1996 Volvo 850
Important
Before you operate your car for the first time, please familiarize yourself with the BREAK-IN
information on page 4:2. You should also be familiar with the information in the first three chapters of
this manual.
Information contained in the balance of the manual is extremely useful and should be studied after
operating the vehicle for the first time. This manual is structured so that it can be used for reference. It
should thus be kept in the car for ready access.
Do not export your Volvo to another country before investigating the country's applicable safety and
exhaust emission requirements. In some cases it may be difficult or impossible to comply with these
requirements. Modifications to the emission control system(s) may render your Volvo not certifiable for
legal operation in the U.S., Canada or other countries.
All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are based on the latest product
information available at the time of publication. Volvo reserves the right to make model changes at any
time, or to change specifications or design, without notice and without incurring obligation.
CAUTION: The 850 R turbo models have reduced ground clearance due to the design of the front
spoiler. Please observe caution when e.g., driving onto garage hoists, through drifted snow or when
other road debris is encountered, or when parking near curbs.
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Car care ... 7
Service and routine maintenance ... 8
Specifications ... 9 Classic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
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
D - Central locking
Press the switch to lock/unlock the doors, trunk/tailgate and on certain\
models, the fuel tank cover.
Lock: press the lower sections of the switch
Unlock: press the upper sections of the switch
NOTE: the button only functions when the doors are closed.
E - Front fog lights (option)
The front fog lights, located in the front spoiler, will only function i\
n combination with the low beam
headlights.
pg. 1:9 TRACS, Sun roof, Trip computer, Hazard warning flashers, Demiste\
r
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1996 Volvo 850
pg. 1:19 Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
Heating and air conditioning
Volvo cares about the environment. Your Volvo is equipped with a heating\
system combined with air
conditioning. Depending on which function you select, warm or cool/cold \
air is distributed to the
different parts of the passenger compartment. A slight amount of condens\
ation may be emitted from the
air vents when the air conditioning is initially switched on. This can o\
ccur when both humidity and
ambient temperature are high and is normal.
Refrigerant
Volvo cares about the environment. The air conditioning system in your c\
ar contains a CFC-free
refrigerant -R134a. This substance will not deplete the ozone layer. The\
system contains 1.65 lbs (0.75
kg) R134a and uses ZXL 100PG (type PAG) oil.
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1996 Volvo 850
pg. 1:69 Audio systems, general information
FM stereo reception
Stereo reception places very high demands on the signal quality which me\
ans the type of distortions
previously mentioned become even more obvious. The signal strength needs\
to be stronger for good
stereo reception and this limits the effective range of the slender.
We hope that this information proves to be useful and provides you with \
a better understanding of the
problems related to car radio reception.
Reception conditions are not always optimum and this is, of course, beyo\
nd our control. However, we
have endeavored to make the Volvo Audio System of a quality that will en\
able you to enjoy the best
possible reception no matter what the reception conditions may be.
Radio antenna (sedans)
NOTE: Always lower the antenna when using an automatic car wash or enter\
ing a garage.
The antenna should be cleaned at least every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) \
or more frequently if needed.
Use WD40 for cleaning.
Spray the antenna with WD40 and wipe it clean and dry with a rag. Spray \
it again. Lower and raise the
antenna. Wipe it clean and dry again. Lower and raise the antenna 4-6 ti\
mes. Make sure it is dry and free
from dirt or lubricating oil.
Radio antenna (wagons)
The radio antenna is built into the driver side window of the cargo area\
. This antenna also has a factory
installed antenna booster.
NOTE: The antenna will not work without this booster.
Place objects in the cargo area so that the antenna wires on the inside \
of the window will not be
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1996 Volvo 850
damaged. When cleaning the window be careful that the wires are not scra\
tched by rings, etc. If they are
damaged, radio reception will be impaired.
Cassettes
l Store cassettes in their cases.
l Do not touch the tape surface with your fingers.
l Tapes should not be exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. \
l Keep tapes away from oil, grease and other contaminants.
l For optimal tape deck performance Volvo does not recommend the use of C-\
120 tapes.
l Take up slack using a pen or a pencil before inserting a cassette in the\
cassette slot.
Cassette cleaning
We recommend the use of the Volvo Cleaning Cassette available as a genui\
ne Volvo accessory. Regular
use improves sound quality, cleans vital parts and prevents tape tangle.\
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1996 Volvo 850
l Move the seat as far forward as possible
WARNING! Cover sharp edges on load to help prevent injury to occupants. \
Secure load to help
prevent shifting during sudden stops.
Long load storage (sedans)
There is a flap located in the panel behind the rear seat which makes it\
possible to carry long loads such
as skis, etc. To open, pull the strap forward.
Protective covers (for skis) should be used to avoid soiling or tearin\
g the upholstery. Please note that the
flap in the rear seat is only intended for light loads such as skis, car\
pets, etc.
Max length: 6 1/2 ft (2 meters) Max weight: 55 lbs (25 kg)
WARNING! Always turn engine off and apply parking brake when loading/unl\
oading the vehicle.
Place transmission selector in P (PARK) position to help prevent inadv\
ertent movement of selector.
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