1998 Volvo S90
position and switch A is in this position.
All lights off (daytime running light function
disabled)
Winshield wipers/washers, Ignition switch pg. 21
Windshield wipers/washers
1 Intermittent wiper.
With switch in this position, the wipers will
sweep approximately every seventh second.
2 "Single sweep" position.
Switch returns automatically when released
3 Wipers, low speed.
4 Wipers, high speed
5 Windshield wiper/washer, headlight
wiper/washer (certain models)
The wiper will make 2-3 complete sweeps
across the windshield and headlights after
lever is released.
Starting
(ignition)
switch/
steering
wheel lock
The steering
wheel lock
might be under
tension when
the car is
parked. Turn
the steering
wheel slightly
to free the ignition key.
In order to reduce car
theft, make sure the
steering wheel lock is
engaged before leaving
the car.
Achime will sound if the
starting key is left in the
ignition lock and the
front door on the driver's
side is opened. 0 Locked position:
remove the key to lock the
steering wheel.
WARNING:
Never turn the key to
position 0 while driving or
when the car is being
towed.
I Intermediate position:
Certain accessories/radio,
etc. on, daytime running
lights off.
II Drive position:
Key position when engine is
running.
III Starting position:
Release the key when the
engine start.
The key returns
automatically to the Drive
position.
*The gear selector must be
in the (P)ark position before
the key can be removed
from the ignition switch.
Fog lights, Instruments illumination, Steering wheel adjustment, Power antenna
pg. 22
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_017.htm (5 of 7)12/30/2006 \
1:52:36 PM
1998 Volvo S90
Remote keyless entry
system
As an option, your car can be
equipped with a remote
control transmitter. This
transmitter uses a radio
frequency which will allow
"keyless" entry into the
passenger compartment or the
trunk. You will be supplied
with two coded key ring
transmitters, which will
enable you to lock/unlock all
doors and the trunk/tailgate
from a distance of 10-15 feet
(3-5 meters).
To lock :
Press the lock button once to
lock all doors and trunk/
tailgate.
To unlock :
Press the unlock button once
to unlock the driver's door
only.
Press the unlock button again
(within 10 seconds) to unlock
all doors and trunk/tailgate.
Aim the base of the remote control unit at
the car to get the best range.
On vehicles equipped with an alarm, the
alarm will also be activated/deactivated by
this system.
As an extra security precaution in certain
situations (valet parking, etc.), Volvo
recommends that the transmitter not be
included when the keys are given to
anyone. The service key can be used
instead. If one of the transmitters is
misplaced, contact the nearest authorized
Volvo retailer for assistance.
Batteries
The remote transmitter is powered by 2
three-volt batteries, type CR 1220. If three
short signals are audible from the
transmitter each time you lock/unlock the
car, this indicates that the batteries are
weak.
Replacement: Remove the battery cover
on the back of the transmitter with a coin.
Replace the batteries. Reinstall the cover,
making sure it is secured tightly to help
protect the transmitter. New transmitters
If you purchase additional
transmitters, they must be
programmed to function with
your remote keyless entry
system. Please refer to page 49
for instructions.
This device complies with
FCC rules Part 15.
Operations is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not
cause harmful interference
and (2) this device must
accept any interference that
may be received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation.
WARNING! Volvo does
not recommend using the
transmitter to lock the doors
from inside the car. On cars
equipped with an alarm, the
alarm would be activated
and would sound when one
of the doors is opened. The
doors must not be locked
using the remote transmitter
while the vehicle is
occupied. In case of an
accident, this may hinder
rapid access to the
occupants of the vehicle.
The alarm will also sound
on models equipped with
this feature.
Front seats pg. 33
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_031.htm (3 of 6)12/30/2006 \
1:52:39 PM
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.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_058.htm (5 of 7)12/30/2006 \
1:52:42 PM
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.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_058.htm (6 of 7)12/30/2006 \
1:52:42 PM
1998 Volvo S90
plenty of water, to avoid scratching.
l Bird droppings: Remove from
paintwork as soon as possible.
Otherwise the finish may be
permanently damaged.
l A detergent can be used to
facilitate the softening of dirt and
oil.
l A water-soluble grease solvent
may be used in cases of sticky dirt.
However, use a washplace equipped
with a drainage separator.
l Dry the car with a clean chamois
and remember to clean the drain
holes in the doors and rocker panels
*.
l The power radio antenna (sedans)
must be dried after washing.
l Tar spots can be removed with
kerosene or tar remover after the car
has been washed.
l A stiff-bristle brush and
lukewarm soapy water can be used
to clean the wiper blades. Frequent
cleaning improves visibility
considerably.
l Wash off the dirt from the
underside (wheel housings fenders,
etc.).
l In areas of high industrial fallout,
more frequent washing is
recommended.
