1996 VOLVO 850 engine oil

1996 Volvo 850
pg. 4:12 Emergency towing (pulling of vehicles)

Front eyelet Rear eyelet

Precautionary steps to observe when car is in tow

l Steering must be unlocked.
l Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this typ\
e of towing, as vehicles being
towed are subject to regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length \
and type of towing device,
lighting, etc.
l Remember that power brake and power steering assists will not be availab\
le when engine is
inoperative. Brake pedal pressure required is 3 - 4 times above normal a\
nd greater steering effort must
be exerted.
Automatic transmissions only:
l Gear selector in position N. Check transmission oil level (see section \
titled "Transmission oil").
l Maximum speed: 20 mph (30 km/h).
l Maximum distance with front wheels on ground: 20 miles (30 km).
l If the battery is dead, it is not possible to release the gear selector \
by pressing the brake pedal. Release
the gear selector manually, by pressing the OVERRIDE button near the bas\
e of the gear selector.

CAUTION: The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling another vehicle\
out of a ditch or any
similar purpose involving severe strain.
Do not attempt to start the car by pushing or pulling it as damage to th\
e three-way catalytic converter
can result.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_412.htm (1 of 10)12/30/2006 \
9:59:35 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org

1996 Volvo 850
pg. 4:17 Trailer towing
When preparing for trailer towing, observe the following:

l Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches which are specially de\
signed for the car. For
trailer weights exceeding 2000 lbs. (908 kg), use only a trailer hitch\
offered as a Genuine Volvo
accessory.

NOTE: Models with automatic transmission are equipped with a transmissio\
n oil cooler as standard
equipment. This cooler helps prevent overheating of the transmission dur\
ing times of increased load, as
when towing a trailer.

l Maximum trailer weight recommended by Volvo is:
Trailers without brakes : 1100 lbs (500kg)
Trailers with brakes: 2" (50 mm) ball - 3300 lbs (1500 kg), 1 7/8" (\
47 mm) ball - 2000 lbs (908 kg).

Observe the legal requirements of the state/province in which the vehicl\
es are registered. All Volvo
models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailer\
hitch installation should
not interfere with the proper operation of this bumper system.

Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but ta\
ke into consideration:
l Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See section "Wheels and tire\
s".
l Recommended hitch tongue load is 110 (50 kgs) for trailer weights belo\
w 2,650 lbs (1,200 kgs) and
165 lbs (75 kgs) for trailer weights above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kgs). Fo\
r trailer weights between 2,650-3,300
lbs (1,200-1,500 kgs) a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) should never b\
e exceeded.
l Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engin\
e coolant temperature should
be closely watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use lo\
wer gear and turn off air
conditioner if temperature gauge pointer enters the red range.
l Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
l Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
l It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes\
to provide a safe stop (check
and observe State/Local regulations).
l Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brak\
e system.
l More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
l Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
l Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer o\
ver long distances or in
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_412.htm (7 of 10)12/30/2006 \
9:59:35 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org

1996 Volvo 850
mountainous areas.

NOTE: Refer to section "Automatic transmission" for additional trailer h\
auling tips.
WARNING!
l Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should s\
afety chains be attached to
the bumper.
l Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.
l Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle\
brake system, nor a trailer's
lighting system directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult your ne\
arest authorized Volvo retailer
for correct installation.
pg. 4:18 Winter driving
Cold weather precautions

l If you wish to check your car before the approach of cold weather, the f\
ollowing advice is worth
noting:
l Make sure that the engine coolant contains at least 50 percent antifreez\
e: that is, 3.7 qts. (3.5 liters)
Volvo Genuine Coolant/Antifreeze. This gives protection against freezing\
down to -31°F (-35°C). See
section "Coolant". The use of "recycled" antifreeze is not approved by V\
olvo. Different types of
antifreeze may not be mixed.
l Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this prevents the formation of c\
ondensation in the tank. In
addition in extremely cold weather conditions it is worthwhile to add fu\
el line de-icer before refueling.
l The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (t\
hinner oil) improves cold-
weather starting as well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine\
is warming up. For winter use,
5W-30 oil, particularly the synthetic type, is recommended. Be sure to u\
se good quality oil but do not
use this cold-weather oil for hard driving or in warm weather. See secti\
on "Engine oil" for more
information.
l The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the he\
ater, windshield wipers,
lighting etc. are used more often. Moreover, the capacity of the battery\
decreases as the temperature
drops. In very cold weather, a poorly charged battery can freeze and be \
damaged. It is therefore
advisable to check the state of charge more frequently and spray an anti\
-rust oil on the battery posts.
l Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter dri\
ving - see section "Wheels
and tires".
l To prevent the washer reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents conta\
ining antifreeze (see page
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_412.htm (8 of 10)12/30/2006 \
9:59:35 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org

1996 Volvo 850
8:15 for the location of the washer fluid reservoir). This is important sin\
ce the dirt is often splashed on
the windshield during winter driving, thus requiring frequent use of the\
washers and wipers. The Volvo
Washer Solvent should be diluted as follows:
Down to 14°F (-10°C): 1 part anti-freeze and 4 parts water
Down to 5°F (-15°C): 1 part anti-freeze and 3 parts water
Down to 0°F (-18°C): 1 part anti-freeze and 2 parts water
Down to -18°F (-28°): 1 part anti-freeze and 1 part water
l When driving in temperatures below 15 F (-10 C), we recommend the use \
of Volvo's radiator guard to
help the engine reach normal operating temperature as quickly as possibl\
e. This guard should not be
used when towing a trailer.
l Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.

NOTE: Avoid the use of de-icing spray as they can cause damage to the lo\
cks.

