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
in the engine
compartment.
The fuse box
in the
passenger
compartment
(C) contains
the fuses
which protect
the various
functions in
the interior of
the car.
Fuse replacement
If an electrical component fails to function, it is likely that a fuse h\
as blown due to an
overloaded circuit. Pull out the fuse and look at it from the side to se\
e if there is a break
in the curved wire. If there is, install a new fuse of the same amperage\
and color.
Anumber of spare fuses are located in the fuse box in the passenger comp\
artment. There
is also a fuse removal tool to help with the removal and replacement of \
fuses.
Fuses pg. 90
Main fuse box (Box A)
Fuses in the main fuse box protect the entire
electrical system. If one of the fuses blows,
there is a serious electrical fault. Do not
change any of these fuses. Contact your
nearest Volvo workshop for a closer analysis.
When checking whether a fuse has blown, you
should first try to locate the blown fuse in the
fuse box in the passenger compartment or in
the relay/fuse box in the engine compartment.
Location* Amperage
1 Heated rear window, Central locking system, Power
Supply Relay "B"
Ignition switch 50
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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
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
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
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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