recommended oil VOLVO 850 1996 Owners Manual

1996 Volvo 850
pg. 4:17 Trailer towing
When preparing for trailer towing, observe the following:

l Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches which are specially de\
signed for the car. For
trailer weights exceeding 2000 lbs. (908 kg), use only a trailer hitch\
offered as a Genuine Volvo
accessory.

NOTE: Models with automatic transmission are equipped with a transmissio\
n oil cooler as standard
equipment. This cooler helps prevent overheating of the transmission dur\
ing times of increased load, as
when towing a trailer.

l Maximum trailer weight recommended by Volvo is:
Trailers without brakes : 1100 lbs (500kg)
Trailers with brakes: 2" (50 mm) ball - 3300 lbs (1500 kg), 1 7/8" (\
47 mm) ball - 2000 lbs (908 kg).

Observe the legal requirements of the state/province in which the vehicl\
es are registered. All Volvo
models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailer\
hitch installation should
not interfere with the proper operation of this bumper system.

Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but ta\
ke into consideration:
l Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See section "Wheels and tire\
s".
l Recommended hitch tongue load is 110 (50 kgs) for trailer weights belo\
w 2,650 lbs (1,200 kgs) and
165 lbs (75 kgs) for trailer weights above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kgs). Fo\
r trailer weights between 2,650-3,300
lbs (1,200-1,500 kgs) a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) should never b\
e exceeded.
l Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engin\
e coolant temperature should
be closely watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use lo\
wer gear and turn off air
conditioner if temperature gauge pointer enters the red range.
l Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
l Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
l It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes\
to provide a safe stop (check
and observe State/Local regulations).
l Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brak\
e system.
l More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
l Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
l Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer o\
ver long distances or in
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1996 Volvo 850
mountainous areas.

NOTE: Refer to section "Automatic transmission" for additional trailer h\
auling tips.
WARNING!
l Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should s\
afety chains be attached to
the bumper.
l Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.
l Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle\
brake system, nor a trailer's
lighting system directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult your ne\
arest authorized Volvo retailer
for correct installation.
pg. 4:18 Winter driving
Cold weather precautions

l If you wish to check your car before the approach of cold weather, the f\
ollowing advice is worth
noting:
l Make sure that the engine coolant contains at least 50 percent antifreez\
e: that is, 3.7 qts. (3.5 liters)
Volvo Genuine Coolant/Antifreeze. This gives protection against freezing\
down to -31°F (-35°C). See
section "Coolant". The use of "recycled" antifreeze is not approved by V\
olvo. Different types of
antifreeze may not be mixed.
l Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this prevents the formation of c\
ondensation in the tank. In
addition in extremely cold weather conditions it is worthwhile to add fu\
el line de-icer before refueling.
l The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (t\
hinner oil) improves cold-
weather starting as well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine\
is warming up. For winter use,
5W-30 oil, particularly the synthetic type, is recommended. Be sure to u\
se good quality oil but do not
use this cold-weather oil for hard driving or in warm weather. See secti\
on "Engine oil" for more
information.
l The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the he\
ater, 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 dri\
ving - see section "Wheels
and tires".
l To prevent the washer reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents conta\
ining antifreeze (see page
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1996 Volvo 850

A - Drain plug, B - Oil filter, C - Oil dipstick, D - Oil filler cap
WARNING! Oil spilled on a hot exhaust pipe constitutes a fire
risk.
pg. 8:11 Engine oil (cont.)
Oil quality

Meeting API specification SG, SG/CD, SH or Energy Conserving (EC) II

For best fuel economy and engine protection consult with your authorized\
Volvo retailer for
recommended oils. Oils with a different quality rating may not provide a\
dequate engine protection.

Viscosity (stable ambient temperatures):

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1996 Volvo 850

Do not use oils with other viscosity ratings. The use of incorrect visco\
sity oil can shorten engine life.
Volvo recommends the use of energy-conserving oils. Look for the API lab\
el. Synthetic oils complying
with oil quality requirements are recommended for: Driving in areas of s\
ustained temperature extremes
(hot or cold), when towing a trailer over long distances or for a prol\
onged driving in mountainous areas.
Extra oil additives must not be used unless advised by an authorized Vol\
vo retailer.
SAE 15W/40 is recommended for use in driving conditions that raise oil t\
emperature and increase oil
consumption (i.e., mountain driving, trailer towing).

NOTE: SAE 15W-40 must not be used at low ambient temperatures; see visco\
sity chart.

Changing oil and oil filter

Oil and oil filter changes should be made as specified in the following \
table:
If driving conditions include: Then the correct oil/oil filter change interval
is:
l Extended periods of idling and/or low-speed
operation
l Frequent short trips less than 7 miles 11 km
l Extended periods of driving in dusty and/or sandy
areas
l Trailer towing
l Driving in mountainous areas EVERY
5,000 miles= 8,000 km
OR EVERY 6 MONTHS,
WHICHEVER COMES FIRST
l Primarily highway driving
l Frequent trips of longer than 7 miles = 11 km
EVERY
10,000 miles = 16,000 km
5,000 miles= 8,000 km *
OR EVERY 12 MONTHS,
WHICH EVER COMES FIRST
* Turbo models

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1996 Volvo 850
Specifications
pg. 9:1 Specifications
Specifications

This chapter contains facts and figures pertaining to the technical spec\
ifications of your car.

9:2 Oil/Fluids specifications
9:3Engine specifications
9:4Cooling/fuel distributor ignition systems
9:4Front/rear suspensions
9:5Transmission, Capacities, Vehicle
loading
9:6
Electrical system/bulbs
9:7Dimensions and weights
9:8Service manuals, Road assistance
pg. 9:2 Oil/Fluids Specifications
Oil quality

Meeting API specification SG, SG/CD, SH or Energy Conserving (EC) II \
For best fuel economy and engine protection, consult with your authorize\
d Volvo retailer for
recommended oils. Oil with a different quality rating may not provide ad\
equate engine protection.
Synthetic oils complying with oil quality requirements are recommended. \
Volvo recommends the use of
fuel economy improving oils. Look for the API label.
Synthetic oils complying with oil quality requirements are recommended f\
or: Driving in areas of
sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold), when towing a trailer ov\
er long distances or for prolonged
driving in mountainous areas.
Extra oil additives must not be used unless advised by an authorized Vol\
vo retailer.

Viscosity (stable ambient temperatures):
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