Volvo 1990 760 Model
1990 760 Owners Manual
U.S.A. & Canada
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Please take the time to fill out the forms on this page. When completed, these forms will provide
information essential to the proper servicing and ordering of parts for your Volvo.
Owner:
Name:____________
Address:__________
City, State:_________Zip Code_________
Tel. No.___________
Notice:
Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable safety and emission standards, as evidenced by the
certification labels attached to the door opening sheet metal and on the left wheel housing in the engine
compartment. For further information regarding these regulations, please contact your dealer.
Vehicle Information (see "Label information" section)
Vehicle License Number_________________
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)___________
Service Designation Number_________________
Engine Designation________________________
See "Specifications" section
Color Code____________________
Upholstery_____________________
Tire designation____________________
See "Tires" Section
Vehicle Capacity_________________
© Volvo Cars of North America
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Volvo 1990 760 Model
Contents
pg. 4
Introduction
pg. 6
Instruments, switches and controls
pg. 27
Body and interior
pg. 47
Starting and driving
pg. 67
Wheels and tires
pg. 71
In case of emergency
pg. 91
Car care
pg. 99
Service and routine maintenance
pg. 121
Specifications
Important
You should be familiar with the information in the first three chapters before you operate the car.
Information contained in the balance of the manual is extremely useful and should be studied after
operating the vehicle for the first time.
The manual is structured so that it can be used for reference. It should thus be kept in the car for ready
access.
All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are based on the latest product
information available at the time of publication. Volvo reserves the right to make model changes at any
time, or to change specifications or design, without notice and without incurring obligation.
pg. 2 This manual deals with the operation and care of your Volvo
Welcome to the world-wide family of Volvo owners. We trust that you will enjoy many years of safe
driving in your Volvo, an automobile designed with your safety and comfort in mind. To help ensure
your satisfaction with this vehicle, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the equipment
descriptions, operating instructions and maintenance requirements/recommendations in this manual. We
also urge you and your passengers to wear seat belts at all times in this (or any other) automobile. And,
of course, please do not operate a vehicle if you may be affected by alcohol, medication or any
impairment that could hinder your ability to drive.
Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable safety and emission standards, as evidenced by the
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certification labels attached to the driver's door opening and on the left wheel housing in the engine
compartment. For further information please contact your dealer.
pg. 3 Seatbelts: "Something We Believe In"
Despite our strongest recommendations, and your best intentions, not wearing a seat belt is like
believing "It'll never happen to me!". Volvo urges you and all adult occupants of your car to wear seat
belts and ensure that children are properly restrained, using an infant, car or booster seat determined by
age, weight and height.
Fact: In every state and province, some type of child-restraint legislation has been passed. Additionally,
most states and provinces have already made it mandatory for occupants of a car to use seat belts.
So, urging you to "buckle up" is not just our recommendation - legislation in your state or province may
mandate seat belt usage. The few seconds it takes to buckle up may one day allow you to say, "It's a
good thing I was wearing my seat belt".
Contents | Top of Page
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Introduction
pg. 4 Introduction
This Owner's manual provides information on driving and maintaining your Volvo
It should be noted that there are differences among model versions and market requirements; thus, you
may find features described and/or pictured in this manual that do not appear on your car.
Should you require more detailed information with regard to adjustments or repairs please contact your
Volvo dealer.
Do not export your Volvo to another country before investigating the 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 or other countries.
pg. 5 Keys
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Service key
Front doors, starting (ignition)
Steering wheel lock
Owner's key
This key operates all locks in
the vehicle
Wallet key
This key operates all locks in
the vehicle
Number tag
The key number codes are stamped on a separate tag supplied with the keys. This tag should be
separated from the key ring and kept in a safe place (the back of the tag is coated with adhesive tape).
As an added anti-theft measure, new keys have been developed, which may take slightly longer to copy
or replace if the original keys are misplaced.
In the event of the original keys are lost, duplicates may be ordered from your Volvo dealer.
The central locking system is described in detail in section "Doors and locks".
