
are all important considerations.
In production, Volvo has partly or completely  phased out several chemicals including freons, lead chromates,
naphtanates, asbestos, mercury and  cadmium; and  reduced the amount of chemicals used in our plants 50% since 1991.
In use, Volvo was the first in the world to introduce into production a  three-way catalytic converter with a  Lambda
sond, now called oxygen  sensor, in 1976. The current version  of this  highly efficient system reduces emissions  of
harmful substances (CO, HC, NOx) from  the exhaust pipe by approximately 95% and  the search to eliminate the
remaining emissions  continues. Volvo is the only automobile manufacturer to offer  CFC-free retrofit kits  for the air
conditioning system for all models back to the M/Y 1975 240. Advanced electronic  engine controls, refined
purification systems and  cleaner  fuels  are bringing us closer to our goal.
After Volvo cars and  parts  have fulfilled their use, recycling is the next critical step in completing the life cycle. The
metal content  is about 75% of the total weight of the car, which  makes the car among the most  recycled  industrial
products.  In order to have efficient and  well controlled recycling, many Volvo variants have printed dismantling
manuals indication the weight and  material of individual components. For Volvo, all homogeneous plastic parts
weighing more than 1.7 oz.  (50 grams)are marked with international symbols that indicate how the component  is to be
sorted  for recycling.
In addition to continuous environmental refinement of conventional gasoline-powered  internal combustion engines,
Volvo is actively looking at advanced technology  alternative-fuel vehicles.
When you drive a  Volvo, you become our partner in the work to lessen  the car's impact on the environment. 
To reduce your vehicle's environmental impact, you can:
Maintain proper air pressure in your tires. Tests have shown decreased  fuel economy with improperly  inflated
tires
Follow the recommended maintenance schedule
Drive at a  constant speed
See  an  authorized Volvo retailer as soon as possible for inspection if the check engine (malfunction indicator)
lamp illuminates,  or stays on after the vehicle has started
Properly  dispose of any  vehicle related waste such as used motor oil, used batteries, brake pads, etc.
When cleaning your car, use Volvo's  own car care products,  all of which  have systematically been adapted to
the environment.
Contents
Important
Before you operate your car for the first time, please familiarize yourself  with the BREAK-IN information on
page 56. 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.
ProCarManuals.com 

CAUTION: Certain  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
©1997  Volvo Cars of North America  Inc.
Contents
Chapter 1 - Occupant safety1
Chapter 2 - Instruments, switches and controls15
Chapter 3 - Body and interior39
Chapter 4 - Starting and driving55
Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires75
Chapter 6 - In  case of an emergency81
Chapter 7 - Car care99
Chapter 8 - Volvo Service105
Chapter 9 - Specifications123
Chapter 10 - Audio systems131
Index188
Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com 

Chapter 4 - Starting and driving
pg. 55 Starting and driving
Starting and  driving
 
This section on starting and  driving contains items such as starting the engine, operating the gear selector, towing,
trailers, etc. 
Break-in period
56
Fuel requirements, Refueling56-57
Driving economy58
Starting the engine59
Manual transmission60
Automatic transmission61
Points to remember64
Emergency towing66
Vehicle towing information67
Jump  starting68
Three-way catalytic converter69
Brake system, ABS70
Trailer towing71
Winter driving72
Long distance trips73
pg. 56 Break-in  period, Fuel  requirements
A new car should  be broken -in
 
Refrain from  utilizing your car's full driving potential during the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) including the "kick -
down"  function (automatic transmission). 
NOTE - ENGINE  OIL:  
Although some oil consumption occurs during normal engine operation, more oil is consumed when the engine is new
as the internal parts  generate  higher friction  while wearing-in to 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 114
. 
In general,  the rate of oil consumption depends on such factors as: engine temperature, length of trip, driving
conditions, oil viscosity and  quality, engine speed and  acceleration/deceleration. 
Checking your engine oil level  each time the car is refueled is one  of the most  important items you can perform to
help keep your car in good running order. 
ProCarManuals.com 

Chapter 8 - Volvo Service
pg. 105 Volvo Service
Service - an  investment
 
An investment which  will pay  dividends in the form  of improved reliability, durability, and  resale value.
Label  information
106
Maintenance service,  Warranty107
Maintenance schedule108-109
Servicing110-111
Fuel/emissions systems112
Lubrication113
Engine  oil114-115
Power steering fluid,  Brake/clutch system fluid  reservoir116
Automatic transmission  fluid117
Drive belt118
Windshield washer nozzle, Washer fluid  reservoir119
Coolant120
Engine  compartment121
Battery maintenance122
pg. 106 Label information
ProCarManuals.com 

Chapter 9 - Specifications
pg. 123 Specifications
Specifications
 
This chapter  contains facts and  figures pertaining to the technical specifications of your car. 
Oil/Fluids specifications
124
Engine  specifications125
Cooling/fuel/distributor ignition systems126
Front/rear suspensions126
Transmission, Capacities,  Vehicle loading127
Electrical system/bulbs128
Dimensions  and weights129
Service manuals, Road assistance130
pg. 124 Oil/fluid specifications
Oil  quality
 
