Volvo's focus on safety, comfort, and Scandinavian design principles.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS300, Acura TL.
Key Features
Vehicle Highlights:
Comfortable ride, strong safety reputation, refined interior for its class, available turbocharged engine option.
Manual Purpose
Purpose:
To empower Volvo S40 owners to fully understand and safely operate their vehicle, maximizing the ownership experience and facilitating basic maintenance knowledge.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Operation, maintenance, and safety features of the 2002 Volvo S40.
Starting and stopping the engine, using cruise control, operating the climate control, adjusting seats and mirrors.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting steps for common issues.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Covers user-level operation and basic maintenance; does not include detailed repair procedures, diagnostic codes, or complete service specifications typically found in a Factory Service Manual (FSM).
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely searchable text, assuming a scanned original with OCR.
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable on any standard printer, suitable for home or office use.
Approximately 3100 - 3300 lbs (1406 - 1497 kg), depending on engine and trim.
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approximately 3150 - 3350 lbs (1429 - 1519 kg), depending on engine and trim.
Wheels Tires
Wheel Size:
16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels.
Tire Size Standard:
205/55R16
Tire Size Optional:
215/45R17
Bolt Pattern:
5x108 mm
Center Bore:
63.4 mm
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars (for both driver and passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, known as TRACS (Traction Control System).
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Standard dual-stage front airbags.
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags (SIPS bags).
Airbags Curtain:
Optional inflatable curtain airbags (IC).
Sips:
Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with reinforced chassis and energy-absorbing structures.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard 4-speaker or optional 8-speaker premium audio system. CD player with optional external CD changer.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional Electronic Climate Control (ECC) with automatic temperature regulation.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated Bluetooth or dealer-installed hands-free phone systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require shorter intervals (refer to manual).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (for naturally aspirated) or 50,000 miles (for turbo). Check manual for specific plug type.
Timing Belt:
N/A (This engine uses a timing chain).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 Synthetic engine oil meeting Volvo VCC 95200300 or API SL, SM, SN specifications.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.8 US quarts (5.5 liters) with filter change for 2.4L engines. 2.0L may differ slightly.
Coolant Type:
Volvo Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, dyed blue.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Volvo hydraulic fluid P/N 1161540-8 or equivalent.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Front control arm bushings, rear engine mounts, upper engine mount (often a hydraulic type), ABS wheel speed sensors, ignition coils (especially on later models).
Turbocharged models may experience turbocharger lag or failure if not maintained properly. Crankcase ventilation system issues can lead to oil leaks.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
Volvo's long-standing reputation for safety engineering and innovative design, dating back to its founding in 1927.
Model Evolution
Generation:
First Generation S40 (MS-Platform), launched in 1995 in Europe and 1999 in North America.
Facelift:
The 2002 model year represents a mid-cycle refresh for the first-generation S40, with subtle styling updates and feature enhancements.
Production
Production Plant:
Ghent, Belgium
Production Years First Gen:
1995-2004
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The S40 generation frequently received 'Good' ratings from the IIHS, contributing to Volvo's strong safety image.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings for this generation can vary; checking specific year reviews is recommended. Typically ranked average to above average in its segment.