transmission VOLVO V90 1998 User Guide

1998 Volvo S90
and third gears when in
driving modes E or S. There
is no upshift from third gear.
Position 3 can be used for
driving in hilly terrain, for
towing trailers or for
increased engine braking
power.
CAUTION: Never select P
or R while the car is in
motion. When initially
selecting positions D, 3, L
or R, your right foot should
press firmly on the brake
pedal to ensure that the car
is standing still with the
engine idling. The gear
selector should not be
downshifted to L at speeds
above 75 mph (125 km/h). -
Always observe posted
speed limits!
Automatic transmission pg. 59


Shift gate positions

The gear selector can be moved
freely between D and 3.
Selections of other positions are

Kick-down

Automatic shift to a lower gear
(kick-down) is achieved by
depressing the accelerator pedal
fully and briskly.
An up-shift will be achieved
when approaching the top speed
for a particular gear or by
releasing the accelerator pedal
slightly. Kick-down can be used
for maximum acceleration or
when passing at highway
speeds.
The indicator lamp in the
instrument panel lights up when
mode W is selected. Press button
W in order to disengage this
mode.
When mode W is disengaged,
the gearbox automatically
reverts to the previously selected
S or E mode.
If the indicator lamp begins to
flash, this is an indication of a
fault in the automatic gearbox. If
the transmission does not shift
properly, place the gear selector
in position L. Please contact
your Volvo retailer if this
occurs.
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1998 Volvo S90
obtained by depressing the
selector knob prior to moving
the selector.
Slightly depressing the selector
knob allows selection of
positions N, D, 3 and L. Fully
depressing the selector knob
allows selection of positions R
and P. This is also necessary
when initially bringing the
selector out of position P. Fully
depressing the selector knob
thus permits shifting freely
between all positions.Mode selector

The push-buttons to the left of
the gear lever are for selection of
modes E, S and W. Any mode
can be selected while the car is
on the move.

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".
In this mode:
l In position D*, the gearbox
starts in third gear and changes
up to fourth gear.
l In position 3*, second gear is
locked and there is no change up
to third gear.
l In position L, first gear is
locked.
*These positions always offer
the kick-down feature.
CAUTION: Driveability and
fuel economy will be
adversely affected by
prolonged driving in mode W .
Volvo recommends using this
mode only when starting in
extremely slippery conditions.

Sport Mode
This mode is adapted to "sporty"
driving characteristics. The
transmission upshifts at higher
engine speeds and less
accelerator pedal pressure is
required to initiate a downshift.

Economy Mode
This mode is used normally. The
gearbox changes gears at a
lower engine speed to achieve
the best possible fuel
consumption.

"Lock-up"
The automatic gearbox has a
"lock-up" function. It reduces
engine speed and saves fuel. The
"lock-up" function can
sometimes be felt as an
additional gear change.
Points to remember pg. 60
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Special Tips - automatic transmission
l For driving down steep hills and when driving
for prolonged periods at low speeds, position L
should be selected. Avoid, however, repeated
changes since this can cause overheating of the
transmission oil. For driving on long continuous
uphill gradients, select position 3.
l Do not hold the car stationary on an incline by
using the accelerator pedal. Instead, apply the
hand brake (parking brake). This prevents the
transmission oil from becoming overheated.
l When towing a trailer, select shift position 3.
l The (E)conomy mode should be selected when
the cruise control is engaged.
l Never select P or R while the car is in motion.
l When initially selecting positions D, 3, L or R,
your right foot should press firmly on the brake
pedal to ensure that the car is standing still with
the engine idling.
l The gear selector should not be downshifted to
L at speeds above 75 mph (125 km/h). Always
observe posted speed limits. Cooling system

The risk for overheating is greatest, especially in
hot weather, when:
l towing a trailer up steep inclines for prolonged
periods at wide open throttle and low engine rpm.
l stopping the engine suddenly after high speed
driving (so-called "after-boiling" can occur).
To avoid overheating, the following rules should
be followed:
l Reduce speed and downshift when towing a
trailer up long, steep inclines. The risk of
overheating can be reduced by switching off the
air conditioning system for a short time.
l Do not let the engine idle unnecessarily for
prolonged periods.
l Do not mount auxiliary lamps in front of the
grill.
When the risk of overheating is imminent, or in
the event of overheating, (the temperature gauge
goes repeatedly into, or stays continually in, the
red section) the following precautions should be
taken:
l Switch off the air conditioning system.
l Pull off the road, away from traffic, stop the car
and put the gear lever into neutral. Do not stop the
engine!
l Switch the heater to full (maximum) position.
Increase the engine speed to approx. 2000 rpm
(twice idling speed) until the temperature begins
to drop.
See "Coolant" to check and top-up the coolant
level if necessary.

