1990 Volvo 940 problems
The Volvo 900 Series is a range of executive cars produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1990 to 1998. The 900 Series was introduced in 1990 to replace the 700 Series from which it derived. Prior to the end of its production, the 960 was renamed as the Volvo S90 (saloon) and Volvo V90 (estate), and the 940 was renamed 940 Classic, becoming the last rear-wheel-drive cars from Volvo, until the 2023 Volvo XC40.
Visible differences between the 700 and the 900 Series included redesigned rear styling of the saloon models (late 700 estates and early 900 estates are visually identical). The 960 was introduced in 1991 along with a new family of modular engines, and then was substantially revised for the 1995 model year, improving the handling. The range was augmented by the new Volvo 850 in 1991. The last of the 900s was sold in 1998. Some 900 Series were built as chassis for ambulances and hearses after the main production run had been completed.
Volvo 940
Introduced in September 1990, the 940 was essentially a cosmetic reskin of the 740 aside from the completely redesigned rear from the C pillar back on the sedan. The new, taller trunk did diminish rearward vision but provided a larger opening to a larger boot than on the 700-series. The dashboard and seats were all new, offering a bit more headroom and the option of an integrated child booster seat in the rear. All drivetrains, and most options available in the 940 had been available in the 740, with the exception of the 780 Coupé. The 940 was more closely related to the 740 than the 760, sharing similar drivetrain choices and sheet metal from the A-pillar forward. In contrast, the 960 was an evolution of the 760. The 760 / 960 front sheet metal, independent rear suspension, dashboard, and other interior features were all exclusive to the two upscale models. The 940 estate, introduced in May 1991, was almost identical to its 740 estate predecessor.
The engines options were carried over from the 740, with 8-valve 2-litre (B200) and 2.3-litre (B230) four cylinder gasoline engines, either naturally aspirated or turbocharged, as well as the familiar 2.4-litre Volkswagen six-cylinder diesel and turbodiesels being fitted. There were also 16-valve versions of the gasoline engines fitted on some 1991 and 1992 models (B204, B234, naturally aspirated). The 2-litre 16-valve engine was fitted to the 940 base model in Italy at the time of introduction, to mark it being a step up from the 740. After the 740 was discontinued, the eight-valve engine found its way into the 940 as well. The 2.3-litre turbocharged version produces 165 PS (121 kW); Volvo sold a chip tuning kit called Turbo+ which boosted the power to 190 PS (140 kW).
In 1994, gasoline engine range was limited to 2.3 engines in Britain, but the 2.0-litre engines remained available in markets with tight tax limits, such as Italy, Belgium, and Portugal. A low-pressure turbocharged version of the B230, the B230FK, debuted in 1994 – maximum power was only up slightly over the B230FB, from 131 to 135 PS (96 to 99 kW), but torque increased throughout the range and there was virtually no turbo lag due to the small size of the charger. The 155 PS (114 kW) turbocharged 2.0 was first presented in February 1991. Originally intended for Italy and other markets with significant taxation thresholds at two litres, it was later also installed in the British-market 940 SE. The most commonly found engines on 940s were the naturally aspirated B230FB with 131 PS (96 kW) (all markets but US), B230FD with 115 PS (85 kW) (mainly for the US market), the turbocharged B230FK and FT, and the D24TIC diesel engine with 116 PS (85 kW). The share of sales for the turbodiesel were much lower for the 900-series than in earlier years.
Engines were fitted with either a 5-speed (M47) or 4-speed+overdrive (M46) manual gearbox or an automatic transmission, either Aisin-Warner AW70/71/72 (3-speed+overdrive) or ZF 4HP22 (4-speed) for some B230FB (or E) and diesel engines. In 1995, the manual gearbox was replaced with a full 5-speed (M90), and the ZF was abandoned for gasoline engines and fitted only on diesels.
The SE emblem denoted very different trim and engine levels in different countries. In Sweden, the 940 SE was an ordinary non-turbo 940 with some optional extras as standard, most notably painted mirrors and bumpers. In the UK it was a high trim level available with all engines (from 2.0 to 2.3 turbo). In Australia, the 940 SE was a high trim level with only the 2.3 Turbo B230FT with some extras as standard and featured, rather unusually, full painted bumpers. In Thailand the 940 SE was a Turbo (LPT) model with leather seats, ABS brakes and SRS Airbag. In the US, the 940 SE utilised the body from the 960 (different dashboard, firewall, hood, recessed windscreen wipers etc) with the four-cylinder B230FT engine, the 940 SE badge presumably chosen by Volvo in order to maintain the link between name and number of cylinders.
