Volvo 240 series, along with its sibling 260 series, was introduced in 1974 as a significant redesign based on the 140 series platform. It was marketed as the 'World's Most Modern Car' at the time. The 240 model became incredibly popular due to its durability and was produced for an extended period.
1992 Updates:
By 1992, the 240 series was in its final years of production. Updates were minimal, focusing on incremental improvements and emissions compliance. The B230F engine was well-established and reliable. The design remained largely unchanged from its introduction, reflecting its timeless appeal to a specific buyer base.
Production Period:
1974-1993. The 1992 model year is one of the last.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Volvo plants in Sweden (e.g., Torslanda) and also Belgium and Canada.