1998 Volvo S90
disconnected, the code must
be re-entered before the radio
will function properly.
Points to remember pg. 62
Weight distribution affects
handling
At the specified curb weight
your car has a tendency to
understeer, which means that the
steering wheel has to be turned
more than might seem
appropriate for the curvature of
a bend. This ensures good
stability and reduces the risk of
rear wheel skid. Remember that
these properties can alter with
the vehicle load. The heavier the
load in the trunk, the less the
tendency to understeer.
Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design, and
inflation pressure, all affect
vehicle handling. Therefore,
check that the tires are inflated
to the recommended pressure
according to the vehicle load.
See "Tire pressure" section.
Loads should be distributed so
that capacity weight or
maximum permissible axle loads
are not exceeded.
WARNING!
An extra mat on the driver's
floor can cause the
accelerator pedal to catch.
Check that the movement of
the accelerator pedal is not
impeded. Not more than one
protective floor covering may
be used at one time.
CAUTION: Drive slowly and
carefully if going through
standing water (i.e. flooded
roadways, etc.). Damage to
engine could result if excess
water is ingested through the air
intake system. Never drive the
vehicle in water deeper than 1
foot (300 mm). See the flood
warning on page 7.
WARNING! Do not drive
with trunk lid or tailgate
open!
Poisonous exhaust gases may
enter via the trunk lid or
tailgate.
If the trunk lid/tailgate must
be kept open for any reason,
proceed as follows:
l Close the windows.
l Set the ventilation system
Roof rails/racks
Roof rails are standard
equipment on wagon models.
Load bars are available as a
retailer installed option on the
sedan models. Observe the
following points when is use:
l Avoid single-point loads.
Distribute the load evenly.
l Place heavier cargo at bottom
of load.
l Observe that center of gravity
and handling are influenced by
load weight.
l Increasing load size increases
wind resistance and, thus,
adversely affects fuel economy.
l Anchor the cargo correctly
with appropriate tie-down
equipment.
l Drive carefully. Avoid rapid
starts, fast cornering and hard
braking.
l Max. roof load is 220 lbs.
(100 kg) for removable racks.
For permanent roof racks, check
the manufacturers weight
specifications.
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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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Changing a wheel
On sedans the spare wheel, jack and toolbag are located in the trunk, be\
neath the carpet. The jack must be completely retracted to fit into the holder.
On wagons, the spare tire and the jack are located beneath the floor mat\
in the large storage bin. Always secure the spare tire and the jack to prevent them from rattling.
l Remove the wheel cap, using the screwdriver in the tool kit.
l With the car still on the ground, use the box wrench from the tool kit t\
o loosen the wheel nuts 1/2 - 1 turn. Turn the nuts counterclockwise to loosen.
NOTE:
To avoid excessive wear and the necessity of rebalancing, mark and reins\
tall wheels in same location and position as before removal. To lessen the chance of imbalance, each
wheel hub is equipped with a guide stud to ensure that a removed wheel c\
an be reinstalled in its original position (as when changing over to winter tires/wheels).
Wheel changing (cont.) pg. 79
WARNING!
l The jack attachment must engage the bar in the jack attachment (A). Th\
e car's weight must not rest on the jack's attachment (B).
l Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-slippery surface.
l Never allow any part of your body to be extended under a car supported b\
y a jack.
l Use the jack intended for the car when replacing a wheel. For any other \
job, use stands to support the end of the car being worked
on.
l Apply the parking brake, select position P (automatic transmission). \
l Block the wheels standing on the ground. Use rigid wooden blocks or larg\
e stones.
l The jack should be kept well-greased.
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1998 Volvo S90
Chapter 6 - (cont.)
Replacing bulbs
pg. 81
Replacing bulbs
The method for replacement of bulbs in
the various lighting units is shown on the
following pages. Make sure when
installing bulbs, that the guide pin on the
socket fits into its corresponding recess.
When installing Halogen bulbs, do not
touch the glass with your fingers because
grease, oil or any other impurities can be
carbonized onto the bulb and damage the
reflector.
Use bulbs of correct type and voltage.
Failure to do so could cause the bulb
failure warning light to activate.
NOTE: Turn the ignition and light
switch off before replacing any bulbs.
Headlights (high/low beams)
1. Press the protruding tabs on the plastic
cover and pull out towards the fender.
2. Turn the bulb and connector 1/4 turn
counterclockwise and remove.
3. Remove the connector from the bulb.
4. Press a new bulb into the connector
without touching the bulb itself.
5. Reinsert the bulb into the headlight
housing and turn 1/4 turn clockwise until
the unit seats properly.
6. Reinstall the plastic cover.
Bulb Power US Bulb No.
High beam 70W HB3/9005
Low beam 60W HB4/9006
Headlight adjustment
The height of the headlight beams can be
adjusted according to vehicle load. The
headlights should be re-aimed if heavy
loads are carried in the trunk/cargo area or
rear seat, or when towing a trailer.
