🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Volvo

Model:

740

Year:

1986

Product Name:

1986 Volvo 740 Owners Manual

Chassis Code Series:

740

Vin Code Year:

G

👋 Introduction

Segment Positioning:

The Volvo 740 was positioned as a premium, safe, and durable mid-size sedan/wagon, emphasizing reliability and occupant protection in its segment.

Key Competitors Era:

Competed with other European luxury and near-luxury sedans and wagons such as Mercedes-Benz 190E/W124, BMW 3 Series (E30) and 5 Series (E28), Audi 100/200.

Distinguishing Attributes:

Renowned for its robust construction, advanced safety features for the time (e.g., reinforced passenger cage, crumple zones), comfortable ride, and spacious interior.

Marketing Focus:

Safety, durability, comfort, and Scandinavian design principles.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Operation, maintenance, safety features, controls, and basic troubleshooting for the 1986 Volvo 740.

Secondary Coverage:

Information on vehicle identification, emergency procedures, routine checks, and accessory usage.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 150-200 pages (typical for this era and model).

Type:

Owner's Manual / User Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Controls:

Engine operation, fuel system basics, cooling system, ignition system overview.

Chassis Systems:

Braking system, steering system, suspension system fundamentals.

Electrical Systems:

Lighting operation, instrument panel indicators, wiper and washer systems, basic fuse information.

Comfort Convenience:

Climate control (HVAC), power accessories (windows, locks if equipped), seat adjustments, audio system basics.

Safety Security:

Seat belts, child restraint systems, airbag system overview (if applicable for the model year), door locks, alarm system (if equipped).

Routine Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement procedures.

Troubleshooting Basics:

Interpreting dashboard warning lights, basic advice for common minor issues (e.g., starting problems, overheating).

Emergency Procedures:

Jump starting, tire changing, safe vehicle operation in adverse conditions.

Depth Level:

Owner-level information, focusing on safe operation and basic upkeep. Does not include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Consideration:

If provided digitally (PDF), it would be searchable, allowing quick access to information.

Print Quality Expectation:

Typically good quality with clear text and diagrams suitable for the era.

Binding Type Common:

Staple-bound or perfect-bound paperback.

Paper Type Common:

Standard matte paper stock.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type Common Usdm:

2.3L Inline-4 Cylinder (B230F - naturally aspirated)

Engine Designation:

Volvo Redblock (B230F)

Horsepower Approx:

Approximately 114-121 hp (SAE Net)

Torque Approx:

Approximately 120-130 lb-ft (SAE Net)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS) or LH-Jetronic fuel injection (depending on specific market and variant, but LH-Jetronic was becoming standard).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Bore X Stroke:

Approximately 96.0 mm x 80.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 8.5:1 (for B230F)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed Manual

Transmission Type Optional:

AW71 3-speed Automatic (often with overdrive, making it effectively 4 gears) or AW71L 4-speed Automatic.

Automatic Features:

Lock-up torque converter, often with 'Economy'/'Power' modes.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 186.5 inches (4737 mm)

Width:

Approximately 70.7 inches (1796 mm)

Height:

Approximately 56.7 inches (1440 mm) for Sedan, 57.1 inches (1450 mm) for Wagon.

Interior Volume Class:

Full-size interior space for its class, emphasizing comfort.

Cargo Volume Wagon Approx:

Significant cargo capacity, especially in wagon form.

Curb Weight Approx:

Approximately 3000-3300 lbs (1360-1500 kg) depending on body style and options.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Focus Era:

Volvo's primary marketing focus was safety; the 740 incorporated many advanced safety features for its time.

Active Safety Features:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was available as an option, four-wheel disc brakes (standard on most models).

Passive Safety Features:

Reinforced passenger cage, crumple zones front and rear, side-impact beams, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners (in later production), head restraints, child safety locks.

Airbag Availability:

Driver-side airbag became available in later model years, but might not be standard on all 1986 models.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Features:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems with more speakers and equalizers.

Display Technology:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and engine temperature. Warning lights for various systems.

Driver Assistance Era:

Limited driver assistance features compared to modern vehicles. Focus on mechanical and passive safety systems.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth, USB, or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Auxiliary inputs for aftermarket stereos may be present.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.

Engine Oil Filter Interval:

Replace with every oil change.

Transmission Fluid Interval Automatic:

Recommended fluid and filter change every 30,000-60,000 miles (50,000-100,000 km).

Timing Belt Interval:

Although some Volvo engines of this era used timing chains, the B230F uses a timing belt. Interval typically around 60,000 miles (100,000 km).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check specific manual for extreme temperature variations).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Volvo recommends their own coolant or a quality silicate-free coolant. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III (or equivalent) for AW71/AW71L transmissions.

Common Wear Items:

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, ignition components (distributor cap, rotor, spark plug wires), radiator, heater core, brake components (calipers, rotors), front suspension bushings, rear main crankshaft seal leaks.

Electrical Gremlins:

Wiring harness degradation in some areas, intermittent issues with sensors or relays due to age.

Rust Prone Areas:

Wheel arches, rocker panels, rear quarter panels, tailgate (on wagons).

📚 Vehicle History

Volvo Safety Ethos:

Volvo has a long-standing reputation for safety innovation, dating back to the three-point seatbelt invention by Nils Bohlin in 1959.

700 Series Introduction:

The 700 series, including the 740 and 760, was introduced in 1982 as a successor to the 240 series, representing a more modern and luxurious offering.

740 Positioning:

The 740 was positioned as the more accessible and mainstream model within the 700 series, often sharing powertrains and core chassis elements with the higher-trim 760 but with simpler styling and fewer luxury features.

Production Years 740:

1984-1992

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production in Sweden (Torslanda) and Belgium (Ghent).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism Recognition:

While specific awards for the '86 740 might be scarce, the 700 series consistently received praise from automotive journalists for its build quality, comfort, and safety features, often cited in 'best of' lists for reliable luxury or family transport.

Safety Ratings Contemporary:

Consistently ranked highly for safety by organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA in its era, reflecting Volvo's commitment.