Segment:
Luxury Personal Coupe
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking comfort, safety, and Scandinavian design.
Competitors:
BMW 6 Series, Mercedes-Benz SEC Coupe, Audi Coupe.
Design:
Italian styling by Bertone, contributing to a distinctive and elegant appearance.
Build Quality:
Volvo's renowned robust construction and safety focus.
Interior:
Luxurious appointments, comfortable seating, and driver-centric ergonomics.
Benefit To Owner:
Enhances enjoyment by familiarizing the owner with vehicle operation and features.
Value Proposition:
Essential guide for safe and optimal operation and basic care of a classic luxury vehicle.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation and basic maintenance.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system.
Electrical:
Lighting systems, dashboard indicators, power accessories, fuses, basic electrical troubleshooting.
Climate Control:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) controls and operation.
Body:
Door locks, windows, seats, interior features, exterior lighting.
Operation:
Starting the engine, driving controls, parking, operating various features.
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels, tire pressure, bulb replacement, basic cleaning.
Safety:
Seat belt usage, child safety seat installation, emergency procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Explanation of dashboard warning lights and basic problem diagnosis.
Depth:
Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Not a repair manual.
Engine Code:
B280F (European spec also B280E)
Engine Type:
V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2847 cc)
Horsepower:
145 hp @ 5100 rpm (US Spec B280F)
Torque:
177 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (US Spec B280F)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch LH-Jetronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Cooling System Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (8.9 Quarts)
Type:
4-speed Automatic (AW 71)
Type:
None (5-speed manual was rare/export only for 760, not typically specified for 780)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 2.8 Liters (3 Quarts) for change, 7.6 Liters (8 Quarts) total capacity
Impact Resistance:
Designed with Volvo's renowned safety cage and crumple zones.
Brakes:
Power-assisted disc brakes (front ventilated) with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard.
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion steering.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners (front), three-point seatbelts (rear).
Airbags:
Not standard in 1988; refer to specific vehicle options.
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger compartment, side impact protection.
Lighting:
High-mounted brake light (third brake light) standard.
Audio System:
Premium sound systems, often with cassette player and multiple speakers.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control system with electronic controls.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily focused on in-car comfort and audio. No modern connectivity features.
Seats:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory function (optional or standard depending on trim).
Windows Mirrors:
Power windows, power door locks, power adjustable and heated exterior mirrors.
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic oil recommended.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Spark Plugs:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed (NGK BPR6ES or equivalent).
Timing Belt:
Crucial! Replace every 60,000 miles or 5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most climates (check manual for specific temp ranges).
Coolant Type:
Volvo Premium Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Problems:
Climate control blower motor resistor failure, ABS sensor issues, electrical gremlins in older wiring, heater core leaks, timing belt failure if neglected.
Maintenance Tip:
Regularly check and clean battery terminals and grounds to prevent electrical issues.
Timing Belt Kit Example Pn:
e.g., Gates TCK179 (verify for exact vehicle fitment)
Brand Focus:
Safety, durability, and robust engineering.
780 Development:
Developed as a flagship luxury coupe based on the 700-series platform, featuring Italian design input.
Design Collaboration:
Styled by Carrozzeria Bertone in Italy, giving it a more European flair than typical Volvos of the era.
Production Years:
1985-1990
Manufacturing Location:
Kalmar, Sweden; also some assembly in Uddevalla, Sweden and Ghent, Belgium.
