Description
Factory Volvo 300 Series Workshop Manual (1976–1991, 340/343/345/360)
The Volvo 300 Series is Volvo’s most unusual production car — built at the former DAF factory in Born, Netherlands, with a rear-mounted transmission (DAF’s transaxle heritage), and sold as the 340, 343, 345 (5-door), and 360. It’s a mechanically distinctive vehicle, and this factory workshop manual covers the full 1976–1991 production run.
Who This Manual Is For
Classic Volvo collectors restoring 340/360 models, European enthusiasts of Volvo-DAF heritage, and mechanics who’ve taken on a 300 Series project and need the factory reference for its unusual layout.
Powertrain & Drivetrain Coverage
| Component | Variants Covered |
|---|---|
| Petrol Engines | 1.4L B14 (Renault-sourced), 1.7L B172, 2.0L B200/B19/B200E (Volvo red block) |
| Diesel | 2.0L D24 (VW-sourced inline-6 truncated) in select markets |
| Transmissions | 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, CVT Variomatic, 3-speed automatic |
| Transmission Layout | Rear-mounted transaxle (DAF heritage), torque tube to front engine |
| Drive | RWD with rear transaxle |
| Body Styles | 340/343 3-door, 345 5-door, 360 sedan (late) |
| Model Years | 1976, 1977, …, 1990, 1991 |
Common 300 Series Repairs Covered
| System | Procedures |
|---|---|
| B14/B172 Engine | Timing belt service, carburettor rebuild (Solex/Pierburg), ignition timing |
| B200 Red Block | Later-model 2.0L Volvo red block — same engine family as 240/740 |
| Rear Transaxle | Torque tube service, rear differential, CVT belt replacement (Variomatic) |
| D24 Diesel | Injector timing, glow plug replacement, head gasket (known issue) |
| Body/Chassis | DAF-pattern rust prevention, door alignment, 3/5-door specifics |
What’s Inside the Manual
Factory Volvo service chapter set: diagnosis and specifications, engine management (carburetted and early EFI variants), fuel and exhaust systems, emission control, lubrication and mechanical, rear-mounted manual and CVT/automatic transaxle service, brake system (disc front, drum rear, disc rear on later), rear axle and differential, steering, HVAC, scheduled maintenance, lighting and switches (European-spec), clutch, propeller shaft / torque tube, cooling system, complete electrical with wiring diagrams, suspension (MacPherson front, De Dion rear on some variants), wheels and tyres, body and chassis, interior trim.
Format & Delivery
Professional PDF — searchable, printable. Instant download; lifetime re-downloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 300 Series transmission rear-mounted?
The 300 Series inherited DAF’s transaxle heritage — DAF built the factory and sold Volvo their small-car design, including the rear-transaxle layout. The engine sits up front and drives a torque tube back to the rear transaxle.
What’s the Variomatic CVT?
A continuously-variable belt transmission developed by DAF and carried over into early 300 Series models. Distinctive design, different service procedure from any modern CVT. Full Variomatic belt service included.
Is the 300 Series reliable?
Mechanically straightforward and long-lived with proper maintenance. The rear-transaxle layout looks unusual but is simple in principle. Rust is the enemy on surviving examples.
Are parts available?
Tough for some body/trim items. Mechanical parts are more available through Dutch and UK classic-Volvo specialists.
What format is the manual?
PDF, searchable, printable. Instant download.
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