Meeting API specification SG, SG/CD, SH or  Energy Conserving (EC) II  
For best fuel economy and  engine protection, consult with your authorized Volvo retailer for recommended oils.  Oil
with a  different  quality rating may not provide adequate engine protection. Synthetic oils  complying with oil quality
requirements are recommended for : driving in areas of sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold), when towing a
trailer over long distances or for prolonged driving in mountainous areas. 
Extra  oil additives must not be used  unless advised by an authorized Volvo retailer.  
NOTE:  SAE 15 W -40 oil should only be  used in extreme operating conditions such as trailer towing in sustained
ambient temperatures over 104° F (40° C). However, SAE 10W -30 synthetic oil would be  a  better alternative in such
conditions. 
SAE  15W-30 should not be used  under normal operating conditions.  
Viscosity (stable ambient temperatures): 
Engine  oilQuality: Meeting API specification SG or
SH Capacity (incl. filter): 6.1 US qts. (5.8
liters)*
Automatic transmission
fluid Quality:
 ATF Dexron IIE/ III and  Mercon Capacity: 8 US qts. (7.6 liters)
ProCarManuals.com 

Manual transmission  fluidQuality: 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)
* Add 0.95 qts. (0.9 liters) if the oil cooler has been drained 
All specifications are subject to change without notice.  
pg. 125 Engine
Engine
 
Liquid-cooled gasoline, 5-cylinder, in-line engine. Aluminum alloy cylinder block with cast-iron cylinder liners cast
directly into block. Aluminum alloy cylinder head with double overhead camshafts and  separate intake  and  outlet
channels. 
Engine lubrication is provided by an  eccentric pump driven from  the crankshaft. Full-flow type oil filter.  Exhaust
emission control accomplished by multiport fuel injection, heated oxygen  sensor(s) and  three-way catalytic converter. 
Designation:  Volvo B  5254 T
Output                             190 hp at 5100  rpm (142  kw  85 rps)
Max torque                      199 ft. lbs.  at 1800 -4998  rpm (270  Nm/30 -83.3  rps)
Number of cylinders              5
Bore                             3.27"  (83 mm)
Stroke                          3.54"  (90 mm)
Displacement                    2.4 liters
Compression ratio                9.0:1
Number of valves                20
Valve  clearance                  Self -adjusting
Designation:  Volvo B  5234 T3
Output                             236 hp at 5100  rpm (176  kw/85  rps)
Max torque                      243 ft. lbs.  at 2700 -5100  rpm (330  Nm/45 -85 rps)
Number of cylinders              5
Bore                             3.19"  (81 mm)
Stroke                          3.54"  (90 mm)
Displacement                    2.3 liters
Compression ratio                8.5:1
Number of valves                20
Valve  clearance                  Self -adjusting
All specifications are subject to change without notice.  
  
Contents | Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com 

ECC - Electronic  Climate Control........34,35Electrical  system......................64,128Electrically heated front  seats............30Electrically operated front  seats.......46,47Electrically operated sun roof.............41Electrically-operated windows..............36Emergency  towing...........................66Emergency  warning flashers.................23Engine....................................125Engine compartment........................121Engine oil........................114,115,124Engine oil - checking/changing............114Engine oil pressure........................17
F
Fog light  - rear........................17,22Fog lights - front.........................22Front  courtesy lights......................49Front  fog lights...........................22Front  seats................................46Front  seats  - heated.......................30Front  seats  - memory function..............46Front  suspension..........................126Fuel  gauge.................................16Fuel  level.................................17Fuel  requirements..........................56Fuel  system...............................126Fuel  tank  cover  - opening............15,37,57  opening manually.........................97Fuses................................91,92,93Fuses  - replacing..........................91
G
Gas tank  cover  - opening.............15,37,57  opening manually.........................97Generator..............................17,128Generator  warning light....................18
H
Hand  brake.................................30Handling...................................65Hazard warning flashers....................23Headlight  wiper  blades - replacing.........96Headlights.................................20Heated front  seats.........................30Heated side -view  mirrors...................23Heating....................................35Heating and air conditioning...............33High  beams.................................17Hoisting the car..........................110Hood.......................................51
I
Ignition switch............................21Instrument  illumination....................22Instruments.............................14,15
J
Jack.................................53,82,83Jump  starting..............................68
K
Keyless entry  system.......................43Keylock....................................59Keys.......................................42Kick -down..................................61
L
ProCarManuals.com 

Label  information.........................106Lifting the car...........................110Locks......................................42Long  distance trips........................73Long  load  storage..........................50Lubrication...............................113
M
Maintenance schedule......................108Maintenance service.......................107Malfunction indicator  lamp..............17,18Manual transmission....................60,127Manual transmission fluid.................124Memory function - front  seats..............46Mirrors - rear/side  view...................48
O
Occupant safety............................12Octane rating..............................57Odometer...................................16Oil (engine)......................114,115,124Oil pressure warning light.................18On-call...................................130
P
Paint  touch -up............................100Parking brake...........................17,30Parking brake  reminder light...............18Parking lights.............................20Polishing.................................103Power  seats.............................46,47Power  steering fluid..................116,124
R
Radio
  General information.....................184
  SC-813..................................132  SC-816..................................145  SC-900..................................161Radio  Data  System - RDS...................166Reading lights.............................49Rear  (side) windows - opening..............37Rear  fog light..........................17,22Rear  suspension...........................126Rear  window demister.......................23Rear/side -view  mirrors....................48Refueling..................................57Remote control (central locking system)....43Remote keyless entry  system................43Replacing  bulbs.............85,86,87,88,89,90Replacing  fuses............................91Reporting  Safety Defects...................12Road  Assistance...........................130Roadholding................................65Roof  rails/racks...........................65
S
Safety defects (reporting).................12Seat  belt  maintenance......................12Seat  belts.............................2,3,10  Automatic  Locking Retractor..............10  Emergency  Locking Retractor..............10Seat  belts  - cleaning.....................104Seats......................................46Seats  - heated.............................30Service reminder indicator..............17,19Servicing.........................110,111,112Shift  lock..............................59,61Shiftlock  release (override)...............97Side  Impact Protection  System (SIPS)........8Side -view  mirrors - heated.................23
ProCarManuals.com