How much coolant does a Volvo 240 hold?

The Volvo 240 cooling system holds 6-10 quarts total depending on the engine. A drain-and-fill replaces about 50-60% of the coolant. For a complete flush, you'll need the full capacity amount.

What type of transmission fluid does a Volvo 240 use?

The Volvo 240 transmission fluid type depends on whether it's an automatic or manual transmission and the model year. Always use the manufacturer-specified fluid — check your owner's manual for the exact ATF or manual transmission fluid required.

Does a Volvo 240 have power steering fluid?

2015+ Volvo 240 models with electric power steering don't use power steering fluid. Older models with hydraulic power steering use ATF or manufacturer-specific fluid — check your owner's manual.

What brake fluid does a Volvo 240 use?

Most Volvo 240 models use DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. DOT 4 has a higher boiling point and is preferred for performance driving. Never use DOT 5 (silicone-based) in a system designed for DOT 3/4.

🧪Fluid Capacities

Volvo 240 Fluid Capacities

All fluid capacities for your Volvo 240: engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering, and more.

Quick Answer

The Volvo 240 requires multiple fluids maintained at specific levels. Engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid all have different capacities depending on your engine and model year.

1988-1993

Engine OilVaries by engine — check owner's manual (typically 4-8+ quarts)

Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts

Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)

Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush

Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart

Windshield Washer~1 gallon

Notes

→Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
→Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
→Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage

Shop on Amazon →Full Repair Guide →

1982-1987

Engine OilVaries by engine — check owner's manual (typically 4-8+ quarts)

Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts

Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)

Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush

Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart

Windshield Washer~1 gallon

Notes

→Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
→Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
→Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage

Shop on Amazon →Full Repair Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coolant does a Volvo 240 hold?: The Volvo 240 cooling system holds 6-10 quarts total depending on the engine. A drain-and-fill replaces about 50-60% of the coolant. For a complete flush, you'll need the full capacity amount.
What type of transmission fluid does a Volvo 240 use?: The Volvo 240 transmission fluid type depends on whether it's an automatic or manual transmission and the model year. Always use the manufacturer-specified fluid — check your owner's manual for the exact ATF or manual transmission fluid required.
Does a Volvo 240 have power steering fluid?: 2015+ Volvo 240 models with electric power steering don't use power steering fluid. Older models with hydraulic power steering use ATF or manufacturer-specific fluid — check your owner's manual.
What brake fluid does a Volvo 240 use?: Most Volvo 240 models use DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. DOT 4 has a higher boiling point and is preferred for performance driving. Never use DOT 5 (silicone-based) in a system designed for DOT 3/4.

Volvo 240 Repair Guides

→Volvo 240 Coolant Flush →Volvo 240 Transmission Fluid Change →Volvo 240 Brake Fluid Flush

Browse all Volvo guides →Browse all Volvo 240 guides →

More Volvo 240 Guides

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