In production, Volvo has partly or completely phased out several chemicals including freons, lead chromates,
naphtanates, asbestos, mercury and cadmium; and reduced the amount of chemicals used in our plants 50% since 1991.
In use, Volvo was the first in the world to introduce into production a three-way catalytic converter with a Lambda
sond, now called oxygen sensor, in 1976. The current version of this highly efficient system reduces emissions of
harmful substances (CO, HC, NOx) from the exhaust pipe by approximately 95% and the search to eliminate the
remaining emissions continues. Volvo is the only automobile manufacturer to offer CFC-free retrofit kits for the air
conditioning system for all models back to the M/Y 1975 240. Advanced electronic engine controls, refined
purification systems and cleaner fuels are bringing us closer to our goal.
After Volvo cars and parts have fulfilled their use, recycling is the next critical step in completing the life cycle. The
metal content is about 75% of the total weight of the car, which makes the car among the most recycled industrial
products. In order to have efficient and well controlled recycling, many Volvo variants have printed dismantling
manuals indication the weight and material of individual components. For Volvo, all homogeneous plastic parts
weighing more than 1.7 oz. (50 grams)are marked with international symbols that indicate how the component is to be
sorted for recycling.
In addition to continuous environmental refinement of conventional gasoline-powered internal combustion engines,
Volvo is actively looking at advanced technology alternative-fuel vehicles.
When you drive a Volvo, you become our partner in the work to lessen the car's impact on the environment. To reduce
your vehicle's environmental impact, you can:
Maintain proper air pressure in your tires. Tests have shown decreased fuel economy with improperly inflated
tires Follow the recommended maintenance schedule
Drive at a constant speed
See an authorized Volvo retailer as soon as possible for inspection if the check engine (malfunction indicator)
lamp illuminates, or stays on after the vehicle has started
Properly dispose of any vehicle related waste such as used motor oil, used batteries, brake pads, etc.
When cleaning your car, use Volvo's own car care products, all of which have systematically been adapted to
the environment.
Contents
Table of Contents
Page No.
Chapter and Subject
pg. 1Chapter 1 - Occupant safety
pg. 16
Chapter 2 - Instruments and controls
pg. 41
Chapter 3 - Body and interior
pg. 65
Chapter 4 - Starting and driving
pg. 85
Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires
pg. 91
Chapter 6 - In case of emergency
pg. 109
Chapter 7 - Car care
pg. 115
Chapter 8 - Volvo Service
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pg. 133Chapter 9 - Specifications
pg. 141Chapter 10 - Audio systems
pg. 198
Index
Important
Before you operate your car for the first time, please familiarize yourself with the BREAK-IN information on page 66.
You should also be familiar with the information in the first three chapters of this manual.
Information contained in the balance of the manual is extremely useful and should be studied after operating the
vehicle for the first time.
This manual is structured so that it can be used for reference. It should thus be kept in the car for ready access.
Do not export your Volvo to another country before investigating the country's applicable safety and exhaust emission
requirements. In some cases it may be difficult or impossible to comply with these requirements. Modifications to the
emission control system(s) may render your Volvo not certifiable for legal operation in the U.S., Canada or other
countries.
All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are based on the latest product information
available at the time of publication. Please note that some vehicles may be equipped differently, depending of special
legal requirements and that optional equipment described in this manual may not be available in all markets.
Volvo reserves the right to make model changes at any time, or to change specifications or design, without notice and
without incurring obligation.
CAUTION: Certain models have reduced ground clearance due to the design of the front spoiler. Please observe
caution when e.g., driving onto garage hoists, through drifted snow or when other road debris is encountered, or
when parking near curbs.
©1998 Volvo Cars of North America Inc.
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Chapter 4 - Starting and driving
pg. 65 Starting and driving
Starting and driving
This section on starting and driving contains items such as starting the engine, operating the gear selector, towing,
trailers, etc. Page No.
Subject
pg. 66Break-in period
pg. 66-67
Fuel requirements, Refueling
pg. 68
Driving economy
pg. 69
Starting the engine
pg. 70
Manual transmission
pg. 70-73
Automatic transmission, All Wheel Drive (AWD)
pg. 74-75
Points to remember
pg. 76
Emergency towing
pg. 77
Vehicle towing information
pg. 78
Jump starting
pg. 79
Three-way catalytic converter
pg. 80
Brake system, ABS
pg. 81
TRACS/STC
pg. 82
Winter driving
pg. 83
Long distance trips
pg. 84
Trailer towing
pg. 66 Break-in period, Fuel requirements
A new car should be broken-in
Refrain from utilizing your car's full driving potential during the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) including the "kick -
down" function (automatic transmission).
NOTE - ENGINE OIL:
Although some oil consumption occurs during normal engine operation, more oil is consumed when the engine is new
as the internal parts generate higher friction while wearing-in to each other. From the time the engine is new until the
first service is performed, the oil consumption could be higher than normal. For this reason, it is especially important
to check the oil every time you refuel your car during this period. See page 124
.
In general, the rate of oil consumption depends on such factors as: engine temperature, length of trip, driving
conditions, oil viscosity and quality, engine speed and acceleration/deceleration.
Checking your engine oil level each time the car is refueled is one of the most important items you can perform to
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Incorrect spark plug gap
Dirty air cleaner
Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
Dragging brakes
Incorrect front end alignment
Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard Maintenance Service intervals.
NOTE: ( D )rive or 5th gear (manual transmissions) should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy.
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Washing the car
The car should be washed at regular intervals since dirt, dust, insects and tar spots adhere to the paint and may cause
damage.
NOTE: It is particularly important to wash the car frequently in the wintertime to prevent corrosion, when salt has
been used on the roads.
