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
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1998 Volvo S90
cold-weather oil for hard driving or in warm
weather. See section "Engine oil" for more
information.
l The load placed on the battery is greater during
the winter since the heater, windshield wipers,
lighting etc. are used more often. Moreover, the
capacity of the battery decreases as the
temperature drops. In very cold weather, a poorly
charged battery can freeze and be damaged. It is
therefore advisable to check the state of charge
more frequently and spray an anti-rust oil on the
battery posts.
l Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all
four wheels for winter driving - see section
"Wheels and tires".
l To prevent the washer reservoir from freezing,
add washer solvents containing antifreeze. This is
important since dirt is often splashed on the
windshield during winter driving, thus requiring
frequent use of the washers and wipers.
functions when the transmission is in reverse.
Also see "Winter/Wet" mode on page 59.
Winter/Wet mode
Enhanced Vehicle Traction
This mode may be selected for starting/moving
off on slippery roads or to lower downshift speeds
if the transmission is in "L".
Mode W
*In position D, the gearbox starts in third gear and
changes up to fourth gear.
*In position 3, second gear is locked and there is
no change up to third gear. In position L, first gear
is locked.
*These positions always offer the kick-down
feature.
Long distance trip pg. 70
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your car checked at a Volvo retailer
before 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 and rear axle for leakage.
l Check condition of drive belts.
l Check state of charge of battery.
l Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those
that are worn. Check tire pressures.
l The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be
checked by your Volvo retailer only.
l Check all lights, including high beams.
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1998 Volvo S90
Maintenance schedule
A= Adjust (Correct if necessary) I= Inspect (Correct or Replace if ne\
cessary)
R= Replace L= Lubricate
Maintenance Operation thousand
miles
(thousand km) 5
(8)
10
(16) 15
(25) 20
(32) 25
(40) 30
(48) 35
(56) 40
(64) 45
(72) 50
(80) 55
(88) 60
(96)
EMISSION SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE
Engine oil and filter R R R R R R R R R R R R
Engine drive belt (accessory belt) I R
Air cleaner filter R R
Spark plugs R R
Automatic transmission fluid I I I I I I
Timing belt - B 6304 S
4
1) See section "Engine oil" for detailed information.
NOTE: The oil should be changed at these intervals or after 750 hours of\
driving or after 12 months
which ever occurs first. See "Service Reminder indicator", page 19.
2) For services beyond 60,000 miles (96,000 km), consult your "Mainte\
nance Records booklet".
3) These intervals may apply, depending on actual driving conditions (\
see page 109 for details)
4) For proper functioning of the vehicle and its emission control syste\
m, Volvo recommends that the
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1998 Volvo S90
1) Replace at 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
2) Brake fluid should be changed at owner request every second year (o\
nce a year if the car is driven in
mountainous areas or in areas with high humidity).
The following items should be checked weekly by the driver (it takes on\
ly a few minutes):
Engine oil level Windshield wipers
Brake fluid level Level of windshield washer fluid
Radiator coolant level
Tire pressure (all five tires)
Operation of all lights
Horns
The following should also be carried out at regular intervals:
Washing
Polishing
Cleaning
Contents | Top of Page
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1998 Volvo S90
Chapter 8 - (cont.)Engine oil
pg. 108
Checking the oil level
The oil level should be checked every
time the car is refuelled. This is
especially important during the engine
break-in period (up to the first service).
CAUTION: Not checking the oil level
regularly can result in serious engine
damage if the oil becomes too low.
Be sure the oil level is maintained between
the upper and lower marks on the dipstick.
Low oil level can cause internal damage to
the engine and over-filling can result in
high oil consumption. The distance
between the dipstick marks represents
approx. 1 US qt (1 liter) of oil. Before
checking the oil level after the car has been
driven, park the car on a level surface and
wait at least 5 minutes after the engine has
been switched off. The oil level should be
halfway between the MIN and MAX
marks.
If the oil is checked before the car is driven
(engine completely cold) the oil level
should be at the MAX mark.
NOTE: The engine must be stopped when
checking the oil.
Draining the oil
Drain the oil after driving while it is still
warm.
WARNING! The oil may be very
hot.
To add or change engine oil
Add oil of the same kind as already used.
Capacity (including filter): 5.9 US qts = 5.75 liters
Changing oil filter
Replace the oil filter at every oil change
WARNING! Oil spilled on a hot exhaust pipe
constitutes a fire risk.
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1998 Volvo S90
If you change the engine oil and filter
yourself, your Volvo retailer can assist you
in disposing of the used oil. Engine oil can
be harmful to your skin - gloves should
worn when performing this work.