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Instruments, switches and controls
pg. 6 Instruments, switches and controls
pg. 7 Instruments, switches and controls
pg. 22
1 Air louver
pg. 17
2 Headlights, parking lights
pg. 14
3 Turn signals, high/low beams
pg. 16
cruise control
pg. 6-12
4 Instruments
pg. 15
5 Windshield wiper/washer, rear window wiper/washer (wagons)
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pg. 22
6 Air louver
pg. 22-24
7 Heating and ventilation
pg. 25
8 Audio cassette/tuner
pg. 20
9 Cigarette lighter
pg. 20
10 Ash tray
pg. 19
12 Electrically-heated front seats
pg. 39
13 Hood release handle
pg. 21
14 Controls for electrically operated windows
pg. 28
and side door mirrors
pg. 18
15 Instrument panel illumination
pg. 17
16 Front/rear fog lights
pg. 18
17 Control for setting clock
pg. 18
18 Radio antenna
pg. 13
19 Adjustable steering wheel
- 20 Space for additional equipment
pg. 13
21 Starting (ignition) switch/steering wheel lock
- 22 Space for additional equipment
pg. 29
23 Electrically operated sun roof
pg. 14
24 Hazard warning flashers
pg. 19
25 Heated rear windows/side door mirrors
- 26 Horn
The pages in this section provide detailed descriptions of the vehicle's instruments and controls.
Note that vehicles may be equipped differently, depending on special legal requirements.
pg. 8 Instruments
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NOTE : Canadian model speedometers/odometers indicate kilometers
only.
1 Fuel gauge
2 Quartz crystal clock
3 Speedometer
4 Trip odometer
5 Odometer
6 Trip odometer reset button
7 Tachometer
8 Boost gauge (Turbo models)
9 Coolant temperature gauge
pg. 9 Instruments
Tachometer
Reads thousands of engine rpm.
Engine should not be operated in red range.
Maximum continuous rpm is 6000
The turbo engine is equipped with an rpm-limiter system; at engine speeds above approx. 6200 rpm, the engine will
begin to misfire to reduce the risk of damage.
Trip odometer
Used for measuring shorter distances.
(last figure represents 1/10 mile or km)
A black number on a white background =
original instrument. A red number on a white
background = replacement instrument.
Trip odometer reset knob
Push in to reset
Temperature gauge
The pointer should be approximately midway on the gauge face when driving. If the pointer approaches the red
range repeatedly, check coolant level and fan belt tension. See sections "Coolant" and "Drive belts".
Do not continue to drive the car with the pointer in the red range.
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WARNING! Allow engine to cool before adding
coolant.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity:
Wagons: approx. 15.8 US gals (60 liters).
Models with low-fuel warning light:
When the warning light on the fuel gauge comes on, there are approximately 1.6 US gals. (6 liters) of fuel
remaining in the tank.
Models without low-fuel warning light:
The red range represents approx. 2.4 US gals. (9 liters) for wagons and 3.4 US gals. (13 liters) for sedans. See
"Refueling" for further information.
Boost pressure gauge
(Turbo-engine cars only)
The boost pressure gauge is divided into sections.
Black section: The engine acts as a normally-aspirated engine. Best fuel economy is achieved while driving in this
range. Yellow section: The turbo is providing boost pressure.
pg. 10 Indicator and warning lights
1 Turn signal, left
2 Turn signal, right
3 Check engine
4 Direction indicator, trailer
5 Service reminder light
6 Low washer fluid level
If the lamp glows continuously there is
only about 1/2 - 1 US qt remaining in the
washer fluid reservoir
7 Rear fog lamps
8 Bulb failure warning lamp
9 Alternator not charging
10 Low engine oil pressure
11 High beams
12 Brake failure
13 Parking brake applied
14 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
(see next page)
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15 (not in use)
16 (not in use)
17 4th gear (overdrive) disengaged
18 Seat belt reminder light
19 SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
20 (not in use)
21 (not in use)
22 (not in use)
When the ignition key is turned on and before the engine starts, all of the warning lights should be on to test the
function of the bulbs. Should a light not go off after the engine has started, the system indicated should be
inspected. (However, the parking brake reminder light will not go off until the parking brake is fully released.)
pg. 11 Warning lights
The warning lights described on this page should never stay on when driving
Alternator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, check the tension of the generator drive belt as soon as possible.
NOTE: This warning lights is illuminated if the generator is not charging. However, parking brake, brake failure
and bulb failure warning lights will be illuminated at the same time due to the design of the system.
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Check Engine warning light
If the lamp comes on after the engine has started, the diagnostic systems have detected a fault in the fuel/ignition
systems, indicating that the engine probably does not fulfil emission control requirements. The vehicle should be
checked by an authorized Volvo dealer.
Oil pressure warning light
If the light comes on during driving, the oil pressure is too low. Stop the car and then stop the engine immediately.
Do not drive the vehicle. See the section titled "Engine oil". 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.
Bulb failure warning light
The light will come on if any of the following bulbs are defective:
one of the low beam headlights
one of the tail lights
one of the brake lights when the brake pedal is depressed.
