brake VOLVO V90 1998 Owner's Manual

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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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
When replacing tires, be sure that the new tires
are the same size designation, type (radial) and
preferably from the same manufacturer, on all
four wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of altering
the car's road-holding and handling
characteristics.

NOTE:When storing wheel/tire assemblies (e.g.
winter tires and wheels), either stand the
assemblies upright or suspend them off the
ground. Laying wheel/tire assemblies on their
sides for prolonged periods can cause wheel and/
or tire damage.



Wear indicator

The tires have a so-called "wear indicator" in the
form of a number of narrow strips running across
or parallel to the tread. When approx. 1/16" (1.6
mm) is left on the tread, these strips show up and
indicate that the tire should be replaced.
Tires with less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread have a
very poor grip in rain or snow.
All tires become warm during use. After cooling,
when the vehicle is parked, the tires have a
tendency to distort slightly, forming flat spots.
These flat spots can cause vibrations similar to the
vibrations caused by imbalanced wheels.
They do, however, disappear when the tire warms
up. The degree to which the flat spots form
depends on the type of cord used in the tire.
Remember that, in cold weather, it takes longer
for the tire to warm up and consequently longer
for the flat spot to disappear.
Wheels and tires (cont.) pg. 73
Snow chains

Snow tire chains can be used on your Volvo with
the following restrictions:
l Snow chains should be installed on rear wheels
only. Use only Volvo approved snow chains.
l Snow chains can only be used on tires which
are not wider than 195 mm.
l Sufficient clearances between chains and
brakes, suspension and body components must be
maintained.
l Some strap-on type chains will interfere with
brake components and therefore CANNOT be
used.

Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow
Snow tires, studded tires*

Tires for winter use:
Owners who live in or regularly commute
through areas with sustained periods of snow
or icy driving conditions are strongly advised
to fit suitable winter tires to help retain the
highest degree of traction.

It is important to install winter tires on all four
wheels to help retain traction during cornering,
braking and accelerating. Failure to do so could
reduce traction to an unsafe level or adversely
affect handling. Do not mix tires of different
design as this could also negatively affect overall
tire road grip.
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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
Replacing tail light bulbs (sedan
models)


All tail lamp bulbs are replaced from inside of
trunk. To avoid confusion, replace the bulbs one
at a time.
l Switch off the lights and ignition.
l Outboard lights: Unscrew screw A and turn
down the cover panel.
l Trunk lid: Lift the catch and fold down the
cover panel.
l Remove the bulb holder.
l Remove bulb by pressing and turning 1/4
turn counterclockwise.
l Insert a new bulb and fit the bulb holder in
the tail light cluster. One of the plugs on the
bulb holder is slightly wider than the other two.
l Turn the bulb holder clockwise to secure it.
Check that the bulb lights and refit the cover. Bulbs / Power CP(W) / Socket / US Bulb No
1,4 Tail light / 4(5) / BA 15s / 67
2 Rear turn signal / (21) / BAU 15s / –
3 Brake light / 32 / (21) / BA 15s / 1156
5 Back-up light / 32 (21) / BA 15s / 1156
6 Rear foglamp* 32 (21) / BA 15s / 1156

*Left (driver's) side only
Replacing bulbs, Sedans pg. 84
Light / Power CP(W) / Socket / US Bulb
No.
1 Fog light* / 32(21) / BA 15s / 1156
2 Back-up lights / 32(21) / BA 15 s / 1156
3 Turn signals / (21) / BAU 15 s / -
4 Brake light and tail light / 32/3(21/5) /
BAZ 15 d / 1157
*One light only, on driver's side

21 W 21 W 21/5 W
BA 15 s BAU 15 s BAY 15 d
Replacing tail light bulbs
(wagon models)

l Turn off the lights.
l Remove the cover with a screw driver.
l Rotate the bulb holder about 1/4" (0.6
cm) counterclockwise and remove the
holder from the tail light cluster.
l Gently press the bulb into the holder,
then rotate the bulb counterclockwise in
order to release it.
l Install a new bulb in the holder and
replace the bulb holder in the tail light
cluster. One of the guide lugs on the bulb holder
is slightly wider than the other two and,
thus, this lug fits into the widest recess
only.
l Turn the bulb holder clockwise
l Check that the bulb lights
l Re-install cluster cover

Two types of bulbs are in use
The guide lugs on the twin-pole bulb are
at different heights, and it is only possible
to fit these bulbs in one way. Try at first to
turn the bulb gently. Do not use force. If
this does not work, take out the bulb and
turn it half a turn and try again.
Replacing bulbs (cont.) pg. 85
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1998 Volvo S90
High-mounted brake light

To remove: (Sedans)
Turn off ignition.
Depress catch with a screwdriver. Pull
cover upward to remove it.
To remove: (Wagons)
Turn off ignition.
Grasp the cover with both hands and pull
it towards you.