CAUTION: During high pressure
washing, the spray mouth piece
must never be closer to the vehicle
than 13" (30 cm). Do not spray
into the locks.
l When washing or steam cleaning
the engine, avoid spraying water or
steam directly on the electrical
WARNING!
When the car is driven immediately after being washed,
apply the brake several times in order to remove any
moisture from the brake linings.
Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine
is warm. This constitutes a fire risk.
NOTE: When washing the car, remember to remove dirt from
the drain holes in the doors and sills. Bumpers: Wash the
bumpers with the same cleaning agent used on the rest of the
car. Never clean the bumpers with gasoline or paint thinner.
Difficult spots can be removed with denatured alcohol. To
avoid scratches, do not dry the bumpers with paper.
*Pay special attention to the drain holes at the base of the
windshield in the cowl under the rear edge of the hood.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_097.htm (4 of 6)12/30/2006 \
1:52:47 PM
1998 Volvo S90
Idle air control system
Your Volvo is equipped with an
electronically-controlled idle air
control system that requires no
checking or adjustment.
Volvo recommends that the
timing belt be replaced every
70,000 miles (112,000 km).
PCV system
The orifice nipple in the intake
manifold and the filter at the
end of the PCV hose in the
aircleaner should be inspected
every 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
Check/replace rubber hoses at
the same time.
and use correct torque, see
Specifications. When changing
the plugs, check that the
suppressor connectors are in
good condition. Cracked or
damaged connectors should be
replaced.
When changing the spark plugs,
clean the terminals and the
rubber seals.
Battery maintenance pg. 111
Battery maintenance
Driving habits and conditions, climate, the
number of starts, etc. all affect the service life and
function of the battery. In order for your battery to
perform satisfactorily, keep the following in mind:
l Check the fluid level in the battery every 6
months or every 10,000 * miles (16,000 km).
The fluid level in each battery cell should be
checked - use a screw driver to open the caps and
a flashlight to inspect the level.
*More frequently in warm climates.
l If necessary, add distilled water to
approximately 0.4 in. (10 mm) above the plates in
the cell or to the level indicator. See the
illustrations above.
l Check that the battery cables are correctly
connected and properly tightened.
l Never disconnect the battery when the engine is
running, for example when changing the battery.
l The battery should be disconnected when a
boost charger is used.
l Switch off the radio before disconnecting the
battery. If your radio has an antitheft code and the
battery is disconnected, the radio code has to be
reentered in order for the radio to function.
Fuel/emissions systems pg. 112
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_108.htm (4 of 6)12/30/2006 \
1:52:49 PM
1998 Volvo S90
Chapter 10 - Audio Systems
pg. 131
Audio systems
This chapter describes the audio system in your car.
SC-813 pg. 132
SC-816 pg. 145
General information pg. 161
Audio system SC-813 Premium Sound system (certain models)
pg. 132
The following pages describe the use of your SC-813 Cassette radio and C\
D remote control
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_131.htm (1 of 6)12/30/2006 \
1:52:52 PM
1998 Volvo S90
Anti-theft code
The radio features anti-theft
circuitry. If the set is removed
from the vehicle or if the
battery power is disconnected, a
special code must be entered to
enable operation of the set.
Refer to the radio code card
supplied with your vehicle or
ask your retailer for the
correct code.
When the car is parked with
ignition key removed the anti-
theft LED will flash. To enter the code
After installation or when the
set has been disconnected from
power, the set displays "CODE"
when it is switched on.
Enter the 4-digit code using the
preset buttons.
If the correct code is entered the
set is entered the set is ready to
use.
If you enter an incorrect code
you must enter the correct code
again from the beginning.
Incorrect code
If an incorrect code has been
entered "rPt" is displayed. Enter
the correct code. After three
unsuccessful coding attempts the
set will lock and remain locked
for two hours.
"OFF" is displayed.
During this waiting period:
l the battery must be connected
l the ignition key must be
turned to position I
l the unit must be turned on
Make sure the headlights are
turned off to help prevent battery
drain (please refer to page 20 for
information on turning the
headlights off).
Enter the code again once this
time has elapsed.
Radio SC-813 pg. 134
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_131.htm (3 of 6)12/30/2006 \
1:52:52 PM