So folks, I've owned my "new" '84 242 DL for almost two days now. However, when I tried to take it in for a VA emissions inspection yesterday, it failed by a hair (only 4/10ths in the carbon monoxide category). Undeterred, I promptly drove it to a mechanic in Alexandria who had been strongly recommended to me by a fellow 240 nut. Right now, they're fiddling with it to see if they can get it to pass emissions, as the Exxon station I took it to says there is a slight misfire. I'm also going to have the shop put in a new thermostat, as well as replace the worn brake and clutch pedal pads (all Volvo parts, of course).

Other than that, the 242 runs great for a car that's almost 25 years old. Also, I wanted to comment on this: the car is WAY simpler than my '96 850, not to mention that it's also more fun to drive, thanks to the M46. I'm actually getting used to not having power seats, locks, or anything. No finicky ABS module or electronic parts to worry about. I love it!

As indicated by Ken C, you may have non-working power locks.

If the door locks pull up/down as if there is a constant resistance, check for a connection by the driver's left knee. A plug with three wires (red, black, green) that go into the door.
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1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb but electronic ignition and M46 trans in Brampton, Ont.

If you noticed, he did say that it was a DL version. Way back in 1984-1985, you had to pony up for the GL version to get the power options.

Bill

My 244 DL has power locks, but I don't know if they were standard on the DL at the time. Certainly you could request their addition when originally purchasing the car. And since my mom originally bought the car, she likely did knowing her!
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Mike F - 1984 244 DL - 265,000 miles
Original engine, transmission, drive train, alternator, starter
Undergoing reconstructive surgery with POR-15

when did the power locks become standard...that all I have that is power on 88 dl...they didn't work when I got it, but just a bad fuse :) I still cant believe that new american cars dont lock like this...my mom and sister both have 04 american cars, and you have to unlock the driver door, then push the button...it always makes me laugh...the 90 subaru my mom had...if you turned key just a little it only unlocked driver door, but if you turn it whole way it would unlock all doors...

I've got a '78 DL turbo intercooler and it did not come with power door locks. B.G.

On the other hand, it did not come with turbo or intercooler either.

As a side note, power locks (or power windows, or AC) were not at all common on European 240s. My '87 GL had manual locks all around when my father bought it new. He immediately got the dealer to install power windows for the front doors. I have later installed power locks using the original kit that Volvo used to sell as an upgrade. (Last year I also added a driver door lock actuator and remote control. More things to fail!)

Erling, Norway.
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I think that one thing that people should keep in mind is that this is a 2 dr DL manual car.
In the US, Dls up to '85 was all manual, no power options.
The GL came with power windows, door locks, cabin light delay, sunroof, corona wheels, different door panels and leather seats.

You could buy the window option. Don't know the about the locks.
All DLs before then didn't have the pwr locks but became standard in '86 with change over in door/trunk/glovebox combination.

Interesting note is that up to '85 you could order the GL with the 4sd w/od.
'86 and new the auto tranny became standard and the manual was no longer an option or should I say a choice.

Sorry but you are incorrect unless you're referring specifically to the 242. My 1980 245DL came from the factory with power locks as standard equipment. Can't comment on the 242DL but I will check the factory brochure from 1980 when I get home.

You're also incorrect about the transmission. I had a friend whose father had a 1986 245GL with leather seats, Corona wheels, power windows (and locks), with M46 from the factory.

My 83 DL had power locks, manual windows, no AC and M46 w OD.
My 84 turbo intercooler had power locks, power windows, AC and M46 w OD.

Can't say for sure that they came from the factory like that though.

Ron
93 245
near Brantford, ON, Can