Page 172 of 265

1996 Volvo 850
The push-buttons to the left of the gear lever are for selection of mode\
s E, S and W. The desired mode
can be selected at any time, including while the car is moving.
Winter/Wet mode
Enhanced Vehicle Traction
This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
In this mode:
* In position D, the gearbox starts in 3rd gear and changes up to 4th ge\
ar.
* In position 3, 2nd gear is locked and there is no change up to 3rd gea\
r.
In position L, 1st gear is locked.
* These positions always offer the kick-down function.
The indicator lamp in the instrument panel
lights up when this mode is selected (the lamp will also
light up if the gear selector is in position 3 or L.). Press button WIN\
TER in order to disengage this
mode.
When mode is disengaged, the gearbox automatically reverts to the previo\
usly selected S or E mode. If
the indicator lamp
begins to flash, this is an indication of a fault in the automatic gear\
box. The
Malfunction Indicator lamp will also light up if a fault is detected. Pl\
ease contact your Volvo retailer if
this occurs.
CAUTION: Driveability and fuel economy will be adversely affected by pro\
longed driving in mode
W . Volvo recommends using this mode only when starting in extremely sli\
ppery conditions.
Economy Mode
This mode is used for normal driving. The gearbox changes gears at a low\
er engine speed to achieve the
lowest possible fuel consumption.
Sport Mode
This mode is adapted to "sporty" driving characteristics. The transmissi\
on upshifts at higher engine
speeds and less accelerator pedal pressure is required to initiate a dow\
nshift.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_406.htm (6 of 10)12/30/2006 \
9:59:34 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
Page 173 of 265

1996 Volvo 850
pg. 4:9 Automatic transmission
Special Tips - automatic transmission
l For driving down steep hills and when driving for prolonged periods at l\
ow speeds, position L should
be selected. Avoid, however, repeated changes since this can cause overh\
eating of the transmission oil.
For driving on long continuous uphill gradients, select position 3.
l See caution on page 4:7.
l Do not hold the car stationary on an incline by using the accelerator pe\
dal. Instead, apply the hand
brake (parking brake). This prevents the transmission oil from becomin\
g overheated.
l When towing a trailer, select shift position 3.
l The (E)conomy mode should be selected when the cruise control is engag\
ed.
l While towing a trailer in hilly terrain, do not drive continuously at en\
gine speeds above 4500 rpm to
help avoid high engine oil temperatures.
pg. 4:10 Points to remember
Cooling system
The risk for engine overheating is greatest, especially in hot weather, \
when:
l towing a trailer up steep inclines for prolonged periods at wide open th\
rottle and low engine rpm.
l stopping the engine suddenly after high speed driving (so-called "after\
-boiling" can occur).
l To avoid overheating, the following rules should be followed:
l Do not drive for prolonged periods at engine speeds above 4500 rpm if yo\
u are towing a trailer in
hilly terrain.
l Reduce speed and downshift when towing a trailer up long, steep inclines\
. The risk of overheating can
be reduced by switching off the air conditioning system for a short time\
.
l Do not let the engine idle unnecessarily for prolonged periods.
l Do not mount auxiliary lamps in front of the grill.
When the risk of overheating is imminent, or in the event of overheating\
, (the temperature gauge goes
repeatedly into, or stays continually in, the red section) the followin\
g precautions should be taken:
l Switch off the air conditioning system.
l Stop the car and put the gear lever into neutral. Do not stop the engine\
!
l Switch the heater to full (maximum) position. Increase the engine spee\
d to approx. 2000 rpm (twice
idling speed) until the temperature begins to drop.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_406.htm (7 of 10)12/30/2006 \
9:59:34 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
Page 214 of 265
1996 Volvo 850
pg. 6:16 Replacing wiper blades
Replacing wiper blades
Lift the wiper arm off the windshield and hold blade at right
angles to arm. Pinch the end of the plastic clip located at the
back of the arm.
Slide the wiper blade along the arm to release it from the
hook.
Install new blade (installation is the reverse of removal) and
make sure that it is properly attached to the wiper arm.
For reasons of safety, you should change the windshield
wiper blades as soon as they start to leave marks on the
windshield or fail to wipe efficiently and cleanly.
To obtain maximum lifetime from a set of wiper blades,
clean them with a stiff-bristle brush and warm, soapy water
as part of a normal car wash.
pg. 6:17 Replacing headlight wiper blades
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_613.htm (5 of 8)12/30/2006 9\
:59:46 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
Page 227 of 265

1996 Volvo 850
above right headlight.
5 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) *
The VIN plate is located on the top left surface of the dashboard. The V\
IN is also stamped on the right
hand door pillar.
6 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) specifications (USA)\
and Ministry of Transport
(CMVSS) Standards (Canada)
Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable safety standards, as evide\
nced by the certification label on
the facing side of the driver's door. For further information regarding \
these regulations, please consult
your Volvo retailer.
7 Child safety latch label
* The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should always be quoted in a\
ll correspondence concerning
your vehicle with the retailer and when ordering parts.
** These decals are located on the underside of the hood.
All specifications are subject to change without notice. pg. 8:3 Maintenance service, Warranty
Maintenance service
Volvo advises you to follow the service program which is outlined in the\
"Maintenance Records
Manual". This maintenance program contains inspections and services nece\
ssary for the proper function
of your car. The maintenance services contain several checks which requi\
re special instruments and
tools and therefore must be performed by a qualified technician. To keep\
your Volvo in top condition,
specify time tested and proven Genuine Volvo Parts and Accessories.
The Federal Clean Air Act - U.S.
The Clean Air Act requires vehicle manufacturers to furnish written inst\
ructions to the ultimate
purchaser to assure the proper functioning of those components that cont\
rol emissions. The maintenance
instructions listed in the "Servicing" section of this Manual represent \
the minimum maintenance
required. These services are not covered by the warranty. You will be re\
quired to pay for labor and
material used. Refer to your Warranty booklet for further details.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_801.htm (2 of 6)12/30/2006 9\
:59:50 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
Page 262 of 265

1996 Volvo 850
All specifications are subject to change without notice. Inside back cover
WARNING!
Detergents and solvents
Do not use gasoline containing lead or benzene as a detergent or solvent\
. Both lead and benzene are
toxic and may be hazardous to your health.
Installation of optional equipment/use of mobile telephones
Incorrectly installed optional equipment, alarm systems or the use of mo\
bile telephones which are not
connected to a suitable antenna can cause faults in the car's electronic\
control systems. Your car is
equipped with an accessory connector located under the dashboard on the \
driver's side. Please consult
your Volvo retailer if you have any questions before connecting accessor\
y or optional equipment to the
vehicle's electrical systems.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless and odorless gas which is pres\
ent in all exhaust gases. If
you ever smell exhaust fumes from inside the vehicle, make sure the pass\
enger compartment is
ventilated and immediately return the vehicle to your retailer for corre\
ction.
Never sit in a parked or stopped car for any extended amount of time, no\
r have it unattended while the
engine is running.
Never operate the engine in confined, unventilated areas.
Back Cover
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_906.htm (6 of 9)12/30/2006 9\
:59:57 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org