1998 VOLVO S90 gearbox

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
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
and third gears when in
driving modes E or S. There
is no upshift from third gear.
Position 3 can be used for
driving in hilly terrain, for
towing trailers or for
increased engine braking
power.
CAUTION: Never select P
or R while the car is in
motion. 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. The gear
selector should not be
downshifted to L at speeds
above 75 mph (125 km/h). -
Always observe posted
speed limits!
Automatic transmission pg. 59


Shift gate positions

The gear selector can be moved
freely between D and 3.
Selections of other positions are

Kick-down

Automatic shift to a lower gear
(kick-down) is achieved by
depressing the accelerator pedal
fully and briskly.
An up-shift will be achieved
when approaching the top speed
for a particular gear or by
releasing the accelerator pedal
slightly. Kick-down can be used
for maximum acceleration or
when passing at highway
speeds.
The indicator lamp in the
instrument panel lights up when
mode W is selected. Press button
W in order to disengage this
mode.
When mode W is disengaged,
the gearbox automatically
reverts to the previously selected
S or E mode.
If the indicator lamp begins to
flash, this is an indication of a
fault in the automatic gearbox. If
the transmission does not shift
properly, place the gear selector
in position L. Please contact
your Volvo retailer if this
occurs.
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1998 Volvo S90
obtained by depressing the
selector knob prior to moving
the selector.
Slightly depressing the selector
knob allows selection of
positions N, D, 3 and L. Fully
depressing the selector knob
allows selection of positions R
and P. This is also necessary
when initially bringing the
selector out of position P. Fully
depressing the selector knob
thus permits shifting freely
between all positions.Mode selector

The push-buttons to the left of
the gear lever are for selection of
modes E, S and W. Any mode
can be selected while the car is
on the move.

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".
In this mode:
l In position D*, the gearbox
starts in third gear and changes
up to fourth gear.
l In position 3*, second gear is
locked and there is no change up
to third gear.
l In position L, first gear is
locked.
*These positions always offer
the kick-down feature.
CAUTION: Driveability and
fuel economy will be
adversely affected by
prolonged driving in mode W .
Volvo recommends using this
mode only when starting in
extremely slippery conditions.

Sport Mode
This mode is adapted to "sporty"
driving characteristics. The
transmission upshifts at higher
engine speeds and less
accelerator pedal pressure is
required to initiate a downshift.

Economy Mode
This mode is used normally. The
gearbox changes gears at a
lower engine speed to achieve
the best possible fuel
consumption.

"Lock-up"
The automatic gearbox has a
"lock-up" function. It reduces
engine speed and saves fuel. The
"lock-up" function can
sometimes be felt as an
additional gear change.
Points to remember pg. 60
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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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