1998 VOLVO S90 check engine light

1998 Volvo S90
function) and the vehicle should
be driven to a Volvo retailer for
inspection.
The Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) helps to improve vehicle
control (stopping and steering)
during severe braking conditions
by limiting brake lock-up. When
the system "senses" impending
lock-up, braking pressure is
automatically modulated in
order to help prevent lockup,
which could lead to a skid. brake application feels normal.
This should also be done after
washing or starting in very damp
or cold weather.
Trailer towing pg. 68
When preparing for
trailer towing, observe
the following:


l Volvo recommends the use of
Volvo trailer hitches which are
specially designed for the car.
For trailer weights exceeding
2000 lbs. (908 kg), use only a
trailer hitch offered as a
Genuine Volvo accessory.
NOTE: Models with automatic
transmission are equipped with
a transmission oil cooler as
standard equipment. This cooler
helps prevent overheating of the
transmission during times of
increased load, as when towing
a trailer.
l Maximum trailer weight
recommended by Volvo is:
Trailers without brakes: 1100
lbs (500kg)
Trailers with brakes: 2" ball -
3300 lbs (1500 kg), 1 7/8" ball -
2000 lbs (908 kg).
WARNING! Never connect a
trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to the vehicle
brake system, nor a trailer's
lighting system directly to the
vehicle lighting system.
Consult your nearest
authorized Volvo retailer for
correct installation.


All Volvo models are equipped
with energy-absorbing shock-
mounted bumpers. Trailer hitch
installation should not interfere
with the proper operation of this
bumper system. Trailer towing
does not normally present any
particular problems, but take
into consideration:
l Recommended hitch tongue
load is 110 lbs (50 kgs) for
trailer weights below 2,650 lbs
(1,200 kgs) and 165 lbs (75 kgs)
for trailer weights above 2,650
lbs (1,200 kgs).
l For trailer weights between
2,650-3,300 lbs (1,200-1,500

l Avoid overload and other
abusive operation.
l Hauling a trailer affects
handling, durability, and
economy.
l It is necessary to balance
trailer brakes with the towing
vehicle brakes to provide a safe
stop (check and observe State/
Local regulations).
l Do not connect the trailer's
brake system directly to the
vehicle's brake system.
l More frequent vehicle
maintenance is required.
l Remove the ball and drawbar
assembly when the hitch is not
being used.
l Volvo recommends the use of
synthetic engine oil when towing
a trailer over long distances or in
mountainous areas.
l The trailer hitch tongue load
(110/165 lbs - 50/75 kg) is part
of the vehicle's capacity weight.
It may be necessary to reduce the
trunk/cargo area load when
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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
2 Audio, Power seats, Hazard warning flashers,
Compartment Lights,
Power Antenna, Trailer Power, 50
3 Power Supply Relay "A" 50
4 Fuel System Relay, Ignition System Relay 50
5ABS-unit 50
6 Air pump, Starter Solenoid, Horn 50
7 Electric Cooling Fan 50
8 Pos./parking Light Relay, Headlight Relay, Fog light
relay 50
*Some of the equipment/systems listed may be
available on certain models only and/or as optional
items only.
Brake system pg. 91

Relay/fuse box (Box B)

The fuses in the relay/fuse box generally protect the electrical compone\
nts in the engine compartment.

The fuses are located under the cover in the relay/fuse box. Undo the fo\
ur clamps and pull out the fuse
you want to check. Look at the fuse from the side to see if there is a b\
reak in the curved wire. Should you
need to replace a fuse, you will find spare fuses in the central fuse bo\
x in the passenger compartment.
Replace the blown fuse with a new one of the same amperage and color. Ne\
ver use a fuse with a higher
amperage! There are a pair of pliers, to help when replacing fuses, in t\
he central fuse box in the passenger
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1998 Volvo S90
Paint touch-up

Paint damage requires
immediate attention to avoid
rusting. Make it a habit to check
the finish regularly; when
washing the car for instance.
Touch up if necessary.
Paint repairs require special
equipment and skill. Contact
your Volvo retailer for any
extensive damages.
Minor scratches can be repaired
by using Volvo touch-up paint.

