
1996 Volvo 850
Used for measuring shorter distances. The last digit indicates 1/10 mile\
/kilometer. A black number on a white background =
original speedometer. A red number on a white background = replacement s\
peedometer.
9 Tachometer
Reads thousands of engine rpm. Engine should not be operated in red rang\
e. The highest permitted constant engine speed is
6,300 rpm (turbo: 6,200 rpm, B 5252 S: 6,000 rpm). pg. 1:3 Indicator and warning lights
1 Turn signal, left
2 Turn signal , right
3 (Not in use)
4 Low washer fluid level
If the lamp glows continuously when the engine is running, there is only\
about 1/2 - 1 US qt. remaining in the washer fluid
reservoir.
5 Low fuel level
When the lamp glows, only about 1.8 US gals. (8 liters) of fuel remain\
6 Rear fog light
7 High beams
8 (Not in use)
9 Bulb failure warning sensor
10 (Not in use)
11 (Not in use)
12 SRS
13 Generator not charging
14 Low engine oil pressure
15 Brake warning light
16 Parking brake applied
17 ABS-system
18 Ambient temperature warning light* (certain models)
(see pp. 1:11 or 1:14 for more information)
19 Transmission mode "W", or gear positions 3 or L engaged (automatic t\
ransmissions)
20 Low coolant level
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1996 Volvo 850
21 Traction Control System (option)
22 Malfunction indicator lamp
(See
page 1:4 for more information)
23 (Not in use)
* Warning light is amber.
pg. 1:4 Warning lights
The warning lights described on pages
1:4 and 1:5 should never stay on when driving
When the ignition key is turned on, and before the engine starts, all of\
the warning lights should be on to test the function of the
bulbs. Should a light not go off after the engine has started, the syste\
m indicated should be inspected. However, the parking brake
reminder light will not go off until the parking brake is fully released\
.
Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, check the tension of \
the generator drive belt as soon as possible.
Malfunction indicator lamp
If the lamp comes on (or stays on after the vehicle has started), the \
engine diagnostic system has detected a possible fault in the
emission control system. Although driveability may not be affected, see \
an authorized Volvo retailer as soon as possible for
inspection.
NOTE: if the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is r\
unning when the car is refueled, the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp may indicate a fault. Use only Volvo original or approved fuel fill\
er caps.
Oil pressure warning light
If the light comes on while driving, the oil pressure is too low. Stop t\
he car and then stop the engine immediately and check the
engine oil level. See the section titled "Engine oil". If the light stay\
s on after restart, have the car towed to the nearest authorized
Volvo retailer. After hard driving, the light may come on occasionally w\
hen the engine is idling. This is normal, provided it goes
off when the engine speed is increased.
Parking brake reminder light
This light will be on when the parking brake (hand brake) is applied. \
The parking brake lever is situated between the front seats.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:
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1996 Volvo 850
authorized Volvo retailer for an inspection of the system. See the SRS s\
ection for more information.
Service reminder indicator
This light will come on at 10,000 mile (16,000 km) intervals*, after 7\
50 hours of driving or after 12 months, whichever occurs
first. It is a reminder to the driver that the service interval has been\
exceeded. The light will stay on 2 minutes after the start until
reset by the servicing retailer.
* Turbo models intervals: 5,000 miles (8,000 km), 500 hours of driving\
or after 12 months, whichever occurs first.
Bulb failure warning light
The light will come on if any of the following bulbs are defective:
l one of the low beam headlights
l one of the tail lights
l one of the brake lights when the brake pedal is depressed.
Check the fuse and bulb. See sections titled "Replacing bulbs" and "Fuse\
s".
Should the warning light come on after a defective outside bulb has been\
replaced, the corresponding bulb on the other side of the
car should also be replaced.
Contents | Top of Page
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1996 Volvo 850
Turn signals
1 Lane change position. In maneuvers such as lane changing, the driver c\
an flash the turn signals by
moving the turn signal lever to the first stop and holding it there. The\
lever will return to the neutral
position when released.
2 Signal lever engaged for normal turns.
3 High beam/low beam switch (headlights on).
Move the lever towards the steering wheel and release it.
Headlight flasher (headlights off).
Move the lever towards the steering wheel. The headlight high beam will \
be on until the lever is
released.
NOTE: A defective turn signal bulb will cause the turn signal indicator \
and remaining signal lights to
flash more rapidly than normal. pg. 1:7 Windshield wipers/washers, Ignition switch
Windshield wiper/washer
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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
In case of emergency
pg. 6:1 In case of an emergency
In case of emergency
Even if you maintain your car in good running condition, there is always\
the possibility that something
might go wrong and prevent you from driving, such as a punctured tire, b\
lown fuse or bulb, etc. For
additional information, see section "ON CALL Road Assistance".
6:2 Wheel changing
6:4Spare tire
6:5Replacing bulbs
6:13Replacing fuses
6:15Installation of accessories
6:16Replacing wiper blades
6:18In case of emergency
pg. 6:2 Wheel changing
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1996 Volvo 850
pg. 6:5 Replacing bulbs
Replacing bulbs
Make sure when installing bulbs, that the guide pin on the socket fits i\
nto its corresponding recess.
When installing Halogen bulbs, do not touch the glass with your fingers \
because grease, oil or any other
impurities can be carbonized onto the bulb and damage the reflector. Use\
bulbs of correct type and
voltage. Failure to do so could cause the bulb failure warning light to \
activate.
NOTE: Turn the ignition and the light switch off before replacing any bu\
lbs.
Parking light/direction indicator
1. Loosen the spring which retains the lamp housing.
2. Withdraw the entire lamp housing; separate the bulb holder from the l\
amp unit.
3. Leave the connector with its wires in the bulb holder.
4. Remove the bulb from the holder by pressing in and turning counter-cl\
ockwise.
5. Insert a new bulb and reinstall the unit in the reverse order. pg. 6:6 Replacing bulbs
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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.
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