Engine oil pg. 109
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. Oils with a different quality
rating may not provide adequate engine
protection.
Viscosity (stable ambient
temperatures):
Do not use oils with other viscosity ratings. The
use of incorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine
life.
Volvo recommends the use of energy-conserving
oils. Look for the API label. 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 15W/40 should only be used in
Changing oil and oil filter
Oil and oil filter changes should be made as
specified in the following table:
If driving conditions
include: Then the correct oil/oil
filter change interval
is:
l Extended periods of
idling and/or low-
speeds operation
l Frequent short trips
(less than 7 miles = 11
km)
l Extended periods of
driving in dusty and/or
sandy areas
l Trailer towing
l Driving in
mountainous areas EVERY 6 MONTHS
OR EVERY
5,000 miles= 8,000 km
WHICHEVER
COMES FIRST
l Primarily highway
driving
l Frequent trips of
longer than 7 miles =
11 km EVERY 12 MONTHS
OR EVERY
10,000 miles = 16,000
km
WHICHEVER
COMES FIRST
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1998 Volvo S90
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-40 should not be used under normal
operating conditions.
American Petroleum Institute
(API) labels. These labels certify
the oil conforms to the applicable
standards and specifications of
the API.
Servicing pg. 110
Torque exhaust and
intake manifold nuts
A loose manifold could alter air/
fuel ratio and cause an increase
in emissions and/or poor
driveability.
Air cleaner
Replace the air cleaner cartridge
with a new one every 30,000
miles (48,000 km). The
cartridge should be replaced
more often when driving under
dirty and dusty conditions, The
filter cannot be cleaned and,
therefore, should always be
replaced with a new one.
Vacuum fittings, hoses
and connections
Unstable idle, misfiring, or poor
emission control is often caused
by leaking vacuum hoses or
connections. Check hoses and
connections on distributor
vacuum unit, connections on
heater control servo systems and
hydraulic brake servo.
Fuel system cap, tank
and lines, and
connections
The effectiveness of the fuel
system to contain hydrocarbons
is dependent largely on a
leakfree system. Check for
proper sealing of gasoline filler
cap which contains "O" ring-
type seals. Check all
evaporative hoses in vehicle for
tightness. Check fuel lines under
vehicle and repair if necessary.
Fuel (line) filter
The fuel line filter is located
next to the fuel pump. This filter
should be replaced every
100,000 miles (160,000 km).
The filter is replaced as one
complete unit.
Replace more frequently if
contaminated fuel is introduced
into the tank (or if there is
reason to suspect that this has
occurred).
Timing belt
WARNING!
The distributor ignition
system operates at very high
voltages. Special safety
precautions must be followed
to prevent injury.
Always turn the ignition off
when:
l Replacing distributor
ignition components e.g.
plugs, coil, etc.
l Do not touch any part of
the distributor ignition system
while the engine is running.
This may result in unintended
movements and body injury.
Replacing spark plugs
The spark plugs should be
changed every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km). However, city
driving or fast highway driving
may necessitate changing after
15,000 miles (24,000 km) of
driving. When installing new
plugs, be sure to fit the right type
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1998 Volvo S90
No. Lubricating hint / Lubricant
1 Hood lock and latch / Oil
2 Hood hinges / Oil
3 Door stop and hinges / Oil
4 Sun roof wind deflector / Oil
Sun roof mechanism / Grease
5 Door lock catch plate / Oil
6 Trunk lid lock / Low temperature
keyhole and hinges / grease
No. Lubricating hint / Lubricant
7 Window regulator/ Oil, grease
locking device low temperature
(on inside of door) / grease
8 Front seat slide rail
and latch / Oil
9 Door lock keyhole / Low temperature grease or Volvo Teflon lock spray \
To avoid rattles and unnecessary wear, the body should be lubricated at \
regular service intervals. This should be done by
an authorized Volvo retailer.
Brake fluid, Power steering fluid pg. 116
Brake fluid reservoir
Power steering fluid
The fluid level should lie between the MIN and MAX on the
side of the dipstick. The space between the marks
corresponds to 0.2 US qts/liters.
Fluid type: ATF
Replace: no fluid change required.Brake fluid
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX
marks.
Fluid type: DOT 4+
Replace*: every second year or 30,000 miles (48,000
km). The brake fluid should be replaced once a year or
every 15,000 miles (25,000 km) when driving under
extremely severe conditions (mountain driving, hot
climate, high humidity etc.)
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