
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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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1996 Volvo 850
pg. 8:13 Automatic transmission fluid
Check the oil level as follows:
Park the car on a level surface with the engine idling . Slowly move the\
gear selector lever through all
the shift positions and then to position P. Wait 3 minutes before checki\
ng the oil level.
As the illustration shows, the dipstick has a COLD and a HOT side. The o\
il level should between the
MIN and MAX marks. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth.
WARNING! The oil may be very
hot.
Do not use rags that could leave lint on the dipstick. The transmission \
is topped up via the dipstick tube.
The space between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick corresponds to 0\
.5 US qt. (0.5 liter). Do
not fill the transmission with too much oil, since this can result in oi\
l being ejected from the
transmission. Too little oil, on the other hand, can negatively affect t\
ransmission operation, particularly
in very cold weather.
A Cold transmission: oil temperature 105° F (40° C). This is a n\
ormal temperature for the transmission
after idling for about 10 minutes. At oil temperatures below 105° F (\
40° C), the level may be below the
MIN mark.
B Warm transmission: oil temperature 169° F (80° C). This temper\
ature after driving for about 30
minutes. At oil temperatures above 190° F (90° C), the level may\
be above the MAX mark.
Fluid type: ATF Dexron IIE/III and Mercon.
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1996 Volvo 850
CAUTION: The cooling system must always be kept filled to correct level.\
If it is not kept filled, there
can be high local temperatures in the engine which could result in damag\
e. Different types of anti-
freeze/coolant may not be mixed.
pg. 8:17 Engine compartment
Engine compartment 850
(engine B 5254 S / B 5252 S)
1 Expansion tank, coolant
2 Engine designation plate
3 Oil filler cap, engine
4 Clutch/brake system fluid reservoir
5 Fuse box
6 Washer fluid reservoir
7 Power steering fluid reservoir
8 Dipstick - engine oil
9 Dipstick - automatic transmission
10 Air cleaner
11 Battery
12 Data plate
WARNING! The cooling fan may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 \
minutes) after the engine has
been switched off.
pg. 8:18 Engine compartment (cont.)
Engine compartment 850 Turbo
(engine B 5234 T)
1 Expansion tank, coolant
2 Engine designation plate
3 Oil filler cap, engine
4 Clutch/brake system fluid reservoir
5 Fuse box
6 Washer fluid reservoir
7 Power steering fluid reservoir
8 Dipstick - engine oil
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1996 Volvo 850
Specifications
pg. 9:1 Specifications
Specifications
This chapter contains facts and figures pertaining to the technical spec\
ifications of your car.
9:2 Oil/Fluids specifications
9:3Engine specifications
9:4Cooling/fuel distributor ignition systems
9:4Front/rear suspensions
9:5Transmission, Capacities, Vehicle
loading
9:6
Electrical system/bulbs
9:7Dimensions and weights
9:8Service manuals, Road assistance
pg. 9:2 Oil/Fluids Specifications
Oil quality
Meeting API specification SG, SG/CD, SH or Energy Conserving (EC) II \
For best fuel economy and engine protection, consult with your authorize\
d Volvo retailer for
recommended oils. Oil with a different quality rating may not provide ad\
equate engine protection.
Synthetic oils complying with oil quality requirements are recommended. \
Volvo recommends the use of
fuel economy improving oils. Look for the API label.
Synthetic oils complying with oil quality requirements are recommended f\
or: Driving in areas of
sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold), when towing a trailer ov\
er long distances or for prolonged
driving in mountainous areas.
Extra oil additives must not be used unless advised by an authorized Vol\
vo retailer.
Viscosity (stable ambient temperatures):
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