Volvo S90 1998, V90 1998 Owner Manual
1998 Volvo S90
VOLVO
S90 & V90
1998
This manual deals with the operation and care of your Volvo
Welcome to the worldwide 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.
For further information please contact your
retailer, or:
In the USA:
Volvo Cars of North America
Customer Support
P.O. Box 914
Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647-0914
800-458-1552
In Canada:
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1998 Volvo S90
Volvo Canada Ltd.
175 Gordon Baker Road
Willowdale, Ontario M2H 2N7
800-663-8255
Volvo and the environment
Volvo is committed to the well being of our
customers. As a natural part of this
commitment, we care about the environment in
which we all live. Caring for the environment
means an everyday involvement in reducing
our environmental impact.
Volvo's environmental activities are based on a
holistic view, which means we consider the
overall environmental impact of a product
throughout its complete life cycle. In this
context, design, production, product use, and
recycling are all important considerations.
In production, Volvo has partly or completely
phased out several chemicals including freons,
lead chromates, naphtanates, asbestos, mercury
and cadmium; and reduced the amount of
chemicals used in our plants 50% since 1991.
In use, Volvo was the first in the world to
introduce into production a three-way catalytic
converter with a Lambda sond, now called
oxygen sensor, in 1976. The current version of
this highly efficient system reduces emissions
of harmful substances (CO, HC, NOx) from
the exhaust pipe by approximately 95% and
the search to eliminate the remaining
emissions continues. Volvo is the only
automobile manufacturer to offer CFC-free
retrofit kits for the air conditioning system for
all models back to the M/Y 1975 240.
Advanced electronic engine controls, refined
purification systems and cleaner fuels are
In addition to continuous environmental
refinement of conventional gasoline-powered
internal combustion engines, Volvo is actively
looking at advanced technology alternativefuel vehicles.
When you drive a Volvo, you become our
partner in the work to lessen the car's impact
on the environment.
To reduce your vehicle's environmental
impact, you can:
● Maintain proper air pressure in your
tires. Tests have shown decreased fuel
economy with improperly inflated tires
● Follow the recommended maintenance
schedule
● Drive at a constant speed
● See an authorized Volvo retailer as
soon as possible for inspection if the
check engine (malfunction indicator)
lamp illuminates, or stays on after the
vehicle has started
● Properly dispose of any vehicle related
waste such as used motor oil, used
batteries, brake pads, etc.
● When cleaning your car, use Volvo's
own car care products, all of which
have systematically been adapted to the
environment
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1998 Volvo S90
bringing us closer to our goal.
After Volvo cars and parts have fulfilled their
use, recycling is the next critical step in
completing the life cycle. The metal content is
about 75% of the total weight of the car, which
makes the car among the most recycled
industrial products. In order to have efficient
and well controlled recycling, many Volvo
variants have printed dismantling manuals
indication the weight and material of
individual components. For Volvo, all
homogeneous plastic parts weighing more than
1.7 oz. (50 grams) are marked with
international symbols that indicate how the
component is to be sorted for recycling.
Contents
Important
Before you operate your car for the first
time, please familiarize yourself with
the BREAK-IN information on page 54.
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.
Chapter 1 - Occupant safety 1
Chapter 2 - Instruments, switches and
controls 15
Chapter 3 - Body and interior 31
Chapter 4 - Starting and driving 53
Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires 71
Chapter 6 - In case of an emergency 77
Chapter 7 - Car care 97
Chapter 8 - Volvo Service 103
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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.
Chapter 9 - Specifications 121
Chapter 10 - Audio systems 131
© 1997 Volvo Cars of North America, Inc.
Contents | Top of Page
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Chapter 1 - Occupant safety
Occupant safety pg. 1
Despite our strongest recommendations,
and your best intentions, not wearing a
seat belt is like believing "It'll never
happen to me!". Volvo, the inventor of
the three-point seat belt, 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".