NOTE: When ordering touch-
up paint from your Volvo
retailer, use the paint code
indicated on the model plate.
The plate is located on the panel
above the right-side head lights. Minor stone chips and
scratches


Material:
Primer - can
Paint - touch-up bottle
Brush
Masking tape

Scars on the surface
If the stone chip has not
penetrated down to the metal
and an undamaged layer of paint
remains, the touch-up paint can
be applied as soon as the spot
has been cleaned. Deep scars
If the stone chip has been
penetrated down to the metal,
proceed as follows:
1 Place a strip of masking tape
over the damaged surface. Pull
the tape off so that any loose
flakes of paint adhere to it
Thoroughly mix the primer and
apply it with a small brush.
When the primer surface is dry,
the paint can be applied using a
brush.
Mix the paint thoroughly: apply
several thin paint coats and let
dry each application.
3 If there is a longer scratch, you
may want to protect surrounding
paint by masking it off.
NOTE: When touching up the
car, it should be cleaned and dry.
The surface temperature should
be above 60°F (+15°C).
Washing the car pg. 100
Washing

l The car should be washed at
regular intervals since dirt, dust,
insects and tar spots adhere to the
paint and may cause damage.

NOTE: It is particularly important
to wash the car frequently in the
wintertime to prevent corrosion,
when salt has been used on the
roads.

l When washing the car, do not
expose it to direct sunlight. Use
lukewarm water to soften the dirt
before you wash with a sponge, and

l After cleaning the engine, the spark plug wells should be
inspected for water and blown dry if necessary.

Suitable detergents

Special car washing detergents or liquid dishwashing detergent
can be used. A suitable mixture is about 2.5 fl. oz. (8.5 cl) of
detergent to 2.6 US gal. (10 liters) of warm water. After
washing with a detergent the car should be well rinsed with
clean water.

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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

Idle air control system

Your Volvo is equipped with an
electronically-controlled idle air
control system that requires no
checking or adjustment.
Volvo recommends that the
timing belt be replaced every
70,000 miles (112,000 km).

PCV system

The orifice nipple in the intake
manifold and the filter at the
end of the PCV hose in the
aircleaner should be inspected
every 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
Check/replace rubber hoses at
the same time.
and use correct torque, see
Specifications. When changing
the plugs, check that the
suppressor connectors are in
good condition. Cracked or
damaged connectors should be
replaced.
When changing the spark plugs,
clean the terminals and the
rubber seals.
Battery maintenance pg. 111
Battery maintenance

Driving habits and conditions, climate, the
number of starts, etc. all affect the service life and
function of the battery. In order for your battery to
perform satisfactorily, keep the following in mind:
l Check the fluid level in the battery every 6
months or every 10,000 * miles (16,000 km).
The fluid level in each battery cell should be
checked - use a screw driver to open the caps and
a flashlight to inspect the level.
*More frequently in warm climates.
l If necessary, add distilled water to
approximately 0.4 in. (10 mm) above the plates in
the cell or to the level indicator. See the
illustrations above.
l Check that the battery cables are correctly
connected and properly tightened.
l Never disconnect the battery when the engine is
running, for example when changing the battery.
l The battery should be disconnected when a
boost charger is used.
l Switch off the radio before disconnecting the
battery. If your radio has an antitheft code and the
battery is disconnected, the radio code has to be
reentered in order for the radio to function.
Fuel/emissions systems pg. 112
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1998 Volvo S90

Check coolant level

The cooling system must be filled with
coolant and not leak to operate at maximum
efficiency. Check the coolant level regularly.
The level should be between the "Max" and
"Min" marks on the expansion tank. The
check should be made with particular
thoroughness when the engine is new or
when the cooling system has been drained.
Do not remove the filler cap other than for
topping-up with coolant. Frequent removal
may prevent coolant circulations between the
engine tank during engine warm-up and
cooling.
filling.
Add coolant until the level is up to
the MAX mark or slightly above.
Start the engine and run until hot.
Check the cooling system
connections for tightness. Also re-
check the coolant level.
Capacity: See "Specifications"
coolant: Volvo Genuine Coolant/
Antifreeze only

CAUTION
The cooling system must
always be kept filled to correct
level.
If it is not kept filled, there can
be high local temperatures in
the engine which could result
in damage.
Different types of anti-freeze/
coolant may not be mixed.
Adjusting washer nozzles, Washer fluid reservoir pg. 119


Adjusting washer nozzles

The washer jets should spray the windshield as shown. Use
the edge of a small screwdriver to adjust the nozzles, if
necessary. Please use caution to avoid damaging the
paintwork.


Washer fluid reservoir

The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine
compartments and holds approx. 0.5 US gal. (2 liters) -
sedans and 0.8 US gal (3.2 liters) - wagons. During cold
weather, the reservoir should be filled with windshield
washer solvent containing anti-freeze.


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