1998 Volvo S90
Chapter 4 (cont)
Emergency towing (pulling of vehicles)
pg. 63
Precautionary steps to observe when car is in tow
l Steering must be unlocked.
l Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this typ\
e of towing, as vehicles being
towed are subject to regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length \
and type of towing device,
lighting, etc.
l Remember that power brake and power steering assists will not be availab\
le when engine is
inoperative. Brake pedal pressure required is 3 - 4 times above normal a\
nd greater steering effort must
be exerted.
l Gear selector in position N. Check transmission oil level (see section \
titled "Transmission oil").
l Maximum speed: 20 mph (30 km/h).
l Maximum distance with rear wheels on ground: 20 miles (30 km).
l If the battery is dead, it is not possible to release the gear selector \
by pressing the brake pedal.
Release the gear selector manually, see page 61.
Cars equipped with automatic transmission/three-way catalytic converters\
cannot be started by pushing
or pulling the car.
CAUTION: The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling another vehicle\
out of a ditch or any
similar purpose involving severe strain.
Do not attempt to start the car by pushing or pulling it as damage to th\
e three-way catalytic converter
can result.
Vehicle towing information pg. 64
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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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Observe legal requirements of
the state in which the vehicles
are registered.
WARNING! Bumper-
attached trailer hitches must
not be used on Volvos, nor
should safety chains be
attached to the bumper.
Trailer hitches attaching to
the vehicle rear axle must
not be used. kgs) a top speed of 50 mph (80
km/h) should never be
exceeded.
l Increase tire pressure to
recommended full-load
pressure. See section "Wheels
and tires".
l Engine and transmission are
subject to increased loads.
Therefore, engine coolant
temperature should be closely
watched when driving in hot
climates or hilly terrain. Use
lower gear and turn off air
conditioner if temperature gauge
pointer enters the red range.
towing a trailer to ensure that the
max. permissible axle load or
gross vehicle weight are not
exceeded.
NOTE: Refer to section
"Automatic transmission" for
additional trailer hauling tips.
Winter driving pg. 69
Cold weather precautions
l If you wish to check your car before the
approach of cold weather, the following advice is
worth noting:
Make sure that the engine coolant contains at least
50 percent antifreeze: that is, 5.3 qts. (5 liters)
Volvo Genuine Coolant/Antifreeze. This gives
protection against freezing down to -31°F (-35°
C). See section "Coolant".
The use of "recycled" antifreeze is not approved
by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze may not be
mixed.
l Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this
prevents the formation of condensation in the
tank.
In addition in extremely cold weather conditions it
is worthwhile to add fuel line de-icer before
refueling.
l The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil
with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-
weather starting as well as decreasing fuel
consumption while the engine is warming up. For
winter use, 5W-30 oil, particularly the synthetic
type, is recommended.
Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use this
l The Volvo Washer Solvent should be diluted as
follows:
Down to 14°F (-10°C): 1 part anti-freeze and 4
parts water
Down to 5°F (-15°C): 1 part anti-freeze and 3
parts water
Down to 0°F (-18°C): 1 part anti-freeze and 2
parts water
Down to -18°F (-28°): 1 part anti-freeze and 1
part water
l Use lock spray or grease in the locks.
NOTE: Avoid the use of de-icing spray as they
can cause damage to the locks.
Automatic differential lock (certain
models)
The differential automatically locks at speed
between 3 - 25 mph (5 - 40 km/h) if either of the
drive wheels begins to lose traction. The
differential lock improves power distribution to
the drive wheels in slippery conditions, shifting
power to the wheel with best traction. It also
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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
compartment.
Location * Amperage
1 Engine control module, Automatic transmission control module 5
2 AC relay 5
3 Relay, air pump, Heated oxygen sensor 15
4 Fuel pump 15
5 Fuel injection, Mass air flow (MAF) sensor, Idle air control system,\
Engine control module 15
6 Automatic transmission control module 15
7 Ignition coil, 25
8 Fog lights 25
9 Spare
10 Positioning/parking lights, left 15
11 Positioning/parking lights, right 15
12 Left high beam 15
13 Right high beam, Instrument panel 15
14 Left low beam 15
15 Right low beam 15
16 A/C compressor 15
17 Horn 15
18 Accessories (see respective accessories instructions)
*Some of the equipment/systems listed may be available on certain models\
only and/or as optional items
only.
Fuses pg. 92
Fuse box in the passenger compartment (Box C)
These fuses generally protect the electrical components in the passenger\
compartment.
The fuses are located inside the cover on the left side of the dash .A n\
umber of spare fuses can also be
found here. Fuses are replaced in the same way as in the relay/fuse box \
in the engine compartment (see
previous page).
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plenty of water, to avoid scratching.
l Bird droppings: Remove from
paintwork as soon as possible.
Otherwise the finish may be
permanently damaged.
l A detergent can be used to
facilitate the softening of dirt and
oil.
l A water-soluble grease solvent
may be used in cases of sticky dirt.
However, use a washplace equipped
with a drainage separator.
l Dry the car with a clean chamois
and remember to clean the drain
holes in the doors and rocker panels
*.
l The power radio antenna (sedans)
must be dried after washing.
l Tar spots can be removed with
kerosene or tar remover after the car
has been washed.
l A stiff-bristle brush and
lukewarm soapy water can be used
to clean the wiper blades. Frequent
cleaning improves visibility
considerably.
l Wash off the dirt from the
underside (wheel housings fenders,
etc.).
l In areas of high industrial fallout,
more frequent washing is
recommended.
CAUTION: During high pressure
washing, the spray mouth piece
must never be closer to the vehicle
than 13" (30 cm). Do not spray
into the locks.
l When washing or steam cleaning
the engine, avoid spraying water or
steam directly on the electrical
WARNING!
When the car is driven immediately after being washed,
apply the brake several times in order to remove any
moisture from the brake linings.
Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine
is warm. This constitutes a fire risk.
NOTE: When washing the car, remember to remove dirt from
the drain holes in the doors and sills. Bumpers: Wash the
bumpers with the same cleaning agent used on the rest of the
car. Never clean the bumpers with gasoline or paint thinner.
Difficult spots can be removed with denatured alcohol. To
avoid scratches, do not dry the bumpers with paper.
*Pay special attention to the drain holes at the base of the
windshield in the cowl under the rear edge of the hood.
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1998 Volvo S90
Chapter 8 - Volvo Service
pg. 103
Service - an investment
An investment which will pay dividends in the form of improved reliabili\
ty,
durability, and resale value.
Label information pg. 104
Maintenance service, Warranty pg. 105
Maintenance schedule pg. 106
Engine oil pg. 108
Servicing pg. 110
Fuel/emissions systems pg. 112
Engine compartment pg. 114
Lubrication, body pg. 115
Power steering fluid, brake fluid pg. 116
Drive belt pg. 117
Cooling system pg. 118
Washer fluid reservoir/nozzles pg. 119
Label information
pg. 104
1 Vehicle
Identification
Number
(VIN)*
VIN plate is
located on
top left
surface of
dashboard.
The VIN is
also stamped
on the right
hand door
pillar.
2 Vehicle
Emission
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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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