Check the fuse and bulb.
See sections titled "Replacing bulbs" and "Fuses".
Should the warning light come on after a defective outside bulb has been replaced, the corresponding bulb on the
other side of the car should also be replaced.
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.
Brake failure warning light
If the light comes on while driving and the brake pedal can be depressed further than normal, it is an indication that
one of the brake circuits is not functioning.
Stop immediately, open the hood and check the brake fluid level (see section "Brake fluid, power steering").
WARNING!
If the level is below the MIN mark in either section of the reservoir: Do NOT drive. Tow the car to shop for check/
repair of brake system.
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Fluid level between MIN and MAX mark: proceed immediately and with caution to a Volvo dealer for an
inspection of the brake system.
pg. 12 Warning lights
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
ABS brakes are designed to prevent the brakes from locking under severe braking conditions. If the light comes on
while driving, there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system will still function), and the
car should be driven to an authorized Volvo dealer for inspection. The system "senses" when the brakes begin to
lock, regulates the brake pressure and thereby helps prevent the brakes from locking. When the system is activated,
you may be aware of a slight vibration in the brake pedal. The switching sound of the control unit in the engine
compartment may also be audible. This is quite normal.
Note that the ABS system does not increase the total braking capacity of your car. It does, however, enable you to
steer and helps to retain better control of the vehicle.
(SRS) Supplemental Restraint System
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 dealer for inspection. (See section "SRS" for further information.)
Service reminder indicator
This light will come on at 5,000 mile (8,000 km) intervals. It is a reminder to the driver to have the engine oil and
oil filter changed. The light will stay on 2 minutes after the start until reset by the servicing dealer.
Turn signal indicators - trailer (certain models)
When towing a trailer, this light will flash simultaneously with the turn signals on the trailer. If the light does not
flash when signaling, the trailer turn signals are not functioning.
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pg. 13 Steering wheel adjustment, starting (ignition) switch
Starting (ignition) switch/steering wheel lock
The steering wheel lock might be under tension when the car is parked. Turn the steering wheel slightly
to free the ignition key.
A chime will sound if the starting key is left in the ignition lock and the front door on the driver's side is
opened.
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0 Locked position:
remove the key to lock the steering wheel.
I Intermediate position:
certain circuits (heater blower, cigarette lighter, accessories etc.) on.
II Drive position:
key position when engine is running.
III Starting position:
release the key when the engine starts. The key returns automatically to driving
position.
Steering wheel adjustment
The steering wheel can be adjusted to 3 different positions.
Move the control on the left side of the steering column downward and hold it in place. Adjust the
steering wheel to the position desired. Release the control and check that the steering wheel is locked in
position.
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WARNING! Do not adjust the steering wheel while
driving.
pg. 14 Turn signals, Hazard warning flasher
Turn signals
1 Lane change position : In maneuvers such as lane changing, the driver can flash the turn signals by
moving the turn signal lever to the first stop and holding it there. The lever will return to the neutral
position when released.
2 Signal lever engaged for normal turns
Note: Defective turn signal bulb will cause turn signal indicator and remaining signal lights to flash
more rapidly than normal.
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3 High beam/low beam switch (headlights on)
Move the lever towards the steering wheel past the headlight flasher position and release it.
3 Headlight flasher (headlights off)
Move the lever towards the steering wheel past the headlight flasher position and release it
Hazard warning flasher
The four-way flasher should be used to indicate that the vehicle has become a traffic hazard.
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NOTE: Regulations regarding the use of the hazard warning flasher may vary from state to
state.
pg. 15 Windshield, Tailgate wipers/washers
Wiper/washer
1 Intermittent wiper.
With switch in this position, the wipers will sweep approximately every seventh second.
2 "Single sweep" position.
Switch returns automatically when released
3 Wipers, low speed.
4 Wipers, high speed
5 Windshield wiper/washer
The wiper will make 2-3 complete sweeps after lever is released.
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Tailgate window wiper/washer
(wagon)
The tailgate window wiper/washer is operated by a switch at the end of the wiper lever.
1. The wiper operates continuously.
2. Intermittent position: the wiper strokes approximately every 10 seconds.
3. Tailgate washer (note that the wiper also operates when this button is depressed):
After the button is released the wiper strokes 2-3 additional times before stopping.
The electrical circuit is protected by fuse 19, located in the central electrical unit. See the section entitled
"Fuses".
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Adjusting washer nozzles
The washer jets should spray the windshield as shown. Use the edge of a small screwdriver to adjust the
nozzles, if necessary.
