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
Maintenance schedule
A= Adjust (Correct if necessary) I= Inspect (Correct or Replace if ne\
cessary)
R= Replace L= Lubricate
Maintenance Operation thousand
miles
(thousand km) 5
(8)
10
(16) 15
(25) 20
(32) 25
(40) 30
(48) 35
(56) 40
(64) 45
(72) 50
(80) 55
(88) 60
(96)
EMISSION SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE
Engine oil and filter R R R R R R R R R R R R
Engine drive belt (accessory belt) I R
Air cleaner filter R R
Spark plugs R R
Automatic transmission fluid I I I I I I
Timing belt - B 6304 S
4
1) See section "Engine oil" for detailed information.
NOTE: The oil should be changed at these intervals or after 750 hours of\
driving or after 12 months
which ever occurs first. See "Service Reminder indicator", page 19.
2) For services beyond 60,000 miles (96,000 km), consult your "Mainte\
nance Records booklet".
3) These intervals may apply, depending on actual driving conditions (\
see page 109 for details)
4) For proper functioning of the vehicle and its emission control syste\
m, Volvo recommends that the
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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
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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
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