Volvo 940 1995 Owner Manual
1995 Volvo 940
VOLVO
940
1995
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
certification labels attached to the driver's door opening and on the left wheel housing in the engine
compartment.
The cover photograph shows the international version of the car.
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Contents
Instruments and controls ... 1
Body and interior ... 2
Occupant safety, Reporting safety defects ... 3
Starting and driving ... 4
Wheels and tires ... 5
In case of emergency ... 6
Car care ... 7
Service and routine maintenance ... 8
Specifications ... 9
Important
Before you operate your car for the first time, please familiarize yourself with the BREAK-IN
information on page 4:1. You should also be familiar with the information in the first three chapters of
this book.
Information contained in the balance of the manual is extremely useful and should be studied after
operating the vehicle for the first time. This manual is structured so that it can be used for reference. It
should thus be kept in the car for ready access.
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.
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.
©1995 Volvo Cars of North America, Inc.
Contents | Top of Page
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Instruments, switches and controls
Instruments, switches and controls
pg. 1:1 Instruments, switches and controls
IMPORTANT!
Your car is equipped with a Shiftlock-Keylock system.
SHIFTLOCK:
When your car is parked, the gear selector is locked in the (P)ark position. To release the selector from this position, turn the ignition key
to position II (or start the engine), depress the brake pedal, press the button on the front side of the gear selector and move the selector
from (P)ark.
If it is necessary to manually override the Shiftlock system, see page 6:18 for instructions.
KEYLOCK:
This means that when you switch off the ignition, the gear selector must be in the (P)ark position before the starting (ignition) key can be
removed from the ignition switch.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS):
The ABS system in your car performs a self-diagnostic test when the vehicle is started and at 4 mph (6 km/h). The driver may detect one
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pulsation of the brake pedal and a sound will be audible from the ABS control module. This is normal.
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.
1:11
1 Air louver
1:6
2 Headlights, parking lights
1:6
3 Turn signals, Cruise Control
1:6
4 Hazard warning lights
1:2
5 Instruments
1:7
6 Wiper/washer
1:11
7 Air louvers
1:11
8 Heating and air conditioning
1:17
9 Audio system
- 10 Space for additional equipment
1:16
11 Ash tray
1:14
12 Electrically-heated front seats
1:16
13 Parking brake
2:5
14 Power door mirrors
1:15
Electrically operated windows
2:9
15 Hood release handle
1:8
16 Fog lights
- 17 Space for additional equipment
1:8
18 Instrument illumination
- 19 Space for additional equipment
1:7
20 Starting (ignition) switch/steering wheel lock
1:9
21 Heated rear window/side door mirrors
1:9
22 Electrically operated sun roof (option)
1:16
23 Cigarette lighter
6:18
24 Shiftlock override button
- 25 Horn
Some of the items above are available on certain models only.
pg. 1:2 Instruments
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1 Ambient temperature indicator (certain models)
Indicates the temperature slightly above the surface of the road. An amber warning lamp lights up when the temperature is in the range of
23-36° F (-5 - + 2° C). At low speeds or when the car is not moving, the temperature readings may be slightly higher than the actual
ambient temperature due to heat generated by the engine.
2 Fuel gauge
The total fuel tank capacity is approx. 19.8 US gals (75 liters). When the warning light comes on, there are approximately 1.6 US gals. (6
liters) of fuel remaining in the tank. See "Refueling" for further information.
3 Quartz crystal clock/clock set button
Press the button and turn to set the clock.
4 Speedometer
5 Odometer
6 Trip odometer/reset button
Used for measuring shorter distances. The last digit indicates 1/10 mile/kilometer. A black number on a white background = original
speedometer. A red number on a white background = replacement speedometer.
7 Tachometer
Reads thousands of engine rpm. Engine should not be operated in red range.
8 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. Do not drive the car with the pointer in the red range. See sections "Coolant" and Drive belts".
