Presented to the general public at the 1986 Geneva Motor Show, the Volvo 480 was one of the most surprising cars of its generation. It's a compact family car, but its front end is more reminiscent of a coupé, while the rear end is more akin to a station wagon. Another special feature, retractable headlamps which fold away inside the hood when not in use! This original concept was designed to comply with U.S. regulations, with the 480 targeting the United States as its main marketbut, in view of the difficult economic climate, Volvo decided to market it only in Europe. to market it only in Europe..
Impeccable service
Gearbox broken? We help you identify and order your model
With over seventy thousand units sold, the Swedish manufacturer's car benefits from numerous trim levels and special series. The luxurious GT (for Grand Tourism) version was produced in 250 examples only, making it a particularly particularly appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts.
It comes with three engine options, all gasoline-powered: naturally-aspirated 1.7 L and 2.0 L, or the the turbocharged 1.7 L which is also the most powerful, developing 120 hp. A front-wheel drive transmission distributes this power to the front wheels of the Volvo 480. This design choice saves fuel while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This type of transmission also ensures improved roadholding at high speeds and in tight bends.
To bridge the gap between engine and transmission, the manual gearbox is the preferred solution for European motorists. Developed by Renault, it features five gears on the Volvo 480, which can also be fitted with an optional automatic gearbox. automatic gearbox as an option. Production of the latter has been entrusted to the German ZF group, and it features four gears.
Whether your Volvo 480 is equipped with a manual or automatic gearbox, maintenance is essential to prolong its life and get the best out of it. get the best out of it. Discover the experts' advice EDEN BOITES in this article!
Good driving habits
Don't ignore the first signs of malfunction
A problem with the Volvo gearbox 480 rarely goes by without some kind of warning. If you know how to spot them as soon as they appear and acting quickly, you can greatly limit the damage caused to the whole vehicle.
Pay particular attention to :
- Clutch pedal or gearshift resistance. By extension, be vigilant if a gear skips or refuses to engage;
- Vibrations felt in the cabin when you engage a particular gear or, on the contrary, when you're still in neutral;
- Noises of all kinds and when they occur (clicks, squeaks, squeaks, creaks, etc.);
- To the smell of burning ;
- A variety of sensationsThis is particularly true if you use an automatic gearbox. If you have the impression that acceleration is sluggish, trust your feelings and don't wait for the problem to get worse before consulting your mechanic.
When you take your Volvo 480 to the garage, be as precise as possible in describing the symptoms you observe. This will help the professional mechanic to diagnose the problem more effectively.
Change gearbox oil regularly
Gearbox oilalso known as transmission oil, ensures the proper lubrication of all the parts that make up your car's transmission system. Over time, it becomes saturated with metal particles and other residues, or may see its overall level drop due to micro-leaks.
For this reason, it is advisable to check the condition of the oil by consulting the dipstick in the reservoir. If the fluid is visually blackened, or does not lie between the two marks on the dipstick, it's time for an oil change.
This operation can be carried out at home with a minimum of equipment, or directly at the garage for a modest fee. Frequency varies according to the type of gearbox used. In the case of an automatic gearbox, plan to have the oil changed every 60,000 kilometers or every two years, whichever comes first. Manual gearboxes generally do not require servicing until 250,000 kilometers have been driven, but given the age of the Volvo 480, it is advisable to an oil change every five years or so.
Gearbox repair
The majority of gearbox-related problems can be dealt with in the garage, as they generally concern the replacement of a worn part or changing the gearbox oil. However, advanced damage will force the professional mechanic to replace the entire gearbox, due to lack of time and resources. There are several options available to you:
- Buying a new box. This is the safest solution in terms of quality, but also the most expensive. As the Volvo 480 is an older car, finding such a product is particularly difficult, and delivery times will be long;
- Using the second-hand market. This is an environmentally-friendly and low-cost option, but it's also a bad idea. Without the possibility of testing the quality of the product you buy before having it installed in your vehicle, you run the risk of ending up with a faulty gearbox;
- Using a reconditioned gearbox. This solution means you don't have to compromise on quality, while remaining economical and environmentally friendly!
Discover our catalog thousands of references. If you don't find what you're looking for, we'll take your current box apart piece by piece for a thorough cleaning before sending it back to you. And thanks to our our one-year warrantyyou can drive with peace of mind!
To benefit from personalized support, simply provide your registration number and contact us: it's quick, easy and without obligation. no obligation !