Bulb Power CP(W) Socket US Bulb No.
High-mounted brake light 32(21) BA15s
1156 Depress catches and fit new bulb.

To fit:
Fit the reflector and check that the light
works.

4-door models
Press the cover into position, noting the
position of the alignment pin at the top.

Wagons
Align the catches and press the cover into
position.

Replacing bulbs pg. 87

Interior light and reading lights

Take hold of the front section of the light
as shown and pull straight down.

Press lens out from inside and replace
bulb. Check operation before reinstalling
lamp housing.

NOTE:
The wiring should not be pinched when
the lamp housing is reinstalled.


Bulb Power Socket
Interior light 10 W SV 8.5
Reading light 5 W W2.1x9.5d

Reading lamps, rear

The bulb in the adjustable reading lamps
can be changed as follows: insert a
screwdriver as shown and twist off the
lamp. Withdraw the bulb and fit a new one.
Replacing bulbs pg. 88
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1998 Volvo S90
2 Audio, Power seats, Hazard warning flashers,
Compartment Lights,
Power Antenna, Trailer Power, 50
3 Power Supply Relay "A" 50
4 Fuel System Relay, Ignition System Relay 50
5ABS-unit 50
6 Air pump, Starter Solenoid, Horn 50
7 Electric Cooling Fan 50
8 Pos./parking Light Relay, Headlight Relay, Fog light
relay 50
*Some of the equipment/systems listed may be
available on certain models only and/or as optional
items only.
Brake system pg. 91

Relay/fuse box (Box B)

The fuses in the relay/fuse box generally protect the electrical compone\
nts in the engine compartment.

The fuses are located under the cover in the relay/fuse box. Undo the fo\
ur clamps and pull out the fuse
you want to check. Look at the fuse from the side to see if there is a b\
reak in the curved wire. Should you
need to replace a fuse, you will find spare fuses in the central fuse bo\
x in the passenger compartment.
Replace the blown fuse with a new one of the same amperage and color. Ne\
ver use a fuse with a higher
amperage! There are a pair of pliers, to help when replacing fuses, in t\
he central fuse box in the passenger
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1998 Volvo S90

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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1998 Volvo S90
plenty of water, to avoid scratching.
l Bird droppings: Remove from
paintwork as soon as possible.
Otherwise the finish may be
permanently damaged.
l A detergent can be used to
facilitate the softening of dirt and
oil.
l A water-soluble grease solvent
may be used in cases of sticky dirt.
However, use a washplace equipped
with a drainage separator.
l Dry the car with a clean chamois
and remember to clean the drain
holes in the doors and rocker panels
*.
l The power radio antenna (sedans)
must be dried after washing.
l Tar spots can be removed with
kerosene or tar remover after the car
has been washed.
l A stiff-bristle brush and
lukewarm soapy water can be used
to clean the wiper blades. Frequent
cleaning improves visibility
considerably.
l Wash off the dirt from the
underside (wheel housings fenders,
etc.).
l In areas of high industrial fallout,
more frequent washing is
recommended.

CAUTION: During high pressure
washing, the spray mouth piece
must never be closer to the vehicle
than 13" (30 cm). Do not spray
into the locks.


l When washing or steam cleaning
the engine, avoid spraying water or
steam directly on the electrical
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.




NOTE: When washing the car, remember to remove dirt from
the drain holes in the doors and sills. Bumpers: Wash the
bumpers with the same cleaning agent used on the rest of the
car. Never clean the bumpers with gasoline or paint thinner.
Difficult spots can be removed with denatured alcohol. To
avoid scratches, do not dry the bumpers with paper.

*Pay special attention to the drain holes at the base of the
windshield in the cowl under the rear edge of the hood.
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1998 Volvo S90
Chapter 8 - Volvo Service
pg. 103
Service - an investment
An investment which will pay dividends in the form of improved reliabili\
ty,
durability, and resale value.
Label information pg. 104
Maintenance service, Warranty pg. 105
Maintenance schedule pg. 106
Engine oil pg. 108
Servicing pg. 110
Fuel/emissions systems pg. 112
Engine compartment pg. 114
Lubrication, body pg. 115
Power steering fluid, brake fluid pg. 116
Drive belt pg. 117
Cooling system pg. 118
Washer fluid reservoir/nozzles pg. 119
Label information
pg. 104
1 Vehicle
Identification
Number
(VIN)*
VIN plate is
located on
top left
surface of
dashboard.
The VIN is
also stamped
on the right
hand door
pillar.

2 Vehicle
Emission
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