Warning! Allow engine to cool before adding
coolant.
pg. 1:3 Indicator and warning lights
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1 Turn signal, left
2 Turn signal , right
3 Malfunction indicator lamp
4 Direction indicator, trailer
5 Service reminder indicator
6 (Not in use)
7 Rear fog lamp
8 Bulb failure
9 Generator not charging
10 Low engine oil pressure
11 High beams
12 Brake failure
13 Parking brake applied
14 ABS-system, see p. 1:5
15 (Not in use)
16 (Not in use)
17 4th gear engaged
18 Fasten seat belts
19 SRS
20 (Not in use)
21 (Not in use)
pg. 1:4 Warning lights
The warning lights described on pages 1:4 and 1:5 should never stay on when driving
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.
Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, check the tension of the generator drive belt as soon as possible.
Malfunction indicator lamp
If the lamp 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.
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Oil pressure warning light
If the light comes on while driving, the oil pressure is too low. Stop the car and then stop the engine immediately and check the engine oil
level. See the section titled "Engine oil". 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.
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:
Brake fluid warning light
If the light comes on while driving or braking, this indicates that the brake fluid level is too low.
Stop immediately, open the hood and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir (see section "Engine compartment" for reservoir
position)!
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:
WARNING!
If the level is below the MIN mark in either section of the reservoir: DO NOT DRIVE. Tow the car to a Volvo retailer and have the
brake system checked and any leakage repaired.
pg. 1:5 Indicator lights
Service reminder indicator
This light will come on at 10,000 mile (16,000 km) intervals. It is a reminder to the driver that the 10,000 mile (16,000 km) service
interval has been exceeded. The light will stay on 2 minutes after the start until reset by the servicing dealer.
* Turbo models: 5,000 miles (8,000 km)
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
If the warning lamp lights up there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system will however function). The vehicle
should be driven to a Volvo retailer for inspection.
See page 4:15 for additional information.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:
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.
Bulb failure warning light
The light will come on if any of the following bulbs are defective:
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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.
Contents | Top of Page
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pg. 1:11 Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
Heating and air conditioning
Your Volvo is equipped with a heating system combined with air conditioning.
Depending on which function you select, warm or cool/cold air is distributed to the different parts of the
passenger compartment.
The air conditioning system in your car contains a CFC-refrigerant - R134a. This substance will not
deplete the ozone layer. Volvo cares about the environment. The system contains 2.1 lbs (0.95 kg)
R134a and uses Seiko-Seiki SK 20 (type PAG) oil.
Air louvers (dash)
A Open
B Closed
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C Directing air flow horizontally
D Directing air flow vertically
A certain amount of air will always enter through the dash air louvers as long as they are open,
independent of the position of the air distribution control.
Close the dash air louvers to obtain maximum air flow to floor or windshield.
pg. 1:12 Heating and air conditioning
Blower
0 = off
5 = max speed
Function selector
Set desired function
Temperature dial
Set desired temperature
Air in the passenger compartment recirculates with this button depressed (will not function in defrost
setting).
The symbol lights up (orange light) when the button is depressed and the headlights or parking lights are
on.
The air conditioning system is ON when this button is depressed.
The symbol lights up (blue light) when the button is depressed and the headlights or parking brake are
on * .
* When the function selector is in the
mode, the air conditioning system is ON regardless of button
position.
Function selector
Air through panel vents
Defrost. Air to windshield and side windows.
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Air to floor, windshield and side windows.
Air through floor vents.
· Bi-level. Air through floor and panel vents.
pg. 1:13 Heating and air conditioning
Maximum heating:
Close the center panel vents. When the passenger compartment has become sufficiently warm, set the
blower control to position 2 and adjust the temperature.
Maximum cooling:
Open the vents. The
button should be depressed. Adjust the temperature with the temperature
dial.
To demist / Defrost the windows
Set the function dial to position
. When the windows have cleared set the blower control to position
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2 and the function selector to . Always keep the air intake grille at the base of the windshield free
of snow.
Operating tips
The air conditioning system functions only at temperatures above 43°F (6°C).
The air conditioning will only function if the blower is set to position 1 or higher.