From MY 1993 on, in Italy all 940 estates were badged "Polar" (engine B200F) or "Super Polar" (engine B200FT). Towards the end of the model cycle, certain countries (as Sweden, Germany and Switzerland) received a well equipped, limited series badged "Classic". Production of the 940 series extended from 1990 to 1998 with a total of 246,704 units of sedan and 231,677 units of estate. The Volvo 940 is among the last in the long-running line of rear-wheel drive cars from Volvo.
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Common 1990 Volvo 940 problems
The Volvo 940, produced in 1990, is known for several common problems that owners have reported. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Fuel Injection System: Issues with the fuel injection system, such as faulty fuel injectors or relay switches, can cause no-start conditions in the Volvo 940. Performing voltage tests across each fuel injection component can help identify the faulty component and address the issue.
- Transmission Problems: Overdrive problems in the automatic transmission are common in the Volvo 940. These issues can be caused by a faulty relay, solenoid on the side of the gearbox, or switch on the shift lever. Regularly checking the transmission fluid for color and smell, and changing it every 20,000 miles, can help prevent these problems.
- Idle Problems: Some Volvo 940 owners have reported issues with engine idle, such as surging or cutting out. This can be caused by various factors, including vacuum leaks, faulty sensors, or issues with the throttle body or idle control valve.
What is the fuel consumption of a Volvo 940?
33 - 35 mpg
Volvo 940 Estate (1990 - 1998) Specifications
| Power | 111 - 190 bhp |
|---|---|
| 0 - 60 mph | 8.7 - 11.2 secs |
| Fuel Economy | 33 - 35 mpg |
| Insurance Group | - How much to insure? |
| Road Tax | £325 |
What is the top speed of the Volvo 940?
| Volvo 940 2.3i Performance | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed : | 112 Mph / 180 km/h |
| Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) : | 12.0 s |
Is the Volvo 940 a classic?
Prior to the end of its production, the 960 was renamed as the Volvo S90 (saloon) and Volvo V90 (estate), and the 940 was renamed 940 Classic, becoming the last rear-wheel-drive cars from Volvo, until the 2023 Volvo XC40.
How many miles do Volvo 940 last?
That being said, Volvo Cars is among the top brands when it comes to longevity. Among the factors mentioned above, regular maintenance and driving style can make a huge difference. Overall, expect to see your Volvo vehicle last for over 200,000 miles if you give it proper care each year.
How long will a Volvo 940 last?
Many 940s get 300k-500k miles without an engine overhaul. If you like the practicality & safety of Volvo rear wheel drive cars then do consider a nice 1994-1995 940. If you need to carry loads get a wagon. If you need to tow then get a turbo.
Is the Volvo 940 a classic?
Prior to the end of its production, the 960 was renamed as the Volvo S90 (saloon) and Volvo V90 (estate), and the 940 was renamed 940 Classic, becoming the last rear-wheel-drive cars from Volvo, until the 2023 Volvo XC40.
What is the fuel consumption of a Volvo 940?
33 - 35 mpg
Volvo 940 Estate (1990 - 1998) Specifications
| Power | 111 - 190 bhp |
|---|---|
| 0 - 60 mph | 8.7 - 11.2 secs |
| Fuel Economy | 33 - 35 mpg |
| Insurance Group | - How much to insure? |
| Road Tax | £325 |
Why wont my Volvo 940 turn over?
A dead engine has three possible culprits: mechanical, electrical, or fuel. No or little noise on ignition "Start": Does the battery put out 12 volts? Also clean cable ends and contact surfaces. Other possibilities are the starter solenoid and ignition switch.
1990 Volvo 940 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo 940 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Volvo 940 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Volvo 940 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Volvo 940.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YV1JW831851
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE SEALS ON THE RACK & PINION STEERING ARE LEAKING FLUID, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING POWER. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP & INFORMED BY MECHANIC ENTIRE RACK & PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Volvo 940 problems:
740, 940 common problems
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