📚 Vehicle Manual Information

91 Volvo 940 1991 Owners Manual

🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Volvo

Model:

940

Year:

1991

Chassis Code:

Type 130

Engine Code Common:

B230FK (Turbocharged), B230F (Naturally Aspirated)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size luxury sedan/wagon (often marketed as a premium family vehicle).

Usp:

Renowned for safety, durability, and a comfortable, robust driving experience.

Key Competitors:

BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Saab 900

Durability:

Built to last with robust construction and reliable powertrains.

Safety:

Volvo's signature commitment to safety, often including side-impact protection and robust crumple zones.

Comfort:

Comfortable ride quality and supportive seating, ideal for long-distance travel.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Owner's Manual

Secondary Coverage:

Basic maintenance, operation, safety features, controls, dashboard indicators, emergency procedures

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 200-250

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Operation:

Starting, stopping, normal operation, break-in procedures

Transmission Operation:

Automatic (AW70/71) and Manual (M46/M47) transmission operation, gear selection

Braking System:

Parking brake, ABS (if equipped) operation and warnings

Electrical System:

Dashboard lights, indicator meanings, basic fuse identification (location within the manual)

Climate Control:

HVAC system operation, ventilation, heating, air conditioning

Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights (if equipped)

Safety Features:

Seat belts, airbags (if equipped), child safety seat installation basics

Instrument Panel:

Gauges, warning lights, control layout explanation

Exterior Features:

Doors, windows, sunroof, mirrors, locks

Interior Features:

Seats, steering wheel, dashboard controls, audio system basics

Routine Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement guidance

Emergency Procedures:

Jump starting, changing a flat tire, basic troubleshooting for starting issues

Fueling:

Correct fuel type, refueling instructions

Cleaning:

Interior and exterior cleaning recommendations

Depth:

Owner-level information for safe and efficient operation and basic upkeep. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic fault codes.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Availability:

Original printed format. PDF versions may be available elsewhere.

Print Quality:

Original factory print quality.

Binding:

Typically saddle-stitched or perfect bound paperback.

Paper:

Standard matte finish paper typical of automotive manuals.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder (B230 series)

Engine Family:

Volvo Redblock

Displacement Na:

2.3 Liters (2316 cc)

Horsepower Na:

Approx. 114-130 hp @ 5000 rpm (depending on specific market/tuning)

Torque Na:

Approx. 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) @ 2500 rpm

Displacement Turbo:

2.3 Liters (2316 cc)

Horsepower Turbo:

Approx. 165 hp @ 5000 rpm (B230FK)

Torque Turbo:

Approx. 270 Nm (200 lb-ft) @ 2500 rpm (B230FK)

Fuel Injection:

Bosch LH Jetronic fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual, typically 91 RON or higher recommended)

Engine Block Material:

Cast Iron

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (AW71L with overdrive) or 5-speed Manual (M46 with overdrive, often called 'jive') on some models.

Optional Transmission:

5-speed Manual (M47)

Overdrive:

Both automatic and manual transmissions typically feature overdrive for improved fuel economy.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4870 mm (191.7 in)

Width:

Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1420 mm (55.9 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2770 mm (109.1 in)

Trunk Volume Sedan:

Approx. 0.51 m³ (18 cu ft)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1350-1450 kg (2976-3197 lbs), depending on body style and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Information:

Volvo vehicles of this era consistently received high safety ratings for their time. Specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for the 1991 940 are not readily available but it benefited from Volvo's strong safety engineering.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional on many models.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag was standard or optional depending on market and trim level.

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts for all outboard positions. Volvo's integrated seat belt design was a hallmark.

Side Impact Protection:

Reinforced A, B, and C pillars, along with door beams.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Often featured prominent speaker integration.

Dashboard Controls:

Analog gauges, physical buttons and knobs for climate control, radio, and other functions.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models, allowing for set-speed highway driving.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; primarily focused on basic car functions and audio playback. No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific oil type and viscosity.

Engine Coolant Change:

Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Not applicable; the B230 Redblock engines use a timing chain, which is designed for the life of the engine but should be checked for tension and noise.

Engine Oil Type:

Refer to manual. Typically 5W-30 or 10W-30 API SG/SH or higher. Synthetic oils are often recommended for extended life.

Coolant Type:

Volvo Green Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap).

Common Wear Items:

Ignition components (distributor cap, rotor, spark plug wires), fuel pump, vacuum hoses, O2 sensor, idle air control valve.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, front and rear main seals are common leak points due to age and heat cycling.

Electrical Gremlins:

Corrosion in electrical connectors, failing relays, and worn wiring harnesses can cause intermittent issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Volvo, a Swedish manufacturer, is historically known for its emphasis on safety, durability, and reliability.

Predecessor:

Direct evolution from the Volvo 700 series, particularly the 740. The 940 was positioned as a more refined and slightly larger successor.

Successor:

The 940 was eventually succeeded by the Volvo S80 and V70 (based on the P2 platform).

Production Years:

1990-1998

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Sweden, but also Canada and Belgium.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards General:

While specific awards for the '91 940 are less publicized than modern vehicles, Volvo as a brand consistently earned recognition for its pioneering safety innovations throughout the 80s and 90s.

Consumer Reports General:

Often praised for reliability and safety, though some models may have had average or below-average scores in specific areas like fuel economy or performance compared to contemporaries.

Volvo Quality Standard:

Built to Volvo's stringent durability and quality standards of the period.