Choose this position if the outside air is contaminated with exhaust gases, smoke, etc or to heat/
cool the car quickly. In this position, very little air is drawn into the passenger compartment from the
outside. Do not leave the system in this mode for more than 10-15 minutes since the air inside the car
will become stale. The temperature can be controlled with the temperature dial.
Remember: If the panel vents are open, a certain amount of air will always flow through, regardless of
the position the function dial is in. To increase the flow of air to either the floor or the windows, close
the panel vents. The outer vents can be opened to avoid mist on the side windows.
The air conditioning system will function best if it is used regularly.
Water under the vehicle in hot weather can be the result of condensation from the air conditioning
system.
pg. 1:14 Heated front seats
Heated front seats (certain models)
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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.
While driving, the passenger seat heating should be switched off when the seat is not occupied.
pg. 1:15 Electrically operated windows
The electrically operated windows are controlled by switches from the driver's armrest as shown in the
above illustration.
The starting (ignition) switches must be ON (position II) for the electrically operated windows to
function. The window is lowered if the rear part of the switch is pressed and raised if the front part of the
switch is pressed.
WARNING! Remove the starting (ignition) key when children are left unattended in the
vehicle.
Make sure that children's hands are clear before raising the windows.
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Cut-out switch for electrically-operated rear-door windows
If the car is equipped with rear door windows, this function can be disabled by a switch located on the
driver's door armrest. This switch is positioned 90° in relation to the other switches.
The rear door windows can be raised or lowered with the respective door switch as well as the
switch on the driver's door.
The rear door windows cannot be raised or lowered with the respective door switch but instead only
with the corresponding switch on the driver's door.
pg. 1:16 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. In order to obtain
the best possible performance of the parking brake, see section titled "Brake System".
WARNING!
Always use the parking brake (hand brake) when parking. On hills, also turn the front wheels toward
the curb
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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 (position I or II) for the cigarette lighter to function.
Ash trays
To remove the ash trays depress the center spring and remove.
Contents | Top of Page
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pg. 1:17 Audio system CR-915, general description
The following pages describe the use of your CR-915 Cassette radio and CD remote control
1.
● ON/OFF (turn)
● Volume (turn)
● Balance left-right (push)
● Fader front-rear (pull)
2. Anti-Theft indicator
3. Bass control
4. Treble control
5. Waveband selector FM
6. Up and Down tuning
7. Waveband selector AM
8. Display
9. Preset buttons
10. Autostore function
11. CD
12. Dolby switch
13. Tape direction, fast forward and rewind
14. Cassette slot
15. Cassette eject
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pg. 1:18 Anti-theft code
Anti-theft code
The radio features anti-theft circuitry. If the set is removed from the vehicle or if the battery power is
disconnected, a special code must be entered to enable radio operation of the set.
Refer to the radio code card supplied with your vehicle or ask your dealer for the correct code.
When the car is parked with ignition key removed the anti-theft LED will flash.
To enter the code
After installation or when the set has been disconnected from power, the set displays "COdE" when it is
switched on.
Enter the 4-digit code using the preset buttons.
If the correct code is entered the set is ready to use.
If you enter an incorrect code you must enter the correct again from the beginning.
Incorrect code
If an incorrect code has been entered "EEEE" is displayed. Enter the correct code.
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After three unsuccessful coding attempts the set will lock and remain locked for two hours. "OFF" is
displayed.
During this waiting period:
● the battery must be connected
● the ignition key must be turned to position I
● the unit must be turned on
Make sure the headlights are turned off to help prevent battery drain.
Enter the code again once this time has elapsed.
pg. 1:19 Radio
A - On/off switch and volume control
Turn the button clockwise to switch on and to increase the volume.
B - Waveband selector FM
Press button FM. The set is then displayed: FM1 or FM2.
C - Waveband selector AM
D - Manual tuning
E - Seek tuning
The "SEEK" function can be used on both sides of the tuning button. If the button is pressed for more
than 1 second, the radio automatically seeks the next audible station and stops there. If you want to
continue seeking, press the tuning button once more for more than 1 second.
