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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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
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
Oil quality
Meeting API specification SG, SG/CD, SH or
Energy Conserving (EC) II
For best fuel economy and engine protection,
consult with your authorized Volvo retailer for
recommended oils. Oil with a different quality
rating may not provide adequate engine
protection.
Synthetic oils complying with oil quality
requirements are recommended for: driving in
areas of sustained temperature extremes (hot or
cold), when towing a trailer over long distances or
for prolonged driving in mountainous areas.
Extra oil additives must not be used unless
advised by an authorized Volvo retailer.
NOTE:SAE 15W/40 should only be used in
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.
Capacity (including filter): 5.9 US qts = 5.75
liters
Automatic transmission
fluid Quality:ATF Dexron
IIE/III and Mercon
Capacity:7.9 US qts. (7.5 liters)
Rear axle oil Quality: API-GL-5
(MIL-L-2105 C or D)
SAE 80W-90Capacity:1.4 US qts (1.3 liters) sedans/
wagons
Power steering fluid Quality: ATF F,GCapacity:1.05 US qts. (1.0 liters)
Brake fluid Brake fluid type:DOT 4
+Capacity: 0.63 US qt. (0.6 liter)
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Specifications pg. 123
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1998 Volvo S90
Ashtray rear 1.2 W Volvo P/
N966326 1
Seat belt lock 1.2 W Volvo P/
N966326 1
Instrument
warning/
indicator lights 1.2 W Volvo P/
N966326 –
All specifications are subject to change without
notice
Specifications pg. 127
Vehicle Loading
The tires on your Volvo should perform to
specifications at all normal loads when inflated as
recommended on the tire information label. The
label is located on the rear-facing edge of the
right-front door. This label lists both tire and
vehicle design limits. Do not load your car beyond
the load limits indicated.
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tire will reduce tire life,
adversely affect vehicle handling and can possibly
lead to failure resulting in loss of vehicle control
without prior warning.
Capacities
Fuel tank (approx.) 21.1 US gal.*
80 liters
Cooling System 10.5 US qts.
(10 liters)
Engine 5.9 US qts. **
at oil change 5.75 liters
Engine, 5.5 US qts. **
excl. oil filter 5.15 liters
Automatic transmission 7.9 US qts.
7.5 liters
Rear axle 1.4 US qts.
1.3 liters
Power steering gear 0.8 US qts.
0.8 liter
*"Usable" capacity - 20.3 US gallons (77 liters)
** if oil cooler is drained, add 0.47 US qts (0.4
liter)
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