1984 Volvo Gl problems
The Volvo 200 Series (or 240 and 260 Series) is a range of mid-size cars produced by Swedish company Volvo Cars from 1974 until 1993, with more than 2.8 million total units sold worldwide. Like the Volvo 140 Series (1966 to 1974), from which it was developed, it was designed by Jan Wilsgaard.
The series overlapped production of the Volvo 700 Series (1982 to 1992). As the 240 Series remained popular, only the 260 Series was displaced by the 700 Series, which Volvo marketed alongside the 240 for another decade. The 700 was replaced by the 900 Series in 1992, a year before the 240 was discontinued. Production of the 240 ended on 14 May 1993, after nearly 20 years, with the basic platform and architecture lasting 27 years, if the production run of the original 140 Series is aggregated.
History
The Volvo 240 and 260 series were introduced in the autumn of 1974, and was initially available as six variations of the 240 Series (242L, 242DL, 244DL, 244GL, 245L and 245DL) and two variations of the 260 Series (264DL and 264GL). The 240 Series was available as a sedan (with two or four doors) or a station wagon, however, the 260 Series was available as a coupé (262C Bertone), two-door sedan, four-door sedan, or station wagon. The 200 looked much like the earlier 140 and 164, they shared the same basic body shell and were largely identical from the cowl rearward. However, the 200 incorporated many of the features and design elements tried in the Volvo VESC ESV in 1972, which was a prototype experiment in car safety. The overall safety of the driver and passengers in the event of a crash was greatly improved with very large front and rear end crumple zones. Another main change was the new engines offered, which were of an overhead cam design based on the earlier B20. The 260 series also received a V6 engine in lieu of the 164's inline-six.
The 200 Series had MacPherson strut-type front suspension, which increased room around the engine bay, while the rear suspension was a modified version of that fitted to the 140 Series. The steering was greatly improved with the introduction of rack-and-pinion steering, with power steering fitted as standard to the 244GL, 264DL and 264GL, and there were some modifications made to the braking system (in particular the master cylinder).
The front end of the car was also completely restyled with a "shovel nose" which closely resembled that of the VESC prototype vehicle – that being the most obvious change which made the 200 Series distinguishable from the earlier 140 and 160 Series. Other than all the changes mentioned above, the 200 Series was almost identical to the 140 and 160 Series from the bulkhead to the very rear end. In 1978, a facelift meant a redesigned rear end for sedans, with wraparound taillights and a trunk opening with a lower lip. The dashboard was derived from the safety fascia introduced for the 1973 model year 100 Series - the main change for the 200 Series was the adoption of slatted "egg crate" style air vents in place of the eyeball style vents used in the 140/160 and the square clock. All models were available with a choice of four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission. Overdrive was also optional on the manual 244GL, while a five-speed manual gearbox was optional on the 264GL and 265GL.
In the autumn of 1975 (for the 1976 model year in America), the 265 DL estate became available alongside the existing range, and this was the first production Volvo estate to be powered by a six-cylinder engine. The choice of gearboxes was also improved, with overdrive now available as an option in all manual models except the base-model 242L and 245L. As before, a three-speed automatic was optional in every model. The B21A engine gained three horsepower; a new steering wheel and gearknob were also introduced.
At the 1976 Paris Motor Show Bertone first showed the stretched 264 TE, a seven-seat limousine on a 3,430 mm (135.0 in) wheelbase, although it had entered production earlier. The raw bodies were sent from Sweden to Grugliasco for lengthening, reinforcing, and finishing. Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden used one, as did much of East Germany's political leadership.
For 1977 the B19A engine with 90 PS (66 kW) replaced the B20A in most markets, although the old pushrod type soldiered on for another two years in some places. This is also the year that the sportier 242 GT arrived.
In 1978 the grille was altered, now with a chrome surround. Rear view mirrors were now black, while the front seats were changed as were the emblems, while interval wipers were introduced. 1978 models were also the first 240s to receive a new paint formula, to help solve the severe rust problems in previous model years.
The 1979 model year brought a full facelift front and rear, the most obvious change being the adoption of flush fitting square headlamps on the DL or rectangular headlamps on the GL, GLE in place of the recessed circular units. The sedans received new wraparound rear lamp clusters and a restyled leading edge to the trunk lid, while the rear of the wagons remained unchanged. The GLE was added while the L was cancelled, and the six-cylinder diesel arrived late in the year. For 1980, the sporty GLT arrived, replacing the GT. For 1981 there was yet another new grille, while the station wagons received new, wraparound taillights. The B21A gained some four horsepower, now 106 PS (78 kW), while the carburetted B23A with 112 PS (82 kW) was introduced in some markets. The Turbo arrived, while six-cylinder models now had a more powerful 2.8-liter engine. 1981 also saw the dashboard altered significantly, which a much larger binnacle in order to bring the radio and clock within the driver's line of sight. The instrument pod itself, which had been unaltered since the 1973 model year 100 Series, was also redesigned.