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F - Setting frequency selection
The radio can be used in most parts of the world by changing the frequency selection intervals as
follows:
Depress and hold preset button 5 and turn the radio ON. "USA" will flash on the display. Each time
button 5 is pressed, the frequency selection will change from "USA" to "AUS", etc. When the correct
country name is displayed, wait 5 seconds and the radio will be ready for use.
pg. 1:20 Radio (cont.)
A - Presetting
1. Tune to the desired frequency.
2. Press a preset button. The second cuts out.
3. Keep the button pressed until the sound comes on again (after approx. 2 seconds).
4. The frequency is now stored and can be obtained by pressing the preset button. The chosen preset
number is displayed.
B - Automatic programming (Auto store)
This feature works on all wavebands!
1. Press the "AUT" button until "Auto a " is displayed. A maximum of the eight strongest stations on the
chosen waveband are now automatically stored in the memory. If there are no audible stations, "----" is
displayed.
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2. Press the "AUT" button once again for less than 1 second if you wish to listen to another autostored
station. A new station is set each time "AUT" is pressed.
C - Stereo Indicator
When receiving a stereo transmission "ST" will be displayed.
pg. 1:21 Radio (cont.)
A - Balance control
Push the knob and turn clockwise/anticlockwise to adjust right/left speaker balance.
B - Fader control
Pull out the knob and turn clockwise/anticlockwise to adjust front/rear speaker balance. After adjustment
push the knob back to its previous position.
C - Bass control
Press the knob. The knob is springloaded. Turn clockwise/anti-clockwise to adjust the bass. After
adjustment, push the knob back again into its previous position.
D - Treble control
Press the knob. The knob is springloaded. Turn clockwise/anti-clockwise to adjust the treble. After
adjustment, push the knob back again into its previous position.
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pg. 1:22 Cassette deck
A - Cassette slot
The cassette is inserted with the open side to the right (side 1 or A of the cassette upwards). When the
cassette is inserted, the radio is disengaged and the cassette will start to play automatically. "TAPE
"
or "TAPE " is displayed to indicate which side of the tape is being played. When one side of the tape
is being played. When one side of the tape has been played the unit will automatically play the other side
(auto-reverse). The cassette can be inserted or ejected even when the unit is switched off.
B - Reversing the tape (rev)
Press both "PROG" buttons to reverse direction of the tape (to play the other side of the tape). The tape
direction is displayed.
C - Fast winding
Press either button to wind the tape. If the button you press is fully pressed, fast winding will go on to
the end of the tape. The other side of the tape will then be played.
pg. 1:23 Cassette deck (cont.)
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A - Cassette eject
Press the button to stop the tape and to eject the cassette. The radio will then automatically re-engage,
and the latest station listened to will be received.
B - Dolby - noise reduction system
This set has DOLBY B noise reduction system for tape playback. The Dolby function is engaged when
the Dolby symbol is shown in the display. Press the Dolby button when you want to engage/disengage
the Dolby function.
Contents | Top of Page
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pg. 1:24 CD - Remote (certain models)
A - CD mode selector
Press CD to activate the CD mode. The disc/track last listened to will continue to play. If the CDchanger cartridge * is empty, "---" will be displayed. If a selected disc position is empty, the disc number
and "---" will be automatically selected.
* The functions pertaining to the CD-changer are only applicable if the unit has been connected to the
Volvo CD-changer which is sold separately as an accessory, or on certain models, standard on the car.
IF no CD-changer is connected to the unit "CD E-EE" will be displayed if you happen to choose CD
mode.
B - Disc number selector
Press one of the preset buttons to select desired the disc number. The selected disc number and track
number will be displayed.
C - Track number selector
Press the tuning button for less than 0.9 seconds to select the track number desired chosen track number
will be displayed
D - Music search
Press the tuning button for more than 0.9 seconds to search within the track. During searching you can
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hear the music being played at faster speed. The elapsed time of the current is shown in the display.
pg. 1:25 CD - Remote (certain models) (cont.)
