1998 VOLVO S90 check engine light

1998 Volvo S90
WARNING!
As its name implies, SRS is designed to be a
SUPPLEMENT to - not a replacement for - the
three-point belt system. For maximum
protection, wear seat belts at all times. Be
aware that no system can prevent all possible
injuries that may occur in an accident.
VOLVO SRS (cont.) pg. 5
A self-diagnostic system incorporated in the sensor
monitors the SRS. This system does not, however,
monitor the SIPS airbags. If a fault is detected, the
"SRS" warning light will illuminate. The light is
included in the warning/indicator light cluster in the
instrument panel. Normally, the SRS warning lamp
should light up when the ignition is switched on
and should go out after 10 seconds or when the
engine is started. Check that this light is
functioning properly every time the car is started.

The following items are monitored by all the self-
diagnostic system:
l Sensor unit
l Cable harness
There is no maintenance to perform on the SRS
yourself. The only periodic maintenance
recommended on the SRS is that the air bag
modules and front seat belts (including tensioners)
should be replaced approximately every ten years
and that the other components in the system
(wiring, connectors, etc.) should also be inspected
at this time. The SRS decal on your car shows the
month and year servicing is due. This service must
be performed by an authorized Volvo retailer.
Should you have any questions about the SRS
system, please contact your authorized Volvo
Retailer or Volvo Customer Support.
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1998 Volvo S90
NOTE: Canadian model
speedometers/odometers
indicate kilometers only.

1 Ambient temperature
indicator (certain models)

Indicates the temperature
slightly above the surface of the
road. An amber warning lamp
lights up when the temperature
is in the range of 23-36° F (-5 -
+ 2° C). At low speeds or when
the car is not moving, the
temperature readings may be
slightly higher than the actual
ambient temperature due to heat
generated by the engine.

2 Fuel gauge

The total fuel tank capacity is
approx. 21.1 US gal. (80 liters).
The "usable" capacity is 20.3
US gal. (77 liters). When the
warning light comes on, there
are approximately 1.6 US gal. (6
liters) of fuel remaining in the
tank. See "Refueling" for further
information.3 Quartz crystal clock/
clock set button

Press the button and turn to set
the clock.

4 Speedometer

5 Odometer

6 Trip odometer/reset
button

Used for measuring shorter
distances. The last digit
indicates 1/10 mile/kilometer.

7 Tachometer

Reads thousands of engine rpm.
Engine should not be operated
in red range.
8 Temperature gauge

Do not drive the car with the
pointer in the red range. The
pointer should be approximately
midway on the gauge face when
driving. If the pointer approaches
the red range repeatedly, check
coolant level. See page 118.
WARNING! Allow engine to
cool before adding coolant.




Contents | Top of Page
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1998 Volvo S90
The warning lights described on pages 18 and 19 should never stay on whe\
n driving

When the ignition key is turned on, and before the engine starts, all of\
the warning lights should be on
to test the function of the bulbs. Should a light not go off after the e\
ngine has started, the system
indicated should be inspected. However, the parking brake reminder light\
will not go off until the
parking brake is fully released.
Generator warning
light

If the light comes on while the
engine is running, have the
charging system checked.

Malfunction
indicator lamp

If the lamp comes on (or stays
on after the vehicle has started),
the engine diagnostic system
has detected a possible fault in
the emission control system.
Although driveability may not
be affected, see an authorized
Volvo retailer as soon as
possible for inspection.

NOTE:If the fuel filler cap is
not closed tightly or if the
engine is running when the car
is refueled, the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp may indicate a
fault. Use only Volvo original
or approved fuel filler caps.
Oil pressure warning
light

If the light comes on while
driving, stop the car and then s
If the light stays on after restart,
have the car towed to the
nearest authorized Volvo
retailer. After hard driving, the
light may come on occasionally
when the engine is idling. This
is normal, provided it goes off
when the engine speed is
increased.

Parking brake
reminder light

This light will be on when the
parking brake (hand brake) is
applied. The parking brake
lever is situated between the
front seats. Canadian models
are equipped with this warning
light:

Brake failure
warning light

If the light comes on while
driving or braking, stop
immediately, open the hood and
check the brake fluid level in the
reservoir. See page 114 for
reservoir position.
Canadian models are equipped
with this warning light:


WARNING!
If the 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 any
leakage repaired.
Warning lights (cont.) pg. 19
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1998 Volvo S90
A new car should be broken-in!

Refrain from utilizing your car's full driving
potential, e.g. full-throttle acceleration, during the
first 1,200 miles (2,000 km).

Automatic transmission

Do not use "kick-down" during the first 1,200
miles (2,000 km).

NOTE - ENGINE OIL:

Although some oil consumption during normal
engine operation, more oil is consumed when the
engine is new as the internal parts generate higher
friction while wearing-in to each other. From the
time the engine is new until the first service is
performed, the oil consumption could be
higher than normal. For this reason, it is
especially important to check the oil every time
you refuel your car during this period. See
page 108.
In general, the rate of oil consumption depends on
such factors as: engine temperature, length of trip,
driving conditions, oil viscosity and quality,
engine speed and acceleration/deceleration.
Checking your engine oil level each time the car
is refuelled is one of the most important items
you can perform to help keep your car in good
running order.

