1998 VOLVO S90 air conditioning

1998 Volvo S90
Volvo Canada Ltd.
175 Gordon Baker Road
Willowdale, Ontario M2H 2N7
800-663-8255
Volvo and the environment
Volvo is committed to the well being of our
customers. As a natural part of this
commitment, we care about the environment in
which we all live. Caring for the environment
means an everyday involvement in reducing
our environmental impact.

Volvo's environmental activities are based on a
holistic view, which means we consider the
overall environmental impact of a product
throughout its complete life cycle. In this
context, design, production, product use, and
recycling 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
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:
l Maintain proper air pressure in your
tires. Tests have shown decreased fuel
economy with improperly inflated tires
l Follow the recommended maintenance
schedule
l Drive at a constant speed
l 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
l Properly dispose of any vehicle related
waste such as used motor oil, used
batteries, brake pads, etc.
l When cleaning your car, use Volvo's
own car care products, all of which
have systematically been adapted to the
environment

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_000.htm (2 of 4)12/30/2006 \
1:52:33 PM

1998 Volvo S90
lock, the cruise control will
disengage automatically.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning pg. 25


ECC - Electronic Climate Control

This is an automatic system that also permits
manual operation. The in-car temperature is
automatically monitored by two sensors located in
the passenger compartment.
One sensor is located on the top of the dashboard
where it can sense sunlight. The second sensor is
located on the courtesy light fixture where it can
sense the temperature in the center of the car. The
following pages describe how ECC works and
how it can be used most effectively.

Refrigerant

Volvo cares about the environment. The air
conditioning system in your car contains a CFC-
free refrigerant - R134a. This substance will not
deplete the ozone layer. The system contains 2 lbs
(0.9 kg) R134a and uses Sanden SP-20 (type
PAG) oil.

Air vents (dash)

A Open
B Closed
C Directing air flow horizontally
D Directing air flow vertically

NOTE:All maintenance on the climate control
systems should be carried out by an authorized
Volvo service technician only.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (cont.) pg. 26
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_023.htm (4 of 7)12/30/2006 \
1:52:37 PM

1998 Volvo S90
ECC - Electronic Climate Control panelBlower
0= off
5= max speed
aut = blower speed
automatically
regulated Function
selector
Set desired
function
aut = normal
settingTemperature dial
Set desired
temperature
Function selector
AUT =Air distribution
automatically regulated


Air through panel
vents

Defrost. Air to
windshield and side
windows.

Air to floor,
windshield and side
windows.

Air through floor
vents.

Bi-level. Air through
floor and panel vents. Air
supplied from panel vents is
slightly colder than air
released at foot level.
Air in the passenger
compartment recirculates with
this button depressed. Will not
function in defrost setting. Light
is on when recirculation is
active* The air conditioning
system is ON when this button is
depressed (the light will be on). The
light has two functions:
l air conditioning *
l fault in system (see next page)
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_023.htm (5 of 7)12/30/2006 \
1:52:37 PM

1998 Volvo S90

*When the function selector is in the
mode, the air conditioning
system is ON and recirculation is OFF, regardless
of button position. The light surrounding the "Snowflake" button will be\

OFF and the light surrounding the recirculation button will be OFF.

NOTE: If your windows begin to fog or mist, check that the
recirculation function is not engaged.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (cont.) pg. 27
Automatic setting

The ECC system will automatically
maintain a comfortable in-car
temperature regardless of the outdoor
temperature.


Select the desired temperature

The blower will run at its maximum
speed in either the max cooling or max
Operating Tips

Recirculation: When the
outside air is contaminated
with exhaust gases, smoke
etc. (as when driving
through a tunnel) or to cool
the car quickly, push the
recirculation button. In this
position, no air is drawn into
the passenger compartment
from outside. However, do
not leave the system in this
mode for more than 10-15
minutes, since the air inside
the car will become stale
and the windows may fog.
Recirculation (and the
indicator light) will also
come on when the interior of
the car is hot and a low
temperature is selected with
the temperature dial. This
helps speed cooling of the
passenger compartment. It
will switch off automatically
after several minutes.

Difficult weather
conditions

When driving in very humid ECC system fault
indication

If the light in the air
conditioning push button
begins to flash when the
ignition is switched on, a
simple fault is indicated.
The system will compensate
by substituting a standard
value stored in the memory.
System performance loss
will be slight.
If the light continues to flash
more than 20 seconds, a
more serious fault is
indicated. While the system
will again attempt to
substitute a standard value,
some reduction in system
performance will become
apparent. Contact your
authorized Volvo retailer for
service.

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_023.htm (6 of 7)12/30/2006 \
1:52:37 PM

1998 Volvo S90
heating positions.
Water under the vehicle in hot weather
can be the result of condensation from
the air conditioning system.

Optimum defrosting



Set the function dial to
.
The air conditioning light will NOT go
on.
When the windows have cleared, set the
blower control to position 2.
conditions, heavy rain, sleet,
etc., it may be 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. NOTE:
l Do not place any
objects over the
sensor in the
passenger side
speaker grille as
this will cause the
ECC system to
respond incorrectly
to ambient
conditions.
l To help maintain
stable passenger
compartment
temperature when
driving with the sun
roof or windows
open, place the
blower control in
position "0" and
adjust the desired
temperature
manually.
l The air
conditioning
compressor only
engages at
temperatures above
41°F (5°C).
l Always keep the air
intake grille at the
base of the
windshield free of
snow.