Washer fluid reservoir
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartments and holds approx. 0.5 US gal. (2 liters)
- sedans and 0.8 US gal (3.2 liters) - wagons.
During cold weather, the reservoir should be filled with windshield washer solvent containing antifreeze.
pg. 16 Cruise control
Cruise control
The cruise control switches are located on the turn signal switch lever.
To engage and set desired speed:
· Set switch (B) to
.
· Accelerate to desired cruise speed.
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NOTE: The cruise control cannot be engaged at speeds below 22 mph (35
km).
· Depress SET button (A).
Braking
This will automatically disengage the cruise control. Previously selected cruise control speed is retained
in the memory and by momentarily setting the switch to RESUME position that speed will be reengaged.
If the cruise control is already engaged, the cruising speed can be increased by depressing the SET
button (A). The vehicle will then maintain the current speed.
NOTE:
When driving on a grade, actual vehicle speed may vary slightly from the set cruise control
speed.
Acceleration
Momentary acceleration, such as for passing, does not interrupt cruise control operation. The previously
selected speed will be maintained without having to set switch to RESUME.
To disengage the cruise control system : set switch (B) to position
, or depress the brake pedal.
Switching off the starting (ignition) switch will automatically disengage the cruise control system.
WARNING! The cruise control should not be used in heavy traffic or when driving on wet or slippery
roads.
If the gear shift is moved to Neutral while the cruise control is engaged, then depress the brake pedal
momentarily, or set the cruise control switch (B) to
. This will disengage the cruise control and
prevent overreving the engine.
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pg. 17 Rear fog lights, Front fog lights, Lighting
Headlights and parking lights
All lights off *
Parking lights ON. With the headlight switch in this position, the parking lights will stay ON.
Headlights and parking lights are ON, if starting (ignition) switch is in position I or II. If the
headlight switch is in this position, all lights will go out when the starting (ignition), switch is turned
OFF. Change from high to low beam (and vice versa) by moving the turn signal switch lever on the left
side off the steering column toward the steering wheel.
Canada only: (On models with day running lights)
The low beams will come on automatically when the engine is started.
The high beams can only be switched on if the headlight switch is in position
.
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Front and rear foglamps
The switch has two settings:
1) Front foglights ON.
2) Front and rear foglamps ON.
When both front and rear foglamps are turned on both indicators lamps will light. The rear fog lights are
considerably brighter than the normal tail lights and should be used only when atmospheric conditions,
such as fog, rain, snow, smoke or dust reduce the daytime or nighttime visibility of other vehicles to less
than 500 ft. (152 meters). The low-beam headlights must be switched on . Note that local regulations
governing the use of these lights may vary.
pg. 18 Setting clock, Instrument illumination, Power antenna
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Instrument illumination
To increase the brightness, move the slide switch up.
To decrease the brightness, move the slide switch down.
Setting clock
> Forward
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< Backward
Power antenna
The power antenna switch can be used to retract the antenna when the audio system is turned on. This
will permit operation of the cassette drive with the antenna in the down position.
CAUTION: Always lower the antenna when entering a garage or car wash to avoid antenna
damage.
The antenna mast should be cleaned and lubricated at every oil change 5000 miles (8000 km).
pg. 19 Rear window demister, Heated front seats
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Rear window demister, heated side-view mirrors
Depress the switch to start heating of rear window and side mirrors. Both orange control lights in the
switch will illuminate. A timer switches off the side mirror heating after approx. 6 minutes and the rear
window demister after 12 minutes. The control lights go out correspondingly.
Depressing the switch while any control light is on will disengage all heating. Depressing the switch
after the control lights have gone out will restart the heating cycle.
CAUTION: Do not place items that may damage the printed circuit against the inner surface of the
rear window.
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Heated front seats
The heated front seats can be switched on and off as required. When switched on, the system senses the
ambient temperature and regulates the level of heat applied. When the optimum temperature is reached,
the heating is switched off automatically. The passenger seat is only heated when occupied.
pg. 20 Parking brake, Cigarette lighter, Ash trays
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Parking brake (hand brake)
The lever is situated between the front seats. The brake is applied to the rear wheels.
WARNING!
Always use the parking brake (hand brake) when parking. On hills, also turn the front wheels toward
the curb.
In order to obtain the best possible performance of the parking brake, the brake linings should be broken
in (See section titled "Break-in period").
Cigarette lighter
To operate, depress the knob fully. When the knob automatically releases, the cigarette lighter is ready
for use.
The starting (ignition) switch must be switched on (to position I or II) for the cigarette lighter to
function.
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