1998 VOLVO S90 warning

1998 Volvo S90
Chapter 4 (cont)
Automatic transmission
pg. 58

P(Park)

Use this position when
starting the engine or parking
the car.
Never use P while car is in
motion.
The transmission is
mechanically locked when in
position P. Also use the
parking brake when parking
on grades.
The gear selector is locked in
the P position (Shift lock). To
release the selector, start the
engine and depress the brake
pedal. See page 61 for
instructions on manually
releasing the gear selector. WARNING!
Never leave the car when
the engine is running. If, by
mistake, the gear selector is
moved from P the car may
start moving.


R(Reverse)

Never engage R while car is
moving forward.

N(Neutral)

Neutral position = no gear is
engaged.
Use parking brake. The
engine can be started with
the gear selector in this
position.

D(Drive)

D is the normal driving
position and should be used
as often as possible to help
improve fuel economy.
When modes E or S are
selected, upshift and
downshift of the forward
gears occur automatically
and are governed by
accelerator pedal position
and vehicle speed.

3 (Intermediate position)

Automatically shifts up and
down between first second

L (Low gear)

The gearbox does not upshift in
position L! Select position L if you
wish to drive in first or second gear
and you do not wish to shift up (when
driving in hilly terrain, for example, as
position L provides the best engine
braking power). The transmission will
conspicuously shift down from second
to first if road speed drops to below 25
or 20 mph (40 km/h or 30 km/h)
(engines B6304 and B6254
respectively) when driving in
Economy mode. When driving in
Sport mode, the same very noticeable
shift takes place if the speed drops to
below 6 mph (10 km/h).
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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




Shiftlock release

The gear selector is locked in
the P position. To manually
release the shift lock, turn the
starting (ignition) key to
position I and press firmly on
the "OVERRIDE" button
(located under the cover near
the base of the gear selector -
see illustration). While
holding the override button
down, move the gear selector
from the (P)ark position. Electrical system

When replacing the battery or
when carrying out work
involving the electrical
system, the following should
be observed:
l A battery connection to the
wrong terminal will damage
the diodes. Before
connections are made, check
the polarity of the battery
with a voltmeter.
l If booster batteries are used
for starting, they must be
properly connected to
minimize the risk of the diode
being damaged.
For correct connection, see
"Jump starting" section.
l Never disconnect the
battery circuit (for example,
to replace the battery) while
the engine is running, as this
will immediately ruin the
generator. Always make sure
that all the battery
connections are properly
tightened.
l If any electrical-welding
work is performed on the
vehicle, the battery's ground
lead (negative cable) and all
the connecting cables of the
generator must be
disconnected and the welder
cables placed as near the
welding point as possible.
l The radio must be turned
off before the battery is
disconnected.
l If the radio has an antitheft
code and the battery has been

WARNING!
The Supplemental Restraint
System is grounded under the
driver's seat. Do not loosen the two
screws grounding the unit. Do not
ground other electrical
components using these screws or
any other points near them. Faults
in the system could occur if it is
improperly grounded.
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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
WARNING! It is
recommended that tires of
the same make and
dimensions be used on all
four wheels (including the
use of snow tires). Do not use
bias ply tires as this will
adversely alter vehicle
handling characteristics. control to and blower
control to its highest setting.




Contents | Top of Page
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1998 Volvo S90
Only use wheel lift or flat bed equipment.
CAUTION:
Sling-type equipment applied at the front will
damage radiator and air conditioning lines.
It is equally important not to use slingtype
equipment at the rear or apply lifting equipment
inside the rear wheels: serious damage to the
rear axle may result.
WARNING!
Do not use the towing eyelets on the car to pull
the car up onto a flat bed tow truck.
Jump starting pg. 65
Jump starting Check that cars are not touching to prevent
premature completion of negative circuit. Note the position
of the battery terminals and using jumper cables, first
connect booster battery positive (+) terminal (1) to car
battery positive (+) terminal (2). Then connect the 12 volt
booster battery negative (-) terminal (3) to a stationary solid
metal part on the engine at a point away from the battery
(4).
Do not connect booster cable to any part of fuel system or
any moving parts. Avoid touching hot manifolds. After
engine has started, remove first the negative (-) terminal
jumper cable. Then remove the positive (+) terminal jumper
WARNING!
l To reduce the possibility of
explosion, never expose battery to
open flame or electric spark.
l Do not smoke near battery.
l Batteries generate hydrogen gas
which is flammable and explosive.
l Battery fluid contains sulfuric
acid. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact eyes, skin, fabrics or painted
surfaces. If contact occurs, flush
affected area immediately with
water.
l Obtain medical attention
immediately if eyes are affected.
Failure to follow the instructions for
jump starting can lead to personal
injury.
CAUTION: Improper hook-up of
jumper cables or use of other than 12-
volt batteries could result in damage
to equipment and/or battery.
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1998 Volvo S90
Chapter 4 (cont)
Brake system
pg. 67


If one of the brake
circuits should
malfunction, the red
warning light will come
on


The pedal stroke increases
slightly, the pedal feels softer
and extra pressure is required for
normal braking.
If the light comes on while
driving or braking, stop
immediately and check the brake
fluid level in the reservoir.

WARNING!
If the fluid level is below the
MIN mark in either section
of the reservoir: DO NOT
DRIVE. Tow the car to a
Volvo retailer and have the
brake system checked and
repaired.




Anti-lock Brake System
– ABS


If the warning lamp lights up
there is a malfunction of the
ABS system (the standard
braking system will however

The system performs a self-
diagnostic test when the vehicle
is started and at 4 mph (6 km/h).
The driver may detect one
pulsation of the brake pedal,
which is normal.
To obtain optimal effect from
the ABS system, constant
pressure should be kept on the
brake pedal while the system
is modulating the brakes. Do
not pump the brake pedal.
The switching of the ABS
modulator will be audible at this
time.
Please be aware that ABS does
not increase the absolute braking
potential of the vehicle.
While control will be enhanced,
ABS will not shorten stopping
distances on slippery surfaces.

Moisture on brake
discs and brake pads
affects braking.


Driving in rain and slush or
passing through an automatic car
wash can cause water to collect
on the brake discs and pads.
This will cause a delay in
braking effect when the pedal is
depressed. To avoid such a delay
when the brakes are needed,
depress the pedal occasionally
when driving through rain, slush
etc. This will remove the water
from the brakes. Check that
Severe strain on the
brake system


The brakes will be subject to
severe strain when driving in
mountains or hilly areas or
towing. The speed is usually low
which means that the cooling of
the brakes is less efficient than
when driving on level roads. To
reduce the strain on the brakes it
is advisable not to use the brakes
excessively. Instead, shift into a
lower gear, position 3 or in some
cases L ,and let the engine help
with the braking.
Do not forget that, if you are
towing a trailer, the brakes will
be subjected to greater load than
is normal.

If the brake power-
assist does not
function


The power assist to the brakes
functions only when the engine
is running. When the car is
moving without the engine
running the brake pedal pressure
required to stop the car is
increased by 3-4 times.
The brake pedal feels stiff and
hard.
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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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