To adjust the headlights:
Park the car on a level surface and open
the hood.
The headlights are equipped with a level
which can be seen by looking through the
clear "window" on the top of the headlight
lens.
Turn the height adjustment knob (A) until
the bubble in the level aligns with within
the marking lines on the level.
Lateral headlight adjustment (B) should
only be carried out by an authorized
Volvo retailer. This setting should be
preset to "0".
Replacing bulbs pg. 82
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Replacing tail light bulbs (sedan
models)
All tail lamp bulbs are replaced from inside of
trunk. To avoid confusion, replace the bulbs one
at a time.
l Switch off the lights and ignition.
l Outboard lights: Unscrew screw A and turn
down the cover panel.
l Trunk lid: Lift the catch and fold down the
cover panel.
l Remove the bulb holder.
l Remove bulb by pressing and turning 1/4
turn counterclockwise.
l Insert a new bulb and fit the bulb holder in
the tail light cluster. One of the plugs on the
bulb holder is slightly wider than the other two.
l Turn the bulb holder clockwise to secure it.
Check that the bulb lights and refit the cover. Bulbs / Power CP(W) / Socket / US Bulb No
1,4 Tail light / 4(5) / BA 15s / 67
2 Rear turn signal / (21) / BAU 15s / –
3 Brake light / 32 / (21) / BA 15s / 1156
5 Back-up light / 32 (21) / BA 15s / 1156
6 Rear foglamp* 32 (21) / BA 15s / 1156
*Left (driver's) side only
Replacing bulbs, Sedans pg. 84
Light / Power CP(W) / Socket / US Bulb
No.
1 Fog light* / 32(21) / BA 15s / 1156
2 Back-up lights / 32(21) / BA 15 s / 1156
3 Turn signals / (21) / BAU 15 s / -
4 Brake light and tail light / 32/3(21/5) /
BAZ 15 d / 1157
*One light only, on driver's side
21 W 21 W 21/5 W
BA 15 s BAU 15 s BAY 15 d
Replacing tail light bulbs
(wagon models)
l Turn off the lights.
l Remove the cover with a screw driver.
l Rotate the bulb holder about 1/4" (0.6
cm) counterclockwise and remove the
holder from the tail light cluster.
l Gently press the bulb into the holder,
then rotate the bulb counterclockwise in
order to release it.
l Install a new bulb in the holder and
replace the bulb holder in the tail light
cluster. One of the guide lugs on the bulb holder
is slightly wider than the other two and,
thus, this lug fits into the widest recess
only.
l Turn the bulb holder clockwise
l Check that the bulb lights
l Re-install cluster cover
Two types of bulbs are in use
The guide lugs on the twin-pole bulb are
at different heights, and it is only possible
to fit these bulbs in one way. Try at first to
turn the bulb gently. Do not use force. If
this does not work, take out the bulb and
turn it half a turn and try again.
Replacing bulbs (cont.) pg. 85
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1998 Volvo S90
Trunk light (sedan models)
Courtesy light (wagon models)
Depress the catch with a screwdriver and
remove the light assembly. Lift it out to
remove. Replace the bulb.
Bulb - Power - Socket
Trunk light - 10 W - SV 8.5
License plate light (sedan
models)
Turn off the lights. Remove both
screws and insert the screwdriver and
turn it carefully (see illustration) until
the glass comes loose. Replace the bulb
and reinstall the glass.
Bulb - Power - Socket
License plate light - 5W - W2.1x9.5d
License plate light (wagon
models)
Remove the screws with a screwdriver.
Remove lamp housing. Depress the bulb and
rotate it counterclockwise. Remove the bulb.
Install a new bulb and re-install lamp housing.
Bulb - Power - Socket
License plate light - 4 W - BA9s
WARNING! When using a screwdriver to pry plastic components, take care to avoid \
scratching or breakage. Use eye protection
whenever possible.
Replacing bulbs (cont.) pg. 86
Removing cover (sedans)
Removing cover (wagons) Depress catches
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1998 Volvo S90
timing belt be replaced every 70,000 (112,000 km).
Maintenance Schedule (cont.) pg. 107
Maintenance Operation thousand miles
(thousand km) 10
(16) 20
(32) 30
(48) 40
(64) 50
(80) 60
(96)
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
ENGINE
Fuel (Line) Filter
PCV Nipple (Orifice)/hoses,clean I
Battery I I I I I I
BRAKES
Inspect Brakes, Replace components as
necessary I
I I I I I
Brake Fluid
STEERING
Rotate tires/check tire wear; (Align if needed.) I I I I I I
Check power steering fluid level. I I I I I I
BODY
Power antenna (clean) I I I I I I
Trunk, Hood Hinges and Latches L L L L L L
Sun roof L L L L L L
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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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