Deposit control gasoline (detergent
additives)

Volvo recommends the use of gasoline containing
deposit control additives. These additives have
shown to be efficient in keeping injectors and
intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit
control gasolines will help ensure good
driveability and fuel economy. If you are not sure
whether the gasoline contains deposit control
additives, check with the service station operator.
Unleaded Fuel

Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter
and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and
Canadian regulations require that pumps
delivering unleaded gasoline be labeled
"UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles
which fit your car's filler inlet. It is unlawful to
dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labeled
"unleaded gasoline only". Leaded gasoline
damages the three-way catalytic converter and the
heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of
leaded gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of
the emission control system and could result in
loss of emission warranty coverage. State and
local vehicle inspection programs will make
detection of misfueling easier, possibly resulting
in emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.

NOTE: Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines
contain an octane enhancing additive called
methyl-cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission
Control System performance may be affected,
and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp located on
your instrument panel may light. If this occurs,
please return your vehicle to an authorized Volvo
retailer for service.
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1998 Volvo S90
Volvo allows the use of the
following "oxygenated fuels";
however, the octane ratings
listed on this page must still be
met. of fuel. Therefore, it is
advisable to refuel as soon as
possible when the needle nears
the red zone, or when the fuel
warning light comes on.
Driving economy pg. 56
Economical driving
conserves natural
resources

Better driving economy may be
obtained by thinking ahead,
avoiding rapid starts and stops
and adjusting the speed of your
vehicle to immediate traffic
conditions. Observe the
following rules:

l Bring the engine to normal
operating temperature as soon
as possible by driving with a
light foot on the accelerator
pedal for the first few minutes
of operation. A cold engine
uses more fuel and is subject to
increased wear.

l Whenever possible, avoid
using the car for driving short
distances. This does not allow
the engine to reach normal
operating temperature.

l Drive carefully and avoid
rapid acceleration and hard
braking.

l Do not exceed speed limit.

l Avoid carrying unnecessary
items (extra load) in the car.

l Check tire pressure regularly
l Remove snow tires when
threat of snow or ice has ended.

l Note that roof racks, ski
racks, etc., increase air
resistance and thereby fuel
consumption.

l Avoid using automatic
transmission kick-down feature
unless necessary.

l Avoid using the air
conditioning when it is not
required. When engaged, the
air conditioner's compressor
places places an additional load
on the engine. However, please
note that fuel consumption is
lower with the air conditioning
on than it is when driving with
the air conditioning switched
off and the windows down.

Other factors which decrease
gas mileage are:
l Worn or dirty spark plugs
l Incorrect spark plug gap
l Dirty air cleaner
l Dirty engine oil and clogged
oil filter
l Dragging brakes
l Incorrect front end alignment

Some of the above mentioned

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1998 Volvo S90
(check when tires are cold). items and others are checked at
the standard Maintenance
Service intervals.

NOTE: Since using (D)rive
improves fuel economy, it
should be used as often as
possible.
Starting the engine pg. 57
Starting and stopping a
car equipped with
automatic transmission

1 Fasten the seat belt.
WARNING! Before
starting, check that the seat
is adjusted properly. Make
sure the brake pedal can be
depressed completely. Move
the seat closer if necessary.
Refer to section "Front
seats".

2 Apply the parking brake, if
not already set. The gear
selector is locked in the (P)ark
position (SHIFTLOCK).

3Without touching the
accelerator pedal ,turn the
ignition key to the starting
position. Allow the starter to
operate for 5-10 seconds.
Release the key as soon as the
engine starts. If the engine fails
to start, repeat step 3.

5 Select desired gear. The gear
engages after a slight delay,
especially noticeable when
selecting R.
CAUTION: Engine should
be idling; never accelerate
until after you feel the gear
engage! Too rapid
acceleration immediately
after selecting a gear will
cause harsh engagement and
premature transmission
wear.

NOTE:Your car is equipped
with a KEYLOCK system.
When the engine is switched
off, the gear selector must be in
the (P)ark position before the
key can be removed from the
ignition switch.

Engine warm-up - initial
driving procedure

Engines in vehicles driven short
distances are subject to
abnormally rapid wear because
the engine never reaches normal
operating temperature. It is
therefore beneficial to reach
normal operating temperature as
soon as possible. This is best
achieved by driving with a light
foot on the accelerator pedal for
a few minutes after starting,
rather than prolonged idling.

B6304 S Engine


This engine features hydraulic
valve lifters which means that
valve clearance is adjusted
automatically. It is possible that
the valve lifters will produce a
ticking sound for the first few
seconds after the engine is
started, while the oil pressure is
increasing.
If the car has not been used for a
long period of time, this ticking
sound may last for up to 15
minutes. This is entirely normal.
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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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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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