1996 VOLVO 850 check engine

1996 Volvo 850

1 Fuel gauge

The fuel tank holds approximately 19.3 US gals. (73 liters). When the \
warning light comes on, there is approximately 1.8 US
gals. (8 liters) of fuel remaining in the tank. See "Refueling" for fu\
rther information.

2 Boost pressure gauge

(Turbo models only)
The boost pressure gauge is divided into sections. Black sections: The e\
ngine acts as a normally aspirated engine. Best fuel
economy is achieved while driving in this range. White section: The turb\
ocharger provides boost pressure.

3 Temperature gauge

The pointer should be approximately midway on the gauge face when drivin\
g. If the pointer approaches the red range repeatedly,
check coolant level. Do not drive the car with the pointer in the red ra\
nge. See "Coolant" section.

4 Trip odometer reset button

5 Clock, ambient temperature sensor (certain models), trip computer (\
certain models)

6 Speedometer

7 Odometer

8 Trip odometer

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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


Brake fluid warning light
If the light comes on while driving or braking, this indicates that the \
brake fluid level is too low.
Stop immediately, open the hood and check the brake fluid level in the r\
eservoir (see section "Engine compartment" for reservoir
position)!
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:

WARNING! If the level is below the MIN mark in either section of the res\
ervoir: DO NOT DRIVE. Tow the car to a Volvo
retailer and have the brake system checked and any leakage repaired.
pg. 1:5 Warning lights

If the TRACS (TRaction Control System) is manually disengaged with the\
switch on the dashboard, the warning light will come
on. This will also come on to indicate a TRAC's malfunction, and when th\
e brakes overheat, although it goes out again at the
normal temperature level. If the lamp remains on, the system should be c\
hecked by an authorized Volvo retailer. This lamp
should not be confused with the ON/OFF indicator lamp above the switch. \
See page 1:9 for additional information.


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). The
vehicle should be driven to a Volvo retailer for inspection.
See page 4:16 for additional information.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:



Coolant level sensor
If the light comes on while driving, the coolant level is low. The coola\
nt level in the expansion tank should be checked
immediately and topped off if necessary. The cooling system should be in\
spected by an authorized Volvo retailer.


Mode "W" engaged
The lamp will light up when the Winter/Wet mode is engaged or if gears "\
3" or "L" are selected.
If the warning lamp begins to flash , this means that there is a fault i\
n the automatic gearbox.
Contact your Volvo retailer.


Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
If the light comes on (or stays on after the vehicle has started), the\
SRS diagnostic system has detected a fault. Drive to an
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1996 Volvo 850

A self-diagnostic system incorporated in the sensor monitors the SRS. Th\
is system does not, however,
monitor the SIPS airbags. If a fault is detected, the "SRS" warning ligh\
t will illuminate. The light is
included in the warning/indicator light cluster in the instrument panel.\
Normally, the SRS warning lamp
should light up when the ignition is switched on and should go out after\
10 seconds or when the engine
is started. Check that this light is functioning properly every time the\
car is started.

The following items are monitored by all the self-diagnostic system:
l Sensor unit
l Cable harness
l Gas generator ignitors
WARNING!
Never drive an SRS equipped car with your hands on the steering wheel pa\
d/airbag housing.
No objects, accessory equipment or stickers may be placed on, attached t\
o or installed near the SRS
cover in the center of the steering wheel, the SRS cover above the glove\
compartment or the area
affected by the airbag deployment.
If the SRS warning light stays on after the engine has started or if it \
comes on while you are driving,
drive the car to the nearest authorized Volvo retailer for inspection as\
soon as possible.

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1996 Volvo 850

NOTE - ENGINE OIL:

Although some oil consumption during normal engine operation, more oil i\
s consumed when the engine
is new as the internal parts generate higher friction while wearing-in t\
o each other. From the time the
engine is new until the first service is performed, the oil consumption \
could be higher than normal. For
this reason, it is especially important to check the oil every time you \
refuel your car during this period.
See page 8:10.
In general, the rate of oil consumption depends on such factors as: engi\
ne temperature, length of trip,
driving conditions, oil viscosity and quality, engine speed and accelera\
tion/deceleration.
Checking your engine oil level each time the car is refuelled is one of \
the most important items you can
perform to help keep your car in good running order.