WARNING! Do not remove coolant expansion
tank cap. The coolant will be extremely hot.
Points to remember pg. 61
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1998 Volvo S90
Chapter 4 (cont)
Emergency towing (pulling of vehicles)
pg. 63
Precautionary steps to observe when car is in tow
l Steering must be unlocked.
l Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this typ\
e of towing, as vehicles being
towed are subject to regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length \
and type of towing device,
lighting, etc.
l Remember that power brake and power steering assists will not be availab\
le when engine is
inoperative. Brake pedal pressure required is 3 - 4 times above normal a\
nd greater steering effort must
be exerted.
l Gear selector in position N. Check transmission oil level (see section \
titled "Transmission oil").
l Maximum speed: 20 mph (30 km/h).
l Maximum distance with rear wheels on ground: 20 miles (30 km).
l If the battery is dead, it is not possible to release the gear selector \
by pressing the brake pedal.
Release the gear selector manually, see page 61.
Cars equipped with automatic transmission/three-way catalytic converters\
cannot be started by pushing
or pulling the car.
CAUTION: The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling another vehicle\
out of a ditch or any
similar purpose involving severe strain.
Do not attempt to start the car by pushing or pulling it as damage to th\
e three-way catalytic converter
can result.
Vehicle towing information pg. 64
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1998 Volvo S90
function) and the vehicle should
be driven to a Volvo retailer for
inspection.
The Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) helps to improve vehicle
control (stopping and steering)
during severe braking conditions
by limiting brake lock-up. When
the system "senses" impending
lock-up, braking pressure is
automatically modulated in
order to help prevent lockup,
which could lead to a skid. brake application feels normal.
This should also be done after
washing or starting in very damp
or cold weather.
Trailer towing pg. 68
When preparing for
trailer towing, observe
the following:


l Volvo recommends the use of
Volvo trailer hitches which are
specially designed 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 transmission oil cooler as
standard equipment. This cooler
helps prevent overheating of the
transmission during 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" ball -
3300 lbs (1500 kg), 1 7/8" ball -
2000 lbs (908 kg).
WARNING! 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 nearest
authorized Volvo retailer for
correct installation.


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 take
into consideration:
l Recommended hitch tongue
load is 110 lbs (50 kgs) for
trailer weights below 2,650 lbs
(1,200 kgs) and 165 lbs (75 kgs)
for trailer weights above 2,650
lbs (1,200 kgs).
l For trailer weights between
2,650-3,300 lbs (1,200-1,500

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 brake 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 over long distances or in
mountainous areas.
l The trailer hitch tongue load
(110/165 lbs - 50/75 kg) is part
of the vehicle's capacity weight.
It may be necessary to reduce the
trunk/cargo area load when
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Observe legal requirements of
the state in which the vehicles
are registered.
WARNING! Bumper-
attached trailer hitches must
not be used on Volvos, nor
should safety chains be
attached to the bumper.
Trailer hitches attaching to
the vehicle rear axle must
not be used. kgs) a top speed of 50 mph (80
km/h) should never be
exceeded.
l Increase tire pressure to
recommended full-load
pressure. See section "Wheels
and tires".
l Engine and transmission are
subject to increased loads.
Therefore, engine coolant
temperature should be closely
watched when driving in hot
climates or hilly terrain. Use
lower gear and turn off air
conditioner if temperature gauge
pointer enters the red range.
towing a trailer to ensure that the
max. permissible axle load or
gross vehicle weight are not
exceeded.

