coolant level VOLVO 850 1996 Owners Manual

1996 Volvo 850

1 Fuel gauge

The fuel tank holds approximately 19.3 US gals. (73 liters). When the \
warning light comes on, there is approximately 1.8 US
gals. (8 liters) of fuel remaining in the tank. See "Refueling" for fu\
rther information.

2 Boost pressure gauge

(Turbo models only)
The boost pressure gauge is divided into sections. Black sections: The e\
ngine acts as a normally aspirated engine. Best fuel
economy is achieved while driving in this range. White section: The turb\
ocharger provides boost pressure.

3 Temperature gauge

The pointer should be approximately midway on the gauge face when drivin\
g. If the pointer approaches the red range repeatedly,
check coolant level. Do not drive the car with the pointer in the red ra\
nge. See "Coolant" section.

4 Trip odometer reset button

5 Clock, ambient temperature sensor (certain models), trip computer (\
certain models)

6 Speedometer

7 Odometer

8 Trip odometer

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1996 Volvo 850
Used for measuring shorter distances. The last digit indicates 1/10 mile\
/kilometer. A black number on a white background =
original speedometer. A red number on a white background = replacement s\
peedometer.

9 Tachometer

Reads thousands of engine rpm. Engine should not be operated in red rang\
e. The highest permitted constant engine speed is
6,300 rpm (turbo: 6,200 rpm, B 5252 S: 6,000 rpm). pg. 1:3 Indicator and warning lights

1 Turn signal, left
2 Turn signal , right
3 (Not in use)
4 Low washer fluid level
If the lamp glows continuously when the engine is running, there is only\
about 1/2 - 1 US qt. remaining in the washer fluid
reservoir.
5 Low fuel level
When the lamp glows, only about 1.8 US gals. (8 liters) of fuel remain\

6 Rear fog light
7 High beams
8 (Not in use)
9 Bulb failure warning sensor
10 (Not in use)
11 (Not in use)
12 SRS
13 Generator not charging
14 Low engine oil pressure
15 Brake warning light
16 Parking brake applied
17 ABS-system
18 Ambient temperature warning light* (certain models)
(see pp. 1:11 or 1:14 for more information)
19 Transmission mode "W", or gear positions 3 or L engaged (automatic t\
ransmissions)
20 Low coolant level
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1996 Volvo 850


Brake fluid warning light
If the light comes on while driving or braking, this indicates that the \
brake fluid level is too low.
Stop immediately, open the hood and check the brake fluid level in the r\
eservoir (see section "Engine compartment" for reservoir
position)!
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:

WARNING! If the level is below the MIN mark in either section of the res\
ervoir: DO NOT DRIVE. Tow the car to a Volvo
retailer and have the brake system checked and any leakage repaired.
pg. 1:5 Warning lights

If the TRACS (TRaction Control System) is manually disengaged with the\
switch on the dashboard, the warning light will come
on. This will also come on to indicate a TRAC's malfunction, and when th\
e brakes overheat, although it goes out again at the
normal temperature level. If the lamp remains on, the system should be c\
hecked by an authorized Volvo retailer. This lamp
should not be confused with the ON/OFF indicator lamp above the switch. \
See page 1:9 for additional information.


Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
If the warning lamp lights up there is a malfunction of the ABS system (\
the standard braking system will however function). The
vehicle should be driven to a Volvo retailer for inspection.
See page 4:16 for additional information.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:



Coolant level sensor
If the light comes on while driving, the coolant level is low. The coola\
nt level in the expansion tank should be checked
immediately and topped off if necessary. The cooling system should be in\
spected by an authorized Volvo retailer.


Mode "W" engaged
The lamp will light up when the Winter/Wet mode is engaged or if gears "\
3" or "L" are selected.
If the warning lamp begins to flash , this means that there is a fault i\
n the automatic gearbox.
Contact your Volvo retailer.


Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
If the light comes on (or stays on after the vehicle has started), the\
SRS diagnostic system has detected a fault. Drive to an
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1996 Volvo 850
WARNING! Do not remove the coolant expansion tank
cap.

See "Coolant" to check and top-up the coolant level if necessary.
CAUTION: Drive slowly and carefully if going through standing water (i.\
e. flooded roadways, etc.).
Damage to engine could result if excess water is ingested through the ai\
r intake system.
Never drive the vehicle in water deeper than 1 foot (300 mm).
See the flood warning on page 3:7.
WARNING! Do not drive with trunk lid or tailgate open!
Poisonous exhaust gases may enter via the trunk lid or tailgate.
If the trunk lid/tailgate must be kept open for any reason, proceed as f\
ollows:
l Close the windows.
l Set the ventilation system control to air to floor, windshield and side \
windows and blower control to
its highest setting.
Electrical system

When replacing the battery or when carrying out work involving the elect\
rical system, the following
should be observed:
l A battery connection to the wrong terminal will damage the diodes. Befor\
e connections are made,
check the polarity of the battery with a voltmeter.
l If booster batteries are used for starting, they must be properly connec\
ted to minimize the risk of the
diode being damaged. For correct connection, see "Jump starting" section\
.
l Never disconnect the battery circuit (for example, to replace the batte\
ry) while the engine is running,
as this will immediately ruin the generator. Always make sure that all t\
he battery connections are
properly tightened.
l If any electrical-welding work is performed on the vehicle, the ground l\
ead and all the connecting
cables of the generator must be disconnected and the welder cables place\
d as near the welding point as
possible.
l The radio must be turned off before the battery is disconnected.
l The anti-theft code must be re-entered before the radio will function pr\
operly.
l The electrical system in your car is designed to accommodate Volvo acces\
sories. It also has an
accessory connector beneath the dashboard on the driver's side.
pg. 4:11 Points to remember
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1996 Volvo 850
8:15 for the location of the washer fluid reservoir). This is important sin\
ce the dirt is often splashed on
the windshield during winter driving, thus requiring frequent use of the\
washers and wipers. The Volvo
Washer Solvent should be diluted as follows:
Down to 14°F (-10°C): 1 part anti-freeze and 4 parts water
Down to 5°F (-15°C): 1 part anti-freeze and 3 parts water
Down to 0°F (-18°C): 1 part anti-freeze and 2 parts water
Down to -18°F (-28°): 1 part anti-freeze and 1 part water
l When driving in temperatures below 15 F (-10 C), we recommend the use \
of Volvo's radiator guard to
help the engine reach normal operating temperature as quickly as possibl\
e. This guard should not be
used when towing a trailer.
l Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.

NOTE: Avoid the use of de-icing spray as they can cause damage to the lo\
cks.

Winter/Wet mode

Enhanced Vehicle Traction

This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads. In \
this mode:
* In position D, the gearbox starts in 3rd gear and changes up to 4th ge\
ar.
* In position 3, 2nd gear is locked and there is no change up to 3rd gea\
r.
In position L, first gear is locked.
* These positions always offer the kick-down feature.
pg. 4:19 Long distance trips, City driving
Before a long distance trip

It is always worthwhile to have your car checked at a Volvo retailer bef\
ore 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.
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1996 Volvo 850
Maintenance Operation thousand miles
(thousand km) 10
(16) 20
(32) 30
(48) 40
(64) 50
(80) 60
(96)
ENGINE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
ENGINE
Fuel (Line) Filter¹
PCV Nipple (orifice)/hoses,clean I
Battery I I I I I I
BRAKES
Inspect brakes, replace components as necessary I I I I I I
Brake Fluid²
STEERING/SUSPENSION
Rotate tires/check wear (align front end if
needed.) I
I I I I I
Check power steering fluid level. I I I I I I
Grease front link arm stops L L L L L L
BODY
Power antenna (clean) I I I I I I
Trunk/hood, hinges and latches L L L L L L
1) Replace at 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
2) Brake fluid should be changed at owner request every second year (o\
nce a year if the car is driven in
mountainous areas or in areas with high humidity).

