check engine VOLVO S80 1999 Owners Manual

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS system in your car performs a self -diagnostic test when the vehicle first reaches the speed of approximately
12 mph (20 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsate several times and a sound may be audible from the ABS control
module. This is normal.
Fuel tank cover The fuel tank cover, located on the right rear fender, is connected to your car's central locking system.
The driver's door must be unlocked before the fuel tank cover can be opened.
Fuel filler cap
After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place If this cap is not closed tightly
or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp ("Check Engine" light) may
indicate a fault.
Important
Before you operate your car for the first time, please familiarize yourself with the BREAK-IN information on
page 62
. 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 read after operating the
vehicle for the first time.
The manual is structured so that it can be used for reference. For this reason, it should be kept in the car for
ready access.
Do not export your Volvo to another country before investigating that 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 and 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 on special legal requirments 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.
Volvo and the environment
Volvo is committed to the well being of our customers. As a natural part of this commitment, we care about the
environment in which we all live. Caring for the environment means an everyday involvement in reducing our
environmental impact.
Volvo's environmental activities are based on a holistic view, which means we consider the overall environmental
impact of a product throughout its complete life cycle. In this context, design, production, product use, and recycling
are all important considerations.
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
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remaining emissions continues. Volvo is the only automobile manufacturer to offer CFC-free retrofit kits for the air
conditioning system for all models as far back as 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 a 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, indicating 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.
For additional information regarding the environmental activities inwhich Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. and
Volvo Car Corporation are involved, visit our Internet Home Page at:
http://www.volvocars.com

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A self -diagnostic system incorporated in the sensor monitors the SRS. This system does not, however, monitor the
Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) airbags. If a fault is detected, the warning light will illuminate. The light is
included in the warning/indicator light cluster in the instrument panel. Normally, the SRS warning lamp should light
up when the ignition key is turned to positions I, II or III and should go out after 7 seconds or when the engine is
started. Check that this light is functioning properly every time the car is started.
The following items are monitored by the self -diagnostic system:
· Sensor unit
· Cable harness
· Gas generator ignitersWARNING!
· Never drive an SRS equipped car with your hands on the steering wheel pad / airbag housing.
· No objects, accessory equipment or stickers may be placed on, attached to or installed near the SRS cover in the
center of the steering wheel, the SRS cover above the glove compartment or the area affected by airbag deployment.
· If the SRS warning light stays on after the engine has started or if it comes on while you are driving, drive the car
to the nearest authorized Volvo retailer for inspection as soon as possible.
The above is a sample of the label found on all seat belts equipped with tensioners, located on the front seat belts near
the lower anchorage point.
The above is a sample of the decal which can be found on the edge of the left rear door.
There is no maintenance to perform on the SRS yourself. The only periodic maintenance recommended on the SRS is
that the airbag modules and front seat belts (including tensioners) should be replaced every ten years and that the other
components in the system (wiring, connectors, etc.) should also be inspected at this time. The SRS decal on your car
shows the month and year servicing is due. This service must be performed by an authorized Volvo retailer.
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pg. 23 Instrument panel
1 Turn signals
2 Text window
3 Temperature gauge
The pointer should be approximately midway on the gauge when driving.
Do not drive the car if the warning light is on. The text window will provide you with additional information.
If the engine temperature remains high, check coolant level - see page 106
.
4 Trip odometer/reset button
The trip odometer is used for measuring shorter distances. The last digit indicates 1/10 mile/kilometer. Press the button
quickly to toggle between trip odometers 1 and 2. Hold in the button for more than 2 seconds to reset.
5 Odometer
6 Speedometer
7 General warning light (see page 24
).
8 High beam indicator light
9 Tachometer
Reads thousands of engine rpm. The engine should not be operated with the needle in the red range on the gauge.
10 Gear and driving mode indicator
The currently selected driving mode is displayed here. If you use the geartronic function on the automatic transmission,
the currently selected gear will be displayed.
11 Ambient temperature indicator
This sensor indicates the air temperature outside your car. A "snowflake" symbol in the text window is displayed when
the temperature is in the range of 23 - 36° F (-5 - +2° C).
Please note that this symbol does not indicate a fault with your car.
At low speeds or when the car is not moving, the temperature readings may be slightly higher than the actual ambient
temperature.