NOTE: Refer to section
"Automatic transmission" for
additional trailer hauling tips.
Winter driving pg. 69
Cold weather precautions
l If you wish to check your car before the
approach of cold weather, the following advice is
worth noting:
Make sure that the engine coolant contains at least
50 percent antifreeze: that is, 5.3 qts. (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 Volvo. Different types of antifreeze may not be
mixed.
l Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this
prevents the formation of condensation in the
tank.
In addition in extremely cold weather conditions it
is worthwhile to add fuel line de-icer before
refueling.
l The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil
with low viscosity (thinner 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 use good quality oil but do not use this

l 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 Use lock spray or grease in the locks.

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

Automatic differential lock (certain
models)


The differential automatically locks at speed
between 3 - 25 mph (5 - 40 km/h) if either of the
drive wheels begins to lose traction. The
differential lock improves power distribution to
the drive wheels in slippery conditions, shifting
power to the wheel with best traction. It also
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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


Changing a wheel

On sedans the spare wheel, jack and toolbag are located in the trunk, be\
neath the carpet. The jack must be completely retracted to fit into the holder.

On wagons, the spare tire and the jack are located beneath the floor mat\
in the large storage bin. Always secure the spare tire and the jack to prevent them from rattling.

l Remove the wheel cap, using the screwdriver in the tool kit.
l With the car still on the ground, use the box wrench from the tool kit t\
o loosen the wheel nuts 1/2 - 1 turn. Turn the nuts counterclockwise to loosen.

NOTE:
To avoid excessive wear and the necessity of rebalancing, mark and reins\
tall wheels in same location and position as before removal. To lessen the chance of imbalance, each
wheel hub is equipped with a guide stud to ensure that a removed wheel c\
an be reinstalled in its original position (as when changing over to winter tires/wheels).
Wheel changing (cont.) pg. 79


WARNING!
l The jack attachment must engage the bar in the jack attachment (A). Th\
e car's weight must not rest on the jack's attachment (B).
l Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-slippery surface.
l Never allow any part of your body to be extended under a car supported b\
y a jack.
l Use the jack intended for the car when replacing a wheel. For any other \
job, use stands to support the end of the car being worked
on.
l Apply the parking brake, select position P (automatic transmission). \
l Block the wheels standing on the ground. Use rigid wooden blocks or larg\
e stones.
l The jack should be kept well-greased.
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1998 Volvo S90
compartment.

Location * Amperage
1 Engine control module, Automatic transmission control module 5
2 AC relay 5
3 Relay, air pump, Heated oxygen sensor 15
4 Fuel pump 15
5 Fuel injection, Mass air flow (MAF) sensor, Idle air control system,\

Engine control module 15
6 Automatic transmission control module 15
7 Ignition coil, 25
8 Fog lights 25
9 Spare
10 Positioning/parking lights, left 15
11 Positioning/parking lights, right 15
12 Left high beam 15
13 Right high beam, Instrument panel 15
14 Left low beam 15
15 Right low beam 15
16 A/C compressor 15
17 Horn 15
18 Accessories (see respective accessories instructions)
*Some of the equipment/systems listed may be available on certain models\
only and/or as optional items
only.
Fuses pg. 92
Fuse box in the passenger compartment (Box C)

These fuses generally protect the electrical components in the passenger\
compartment.
The fuses are located inside the cover on the left side of the dash .A n\
umber of spare fuses can also be
found here. Fuses are replaced in the same way as in the relay/fuse box \
in the engine compartment (see
previous page).

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Location ** Amperage
1 Heated rear window 25
2 Central locking 20
3 Brake light, Light switch 15
4 Ignition switch, SRS 10
5 Spare
6 Windshield wiper/washer, Headlight wiper, horn relay 25
7 Climate unit 20
8 Power pass. seat, Power side-view mirrors, Tailgate wiper/washer (wag\
ons)
Instrument lighting, Ambient temp. sensor 15
9 Audio system 15
10 Cigarette lighter/accessory socket 15
11 Transmission mode selector, Gear selector light 5
12 ABS 5
13 Clock, Interior/glove compartment lighting, Door open warning lights,\

Cargo space lighting, Vanity mirror 10
14 Horn 10

Location ** Amperage
15 Power antenna, Headlight flasher, Trailer 20
16 Accessories 20
17 Hazard warning flasher, Direction indicator, Alarm hazard indication \
20
18 Audio/amplifier, CD changer 15
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