🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Volvo Model: 242, 244, 245 Year: 1976 Manual Title: 1976 Volvo 242, 244, 245 Owner's Manual Body Styles Covered: 2-door Sedan (242), 4-door Sedan (244), 5-door Wagon (245) Codes Vehicle Chassis Code: Volvo 240 Series 👋 Introduction Market Position Brand Philosophy: Volvo's commitment to safety and durability Target Demographic: Families and individuals seeking safe, reliable, and durable transportation Key Features Vehicle Focus: Practicality, safety, and robust engineering Competitive Analysis Segment Competitors: Mercedes-Benz W123, BMW E12, Audi 100 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Owner's Manual Language: English Format: Printed Vehicle Variants: All 1976 Volvo 242, 244, 245 models Page Count Approximate Page Count: 70-90 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Operation: Controls, indicators, basic operation Maintenance: Fluid checks, tire pressure, basic upkeep Controls And Instruments: Dashboard layout, switches, gauges Safety Features: Seat belts, child safety, emergency procedures Comfort And Convenience: Climate control, seating adjustments, interior features Driving Operation: Starting, shifting, braking, parking Electrical System: Fuse locations, lighting operation Wheels And Tires: Tire pressures, wheel changing Chassis And Suspension: Basic information on operation and care Procedures Included Routine Checks: Oil level, coolant level, brake fluid, washer fluid Emergency Procedures: Jump starting, tire changing, safe stopping Climate Control Operation: Heater, ventilation, defroster usage Lighting Operation: Headlights, taillights, interior lighting Fluid Checks: Detailed instructions for checking all essential vehicle fluids Technical Depth Depth Level: Owner-level maintenance and operation Troubleshooting Scope: Basic owner-level troubleshooting for common issues 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Print Quality: Original OEM quality, clear text and images File Type: Printed Book Binding Type Binding: Original staple-bound or similar factory binding Paper Type Paper Quality: Durable paper stock suitable for automotive use ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline-4 Cylinder, OHV (Overhead Valve) Engine Displacement Liters: 2.1 Engine Code Common: B21 Performance Horsepower Approximate: 97-107 hp (SAE Gross, depending on tuning) Torque Approximate: 124-130 lb-ft (SAE Gross, depending on tuning) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Carburetor (e.g., Zenith Stromberg or SU) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Cooling System Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based, permanent antifreeze Radiator Cap Pressure: Typically 13 psi 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Std: 4-speed Manual Optional Transmission Type Opt: 3-speed Automatic (e.g., BW 35 or 37) Features Overdrive: Not typically available on standard manual for this year Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron III (or equivalent) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Inches: 104.3 Length 242 Inches: 177.6 Length 244 245 Inches: 187.0 Width Inches: 67.7 Height Inches: 57.0 Weights Curb Weight Lbs Approx: 2,800 - 3,100 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs Approx: 3,800 - 4,200 Cargo Cargo Capacity 245 Cu Ft: Approx. 35 cu ft with rear seats up 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Era: Pre-modern crash testing standards, emphasis on structural integrity Active Features Braking System: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes Parking Brake: Mechanical, rear drum actuation Passive Features Seat Belts: 3-point front, 2-point rear (standard for the era) Body Structure: Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones Head Restraints: Integrated front head restraints Steering Column: Collapsible steering column for improved impact safety 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Original AM/FM radio, optional cassette player Speaker Configuration: Usually 2 front speakers Driver Assistance ABS: Not standard on 1976 models; later optional or standard on some trims 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval Miles: Typically 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months Tune Up Interval Miles: Approximately 20,000 - 30,000 miles Spark Plug Replacement Interval Miles: Every 20,000 - 30,000 miles Transmission Fluid Change Interval Miles: Automatic: 25,000-50,000 miles; Manual: often 'lifetime' but recommended inspection Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SE or SF rated) Coolant Capacity Quarts: Approx. 7.5 quarts Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 Differential Fluid Type: Hypoid Gear Oil API GL-5 (e.g., SAE 80W-90) Known Issues Common Wear Items: Fuel lines, vacuum hoses, ignition components, exhaust systems Rust Prone Areas: Wheel wells, rocker panels, door bottoms Engine Specific Maintenance: Timing belt (if applicable, though many 240s used chains earlier), valve adjustments on some variants Maintenance Parts Oil Filter Part Number Example: Volvo OE: 1275926; Aftermarket examples: Mann W1013, Purolator L30001 Air Filter Part Number Example: Volvo OE: 1235064; Aftermarket examples: Mann C1522, Fram CA141 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Volvo Legacy: Founded in Sweden, renowned for safety and robust engineering Model Evolution 240 Series Introduction: Launched in 1974 as successors to the 140 series, designed for durability and safety 1976 Model Year Updates: Minor styling refinements, potential updates to emissions controls and interior features Design Influence: Based on the earlier 140 series, but with significant updates and the distinctive 'Red Block' engine architecture beginnings Production Manufacturing Location: Sweden (primarily Torslanda, Ghent) Production Span: 240 Series: 1974-1993 🏆 Awards & Recognition Recognitions Safety Reputation: Consistently recognized for safety, a core Volvo selling point Ratings Consumer Reports Era: Generally rated well for durability and reliability by contemporary...