
1998 Volvo S90
 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 
function). The vehicle should be 
driven to a Volvo retailer for 
inspection.  
See page 67 for additional 
information.  
Canadian models are equipped 
with this warning light: 
 
 
 Mode "W" engaged 
 
The lamp will light up when the 
Winter/Wet mode is engaged.  
If the warning lamp begins to 
flash,this means that there is a 
fault in the automatic gearbox.  
Contact your Volvo retailer. 
 Supplemental 
Restraint System  
 
If the light comes on (or stays 
on after the vehicle has started), 
the SRS diagnostic system has 
detected a fault. Drive to an 
authorized Volvo retailer for an 
inspection of the system. See 
the SRS section for more 
information. 
 
 Service reminder 
indicator 
 
This light will come on at 
10,000 mile (16,000 km) 
intervals. It is a reminder to the 
driver that the 10,000 mile 
(16,000 km) service interval has 
been exceeded. The light will 
stay on 2 minutes after start 
until reset by the servicing 
retailer. 
 
 Coolant level sensor 
 
If the light comes on while 
driving, the coolant level is low. 
The coolant level in the 
expansion tank should be 
checked immediately and 
topped off if necessary. The 
cooling system should be 
inspected by an authorized 
Volvo retailer. 
 Turn signal indicators-
trailer (certain models) 
 
When towing a trailer, this light 
will flash simultaneously with 
the turn signals on the trailer. If 
the light does not flash when 
signaling, neither the trailer's turn 
signals nor the car's turn signals 
are functioning. 
 
 Bulb failure warning 
light 
 
The light will come on if any of 
the following bulbs are defective:  
one of the low beam headlights  
one of the tail lights  
one of the brake lights when the 
brake pedal is depressed.  
Check the fuse and bulb.  
See sections titled "Replacing 
bulbs" and "Fuses". 
Lighting, Turn signals pg. 20
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1998 Volvo S90
A- Tailgate window wiper/
washer (wagon) 
 
The tailgate window wiper/
washer is operated by a switch 
at the end of the wiper level.  
1. The wiper operates 
continuously.  
2. Intermittent position: the 
wiper strokes approximately 
every 10 seconds.  
3. Tailgate washer (note that the 
wiper also operates when this 
button is depressed): after the 
button is released the wiper 
strokes 2-3 additional times 
before stopping.  
The electrical circuit is 
protected by fuse 19, located in 
the central electrical unit. See 
the section entitled "Fuses". B- Electrically operated 
sun roof (certain models)  
 
The sun roof can be operated in 
two ways; as a conventional 
sliding roof; or the rear edge can 
be raised to provide increased 
ventilation. On models equipped 
with the power glass sun roof, a 
manually operated sun shade is 
also provided.  
See page 49 for operating 
instructions.  
 
NOTE:In case of sun roof 
malfunction, see page 49. 
Cruise control pg. 24 
NOTE: 
When driving in hilly terrain, 
the gearbox may tend to jump 
between different gears. This 
can be avoided by selecting 
gear selector position 3 
(intermediate position). 
Normally, the (E)conomy 
mode should be used when 
the cruise control is engaged.  
 
Acceleration  
Momentary acceleration, such 
as for passing, does not 
interrupt cruise control 
operation. The previously 
selected speed will be 
maintained without having to 
set the switch to RESUME.  
To disengage the cruise 
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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 6 - (cont.)Fuses 
pg. 89 
Fuses  
 
In order to 
prevent 
damage to 
the electrical 
system as a 
result of 
short circuits 
or 
overloading, 
all electrical 
functions and 
components 
are protected 
by a number 
of fuses.  
 
The fuses are 
located in 
three 
different 
places in the 
car:  
 
Fuses in the 
main fuse 
box (A) 
protect the 
entire 
electrical 
supply 
system.  
 
Fuses in the 
relay/fuse 
box (B) 
protect the 
electrical 
functions and 
components 
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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
compartment. 
 
Location * Amperage  
1 Engine control module, Automatic transmission control module 5  
2 AC relay 5  
3 Relay, air pump, Heated oxygen sensor 15  
4 Fuel pump 15  
5 Fuel injection, Mass air flow (MAF) sensor, Idle air control system,\
  
Engine control module 15  
6 Automatic transmission control module 15  
7 Ignition coil, 25  
8 Fog lights 25  
9 Spare  
10 Positioning/parking lights, left 15  
11 Positioning/parking lights, right 15  
12 Left high beam 15  
13 Right high beam, Instrument panel 15  
14 Left low beam 15  
15 Right low beam 15  
16 A/C compressor 15  
17 Horn 15  
18 Accessories (see respective accessories instructions)  
*Some of the equipment/systems listed may be available on certain models\
 only and/or as optional items 
only. 
Fuses pg. 92 
Fuse box in the passenger compartment (Box C) 
 
These fuses generally protect the electrical components in the passenger\
 compartment.  
The fuses are located inside the cover on the left side of the dash .A n\
umber of spare fuses can also be 
found here. Fuses are replaced in the same way as in the relay/fuse box \
in the engine compartment (see 
previous page). 
 
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1998 Volvo S90
Chapter 8 - (cont.)
Engine compartment 
pg. 114 
Engine compartment S90/V90 
 
1 Expansion tank, coolant  
2 Oil filler cap, engine  
3 Engine oil dipstick  
4 Brake fluid reservoir  
5 Battery  
6 Data plate  
7 Radiator  
8 Power steering fluid reservoir  
9 Air cleaner  
10 Washer fluid reservoir  
11 Main fuse box  
12 Relay/fuse box 
 
WARNING!  
The cooling fan may start or continue to 
operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the 
engine has been switched off. 
Lubrication pg. 115 
 
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