Contents | Top of Page
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_023.htm (7 of 7)12/30/2006 \
1:52:37 PM

1998 Volvo S90
Volvo allows the use of the
following "oxygenated fuels";
however, the octane ratings
listed on this page must still be
met. of fuel. Therefore, it is
advisable to refuel as soon as
possible when the needle nears
the red zone, or when the fuel
warning light comes on.
Driving economy pg. 56
Economical driving
conserves natural
resources

Better driving economy may be
obtained by thinking ahead,
avoiding rapid starts and stops
and adjusting the speed of your
vehicle to immediate traffic
conditions. Observe the
following rules:

l Bring the engine to normal
operating temperature as soon
as possible by driving with a
light foot on the accelerator
pedal for the first few minutes
of operation. A cold engine
uses more fuel and is subject to
increased wear.

l Whenever possible, avoid
using the car for driving short
distances. This does not allow
the engine to reach normal
operating temperature.

l Drive carefully and avoid
rapid acceleration and hard
braking.

l Do not exceed speed limit.

l Avoid carrying unnecessary
items (extra load) in the car.

l Check tire pressure regularly
l Remove snow tires when
threat of snow or ice has ended.

l Note that roof racks, ski
racks, etc., increase air
resistance and thereby fuel
consumption.

l Avoid using automatic
transmission kick-down feature
unless necessary.

l Avoid using the air
conditioning when it is not
required. When engaged, the
air conditioner's compressor
places places an additional load
on the engine. However, please
note that fuel consumption is
lower with the air conditioning
on than it is when driving with
the air conditioning switched
off and the windows down.

Other factors which decrease
gas mileage are:
l Worn or dirty spark plugs
l Incorrect spark plug gap
l Dirty air cleaner
l Dirty engine oil and clogged
oil filter
l Dragging brakes
l Incorrect front end alignment

Some of the above mentioned

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_053.htm (4 of 6)12/30/2006 \
1:52:41 PM

1998 Volvo S90
Special Tips - automatic transmission
l For driving down steep hills and when driving
for prolonged periods at low speeds, position L
should be selected. Avoid, however, repeated
changes since this can cause overheating of the
transmission oil. For driving on long continuous
uphill gradients, select position 3.
l Do not hold the car stationary on an incline by
using the accelerator pedal. Instead, apply the
hand brake (parking brake). This prevents the
transmission oil from becoming overheated.
l When towing a trailer, select shift position 3.
l The (E)conomy mode should be selected when
the cruise control is engaged.
l Never select P or R while the car is in motion.
l When initially selecting positions D, 3, L or R,
your right foot should press firmly on the brake
pedal to ensure that the car is standing still with
the engine idling.
l The gear selector should not be downshifted to
L at speeds above 75 mph (125 km/h). Always
observe posted speed limits. Cooling system

The risk for overheating is greatest, especially in
hot weather, when:
l towing a trailer up steep inclines for prolonged
periods at wide open throttle and low engine rpm.
l stopping the engine suddenly after high speed
driving (so-called "after-boiling" can occur).
To avoid overheating, the following rules should
be followed:
l Reduce speed and downshift when towing a
trailer up long, steep inclines. The risk of
overheating can be reduced by switching off the
air conditioning system for a short time.
l Do not let the engine idle unnecessarily for
prolonged periods.
l Do not mount auxiliary lamps in front of the
grill.
When the risk of overheating is imminent, or in
the event of overheating, (the temperature gauge
goes repeatedly into, or stays continually in, the
red section) the following precautions should be
taken:
l Switch off the air conditioning system.
l Pull off the road, away from traffic, stop the car
and put the gear lever into neutral. Do not stop the
engine!
l Switch the heater to full (maximum) position.
Increase the engine speed to approx. 2000 rpm
(twice idling speed) until the temperature begins
to drop.
See "Coolant" to check and top-up the coolant
level if necessary.

WARNING! Do not remove coolant expansion
tank cap. The coolant will be extremely hot.
Points to remember pg. 61
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_058.htm (4 of 7)12/30/2006 \
1:52:42 PM

1998 Volvo S90
Only use wheel lift or flat bed equipment.
CAUTION:
Sling-type equipment applied at the front will
damage radiator and air conditioning lines.
It is equally important not to use slingtype
equipment at the rear or apply lifting equipment
inside the rear wheels: serious damage to the
rear axle may result.
WARNING!
Do not use the towing eyelets on the car to pull
the car up onto a flat bed tow truck.
Jump starting pg. 65
Jump starting Check that cars are not touching to prevent
premature completion of negative circuit. Note the position
of the battery terminals and using jumper cables, first
connect booster battery positive (+) terminal (1) to car
battery positive (+) terminal (2). Then connect the 12 volt
booster battery negative (-) terminal (3) to a stationary solid
metal part on the engine at a point away from the battery
(4).
Do not connect booster cable to any part of fuel system or
any moving parts. Avoid touching hot manifolds. After
engine has started, remove first the negative (-) terminal
jumper cable. Then remove the positive (+) terminal jumper
WARNING!
l To reduce the possibility of
explosion, never expose battery to
open flame or electric spark.
l Do not smoke near battery.
l Batteries generate hydrogen gas
which is flammable and explosive.
l Battery fluid contains sulfuric
acid. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact eyes, skin, fabrics or painted
surfaces. If contact occurs, flush
affected area immediately with
water.
l Obtain medical attention
immediately if eyes are affected.
Failure to follow the instructions for
jump starting can lead to personal
injury.
CAUTION: Improper hook-up of
jumper cables or use of other than 12-
volt batteries could result in damage
to equipment and/or battery.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_063.htm (2 of 4)12/30/2006 \
1:52:43 PM