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
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
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
examine the curved metal wire to see if it is broken. If so, put in a ne\
w fuse of the same color and
amperage (written on the fuse). Spare fuses are stored in a compartmen\
t in the fuse box.
If fuses burn out repeatedly, have the electrical system tested at a Vol\
vo retailer.
If you find it difficult to remove a fuse, you will find a special fuse \
tool clipped in the fuse box. pg. 6:14 Fuses
Location * Amperage
1 Fuel injection, distributor ignition system, automatic gearbox 15A
2 Fuel pump 15A
3 Interior courtesy lights 10A
4 –
5 ECC blower (speed 4) 30A
6 Central locking system 25A
7 Audio system 15A
8 –
9 ABS 30A
10 Electrically heated rear seat 15A
11 Electrically heated rear window and side-door mirrors 30A
12 Brake lights 10A
13 Hazard warning flashers, headlight flashers 15A
14 ABS 30A
15 OBD socket, courtesy lights, open door warning lights,
remote operated central locking system 10A
16 Power antenna, electrical connector for trailer, accessories 30A
17 Key reminder, seat belt reminder 10A
18 Front fog lights 15A
19 Left high beam 15A
20 Right high beam, high beam indicator light 15A
21 Left low beam 15A
22 Right low beam 15A
23 Left parking lights, license plate lights 10A
24 Right parking lights 10A
25 Rear fog light, rear fog light indicator light 10A
26 Heated front/rear seats, power side-view mirrors 25A
27 Backup lights, direction indicators 15A
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1996 Volvo 850
Engine oil Quality: Meeting API specification SG
or SH Capacity (incl. filter): 850 (5-
cyl. engine) 5.6 US qts./5.3
liters (certain models: 6.1 US
qts./5.8 liters)
850 Turbo - 5.6 US qts. (5.3
liters)*
Automatic transmission
fluid Quality: ATF Dexron IIE/ III and
Mercon Capacity: 8 US qts. (7.6 liters)
Manual transmission fluid Quality: Volvo synthetic gearbox oil
1161423 Capacity: 2.2 US qts (2.1
liters)
Power steering fluid Quality: ATF Capacity: 0.85 US qts. (0.8
liters)
Brake fluid Quality: DOT 4+ Capacity: 0.64 US qts. (0.6
liters)
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
* Add 0.95 qts. (0.9 liters) if the oil cooler has been drained Capaci\
ty: 8 US qts (7.6 liters)
pg. 9:3 Specifications
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1996 Volvo 850
1st gear 3.07:1
2nd gear 1.77:1
3rd gear 1.19:1
4th gear 0.87:1
5th gear 0.70:1
Reverse 2.99:1
Automatic transmission: AW 50-42 LE
4-speed automatic electronically controlled gearbox comprising a hydraul\
ic torque converter with a lock-
up function; planetary gear, integrated final drive.
Operation via a floor mounted gear selector lever. Drive shafts with sym\
metrical joint location.
Final drive ratio 2.74:1 (Turbo: 2.54:1)
Reduction ratios
1st gear 3.61:1
2nd gear 2.06:1
3rd gear 1.37:1
4th gear 0.98:1
Reverse 3.95:1
Capacities
Fuel tank 19.3 US gals (73 liters)
Cooling System 7.4 US qts. (7.0 liters)
Engine oil (incl. filter) 5.6 US qts. (5.3 liters)*
Automatic transmission 2 US gals (7.6 liters)
Manual transmission 2.2 US qts. (2.1 liters)
Power steering fluid 0.8 US qts. (0.8 liter)
Washer fluid reservoir 3.2 US qts. (3.0 liters)
Brake/clutch system 0.6 US qts (0.6 liters)
* Certain models: 6.1 US qts. (5.8 liters)
Turbo: Add 0.95 US qt. (0.9 liters) if the oil cooler has been drained\
.
Vehicle Loading
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