1998 Volvo S90
Headlights and parking lights
All lights off *
Parking lights on **
Headlights and parking lights are on if
starting (ignition) switch is in position I or II. If
the headlight switch is in position
all lights
will go out when starting switch is switched off.
With the headlight switch in position
the
parking lights will stay on (headlights off) with
the daytime running light switch (A) in position
.
The high beams can only be switched on if the
headlight switch is in position
.
Switch from high to low beams, and vice versa,
by moving the turn signal switch lever on the left
side of the steering column towards the steering
wheel.
*Models equipped with daytime running lights:
The low beams, tail lights, parking lights and
license plate lights will come on automatically
when the ignition is switched on.
Automatic daytime running lights
NOTE: The daytime running light function may
only be disabled (turned off) in the U.S. -
Canadian law mandates the use of daytime
running lights.
Screw A in the illustration (available on U.S.
models only) is used to control the automatic
daytime running lights when the headlight switch
is in position 0. To adjust, press in the screw with
a small screwdriver and turn to one of the
following positions:
Automatic daytime
running lights
Automatic daytime
running lights
** The daytime running
lights will also function when
the headlight switch is in
Turn signals
1 Lane change position: In maneuvers such as
lane changing, the driver can flash the turn signals
by moving the turn signal lever to the first stop
and holding it there. The lever will return to the
neutral position when released.
2 Signal lever engaged for normal turns
3 High beam/low beam switch (headlights on)
Move the lever towards the steering wheel and
release it.
Headlight flasher (headlights off)
Move the lever towards the steering wheel.
The headlight high beam will be on until the lever
is released.
NOTE:Defective turn signal bulbs will cause turn
signal indicator and remaining signal lights to
flash more rapidly than normal.
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1998 Volvo S90
control system:
set switch (B) to OFF,
depress the brake pedal or
move the gear selector to
position N. Switching off the
starting (ignition) switch will
automatically disengage the
cruise control system.
WARNING! The cruise
control should not be used
in heavy traffic or when
driving on wet or slippery
roads. Do not use or
resume cruise control in
reverse gear. When the
ignition is switched off,
any information stored in
the cruise control memory
will be erased.
Cruise control
The cruise control switches are
located on the turn signal switch
lever.
To engage and set desired
speed:
1. Set switch (B) to ON.
2. Accelerate to desired cruise
speed.
NOTE:The cruise control cannot
be engaged at speeds below 22
mph (35 km).
3. Press the + or - area of the SET
button (A) to set the desired
speed. Braking
This will automatically disengage
the cruise control. Previously
selected cruise control speed is
retained in the memory and by
momentarily setting the switch to
RESUME position, that speed will
be re-engaged.
If the cruise control is already
engaged, the cruising speed can be
increased or decreased by
depressing the SET button (A)
towards either + or -. One short
press on the button corresponds to
a speed change of approx. 1 mph
(1.6 km/h). When the button is
released, the vehicle will maintain
the current speed.
If actual speed falls below 70% of
set speed or if the wheels spin or
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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
Control
Information
Your Volvo
is designed to
meet all
applicable
emissions
standards, as
evidenced by
the
certification
label on the
left
wheelhousing.
For further
information
regarding
these
regulations,
please
consult your
Volvo
retailer.
3 Model
Plate
Vehicle
Identification
Number
(VIN). Codes
for color and
upholstery
etc. This
plate is
located on
panel-above
right
headlight.
4 Loads and
Tire
Pressures
Located on
the rear edge
Location of Labels Illustration
*The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should always be quoted in al\
l
correspondence concerning your vehicle with the retailer and when orderi\
ng parts.
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
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1998 Volvo S90
Chapter 9 - (cont.)
Specifications
pg. 125
Power transmission
Automatic transmission:
Reduction ratios: / AW 40
1st gear / 2.80:1
2nd gear / 1.53:1
3rd gear / 1:1
Overdrive / 0.71:1
Reverse / 2.39:1
Rear axle:
Reduction ratio / 3.73:1
All specifications are subject to change without
notice. Front suspension
McPherson-type spring and strut suspension.
Shock absorbers housed in strut casing. Rack-and-
pinion steering.
Safety-type steering column.
