So I bought a 1989 Volvo 740 Turbo sedan and I think it's in either limp mode or has an automatic transmission problem. Thing is, it doesn't seem to have a code reader. I looked on the driver side of the vehicle and have not seen it anywhere. Is it not supposed to have one? How do I read code?

Pretty new to Volvo, I'd appreciate it.

 

I'm not sure about turbo models but the na models have the obd1 port under the hood near the driver side strut mount.

 

Yeah, that's where I was looking with no luck.

 

I believe turbo cars got the OBD1 in 1990...

 

yeah, turbos in 1989 still had LH 2.2 which doesn't have OBD, the turbo didn't get LH2.4 until 1990.

 

So then my next question is how do I read the code?

 

LH 2.2 has no diagnostics or codes. you have to debug problems by measurements, and the process of elimination.

 

p.s and random part substitution is a terrible way to go about it, unless you are swapping parts of a working car. used/ebay parts are suspect, and new aftermarket parts are suspect.

 

You do what people did before there was OBD: rely on knowledge and skill and experience. I know it's hard to believe that there was a time when you didn't just get an answer from a machine but don't feel bad, OBD1 is pretty unreliable and OBD2 is just a loose guide...