12 Clock/reset button
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Turn the button to adjust the clock.
13 Fuel gauge
The fuel tank holds approximately 21.1 US gal. (80 liters).
When the warning light comes on there is approximately 1.8 US gal. (8 liters) of fuel remaining.
14 Indicator and warning lights
pg. 24 Indicator and warning lights
The indicator and warning lights described on pages 24 and 25 should never stay on when driving
When the ignition key is turned, all of the warning lights in the lower right-hand side of the instrument panel should
go on to test the function of the bulbs. If a light does not go off after the engine has started, the
system indicated should be inspected.
NOTE: The parking brake reminder light will not go off until the parking brake has been fully released.
Warning lamp in the center of the instrument panel This lamp lights up red or orange depending on the
severity of the fault that has been detected.
Orange light: Follow the instructions shown in the text window.
Red light: Stop the car as soon as possible in a suitable location and read the message shown in the text window.
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 authorized Volvo retailer for an inspection of the system. See the SRS section for more information.
BRAKE
Brake failure warning light
If the light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately, open the hood and check the brake fluid level
in the reservoir. See page 109
for reservoir position.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:
Park
Brake
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Parking brake reminder light
This light will be on when the parking brake (hand brake) is applied. The parking brake lever is situated between the
front seats.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:
Oil pressure warning light
If the light comes on while driving, stop the car and then stop the engine immediately and check the engine oil
level . See page 111
. If the light stays on after restart, have the car towed to the nearest authorized Volvo retailer. After
hard driving, the light may come on occasionally when the engine is idling. This is normal, provided it goes off when
the engine speed is increased.
Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charging system checked.
pg. 25 Indicator and warning lights
Rear fog light
This light indicates that the rear fog light is on.
CHECK
ENGINE
Malfunction indicator lamp
If the light comes on (or stays on after the vehicle has started), the engine diagnostic system has detected a possible
fault in the emission control system. Although driveability may not be affected, see an authorized Volvo retailer as
soon as possible for inspection.
NOTE : If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo
original or approved fuel filler caps.

Anti-lock Brake System ABS
If the warning light comes on, there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system pwill however
function). The vehicle should be driven to a Volvo retailer for inspection. See page 17 for additional information.
Stability Traction Control (STC) system (option)
An LED in the STC switch in the center console will light up to indicate that the system is activated. See page 18 for
further information.
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WARNING!
Never use this net to secure sharp or heavy objects. In such cases, tie down the object using the cargo eyelets
provided. Both rear seat backrests should be secured in the upright position when the cargo net is in use.
pg. 52 Folding rear seat backrests, Carrying long loads
Backrest controls (on opposite sides of trunk)
Folding rear seat backrest The rear seat backrest is split into two sections. Each section can be folded independently
to allow you to transport long objects.
To fold down the backrest(s):
· Pull the release control handle(s) in the trunk to release the backrest(s) (see illustration above). If the outboard rear
head restraints are folded down, they should be returned to the upright position before folding the backrest down. It
may be necessary to manually adjust the center head restraint.
· Fold the backrest down.
WARNING!
· When the backrest is returned to the upright position, check that it is properly locked in place. Return the head
restraints to the upright position.
· Long loads should always be securely anchored to help avoid injury in the event of a sudden stop.
· Always turn the engine off and apply the parking brake when loading/unloading the vehicle.
· Place the transmission in the P (PARK) position to help prevent inadvertent movement of the gear selector.
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important to check the oil every time you refuel your car during this period. See page 111.
Fuel requirements
Octane rating
Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating. AKI of 91,
or above. AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of the Research Octane Number, RON, and the Motor Octane
Number, MON. (RON + MON/2).
The minimum octane requirement is AKI 87 (RON 91).
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
Volvo recommends the use of gasoline containing deposit control additives. These additives have shown to be efficient
in keeping injectors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit control gasolines will help ensure good
driveability and fuel economy. If you are not sure whether the gasoline contains deposit control additives, check with
the service station operator.
Unleaded fuel
Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and Canadian regulations
require that pumps delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit
your car's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled "unleaded gasoline only". Leaded
gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of leaded
gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of the emission control system and could result in loss of emission warranty
coverage. State and local vehicle inspection programs will make detection of misfueling easier, possibly resulting in
emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.
