load capacity VOLVO V90 1998 Owners Manual

1998 Volvo S90
disconnected, the code must
be re-entered before the radio
will function properly.
Points to remember pg. 62


Weight distribution affects
handling

At the specified curb weight
your car has a tendency to
understeer, which means that the
steering wheel has to be turned
more than might seem
appropriate for the curvature of
a bend. This ensures good
stability and reduces the risk of
rear wheel skid. Remember that
these properties can alter with
the vehicle load. The heavier the
load in the trunk, the less the
tendency to understeer.

Handling, roadholding

Vehicle load, tire design, and
inflation pressure, all affect
vehicle handling. Therefore,
check that the tires are inflated
to the recommended pressure
according to the vehicle load.
See "Tire pressure" section.
Loads should be distributed so
that capacity weight or
maximum permissible axle loads
are not exceeded.
WARNING!
An extra mat on the driver's
floor can cause the
accelerator pedal to catch.
Check that the movement of
the accelerator pedal is not
impeded. Not more than one
protective floor covering may
be used at one time.

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 air
intake system. Never drive the
vehicle in water deeper than 1
foot (300 mm). See the flood
warning on page 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 follows:
l Close the windows.
l Set the ventilation system


Roof rails/racks

Roof rails are standard
equipment on wagon models.
Load bars are available as a
retailer installed option on the
sedan models. Observe the
following points when is use:
l Avoid single-point loads.
Distribute the load evenly.
l Place heavier cargo at bottom
of load.
l Observe that center of gravity
and handling are influenced by
load weight.
l Increasing load size increases
wind resistance and, thus,
adversely affects fuel economy.
l Anchor the cargo correctly
with appropriate tie-down
equipment.
l Drive carefully. Avoid rapid
starts, fast cornering and hard
braking.
l Max. roof load is 220 lbs.
(100 kg) for removable racks.
For permanent roof racks, check
the manufacturers weight
specifications.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_058.htm (6 of 7)12/30/2006 \
1:52:42 PM

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
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_067.htm (2 of 5)12/30/2006 \
1:52:43 PM

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.

file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_067.htm (4 of 5)12/30/2006 \
1:52:43 PM

1998 Volvo S90
Ashtray rear 1.2 W Volvo P/
N966326 1
Seat belt lock 1.2 W Volvo P/
N966326 1
Instrument
warning/
indicator lights 1.2 W Volvo P/
N966326 –
All specifications are subject to change without
notice
Specifications pg. 127
Vehicle Loading

The tires on your Volvo should perform to
specifications at all normal loads when inflated as
recommended on the tire information label. The
label is located on the rear-facing edge of the
right-front door. This label lists both tire and
vehicle design limits. Do not load your car beyond
the load limits indicated.


WARNING!
Improperly inflated tire will reduce tire life,
adversely affect vehicle handling and can possibly
lead to failure resulting in loss of vehicle control
without prior warning.
Capacities

Fuel tank (approx.) 21.1 US gal.*
80 liters
Cooling System 10.5 US qts.
(10 liters)
Engine 5.9 US qts. **
at oil change 5.75 liters
Engine, 5.5 US qts. **
excl. oil filter 5.15 liters
Automatic transmission 7.9 US qts.
7.5 liters
Rear axle 1.4 US qts.
1.3 liters
Power steering gear 0.8 US qts.
0.8 liter

*"Usable" capacity - 20.3 US gallons (77 liters)
** if oil cooler is drained, add 0.47 US qts (0.4
liter)
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_125.htm (4 of 7)12/30/2006 \
1:52:51 PM

1998 Volvo S90
Dimensions and weights

U.S.A. and Canada
Length (sedan) / 191.8 in (487.1 cm)
Length (wagon) / 191.4 in (486.1 cm)
Width / 68.9 in (175 cm)
Height, Sedan / 56.6 in (141 cm)
Wagon / 57.6 in (145 cm)
Wheelbase / 109 in (277 cm)
Track, front / 59.2 in (150 cm)
Sedan rear / 59.7 in (152 cm)
Wagon rear / 59.7 in (152 cm)
Turning circle, (between curbs) / 31.8 ft. (9.7 m)
Cargo capacity
sedans / 16.6 cu. ft. (0.49 m wagons (rear seat
up) / 39.3 cu. ft. (1.1 m³)
wagon (rear seat down) / 74.9 cu. ft. (2.1 m³)

Weights / Canada only
Curb weight (sedan) / 3439-3530 lbs (1560-1601
kg) 1562-1604 kg
Curb weight (wagon) / 3536-3591 lbs (1604-1629
kg) 1602-1627 kg
Gross vehicle weight (sedan) / 4450 lbs (2018 kg)
2020kg
Gross vehicle weight (wagon) / 4630 lbs (2100
kg) 2100 kg
Capacity Weight (sedan)* / 919 lbs (417 kg) 416
kg
Capacity Weight (wagon)* / 1038 lbs (471 kg)
473 kg
Permissible axle weight, front (sedan) / 2170 lbs
(984 kg) 980 kg
front (wagon) / 2160 lbs (979 kg) 980 kg
rear (sedan) / 2310 lbs (1048 kg) 1050 kg
rear (wagon) / 2530 lbs (1148 kg) 1150 kg
Max. roof load ** / 220lbs (100 kg)
Max. trailer weight (w/o brakes) 1100 lbs (500
kg)
Max. trailer weight (with brakes - 2" ball) / 3300
lbs (1500 kg)
Max. trailer weight (with brakes - 1 7/8" ball) / WARNING:
When adding accessories, equipment, luggage
and other cargo to your vehicle, the total
loaded weight capacity of the vehicle must not
be exceeded.

All specifications are subject to change without
notice.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1998/1998_SV90/98S90_125.htm (6 of 7)12/30/2006 \
1:52:51 PM