Manual transmission

The following speeds should not be exceeded during the break-in period: \
Up to 600 miles
(1000 km) 600 - 1,200 miles
(1000 - 2000 km)
1st gear 20 mph (30 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h)
2nd gear 30 mph (50 km/h) 40 mph (70 km/h)
3rd gear 45 mph (80 km/h) 65 mph (100 km/
h)
4th gear 70 mph (110 km/
h) 80 mph (130 km/
h)
5th gear/
overdrive 80 mph (130 km/
h) 95 mph (150 km/
h)
Posted speed limits should not be exceeded.
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1996 Volvo 850

Deposit control gasoline

Volvo recommends the use of gasoline containing deposit control additive\
s. These additives have shown
to be efficient in keeping injectors and intake valves clean. Consistent\
use of deposit control gasolines
will help ensure good driveability and fuel economy. If you are not sure\
whether the gasoline contains
deposit control additives, check with the service station operator.

Unleaded Fuel

Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleade\
d gasoline (as specified on the
instrument panel and by a label near the filler inlet). U.S. and Canadi\
an regulations require that pumps
delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps ha\
ve nozzles which fit your
car's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicl\
e labelled "unleaded gasoline only".
Leaded gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the heated\
oxygen sensor system.
Repeated use of leaded gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of the emi\
ssion control system and could
result in loss of emission warranty coverage. State and local vehicle in\
spection programs will make
detection of misfueling easier, possibly resulting in emission test fail\
ure for misfueled vehicles. pg. 4:3 Fuel requirements, Refueling
Octane Rating

Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium g\
asoline with an octane
rating, AKI of 91, or above. AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of t\
he Research Octane
Number, RON, and the Motor Octane Number, MON, (RON + MON/ 2).
The minimum octane requirement is AKI 87 (RON 91).

Gasoline Containing Alcohol and Ethers

"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usua\
lly alcohols or ethers. In some
areas, state or local laws require that the service pump be marked indic\
ating use of alcohol or ethers.
However, there are areas in which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not\
sure whether there is alcohol
or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check with the service station operat\
or. To meet seasonal air quality
restrictions, some states require the use of "oxygenated" fuel in certai\
n areas.
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1996 Volvo 850
CAUTION: Take care not to spill gasoline during refueling. Gasolines con\
taining alcohol can cause
damage to painted surfaces, which may not be covered under the New Vehic\
le Limited Warranty.
Do not use gasoline containing methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol)\
. This practice can result in
vehicle performance deterioration and can damage critical parts in the f\
uel system. Such damage may
not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
pg. 4:4 Driving economy
Economical driving does not necessarily mean driving slowly

Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid\
starts and stops and
adjusting the speed of your vehicle to immediate traffic conditions. Obs\
erve the following rules:
l Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by \
driving with a light foot on
the accelerator pedal for the first minutes of operation. A cold engine \
uses more fuel and is subject to
increased wear.
l Whenever possible, avoid using the car for driving short distances. This\
does not allow the engine to
reach normal operating temperature.
l Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
l Do not exceed speed limit.
l Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the car.
l Check tire pressure regularly (check when tires are cold).
l Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
l Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc., increase air resistance and there\
by fuel consumption.
l Avoid using automatic transmission kick-down feature unless necessary.
l Avoid using the air conditioning when it is not required. When engaged, \
the air conditioner's
compressor places places an additional load on the engine.
l If your car is equipped with the optional Trip Computer, utilizing the f\
uel consumption modes can
help you "learn" how to drive more economically.

Other factors which decrease gas mileage are:
l Low tire pressure
l Worn or dirty spark plugs
l Incorrect spark plug gap
l Dirty air cleaner
l Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
l Dragging brakes
l Incorrect front end alignment
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1996 Volvo 850

Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard\
Maintenance Service
intervals.

NOTE: ( D )rive or 5th gear (manual transmissions) should be used as\
often as possible to help improve
fuel economy. pg. 4:5 Starting the engine
Starting and stopping

1. Fasten the seat belt.
WARNING! Before starting, check that the seat and steering wheel are adj\
usted properly. Make sure
the brake pedal can be depressed completely. Move the seat closer if nec\
essary. Refer to section "front
seats".

2. Apply the parking brake, if not already set. The gear selector ( aut\
omatic transmission ) is locked in
the ( P )ark position ( SHIFT LOCK ).

3. Without touching the accelerator pedal , turn the ignition key to the\
starting position. Allow the starter
to operate for 5-10 seconds (turbo: 10 seconds). Release the key as so\
on as the engine starts. If the
engine fails to start, repeat step 3.
For cold starts at altitudes above 6000 ft (1800 m), depress the accel\
erator pedal halfway and turn the
key to the starting position. Release the accelerator pedal slowly when \
the engine starts.

4. To release the gear selector from the (P)ark position (automatic t\
ransmission), the ignition key must
be in position II and the brake pedal must be depressed.
See page 6:18 for instructions on manually
overriding the SHIFTLOCK system.

Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not r\
each some lubricating points fast
enough to prevent engine damage.

NOTE: (Automatic transmission only)
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