1996 Volvo 850
A-Left front, B-right front, C-left rear, D-right rear
Electrically-operated windows
The electrically operated windows are controlled by switches in the cent\
er console as shown in the
illustration above. The starting (ignition) switches must be ON (posi\
tion II) for the electrically-operated
windows to function. The window is lowered if the rear part of the switc\
h is pressed and raised if the
front part of the switch is pressed.
NOTE: Driver's window only (AUTO): The window can be opened completely\
by pressing the rear part
of the switch lightly and releasing it immediately. The window can be st\
opped by pressing the button
again. If the button is held down, the window will be lowered until the \
button is released.
The power window motors have an overload protecting circuit breaker whic\
h is activated when an object
blocks a window. Should this occur, remove the object and wait 20 second\
s for the circuit breaker to
reset. The power windows should then function.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_119.htm (9 of 10)12/30/2006 \
9:59:03 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
1996 Volvo 850
Cut-out switch for electrically-operated rear-door windows
If your car is equipped with electrically-operated rear door windows, th\
is function can be disabled by a
switch located on the center console. This switch is positioned 90° i\
n relation to the other switches.
ON The rear door windows can be raised or lowered with the respective do\
or switch as well as the
switch on the center console.
OFF The rear door windows cannot be raised or lowered with the respectiv\
e door switch but instead
only with the corresponding switch on the center console.
WARNING! Remove the starting (ignition) key when children are left una\
ttended in the
vehicle.
Make sure that children's hands are clear before raising the windows.
Contents | Top of Page
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_119.htm (10 of 10)12/30/2006\
9:59:03 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
1996 Volvo 850
pg. 1:69 Audio systems, general information
FM stereo reception
Stereo reception places very high demands on the signal quality which me\
ans the type of distortions
previously mentioned become even more obvious. The signal strength needs\
to be stronger for good
stereo reception and this limits the effective range of the slender.
We hope that this information proves to be useful and provides you with \
a better understanding of the
problems related to car radio reception.
Reception conditions are not always optimum and this is, of course, beyo\
nd our control. However, we
have endeavored to make the Volvo Audio System of a quality that will en\
able you to enjoy the best
possible reception no matter what the reception conditions may be.
Radio antenna (sedans)
NOTE: Always lower the antenna when using an automatic car wash or enter\
ing a garage.
The antenna should be cleaned at least every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) \
or more frequently if needed.
Use WD40 for cleaning.
Spray the antenna with WD40 and wipe it clean and dry with a rag. Spray \
it again. Lower and raise the
antenna. Wipe it clean and dry again. Lower and raise the antenna 4-6 ti\
mes. Make sure it is dry and free
from dirt or lubricating oil.
Radio antenna (wagons)
The radio antenna is built into the driver side window of the cargo area\
. This antenna also has a factory
installed antenna booster.
NOTE: The antenna will not work without this booster.
Place objects in the cargo area so that the antenna wires on the inside \
of the window will not be
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_166.htm (6 of 7)12/30/2006 9\
:59:19 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
1996 Volvo 850
damaged. When cleaning the window be careful that the wires are not scra\
tched by rings, etc. If they are
damaged, radio reception will be impaired.
Cassettes
l Store cassettes in their cases.
l Do not touch the tape surface with your fingers.
l Tapes should not be exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. \
l Keep tapes away from oil, grease and other contaminants.
l For optimal tape deck performance Volvo does not recommend the use of C-\
120 tapes.
l Take up slack using a pen or a pencil before inserting a cassette in the\
cassette slot.
Cassette cleaning
We recommend the use of the Volvo Cleaning Cassette available as a genui\
ne Volvo accessory. Regular
use improves sound quality, cleans vital parts and prevents tape tangle.\
Contents | Top of Page
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_166.htm (7 of 7)12/30/2006 9\
:59:19 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
1996 Volvo 850
pg. 2:11 Storage compartments
1 Compartment in center console (certain models)
2 Glove compartment
3 Compartment in armrest (certain models)
4 Compartment in door
5 Compartment beside front seat (certain models)
6 Compartment between front seats
7 Pocket on rear of front seat
8 Pocket on rear of front seat
9 Mugholder (certain models)
WARNING! Packages on the rear window shelf can obscure vision and may become dang\
erous
projectiles in the event of a sudden stop or an accident.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_206.htm (10 of 11)12/30/2006\
9:59:22 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
1996 Volvo 850
pg. 3:9 Child safety
Child Restraint Anchorages
Volvo cars can be fitted with Child Restraint Top Tether Anchorages in t\
he rear seat.
