Hi there, I just picked up my new car today - a 1991 model year 340DL variomatic.
88,000km, one owner, no rust, dents or scratches & 6 months APK (MOT) all for 150 euros!!!!

Drove it 220km home and it was fine.

A few questions though.

1) There is no stereo in the car (for 150 euros I expected a CD multichanger) and the hole without the blanking plate is huge, do other stereos from Volvo models fit this better than a standard aftermarket Din unit. I don't have a problem with the wiring, it is just deciding whether to fit my old stereo or get another one from a breakers.

2) The intereor lights & clock don't work (nor does the ciggie lighter THATS IT - TAKE IT BACK), are these all on the same fuse?

3) Talking of the clock, does the dashboard with the extra gauges and the centre mounted clock fit or does the car need re-wiring for this? (I might see if I can get an instrument cluster from a breakers if they fit)

4) What does the switch in front of the variomatic gearlever do?

5) When driving slowly, the drive take up is jerky and sometimes the car clonks when coming to a stop( from the rear end), anyone any experience of what this might be and how to resolve it?

Lots of questions, I hope someone can answer them for me!!!!

Many thanks

Mike

1 = volvo radio fills the entire hole. looks nice, sounds CRAP.. there are volvo-din plates in wich you can fit a decent radio.

2 = undoubtedly, radio wiring screwed up (orig. volvo plug cut off)
there are 6 wires in 3 colours. make it so that they become 3x 2
wires again (same colour together) then your dash will work again.

3 = you can see the spots where the extra gauges will go in your current dash. a fully equipped dash has the gauges instead of cover plates. will fit without problem. you need some vacuum tubing and possibly a wire to the front bumper (and a sensor) to get the extra's working.


4 = low gear hold switch. try it for fun, switch it on when cruising about 20/30 MPH. if all is good, revs will rise dramatically.


5 = could be normal... a correct carburettor/ignition setup may smoothen the ride.

Hi And Welcome,

Re 5: This is normal - or at least every CVT I`ve ever driven has done this. I`m not sure but I think it`s just backlash in the transmission being taken up or dropped as the clutch comes in and out at low revs.

Will