1996 Volvo 850
Instruments, switches and controls
pg. 1:1 Instruments, switches and controls
IMPORTANT!
Your car is equipped with a Shiftlock-Keylock system.
SHIFTLOCK:
When your car is parked, the gear selector is locked in the (P)ark pos\
ition. To release the selector from this position, turn the
ignition key to position II (or start the engine), depress the brake p\
edal, press the button on the front side of the gear selector and
move the selector from (P)ark.
If it is necessary to manually override the Shiftlock system,
see page 6:18 for instructions.
KEYLOCK:
This means that when you switch off the ignition, the gear selector must\
be in the (P)ark position before the starting (ignition)
key can be removed from the ignition switch.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS):
The ABS system in your car performs a self-diagnostic test when the vehi\
cle is started and at 12 mph (20 km/h). The brake pedal
will pulsate several times and a sound will be audible from the ABS cont\
rol module. This is normal.
The pages in this section provide detailed descriptions of the vehicle's\
instruments and controls. Note that vehicles may be
equipped differently, depending on special legal requirements.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_101.htm (1 of 7)12/30/2006 9\
:58:55 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
1996 Volvo 850
page
1:191 Air vent
1:62 Turn signals, high/low beams,
1:15cruise control
1:83 Rear fog light, instrument lighting
1:64 Headlights, parking lights
1:1 - 1:55 Instruments
1:76 Windshield wiper/washer
1:97 Hazard warning flashers
1:198 Air mix
1:199 Air vents
1:19 - 1:2310 Heating and ventilation
3:4, 3:611 Passenger side SRS (air bag) hatch
1:25 - 1:70 12 Audio system
1:1713 Ash tray
4:914 Shiftlock override button
1:1615 Electrically-heated front seats (optional)
1:1716 Parking brake
1:2417 Electrically operated windows
2:7and side door mirrors
1:1718 Cigarette lighter
2:1019 Hood release
1:820 Front fog lights (optional)
1:821 Central locking button
1:1822 Adjustable steering wheel
1:723 Starting (ignition) switch/steering wheel lock
- 24 Space for additional equipment
1:3, 1:5, 1:9
25 Traction control system (optional)
2:9 26 Electrically operated sun roof (optional)
1:12 - 1:1427 Trip computer (optional)
1:928 Heated rear window/heated door mirrors
3:429 Horn/SRS
Some of the items below are available on certain models only.
pg. 1:2 Instruments
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_101.htm (2 of 7)12/30/2006 9\
:58:55 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
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:
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_101.htm (5 of 7)12/30/2006 9\
:58:55 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
1996 Volvo 850
pg. 1:6 Headlights, Parking lights, Turn signals
Headlights and parking lights
O All lights off *
Parking lights on **
Headlights and parking lights are on if starting (ignition) switch is\
in positions I or II.
If the headlight switch is in position
all lights will go out when starting switch is switched off.
With the headlight switch in position
the parking lights will stay on (headlights off) with the daytime
running light screw (A) in position
.
The high beams can only be switched on if the headlight switch is in pos\
ition
.
Switch from high to low beams and vice versa by moving the turn signal s\
witch lever on the left side of
the steering column towards the steering wheel.
* Models equipped with daytime running lights: The low beams, tail light\
s, parking lights and license
plate lights will come on automatically when the ignition is switched on\
.
** The daytime running lights will also function when the headlight swit\
ch is in position
and the
daytime running light screw (A) is in position
.
For additional information on the daytime running lights, see page 1:8. \
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_106.htm (1 of 9)12/30/2006 9\
:58:57 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
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
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_106.htm (2 of 9)12/30/2006 9\
:58:57 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
1996 Volvo 850
WARNING: Never turn the key to position O while driving or when the car \
is
being towed.
I Intermediate position:
Certain accessories, etc. on, daytime running lights off.
II Drive position:
Key position when engine is running.
III Starting position:
Release the key when the engine starts. The key returns automatically to\
driving
position.
* On cars equipped with an automatic transmission the gear selector must\
also be in
the (P)ark position.
Starting (ignition) switch/steering wheel lock
The steering wheel lock might be under tension when the car is parked. T\
urn the steering wheel slightly
to free the ignition key.
In order to reduce car theft, make sure the steering wheel lock is engag\
ed before leaving the car.
A chime will sound if the starting key is left in the ignition lock and \
the front door on the driver's side is
opened. pg. 1:8 Instrument illumination, Fog lights, Daytime running lights
A - Instrument illumination
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_106.htm (4 of 9)12/30/2006 9\
:58:57 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
1996 Volvo 850
Trip computer controls
Select one of the trip computer's six functions by using control B. The \
Reset button (C) is used to reset
the following functions:
l Average speed
l Average fuel consumption
l Trip meter
Rotate the control to the required position and press the button for at \
least two seconds to reset the
selected function.
NOTE: If pressure is maintained on the button for another three seconds,\
all three of the functions
mentioned above will be reset.
pg. 1:13 Trip computer (certain models)
Average speed Ø mph (Canada: km/h)
Average speed since the function was last reset. When the ignition is sw\
itched off, the average speed is
stored in memory and is used as the basis for the new figure when the en\
gine is started again. It can be
reset by pressing the reset button on the trip computer control.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_111.htm (3 of 5)12/30/2006 9\
:58:59 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
1996 Volvo 850
NOTE: (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)
When driving up steep hills with the cruise control engaged, the transmi\
ssion may shift intermittently.
This can be avoided by switching between transmission modes E or S while\
on the hill.
Normally, the ( E )conomy mode should be used when the cruise control \
is engaged.
Acceleration
Momentary acceleration, such as for passing, does not interrupt cruise c\
ontrol operation. The previously
selected speed will be maintained without having to set the switch to RE\
SUME.
To disengage the cruise control system :
Set switch (B) to OFF, depress the brake pedal or move the gear select\
or to position N. Switching off the
starting (ignition) switch will automatically disengage the cruise con\
trol system.
On cars equipped with manual transmissions, the cruise control can also \
be disengaged by depressing
the clutch.
WARNING! The cruise control should not be used in heavy traffic or when \
driving on wet or slippery
roads. Do not use or resume cruise control in reverse gear.
When the ignition is switched off, any information stored in the cruise \
control memory is erased.
pg. 1:16 Heated front seats
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_115.htm (2 of 7)12/30/2006 9\
:59:00 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org