1996 VOLVO 850 light

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.
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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.
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1996 Volvo 850
can cause three-way catalytic converter or exhaust system overheating.
l Remember that tampering or unauthorized modification to the engine or th\
e vehicle may be illegal
and can cause three-way catalytic converter or exhaust system overheatin\
g. This includes:
- Altering fuel injection settings or components.
- Adjusting distributor ignition timing beyond specified limits.
- Altering emission system components or location or removing components\

- Repeated use of leaded fuel.

NOTE: Unleaded fuel is required for cars with three-way catalytic conver\
ters. A label on the instrument
panel and inside fuel tank filler door will remind owners and filling st\
ation attendants of this
requirement.

Important! It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into any vehicle label\
ed "unleaded gasoline only".
pg. 4:16 Brake system


Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

If the warning lamp lights up there is a malfunction of the ABS system (\
the standard braking system will
however function) and the vehicle should be driven to a Volvo retailer \
for inspection. The Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and s\
teering) during severe braking
conditions by limiting brake lock-up. When the system "senses" impending\
lock-up, braking pressure is
automatically modulated in order to help prevent lockup, which could lea\
d to a skid.
The system performs a self-diagnostic test when the vehicle first reache\
s a speed of approximately 12
mph (20 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsate several times and a sound \
may be audible from the ABS
control module. This is normal.
To obtain optimal effect from the ABS system, constant pressure should b\
e kept on the brake pedal
while the system is modulating the brakes. Do not pump the brake pedal. \

The switching of the ABS modulator will be audible and the brake pedal w\
ill pulsate at this time. Please
be aware that ABS does not increase the absolute braking potential of th\
e vehicle. While control will be
enhanced, ABS will not shorten stopping distances on slippery surfaces. \

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1996 Volvo 850


Brake circuit malfunction

If one of the brake circuits should malfunction, the red warning light w\
ill come on, the pedal stroke
increases slightly, the pedal feels softer and extra pressure is require\
d for normal braking. If the light
comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately and check the brake \
fluid level in the reservoir.
WARNING! If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in either section of t\
he reservoir: DO NOT
DRIVE. Tow the car to a Volvo retailer and have the brake system checked\
and repaired.

Moisture on brake discs and brake pads affects braking.

Driving in rain and slush or passing through an automatic car wash can c\
ause water to collect on the
brake discs and pads. This will cause a delay in braking effect when the\
pedal is depressed. To avoid
such a delay when the brakes are needed, depress the pedal occasionally \
when driving through rain,
slush etc. This will remove the water from the brakes. Check that brake \
application feels normal! This
should also be done after washing or starting in very damp weather.

Severe strain on the brake system

The brakes will be subject to severe strain when driving in mountains or\
hilly areas or towing. The speed
is usually low which means that the cooling of the brakes is less effici\
ent than when driving on level
roads. To reduce the strain on the brakes it is advisable not to use the\
brakes excessively. Instead, shift
into a lower gear, position 3 or in some cases, L(automatic transmissio\
n) and let the engine help with the
braking. Do not forget that, if you are towing a trailer, the brakes wil\
l be subjected to greater load than is
normal.

If the brake power-assist does function

The power assist to the brakes functions only when the engine is running\
. When the car is moving
without the engine running, the brake pedal pressure required to stop th\
e car is increased by 3-4 times
and the brake pedal feels stiff.
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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
l Check condition of drive belts.
l Check state of charge of battery.
l Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those th\
at are worn. Check tire pressures.
l The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked b\
y your Volvo retailer only.
l Check all lights, including high beams.
l Reflective warning triangles are legal requirement in some countries.
l Have a word with your Volvo retailer concerning engine adjustments if yo\
u intend to drive in
countries where it may be difficult to obtain correct fuel.
l Consider your destination. If you will be driving through an area where \
snow or ice are likely to
occur, consider snow tires.




Contents | Top of Page
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1996 Volvo 850

NOTE: When storing wheel/tire assemblies (e.g. winter tires and wheels)\
, either stand the assemblies
upright or suspend them off the ground. Laying wheel/tire assemblies on \
their sides for prolonged
periods can cause wheel and/or tire damage.

Wear indicator

The tires have a so-called "wear indicator" in the form of a number of n\
arrow strips running across or
parallel to the tread. When approx. 1/16" (1.6 mm) is left on the trea\
d, these strips show up and indicate
that the tire should be replaced.
Tires with less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread have a very poor grip in rai\
n or snow.
When replacing worn tires, it is recommended that the tire be identical \
in type (radial) and size as the
one being replaced. Using a tire of the same make (manufacturer) will \
prevent alteration of the driving
characteristics of the vehicle.

To improve tire economy:

l Maintain correct tire pressure.
l Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking and tire screeching.
l Tire wear increases with speed.
l Do not change wheel location unless necessary.
l Correct front wheel alignment is very important.
l Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and driving comfort.
l If the wheels are rotated, they should be kept on the same side of the c\
ar so that they revolve in the
same direction as prior to rotation.
l Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently\
.

Flat spots

All tires become warm during use. After cooling, when the vehicle is par\
ked, the tires have a tendency to
distort slightly, forming flat spots. These flat spots can cause vibrati\
ons similar to the vibrations caused
by imbalanced wheels. They do, however, disappear when the tire warms up\
. The degree to which the
flat spots form depends on the type of cord used in the tire. Remember t\
hat, in cold weather, it takes
longer for the tire to warm up and consequently longer for the flat spot\
to disappear.
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1996 Volvo 850
WARNING!
l The jack attachment must engage the bar in the jack attachment (A). Th\
e car's weight must not rest
on the jack's attachment (B).
l Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-slippery surface.
l Never allow any part of your body to be extended under a car supported b\
y a jack.
l Use the jack intended for the car when replacing a wheel. For any other \
job, use stands to support
the end of the car being worked on.
l Apply the parking brake, select position P (automatic transmission) or\
Reverse gear (manual
transmission).
l Block the wheels standing on the ground. Use rigid wooden blocks or larg\
e stones.
l The jack should be kept well-greased.

Installing the wheel

Clean the contact surfaces on the wheel and hub. Lift the wheel and plac\
e it on the hub. Make sure that
you align the wheel with the guide stud on the wheel hub prior to instal\
lation. Install the wheel bolts
cross-wise (see illustration) and tighten by turning lightly clockwise\
. Lower the vehicle to the ground
and alternately tighten the bolts to 81 ft. lbs. (110 NM). Install the\
wheel cap (where applicable).
CAUTION: Correct tightening torque on wheel bolts must be observed. The \
wheel bolts should never
be greased or lubricated. The extended, chromed wheel bolts must not be \
used with steel rims, as they
make is impossible to fit the hub caps.


Correct tightening order for wheel bolts
pg. 6:4 Spare tire
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