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, first gear is locked.
* These positions always offer the kick-down feature.
pg. 4:19 Long distance trips, City driving
Before a long distance trip

It is always worthwhile to have your car checked at a Volvo retailer bef\
ore driving long distances. Your
retailer will also be able to supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark plugs \
and wiper blades for your use in the
event that problems occur.
If you prefer to check the car yourself, please note the following:
l Check that the engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.\

l Check engine oil, coolant levels, and for possible fuel leakage.
l Check transmission oil level.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_412.htm (9 of 10)12/30/2006 \
9:59:35 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org

1996 Volvo 850
Volvo service
pg. 8:1 Volvo Service
Service - an investment!

An investment which will pay dividends in the form of improved reliabili\
ty, durability, and resale value.

8:2 Label Information
8:3Maintenance service, Warranty
8:4Maintenance schedule
8:6Servicing
8:9Lubrication
8:10Engine oil
8:12Power steering fluid, Brake/clutch system fluid reservoir
8:13Automatic transmission fluid
8:14Drive belt, Air pump system
8:15Windshield washer nozzle, Washer fluid reservoir
8:16Coolant
8:17Engine compartment
pg. 8:2 Label information
1 Vehicle Emission Control Information
Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable emission standards, as evi\
denced by the certification label
on the underside of the hood. For further information regarding these re\
gulations, please consult your
Volvo retailer.
2 Vacuum hose routing
(underside of hood)
3 Loads and Tire Pressures
(on inside of fuel tank cover)
4 Model plate
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Codes for color and upholstery et\
c. This plate is located on panel
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_801.htm (1 of 6)12/30/2006 9\
:59:50 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org

1996 Volvo 850
EMISSION SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE



Engine oil and filter
1 R
3 R R 3 R R 3 R R 3 R R 3 R R 3 R
Engine drive belt accessory belt) R
Air cleaner filter R R
Spark plugs R R
Automatic transmission fluid

I
I I I I I
Timing belt - B 5254 S, B 5234 T
4


1) See section "Engine oil" for detailed information.

NOTE: The oil should be changed at these intervals or after 750 hours of\
driving or after 12 months
which ever occurs first. See "Service Reminder indicator",
page 1:5.

2) For services beyond 60,000 miles (96,000 km), consult your "Mainte\
nance records booklet".
3) These intervals may apply, depending on actual driving conditions (\
see page 8:11 for details)
4) For proper functioning of the vehicle and its emission control syste\
m, Volvo recommends that the
timing belt be replaced every 70,000 (112,000 km).
pg. 8:5 Servicing (cont.)
Maintenance schedule

A = Adjust (Correct if necessary) I = Inspect (Correct or Replace if \
necessary)
R = Replace L = Lubricate
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_801.htm (4 of 6)12/30/2006 9\
:59:50 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org

1996 Volvo 850
Maintenance Operation thousand miles
(thousand km) 10
(16) 20
(32) 30
(48) 40
(64) 50
(80) 60
(96)
ENGINE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
ENGINE
Fuel (Line) Filter¹
PCV Nipple (orifice)/hoses,clean I
Battery I I I I I I
BRAKES
Inspect brakes, replace components as necessary I I I I I I
Brake Fluid²
STEERING/SUSPENSION
Rotate tires/check wear (align front end if
needed.) I
I I I I I
Check power steering fluid level. I I I I I I
Grease front link arm stops L L L L L L
BODY
Power antenna (clean) I I I I I I
Trunk/hood, hinges and latches L L L L L L
1) Replace at 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
2) Brake fluid should be changed at owner request every second year (o\
nce a year if the car is driven in
mountainous areas or in areas with high humidity).

The following items should be checked weekly by the driver (it takes on\
ly a few minutes).
Engine oil level Horns
Brake fluid level Windshield wipers
Radiator coolant level Tire pressure (all five tires)
Operation of all lights Level of windshield washer fluid

The following should also be carried out at regular intervals:
Washing
Polishing
Cleaning
Rust protection
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_801.htm (5 of 6)12/30/2006 9\
:59:50 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org

1996 Volvo 850
pg. 8:6 Servicing (cont.)
The following precautions must be observed when carrying out repairs to \
the vehicle
WARNING! The distributor ignition system operates at very high voltages.\
Special safety precautions
must be followed to prevent injury. Always turn the ignition off when:
l Connecting engine test and diagnostic equipment to the vehicle (timing \
light, tach-dwell tester,
ignition oscilloscope, etc.).
l Replacing distributor ignition components e.g. plugs, coil, etc.
l Do not touch any part of the distributor ignition system while the engin\
e is running. This may result
in unintended movements and body injury.

Battery

l Check that the battery cables are correctly connected and properly tight\
ened.
l Never disconnect the battery when the engine is running, for example whe\
n changing the battery.
l The battery should be disconnected when a boost charger is used.
l Switch off the radio before disconnecting the battery. If your radio has\
an anti-theft code and the
battery is disconnected, the radio code has to be re-entered in order fo\
r the radio to function.

Replacing spark plugs

The spark plugs should be changed every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). Howe\
ver, city driving or fast
highway driving may necessitate changing after 15,000 miles (24,000 km)\
of driving. When installing
new plugs, be sure to fit the right type and use correct torque, see "Sp\
ecifications". When changing the
plugs, check that the suppressor connectors are in good condition. Crack\
ed or damaged connectors
should be replaced. When changing the spark plugs, clean the terminals a\
nd the rubber seals.

Hoisting the car

If a garage jack is used to lift the car, the two jack attachments point\
s should be used. They are specially
reinforced to bear the weight of the car. A garage jack can also be plac\
ed under the front of the engine
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_806.htm (1 of 11)12/30/2006 \
9:59:52 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org