The following items should be checked weekly by the driver (it takes on\
ly a few minutes).
Engine oil level Horns
Brake fluid level Windshield wipers
Radiator coolant level Tire pressure (all five tires)
Operation of all lights Level of windshield washer fluid

The following should also be carried out at regular intervals:
Washing
Polishing
Cleaning
Rust protection
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1996 Volvo 850


Washer fluid reservoir

The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and hold\
s approx. 3.2 US qts. (3.0
liters).
During cold weather, the reservoir should be filled with windshield wash\
er solvent containing anti-
freeze. pg. 8:16 Coolant
Check coolant level

The cooling system must be filled with coolant and not leak to operate a\
t maximum efficiency. Check
the coolant level regularly. The level should be between the "MAX" and "\
MIN" marks on the expansion
tank. The check should be made with particular thoroughness when the eng\
ine is new or when the
cooling system has been drained.
Do not remove the filler cap other than for topping up with coolant. Fre\
quent removal may prevent
coolant circulation between the engine and the expansion tank during eng\
ine warm up and cooling.

Changing coolant

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1996 Volvo 850

Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be\
drained, use the following
procedure:
1 Remove the expansion tank cap.
2 Move the temperature adjustment control to max. heat. Open the drain c\
ocks at the rear left of the
engine block and at the bottom right corner of the radiator.
3 Disconnect the lower right radiator hose.
Filling:
4 Close the drain cocks and reconnect the hose.
5 Fill the expansion tank to the MAX mark or slightly above.
6 Run the engine until hot. Check the cooling system connections for tig\
htness. Recheck the coolant
level.

Capacity: Approx. 7.6 US qts. (7.2 liters)
Turbo - 7.4 US qts. (7.0 liters)

Coolant: Volvo Genuine Coolant/Antifreeze only

NOTE: Do not top up with water only. Water by itself reduces the rust-pr\
otective and anti-freeze
qualities of the coolant and has a lower boiling point. It can also caus\
e damage to the cooling system if it
should freeze.
WARNING: If the engine is warm and you are going to top up coolant, unsc\
rew the cap slowly in
order to allow any excess pressure to escape.
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1996 Volvo 850
CAUTION: The cooling system must always be kept filled to correct level.\
If it is not kept filled, there
can be high local temperatures in the engine which could result in damag\
e. Different types of anti-
freeze/coolant may not be mixed.
pg. 8:17 Engine compartment
Engine compartment 850
(engine B 5254 S / B 5252 S)


1 Expansion tank, coolant
2 Engine designation plate
3 Oil filler cap, engine
4 Clutch/brake system fluid reservoir
5 Fuse box
6 Washer fluid reservoir
7 Power steering fluid reservoir
8 Dipstick - engine oil
9 Dipstick - automatic transmission
10 Air cleaner
11 Battery
12 Data plate
WARNING! The cooling fan may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 \
minutes) after the engine has
been switched off.
pg. 8:18 Engine compartment (cont.)
Engine compartment 850 Turbo
(engine B 5234 T)
1 Expansion tank, coolant
2 Engine designation plate
3 Oil filler cap, engine
4 Clutch/brake system fluid reservoir
5 Fuse box
6 Washer fluid reservoir
7 Power steering fluid reservoir
8 Dipstick - engine oil
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1996 Volvo 850

The following should be checked regularly:*

1 Washer fluid reservoir should be filled with water and solvent (winte\
rtime: windshield washer anti-
freeze).
See page 8:15.

2 Coolant level should be between the expansion tank marks. Mixture 50% \
anti-freeze and 50% water.
See page 8:16.

3 Power steering - When cold, the level must not be above the COLD mark \
and when hot is must not be
above the HOT mark. Top up if the level drops to the ADD mark with ATF f\
luid.
See page 8:12.

4 Engine oil level should be between the dipstick marks. The distance be\
tween the marks represents
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