The alignment specifications apply to an unladen
car, but include fuel, coolant, and spare wheel.
Toe-in, measured on the wheel rim: 2.2 mm +/-
1.0 mm (15" wheels)
wheel rim: 2.3 mm +/- 1.0 mm (16" wheels)
tire sides: 2.8 +/- 1.3 mm
Rear Suspension
Multi-link rear wheel suspension consisting of
four elements per side: a trailing support arm with
load leveling shock absorber ("Nivomat" level-
regulating system on certain models), an upper L-
shaped link, a lower traverse link, and an angled
rear track rod to control wheel toe-in.
Toe-in, measured at the wheel rim: (0.4+/- 0.5
mm)
tire sides: (0.5+/- 0.8mm)
Specifications pg. 126
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1998 Volvo S90
All specifications are subject to change without
notice.
Service manuals, Road assistance pg. 128
Service Manuals
for your Volvo are
available for
purchase. These
are the same
manuals used by
competent Volvo
technicians.
Major sections
within the Service
Manual System
include: 0-General
Information; 1-
Lubrication and
Service; 2- Engine;
3- Electrical
System; 4- Power
Transmission; 5-
Brakes; 6-
Suspension and
Steering; 7-
Springs Shock
Absorbers and
Wheels; 8- Body
and Interior.
All specifications
are subject to
change without
notice.
Volvo supports Voluntary Mechanic
Certification by the A.S.E. Certified
mechanics have demonstrated a high
degree of competence in specific
areas. Besides passing exams each
mechanic must also have worked in
the field for two or more years before
a certificate is issued. These
professional mechanics are fully able
to analyze vehicle problems and
perform the necessary service
procedures to keep your Volvo at peak
operating condition.
Note that the above pertains to USA
only.
Your new Volvo comes with a four
year road assistance program named
ON-CALL. Additional information,
features, and benefits are described in a
separate information package in your
glove compartment.
If you have misplaced your package,
dial:
In the U.S.A.
1-800-63-VOLVO (1-800-638-6586)
In Canada:
1-800-263-0475
Specifications pg. 129
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1998 Volvo S90
Dimensions and weights
U.S.A. and Canada
Length (sedan) / 191.8 in (487.1 cm)
Length (wagon) / 191.4 in (486.1 cm)
Width / 68.9 in (175 cm)
Height, Sedan / 56.6 in (141 cm)
Wagon / 57.6 in (145 cm)
Wheelbase / 109 in (277 cm)
Track, front / 59.2 in (150 cm)
Sedan rear / 59.7 in (152 cm)
Wagon rear / 59.7 in (152 cm)
Turning circle, (between curbs) / 31.8 ft. (9.7 m)
Cargo capacity
sedans / 16.6 cu. ft. (0.49 m wagons (rear seat
up) / 39.3 cu. ft. (1.1 m³)
wagon (rear seat down) / 74.9 cu. ft. (2.1 m³)
Weights / Canada only
Curb weight (sedan) / 3439-3530 lbs (1560-1601
kg) 1562-1604 kg
Curb weight (wagon) / 3536-3591 lbs (1604-1629
kg) 1602-1627 kg
Gross vehicle weight (sedan) / 4450 lbs (2018 kg)
2020kg
Gross vehicle weight (wagon) / 4630 lbs (2100
kg) 2100 kg
Capacity Weight (sedan)* / 919 lbs (417 kg) 416
kg
Capacity Weight (wagon)* / 1038 lbs (471 kg)
473 kg
Permissible axle weight, front (sedan) / 2170 lbs
(984 kg) 980 kg
front (wagon) / 2160 lbs (979 kg) 980 kg
rear (sedan) / 2310 lbs (1048 kg) 1050 kg
rear (wagon) / 2530 lbs (1148 kg) 1150 kg
Max. roof load ** / 220lbs (100 kg)
Max. trailer weight (w/o brakes) 1100 lbs (500
kg)
Max. trailer weight (with brakes - 2" ball) / 3300
lbs (1500 kg)
Max. trailer weight (with brakes - 1 7/8" ball) / WARNING:
When adding accessories, equipment, luggage
and other cargo to your vehicle, the total
loaded weight capacity of the vehicle must not
be exceeded.
All specifications are subject to change without
notice.
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