1996 VOLVO 850 dashboard

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 - TRAction Control System (TRACS) - option

TRACS is a system designed as an aid when starting/driving off if one of\
the drive wheels has poor
traction due to weather conditions or the road surface and is connected \
to the ABS control module.
TRACS engages automatically at sppeds below 25 mph (40km/h) when on of\
the drive wheels loses
traction. It disengages automatically when speed exceeds 25 mph (40 km/\
h). The sound which can be
heard when the system is operating comes from the ABS syste.
TRACS can be disengaged manually using the switch on the dashboard. The \
indicator light will come on.

B - Electrically operated sun roof - option

The sun roof can be operated in two ways; as a conventional sliding roof\
or the rear edge can be raised
to provide increased ventilation. See page 2:9 for operating instruction\
s.

NOTE: In case of a sun roof malfunction, see page 6:17.

C - Trip computer - option

Turn the dial to the desired function. For more information, see pages 1\
:12-14.

D - Hazard warning flashers
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1996 Volvo 850
compartment from outside. Do not leave the system in this mode for more \
than 10-15 minutes, since the
air inside the car will become stale and condensation will form on the w\
indows.

NOTE: To help maintain stable passenger compartment temperature when dri\
ving with the sun roof or
windows open, place the blower control in position "0" and adjust the de\
sired temperature manually.

l If the panel vents are open, a certain amount of air will always flow th\
rough, regardless of the position
the function dial is in. To increase the flow of air to either the floor\
or the windows, close the panel
vents. The outer vents can be opened to avoid mist on the side windows. \
l The panel vents may emit some condensation when the air conditioning is \
initially switched on and is
quite normal. This may occur if the ambient temperature and humidity are\
high.
l The sunlight sensor (located at the top center of the dashboard) shoul\
d not be covered in any way as
this could cause incorrect information to be sent to the ECC system.
l The air conditioning is momentarily disengaged during full-throttle acce\
leration.

Difficult weather conditions

When driving in very humid conditions, heavy rain, sleet, etc., it may b\
e better to use the manual rather
than the automatic setting to defrost the windows. Set the mode selector\
to "Defrost"
or "Defrost/
floor" and the fan speed to 3 or higher. Also shut the middle air vents.\


Faults in the ECC system

The REC and AC OFF lights will flash for approximately 20 seconds if a f\
ault is detected in the ECC
system.
If this flashing recurs the next time the system is switched on, the cli\
mate control unit should be checked
by an authorized Volvo retailer.
pg. 1:24 Electrically-operated windows
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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
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1996 Volvo 850
above right headlight.
5 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) *
The VIN plate is located on the top left surface of the dashboard. The V\
IN is also stamped on the right
hand door pillar.
6 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) specifications (USA)\
and Ministry of Transport
(CMVSS) Standards (Canada)
Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable safety standards, as evide\
nced by the certification label on
the facing side of the driver's door. For further information regarding \
these regulations, please consult
your Volvo retailer.
7 Child safety latch label

* The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should always be quoted in a\
ll correspondence concerning
your vehicle with the retailer and when ordering parts.
** These decals are located on the underside of the hood.

All specifications are subject to change without notice. pg. 8:3 Maintenance service, Warranty
Maintenance service

Volvo advises you to follow the service program which is outlined in the\
"Maintenance Records
Manual". This maintenance program contains inspections and services nece\
ssary for the proper function
of your car. The maintenance services contain several checks which requi\
re special instruments and
tools and therefore must be performed by a qualified technician. To keep\
your Volvo in top condition,
specify time tested and proven Genuine Volvo Parts and Accessories.

The Federal Clean Air Act - U.S.

The Clean Air Act requires vehicle manufacturers to furnish written inst\
ructions to the ultimate
purchaser to assure the proper functioning of those components that cont\
rol emissions. The maintenance
instructions listed in the "Servicing" section of this Manual represent \
the minimum maintenance
required. These services are not covered by the warranty. You will be re\
quired to pay for labor and
material used. Refer to your Warranty booklet for further details.

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1996 Volvo 850


All specifications are subject to change without notice. Inside back cover
WARNING!
Detergents and solvents
Do not use gasoline containing lead or benzene as a detergent or solvent\
. Both lead and benzene are
toxic and may be hazardous to your health.
Installation of optional equipment/use of mobile telephones
Incorrectly installed optional equipment, alarm systems or the use of mo\
bile telephones which are not
connected to a suitable antenna can cause faults in the car's electronic\
control systems. Your car is
equipped with an accessory connector located under the dashboard on the \
driver's side. Please consult
your Volvo retailer if you have any questions before connecting accessor\
y or optional equipment to the
vehicle's electrical systems.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless and odorless gas which is pres\
ent in all exhaust gases. If
you ever smell exhaust fumes from inside the vehicle, make sure the pass\
enger compartment is
ventilated and immediately return the vehicle to your retailer for corre\
ction.
Never sit in a parked or stopped car for any extended amount of time, no\
r have it unattended while the
engine is running.
Never operate the engine in confined, unventilated areas.
Back Cover
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