Sedans: There are three pre-drilled anchorage points under the rear wind\
ow shelf which are not visible from the passenger
compartment.
Wagons: The anchorage points are on the rear seat backrest and are hidde\
n by plastic covers. The backrest must be folded down to
access the center anchorage point.
In cars designated for Canada, one top tether anchorage set will be in t\
he glove box.
Installing the top tether
Sedans: The pre-drilled holes for the child restraint anchorages are und\
erneath the rear window shelf and can be accessed from the
trunk or by lowering the rear seat backrests.
Wagons: Remove the plastic cover on the anchorage point you intend to us\
e.
On either model, refer to the child seat manufacturer's instructions for\
securing the seat.
An additional bolt may be required. This may be obtained from your autho\
rized Volvo retailer.
WARNING! Child Restraint Anchorages are designed to withstand only those\
loads imposed by correctly fitted Child Restraints.
Under no circumstances are they to be used for adult seat belts or harne\
sses. The anchorages are not able to withstand excessive
forces on them in the event of collision if full harness seat belts or a\
dult seat belts are installed to them. An adult who uses a belt
anchored in a Child Restraint Anchorage runs a great risk of suffering s\
evere injuries should a collision occur. Do not install rear
speakers which would require the removal of the top tether anchors or in\
terfere with the proper use of the top tether strap.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_309.htm (1 of 7)12/30/2006 9\
:59:30 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
1996 Volvo 850
WARNING! Do not remove the coolant expansion tank
cap.
See "Coolant" to check and top-up the coolant level if necessary.
CAUTION: Drive slowly and carefully if going through standing water (i.\
e. flooded roadways, etc.).
Damage to engine could result if excess water is ingested through the ai\
r intake system.
Never drive the vehicle in water deeper than 1 foot (300 mm).
See the flood warning on page 3:7.
WARNING! Do not drive with trunk lid or tailgate open!
Poisonous exhaust gases may enter via the trunk lid or tailgate.
If the trunk lid/tailgate must be kept open for any reason, proceed as f\
ollows:
l Close the windows.
l Set the ventilation system control to air to floor, windshield and side \
windows and blower control to
its highest setting.
Electrical system
When replacing the battery or when carrying out work involving the elect\
rical system, the following
should be observed:
l A battery connection to the wrong terminal will damage the diodes. Befor\
e connections are made,
check the polarity of the battery with a voltmeter.
l If booster batteries are used for starting, they must be properly connec\
ted to minimize the risk of the
diode being damaged. For correct connection, see "Jump starting" section\
.
l Never disconnect the battery circuit (for example, to replace the batte\
ry) while the engine is running,
as this will immediately ruin the generator. Always make sure that all t\
he battery connections are
properly tightened.
l If any electrical-welding work is performed on the vehicle, the ground l\
ead and all the connecting
cables of the generator must be disconnected and the welder cables place\
d as near the welding point as
possible.
l The radio must be turned off before the battery is disconnected.
l The anti-theft code must be re-entered before the radio will function pr\
operly.
l The electrical system in your car is designed to accommodate Volvo acces\
sories. It also has an
accessory connector beneath the dashboard on the driver's side.
pg. 4:11 Points to remember
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_406.htm (8 of 10)12/30/2006 \
9:59:34 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
1996 Volvo 850
1 - Plastic cover, 2 - Bulb HB4/9006
3 - Bulb HB3/9005, 4 - Connector
Headlight bulb replacement
1. Turn the plastic cover counter-clockwise and remove it.
2. Turn the bulb and connector (one unit) 1/4 turn counter-clockwise a\
nd remove.
3. Disconnect the wiring from the bulb unit.
4. Connect a new bulb unit into the wiring without touching the bulb its\
elf.
5. Re-insert the bulb into the headlight housing and turn 1/4 turn clock\
wise until the unit seats properly.
The unit has three guide lugs to ensure proper seating.
6. Reinstall the plastic cover.
Headlight adjustment
The height of the headlight beams can be adjusted according to vehicle l\
oad. The headlights should be re-
aimed if heavy loads are carried in the trunk/cargo area or rear seat, o\
r when towing a trailer.
To adjust the headlights:
l Park the car on a level surface and open the hood.
l The headlights are equipped with a level which can be seen by looking th\
rough the clear "window" on
the top of the headlight lens.
l Turn the height adjustment knob (A) until the bubble in the level alig\
ns with the "0" marks or within
the dark marking lines.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_605.htm (2 of 13)12/30/2006 \
9:59:43 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org