When washing the car, do not expose it to direct sunlight. Use lukewarm water to soften the dirt before you wash
with a sponge, and plenty of water, to avoid scratching.
Bird droppings: Remove from paintwork as soon as possible. Otherwise the finish may be permanently damaged.
A detergent can be used to facilitate the softening of dirt and oil.
A water-soluble grease solvent may be used in cases of sticky dirt. However, use a washplace equipped with a
drainage separator.
Dry the car with a clean chamois and remember to clean the drain holes in the doors and rocker panels.
The power radio antenna (sedans) must be dried after washing.
Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar remover after the car has been washed.
A stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm soapy water can be used to clean the wiper blades. Frequent cleaning improves
visibility considerably.
Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheel housings fenders, etc.).
In areas of high industrial fallout, more frequent washing is recommended.
CAUTION: During high pressure washing the spray mouthpiece must never be closer to the vehicle than 13" (30
cm). Do not spray into the locks.
When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying water or steam directly on the electrical components or
toward the rear side of the engine.
After cleaning the engine, the spark plug wells should be inspected for water and blown dry if necessary.
Suitable detergents
Special car washing detergents should be used. A suitable mixture is about 2.5 fl. oz. (8.5 cl) of detergent to 2.6 US
gal. (10 liters) of warm water. After washing with a detergent the car should be well rinsed with clean water. 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.
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Several commercially available products contain both polish and wax.
Waxing alone does not substitute for polishing of a dull surface.
A wide range of polymer-based car waxes can be purchased today. The waxes are easy to use and produce a long-
lasting, high-gloss finish that protects the bodywork against oxidation, road dirt and fading.pg. 114 Cleaning the upholstery
Cleaning the upholstery
The fabric can be cleaned with soapy water or a detergent. For more difficult spots caused by oil, ice cream, shoe
polish, grease, etc., use a clothing/clothing fabric stain remover.
The plastic in the upholstery can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.
Leather upholstery/suede-like upholstery (alcantera) can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution. For more
different spots, Volvo offers a leather care kit.
On no account must gasoline, naphtha or similar cleaning agents be used on the plastic or the leather since these can
cause damage.
Cleaning the seat belts
Clean only with lukewarm water and mild soap solution.
Cleaning floor mats
The floor mats should be vacuumed or brushed clean regularly, especially during winter when they should be taken out
for drying. Spots on textile mats can be removed with a mild detergent.
Bear in mind
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Chapter 8 - Service and routine maintenance
pg. 115 Volvo Service
Service - an investment
An investment which will pay dividends in the form of improved reliability, durability, and resale value. Page No. Subject
pg. 116
Label information
pg. 117
Maintenance service, Warranty
pg. 118-119
Maintenance schedule
pg. 120-121
Servicing
pg. 122
Fuel/emissions systems
pg. 123
Lubrication
pg. 124-125
Engine oil
pg. 126
Power steering fluid, Brake/clutch system fluid reservoir
pg. 127
Automatic transmission fluid
pg. 128
Drive belt, Air pump system
pg. 129
Windshield washer nozzle, Washer fluid reservoir
pg. 130
Coolant
pg. 131
Engine compartment
pg. 132
Battery maintenance
pg. 116 Label information
1 Vehicle Emission Control Information
Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable emission standards, as evidenced by the certification label on the
underside of the hood. For further information regarding these regulations, please consult your Volvo retailer.
2 Vacuum hose routing
(underside of hood)
3 Loads and Tire Pressures
(on inside of fuel tank cover)
4 Model plate
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Codes for color and upholstery etc. The plate is located in the engine
compartment, on the inside of left front fender. headlight.
5 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) *
The VIN plate is located on the top left surface of the dashboard. The VIN is also stamped on the right hand door
pillar.
6 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) specifications (USA) and Ministry of Transport (CMVSS)
Standards (Canada)
Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable safety standards, as evidenced by the certification label on the facing
side of the driver's door. For further information regarding these regulations, please consult your Volvo retailer.
7 Child safety latch label
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Maintenance services
Your Volvo has passed several major inspections before being delivered to you, according to Volvo specifications. The
maintenance services outlined in this book should be performed as indicated. The extended maintenance service
intervals make it even more advisable to follow this program. Inspection and service should also be performed any
time a malfunction is observed or suspected. It is recommended that receipts for vehicle emission services be retained
in the event that questions arise concerning maintenance. See your "Maintenance Records Manual".
Applicable warranties - U.S.
In accordance with U.S. Federal Regulations, the following list of applicable U.S. warranties is provided. For Canadian
specification vehicles, see your separate warranty booklet.
New Car Limited Warranty
Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty
Corrosion Protection Limited Warranty
Seatbelt and Supplemental Restraint Systems Limited Warranty
Emission Design and Defect Warranty
Emission Performance Warranty
These are the Federal warranties; other warranties are provided as required by state law. Refer to your separate
Warranty booklet for detailed information concerning each of the warranties. pg. 118 Maintenance schedule
Maintenance schedule
Maintenance schedule
A = Adjust (Correct if necessary)
I = Inspect (Correct or Replace if necessary)
R = Replace
L = Lubricate
Maintenance Operation thousand miles
(thousand km) 7.5
(12)15
(24)22.5
(36) 30
(48)37.5
(60) 45
(72)52.5
(84) 60
(96)67.5
(108) 75
(120)82.5
(132)
90
2
(144)
EMISSION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Engine oil and filter
1R RR RR RR RR RRR
Engine drive belt (accessory belt) R
Air cleaner filter R R R
Spark plugs R R R
Automatic transmission fluid I I I I I I
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