1998 VOLVO V90 heater

1998 Volvo S90
Special Tips - automatic transmission
l For driving down steep hills and when driving
for prolonged periods at low speeds, position L
should be selected. Avoid, however, repeated
changes since this can cause overheating of the
transmission oil. For driving on long continuous
uphill gradients, select position 3.
l Do not hold the car stationary on an incline by
using the accelerator pedal. Instead, apply the
hand brake (parking brake). This prevents the
transmission oil from becoming overheated.
l When towing a trailer, select shift position 3.
l The (E)conomy mode should be selected when
the cruise control is engaged.
l Never select P or R while the car is in motion.
l 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.
l The gear selector should not be downshifted to
L at speeds above 75 mph (125 km/h). Always
observe posted speed limits. Cooling system

The risk for overheating is greatest, especially in
hot weather, when:
l towing a trailer up steep inclines for prolonged
periods at wide open throttle and low engine rpm.
l stopping the engine suddenly after high speed
driving (so-called "after-boiling" can occur).
To avoid overheating, the following rules should
be followed:
l Reduce speed and downshift when towing a
trailer up long, steep inclines. The risk of
overheating can be reduced by switching off the
air conditioning system for a short time.
l Do not let the engine idle unnecessarily for
prolonged periods.
l Do not mount auxiliary lamps in front of the
grill.
When the risk of overheating is imminent, or in
the event of overheating, (the temperature gauge
goes repeatedly into, or stays continually in, the
red section) the following precautions should be
taken:
l Switch off the air conditioning system.
l Pull off the road, away from traffic, stop the car
and put the gear lever into neutral. Do not stop the
engine!
l Switch the heater to full (maximum) position.
Increase the engine speed to approx. 2000 rpm
(twice idling speed) until the temperature begins
to drop.
See "Coolant" to check and top-up the coolant
level if necessary.

WARNING! Do not remove coolant expansion
tank cap. The coolant will be extremely hot.
Points to remember pg. 61
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_058.htm (4 of 7)12/30/2006 \
1:52:42 PM

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
extreme operating conditions such as trailer
towing in sustained ambient temperatures over
104° F (40° C). However, SAE 10W-30 synthetic
oil would be a better alternative in such
conditions.
SAE 15W-40 should not be used under normal
operating conditions.
American Petroleum Institute
(API) labels. These labels certify
the oil conforms to the applicable
standards and specifications of
the API.
Servicing pg. 110
Torque exhaust and
intake manifold nuts


A loose manifold could alter air/
fuel ratio and cause an increase
in emissions and/or poor
driveability.

Air cleaner

Replace the air cleaner cartridge
with a new one every 30,000
miles (48,000 km). The
cartridge should be replaced
more often when driving under
dirty and dusty conditions, The
filter cannot be cleaned and,
therefore, should always be
replaced with a new one.

Vacuum fittings, hoses
and connections


Unstable idle, misfiring, or poor
emission control is often caused
by leaking vacuum hoses or
connections. Check hoses and
connections on distributor
vacuum unit, connections on
heater control servo systems and
hydraulic brake servo.
Fuel system cap, tank
and lines, and
connections


The effectiveness of the fuel
system to contain hydrocarbons
is dependent largely on a
leakfree system. Check for
proper sealing of gasoline filler
cap which contains "O" ring-
type seals. Check all
evaporative hoses in vehicle for
tightness. Check fuel lines under
vehicle and repair if necessary.

Fuel (line) filter

The fuel line filter is located
next to the fuel pump. This filter
should be replaced every
100,000 miles (160,000 km).
The filter is replaced as one
complete unit.
Replace more frequently if
contaminated fuel is introduced
into the tank (or if there is
reason to suspect that this has
occurred).

Timing belt

WARNING!
The distributor ignition
system operates at very high
voltages. Special safety
precautions must be followed
to prevent injury.
Always turn the ignition off
when:
l Replacing distributor
ignition components e.g.
plugs, coil, etc.
l Do not touch any part of
the distributor ignition system
while the engine is running.
This may result in unintended
movements and body injury.


Replacing spark plugs

The spark plugs should be
changed every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km). However, city
driving or fast highway driving
may necessitate changing after
15,000 miles (24,000 km) of
driving. When installing new
plugs, be sure to fit the right type
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_108.htm (3 of 6)12/30/2006 \
1:52:49 PM

1998 Volvo S90
Check, without removing the cap, that the level is above
the "MIN" mark of the fluid reservoir.
Always entrust brake fluid changing to an authorized
Volvo retailer.
Drive belt pg. 117
Belt check

Check the belt regularly to make sure it is in good
condition and is clean. A worn or dirty belt can cause poor
cooling and low generator output as well as impair the
operation of the power steering and the air conditioning
unit.

WARNING! The engine must not be running when
this check is performed. NOTE: The belt is equipped with a self-questioning
mechanism and requires no adjustment between changes.
Cooling system pg. 118



Changing coolant

Normally, the coolant does not
need to be changed. If the system
must be drained, use the following
procedure:
Remove the expansion tank cap.
Open the drain cock on the right
side of the engine block and
disconnect the lower radiator
hose.
Fill coolant through the expansion
tank. The heater controls should
be fully open when draining and
WARNING: If the engine is
warm and you are going to top
up coolant, unscrew the cap
slowly in order to allow any
excess pressure to escape.


NOTE: Do not top up with water
only. Water by itself reduces the
rust-protective and anti-freeze
qualities of the coolant and has a
lower boiling point. It can also
cause damage to the cooling system
if it should freeze.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_114.htm (3 of 5)12/30/2006 \
1:52:50 PM