NOTE: Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive called methyl-cyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission Control System performance may be affected,
and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp located on your instrument panel may light. If this occurs, please return your
vehicle to an authorized Volvo retailer for service.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers
"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or ethers. In some areas, state or
local laws require that the service pump be marked indicating use of alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas in
which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet seasonal air quality standards, some areas require the use of "oxygenated"
fuel.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated fuels; however, the octane ratings listed on this page must still be
met.
Alcohol — Ethanol: Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be used. Ethanol may also be referred to as
Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol".
Ethers — MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
pg. 63 Refueling
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Starting the engine
1. Fasten the seat belt.WARNING!
Before starting, check that the seat, steering wheel and mirrors are adjusted properly. Make sure the brake pedal can
be depressed completely. Adjust the seat if necessary. See page 46
.
2. Apply the parking brake, if not already set. The gear selector is locked in the (P)ark position (SHIFTLOCK).
3. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key* to the starting position. Allow the starter to operate
for up to 5 seconds (turbo: 10 seconds). Release the key as soon as the engine starts. If the engine fails to start, repeat
this step.
For cold starts at altitudes above 6000 ft (1800 meters), depress the accelerator pedal halfway and turn the key to the
starting position. Release the pedal slowly when the engine starts.
4. To release the gear selector from the (P)ark position, the engine must be running (or the ignition key must be in
position II) and the brake pedal must be depressed.
5. Select the desired gear. The gear engages after a very slight delay which is especially noticeable when selecting R.
NOTE:
· Your car is equipped with a KEYLOCK system. When the engine is switched off, the gear selector must be in the
( P )ark position before the key can be removed from the ignition switch.
· When starting in cold weather, the transmission may shift up at slightly higher engine speeds than normal until the
automatic transmission fluid reaches normal operating temperature.
CAUTION :
· The engine should be idling when you move the gear selector. Never accelerate until after you feel the gear engage!
Accelerating immediately after selecting a gear will cause harsh gear engagement and premature transmission wear.
· Selecting P or N when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help prevent overheating of the
automatic transmission fluid.
· Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubrication points fast enough to
prevent engine damage.
WARNING!
· Always place the gear selector in Park and apply the parking brake before leaving the vehicle. Never leave the car
unattended with the engine running.
· Always open the garage doors fully before starting the engine inside a garage to ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless but very
poisonous.
* Your car is equipped with an electronic start inhibitor (immobilizer). The keys you received with your car are
specially coded. The code in the key is transmitted to an antenna in the ignition switch where it is compared to the
code stored in the start inhibitor module. The car can only be started if a properly coded key is used.
If two of the keys to your car are close together, e.g., on the same key ring, when you try to start the car, this could
cause interference in the immobilizer system and result in the car not starting. If this should occur, remove one of the
keys from the key ring before trying to start the car again.
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gear).
· When starting in the (M)anual position, 3rd gear is the highest gear that may be selected.
NOTE: Kickdown (see previous page) does not function when the transmission is in the manual shift (geartronic)
mode.
W Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction
· Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D)rive position.
· Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode (see illustration).
· An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and this will also be displayed in the instrument
panel (see page 23
).
· This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
pg. 69 Driving economy
Economical driving conserves natural resources
Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops and adjusting the speed of
your vehicle to immediate traffic conditions. Observe the following rules:
· Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by driving with a light foot on the accelerator
pedal for the first few minutes of operation. A cold engine uses more fuel and is subject to increased wear.
· Whenever possible, avoid using the car for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach normal
operating temperature.
· Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
· Do not exceed posted speed limits.
· Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the car.
· Maintan correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (when tires are cold).
· Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
· Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc., increase air resistance and also fuel consumption.
· Avoid using automatic transmission kickdown feature unless necessary.
· Avoid using the air conditioning when it is not required. When engaged, the air conditioner's compressor places an
additional load on the engine. However, please note that fuel consumption is lower with the air conditioning on than it
is when driving with the air conditioning switched off and the windows down.
· If your car is equipped with the optional Trip Computer, utilizing the fuel consumption modes can help you "learn"
how to drive more economically.
Other factors which decrease gas mileage are:
· Worn or dirty spark plugs
· Incorrect spark plug gap
· Dirty air cleaner
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