1998 VOLVO V90 four wheel drive

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.

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_067.htm (4 of 5)12/30/2006 \
1:52:43 PM

1998 Volvo S90
Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires
pg. 71
Wheels and tires
The handling and riding comfort of the vehicle is dependent on the infla\
tion
pressure and the type of tires fitted. Read the following pages carefull\
y.
General information, Wear indicator, Tire economy, Flat spots pg. 72

Snow chains, Winter tires pg. 73
Inflation pressure pg. 74
Uniform tire quality grading pg. 75
Wheels and tires
pg. 72
General information

Your vehicle is equipped with tires according
to the tire information label located on the rear
facing side of the right front door.

The following is an example of a tire designation
code:
195 = tire width in mm.
60 = tire profile. This is the relationship (in
percent) between the section height and the width
of the tire.
R= radial tires.
15 = diameter in inches on all four wheels.
The tires have good road holding characteristics
and offer good handling on dry and wet surfaces.
Your Volvo may be equipped with "all-season"
tires, which provide a somewhat higher degree
of winter roadholding on slippery surfaces
than tires without the "all-season" rating.
However, for optimum road holding on icy or
snow covered roads - we recommend suitable
winter tires. When replacing worn tires, it is recommended
that the tire be identical in type (radial) and size as
the one being replaced. Using a tire of the same
make (manufacturer) will prevent alteration of the
driving characteristics of the vehicle.

To improve tire economy:

l Maintain correct tire pressure.
l Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking
and tire screeching.
l Tire wear increases with speed.
l Correct front wheel alignment is very
important. Unbalanced wheels impair tire
economy and driving comfort.
l If the wheels are rotated, they should be kept on
the same side of the car so that they revolve in the
same direction as prior to rotation.
l Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires
and/or wheels permanently.

Flat spots

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_071.htm (1 of 5)12/30/2006 \
1:52:44 PM

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
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_125.htm (1 of 7)12/30/2006 \
1:52:51 PM