Incremental improvements were made almost every year of the production run. One of the major improvements was the introduction of the oxygen sensor in North America in late 1976 (1977 models), which Volvo called Lambda Sond and developed in conjunction with Bosch. It added a feedback loop to the Jetronic fuel injection system already in use, which allowed fine-tuning of the air and fuel mixture and therefore produced superior emissions, drivability and fuel economy.
For the 1983 model year, Volvo dropped the DL and GLE labels, selling the cars simply as 240s. In the domestic Swedish market, the 240 could be had with a 2.1 or 2.3-liter engine (more options were available in export), but the bigger engine always came coupled with a five-speed transmission and tinted windows. The 1983s also received wider side trim and all models had the larger taillights introduced on the previous year's GLT model. A B23E-engined GLE variant was also added (not available with two doors). Buyers protested against the lack of grades and they returned for 1984. A new manual gearbox also arrived for 1984, while a four-speed automatic option was available in the GL. The GLT and Turbo versions received a taller grille.
While Volvo had been planning to discontinue the 200-series since the early 1980s, the design kept selling well and Volvo provided steady updates. In late 1991, for the 1992 model year, it received 160 detail improvements including changes to the heater controls, heated rear view mirrors, and revised front seats. For the final, 1993 model year, air conditioning units were upgraded to use R-134a rather than the ozone-depleting R-12 (Freon).
About one-third of all 240s sold were station wagons, which featured very large cargo space of 41 cubic feet (1.2 m3). They could be outfitted with a rear-facing foldable jumpseat in the passenger area, making the wagon a seven-passenger vehicle. The jumpseat came with three-point seat belts, and wagons were designed to have a reinforced floor section, protecting the occupants of the jumpseat in the event of a rear-end collision.
A 1993 Volvo 240DL was driven by IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad, who stopped driving it when he was told the car was too dangerous due to outdated safety design two decades later.
The last 200 produced was a blue station wagon built to the Italian specification and named the "Polar Italia", currently displayed at the Volvo World Museum. It was manufactured the 14th May 1993.
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Common 1984 Volvo Gl problems
Common Problems with the Volvo GL 1984
- Heater Blower Motor: The heater blower motor in the Volvo GL 1984 is buried in the deepest confines of the dash, making it difficult to replace. While the motors are of decent quality, they may need to be replaced at some point during the ownership of the car, which can take 3-4 hours for an experienced mechanic. The motor is responsible for providing heat to the car, and if it fails, it can cause the car to run cold, reducing performance and driver comfort.
- Worn Air Intake Hose & Air Box Thermostats: The Volvo GL 1984 models with Bosch LH electronic fuel injection have a large plastic accordion style intake hose that connects the air mass meter to the intake manifold. Over time, a hole can wear through where it touches the inner fender, allowing unfiltered and unmetered air to enter the engine. This can cause erratic behavior and reduce performance. Additionally, the air box thermostat, which routes hot air from the exhaust manifold to aid in cold start performance, can fail in the open position, allowing super heated air to be drawn into the engine, reducing performance and shortening the life of the expensive air mass meter.
- Seat Lumbar Support System: The seats in the Volvo GL 1984 are very comfortable when they are in good condition, but the lumbar support system commonly fails between 50-100,000 miles. This can cause discomfort for the driver and reduce visibility over the steering wheel. The bottom seat cushion support grid is also a weak spot, causing similar issues.
- Engine and Transmission Mounts: The Volvo GL 1984 goes through engine and transmission mounts on a regular basis. These mounts are responsible for securing the engine and transmission to the chassis, and if they fail, it can cause the car to vibrate or shake, reducing driver comfort and potentially causing damage to the engine or transmission.
- Timing Belt: The timing belt in the Volvo GL 1984 is responsible for synchronizing the engine's camshaft and crankshaft. If it fails, it can cause the engine to run rough or not at all. If you suspect a timing problem, it is recommended to check the timing belt for wear or damage.
- Fuel Injection Problems: Some owners of the Volvo GL 1984 have reported issues with the fuel injection system, particularly when touching the gas quickly while sitting at idle. This can cause the engine to stall or run rough, reducing performance and driver comfort.
- Starting and Cutting Off: Some owners of the Volvo GL 1984 have reported issues with the car starting and then cutting off when put into gear. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including fuel delivery problems, electrical issues, or engine problems.