A - Random choice
Press AUT to activate random mode. From a disc chosen at random, 4 tracks will be played (also chosen
at random). A new disc will then be played in the same way. "RND" will be displayed when this
function is engaged.
B - To re-enter another mode
If you press the FM or AM button, or insert a tape, the mode you choose will be activated.
C - Elapsed time indicator
By pressing the CD button the elapsed time of the current track will be indicated in the display.
pg. 1:26 CD - Remote (certain models) (cont.)
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CD changer
The CD changer, which is available separately, is loaded with a cartridge containing 6 discs. Extra
cartridges are available at your Volvo dealer.
Insert the discs into the cartridge, label (A) up.
Insert the cartridge and close the cover.
Eject the cartridge by pressing the eject button (B).
Remove the discs by depressing the lock tabs (C).
Operating tips :
● Before using a new disk for the first time, remove any burrs in the center/outer edge by running the
stem of a pen or similar object around the hole/edge of the disc.
● Use high quality discs only.
● Keep the discs clean. Wipe them with a soft, clean, lint-free cloth, working from the center outwards.
If necessary, dampen the cloth with a neutral soap solution. Dry thoroughly before using.
● Never use cleaning spray or anti-static liquid. Use only cleaners specifically made for CD's.
● Use discs of the correct size only (3.5" discs should never be used).
● Do not put tape or labels on the disc itself.
● Volvo does not recommend the use of plastic outer rings on the disc.
● Condensation may occur on discs/optical components of the changer in cold winter weather. The disc
can be dried with a clean, lint-free cloth. Optical components in the CD changer may, however, take up
to one hour to dry off.
● Never attempt to play a disc which is damaged in any way.
● When not in use, the discs should be stored in their covers. Avoid storing discs in excessive heat,
direct sunlight or dusty locations.
● Volvo does not recommend the use of plastic outer rings on the disc.
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pg. 1:27 General information
Sending signals
The FM waves do not follow the earth's surface nor do they bounce off the atmosphere. For this reason
their range is limited.
The AM waves follow the earth's surface and reflect against the atmosphere, giving them a wide range.
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Weak reception (fading)
Because of the limited range of the FM senders and the fact that these waves are very reflective, this
problem usually occurs with FM reception. If the sender is blocked by buildings or mountains, static can
result.
Static
The reason why FM but not AM is audible is covered parking areas, under bridges, etc., is that FM
signals reflect against solid objects such as buildings. Because these waves are very reflective, static can
result. This static is the result of the reflected signal and the direct signal reaching your antenna at
slightly different times causing a cancellation of all signals. This problem occurs largely in built-up
areas.
pg. 1:28 Cross modulation, FM - reasons for distortion, AM - reasons for distortion
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Cross modulation
If you listen to a weak station in the vicinity of a stronger one, both stations may be received
simultaneously.
FM - reasons for distortion
FM is affected by the electrical systems of nearby vehicles, especially those without suppression. The
distortion increases if the station is weak or poorly set.
The FM reception is not as sensitive to electrical disturbances as AM.
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AM - reasons for distortion
AM reception is sensitive to electrical disturbances such as power lines, lighting, etc.
pg. 1:29 Radio
FM stereo reception
Stereo reception places very high demands on the signal quality which means the type of distortions
previously mentioned become even more obvious. The signal strength needs to be stronger for good
stereo reception and this limits the effective range of the sender.
We hope that this information proves to be useful and provides you with a better understanding of the
problems related to car radio reception.
Reception conditions are not always optimum and this is, of course, beyond our control. However, we
have endeavored to make the Volvo Audio System of a quality that will enable you to enjoy the best
possible reception no matter what the reception conditions may be.
Radio antenna (sedans)
NOTE: Always lower the antenna (by switching off the radio) when using an automatic car wash or
entering a garage.
The antenna should be cleaned at least every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or more frequently if needed.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1995/1995_940/95940_1_24.html (7 of 9)12/30/2006 9:54:28 AM
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