I'm quite new to the Volvo ownership (Just a tick over 48 hours), so I've got a few questions....

Does anyone besides Chilton make a service manual?? I've had Chiltons in the past and disliked every one of them. My favorite is Haynes, but it appears that Haynes doesnt make one for the 960 yet..

I pickep up the car two days ago - it runs and drives great! I've changed the oil, filter, air filter, fuel filter, and spark plugs. All items removed were Volvo parts, so I assume that the previous owner took it to the dealer for servicing. I put in Castrol Syntec 10-30 w/ Wix filter, Bosch Platinum 2 plugs, Wix fuel and air filter. I've been reading that I should use Mann filters - which I will use next time I change the oil. The sump took 6 quarts, I assume this is correct.

Checked the brakes, all pads look to be in great shape and are Volvo parts.

Check Engine and Service Engine lights are burned out on the dash. How hard are these to change?? Acording to Chilton the dash has to come out.

Speaking of check engine lights - if it wasnt burned out, it would be on. Checked codes and read a 241 code for EGR System. Any ideas? Or just go ahead and replace the EGR valve? That was the only code.

10 amp fuse for Amplifier/Radio removed. I tried to replace it but it immeadiatley blew out and produced a bit of electrical smoke from behind the fuse box. The only speakers that work on the radio are the ones in the dash. The CD Changer is also inop along with the cruise control. I have to assume that they are all related to the blown fuse. I'll have to check into the wiring behined the fuse box when I change the dash lights out.

I've read a bit that changing the coolant on these engines is very important to keep the head gasket intact. The coolant looks good now, but at what intervals should I be changing it? and with what? (I've heard Dexcool)

Auto tranny is shifting good, but how often should it be changed? Does it take Dexron III as the Chilton Manual says?

Thanks in advance, BTW the car has 134,000 miles on it. Should be just broke in.

I forgot one other thing - It takes a little longer than I would consider normal to start the car. It usually takes a good second with the starter before it starts. Is this normal? Or do I need to check something... (Fuel Pressure is my guess...) The timing belt is about due for change. I've done timing belts on Hondas, and feel confident I can change this one, but should I just take it to a mech? Is it tough?

Last time I asked at a Volvo dealer parts counter about getting Volvo Service Manuals they told me they don't do that any more.

Ken Cook Publishing handles the 240 books, I suppose they do all models. Call them at 1-800-25-VOLVO. If you didn't get the Owner's Manual, they can help there, too. The books aren't low cost, but I found them very good. The "Green" books are not one-volume shop manuals. You can pick and choose which books you order. Conside those for the engine, body, a/c, electrical wiring diagrams (get this) and so on. Entire car can take 20 - 30 books, manu of which yo will likely never use.

Regards,

Bob

:>)

I'll do that! Thanks for the info!

I found that it was best to go ahead and get the Volvo Tech manuals on this car. I had bought the Chiltons and found it to be very limited in help. The electrical one is the first I would get followed by the fuel injection.

There is nothing wrong with the WIX filter(IMHO). This car needs to use syn fluids to keep it at is best.

I hope you have the service records for this car. If not then the timing belt is the most urgent need. Please read the FAQ on this car as it has alot of good information.

Coolant is important and this includes hoses. Loss of coolant is diastrous for this engine. About as bad as a broken timing belt.

If you plan on changing the timing belt(every 30K) then consider the water pump and the tension assembly unless you have proof otherwise that these have been changed. The manual on this is pretty clear with lots of illustrations.

If the only way to change the light bulbs is to take out the dash then get the manual that covers where are the screws are. Take my word for it that the screws are not easily found.

Theres a sticker under the hood and the timing belt was changed at 104K - so it has 30K on it now.... Time to change it.