- Light Problems: Some owners of the Volvo GL 1984 have reported issues with the side-lights not coming on with the key turned to the accessories position. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including electrical problems or wiring issues.
In conclusion, while the Volvo GL 1984 is a robust and reliable car, it is prone to certain common issues that owners should be aware of. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent these issues from becoming major problems, and prompt attention to any issues that do arise can help ensure the longevity and performance of the car.
How much is a 1984 Volvo worth?
Wagon
| 1984 Volvo 240 | Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|
| GL | Specs: 2.3L, Leaded Petrol, 4 SPEED AUTOMATIC | Price: $3,410 - $5,280 |
| GL | Specs: 2.3L, Leaded Petrol, 4 SPEED MANUAL + O/DRIVE | Price: $2,970 - $4,620 |
What does GL stand for in Volvo?
Volvo has used DL and GL to indicate the trim level of these models from 1974 to 1990 and then inconsistently from 1991 until the end of introduction in 1993. In 1993. DL (De Luxe) indicates the base model with modest interiors and accessories where GL (Gran Luxe) indicates the higher level of trim.
Are old Volvo 240s reliable?
8 Robust And Ultra-Reliable
Being the first manufacturer to fit 999,999 mph odometers to its cars, Volvo was underlining its vehicle's potential for longevity, and thanks to many galvanized parts, excellent build quality, and almost bomb-proof mechanicals, the 240 continues to spin those digits.
How many miles per gallon does a Volvo 240 get?
Based on data from 37 vehicles, 1,809 fuel-ups and 417,626 miles of driving, the 1990 Volvo 240 gets a combined Avg MPG of 21.76 with a 0.24 MPG margin of error.
What does GL mean on Volvo?
GL/GLE (Grand Luxe / Extra) - 1975 to 1993: The GL is the luxury model, and somewhat uncommon. They often have leather seats, full power accessories, and more chrome on the body, such as around the grill and bordering the wheel wells. GL cars usually have different wheels than DL cars.
How much is a 1984 Volvo worth?
Wagon
| 1984 Volvo 240 | Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|
| GL | Specs: 2.3L, Leaded Petrol, 4 SPEED AUTOMATIC | Price: $3,410 - $5,280 |
| GL | Specs: 2.3L, Leaded Petrol, 4 SPEED MANUAL + O/DRIVE | Price: $2,970 - $4,620 |
Are old Volvo 240s reliable?
8 Robust And Ultra-Reliable
Being the first manufacturer to fit 999,999 mph odometers to its cars, Volvo was underlining its vehicle's potential for longevity, and thanks to many galvanized parts, excellent build quality, and almost bomb-proof mechanicals, the 240 continues to spin those digits.
What is the difference between Volvo DL and GL?
DL (De Luxe) indicates the base model with modest interiors and accessories where GL (Gran Luxe) indicates the higher level of trim. In general, the differences between DL and GL are as follows. DLs usually have vinyl interior, roll-up windows, manual adjust mirrors, steel wheels and black trim.
1984 Volvo Gl car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo Gl problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1984 Volvo Gl vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1984 Volvo Gl complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1984 Volvo Gl.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-01
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN TRYING TO STOP AND PUTTING ON BRAKES BRAKE WILL GO TO FLOOR. THEN, HAS TO PRESS BRAKES AGAIN AND VEHICLE WILL STOP. CONSUMERS VERY CONCERNED BECAUSE OF CHILDREN THAT RODE IN CAR.*AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1984 Volvo Gl problems:
Top 10 Common Issues with Volvo 240 Models
Mar 11, 2011 ... Often replacing the lightweight Type F auto trans fluid used in them with a 30-50 weight will provide a few more years of service. 1981-1984 ...
Common Issues With The Volvo 240 | Volvo Owners Forum
Dec 2, 2009 ... The 240 is a well made car and with proper maintenance will run for a long time but any car that is 20-30 years old is going have problems. I ...
1984 Volvo 245 GL Wagon Brakes Went Out!! | Turbobricks - The ...
Sep 21, 2020 ... They are getting very rare and desirable among Volvo NUTS. From your description fix the known issues and sell it for twice what you paid.
Considering XC90 T6, common issues / failures? | SwedeSpeed ...
May 6, 2021 ... FWIW there's been at least one Volvo in my garage for quite a while. The 2020 XC90 T6 has a 2014 BMW328i for companionship. 1984 240 GL D24, ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1984 Volvo 240 GL - No Spark, No Fuel ...
Apr 12, 2005 ... 1984 Volvo 240 GL - 2.3L EFI - No spark, no fuel, new coil and relays… · Unsnap the lock clasps. · Remove the cap, rotor and dust cover.
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