Occupant
safety
Seat
belts pg. 2
Volvo
SRS pg. 4
SIPS air
bag pg. 8
Child
safety pg. 9
Occupant
safety pg. 13
Reporting
Safety
Defects pg.
13
Seat belts
pg. 2
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Seat Belts
Always fasten the seat belts before you
drive or ride.
Two lights above the rear view mirror
will be illuminated for 4-8 seconds after
the starting (ignition) key is turned to the
driving position. A chime will sound at
the same time if the driver has not
fastened his seat belt. The rear seats are
provided with self-retracting inertia reel
belts. The front seats are provided with
single roller belts with tensioners.
To buckle:
Pull the belt out far enough to insert the
latch plate into the receptacle (buckle for
rear seats) until a distinct snapping
sound is heard. The seat belt retractor is
normally "unlocked" and you can move
freely, provided that the shoulder belt is
not pulled out too far. The retractor will
lock up as follows:
● if the belt is pulled out rapidly
● during braking and acceleration
● if the vehicle is leaning excessively
● when driving in turns
For the seat belt to provide maximum
protection in the event of an accident, it
must be worn correctly. When wearing
the seat belt remember:
● The belt should not be twisted or
turned.
● The lap belt must be positioned low
on the hips (not pressing against the
abdomen).
Make sure that the shoulder belt is rolled up
into its retractor and that the shoulder and
lap belts are taut.
Before exiting the car, check that the seat
belt retracts fully after being unbuckled. If
necessary, guide the belt back into the
retractor slot.
NOTE: Legislation in your state or
province may mandate seat belt usage.
WARNING!
Any device
used to
induce slack
into the
shoulder belt
portion of
the threepoint belt
system will
have a
detrimental
effect on the
amount of
protection
available to
you in the
event of a
collision.
The seat
back should
not be tilted
too far back.
The shoulder
belt must be
taut in order
to function
properly.
Spool-out
To make child
seat installation
easier, each seat
belt buckle
(except for the
driver's belt) is
equipped with a
locking
mechanism to
help keep the
lap section of
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the seat belt
taut. Please
refer to page 11
for more
information on
this function.
WARNING!
Do not use
child safety
seats or child
booster
cushions/
backrests in
the front
passenger's
seat. We
also
recommend
that children
who have
outgrown
these
devices sit in
the rear seat
with the seat
belt properly
fastened.
Seat belts (cont.) pg. 3
WARNING!
Never use a
seat belt for
more than
one
occupant.
Never wear
the shoulder
portion of
the belt
under the
arm, behind
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Center head restraint
The center head restraint can be adjusted
according to the passenger's height. The
restraint should be carefully adjusted to
support the occupant's head.
The head restraint can be raised by
pulling straight up or lowered by
grasping the restraint, pulling it slightly
forward and pushing down.
During pregnancy
Pregnant women should always wear seat
belts. Remember that the belt should
always be positioned in such a way as to
avoid any possible pressure on the
abdomen. The lap portion of the belt should
be located low, as shown in the above
illustration.
the back or
otherwise
out of
position.
Such use
could cause
injury in
event of
accident. As
the seat belts
lose much of
their
strength
when
exposed to
violent
stretching,
they should
be replaced
after any
collision,
even though
they may
appear to be
undamaged.
Never repair
the belt on
your own;
have this
done by an
authorized
Volvo
retailer only.
NOTE:
Legislation in
your state or
province may
mandate seat
belt usage.
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Contents | Top of Page
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Chapter 1 - Occupant safety
VOLVO SRS
pg. 4
VOLVO SRS
As an enhancement to the three-point seat belt
system, your Volvo is equipped with a
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). The Volvo
SRS consists of airbags (2) and knee bolsters (5)
on both the driver's and passenger's sides and seat
belt tensioners in both front door pillars (4). The
system is designed to supplement the protection
provided by the three-point seat belt system.
The SRS system is indicated by the "SRS"
embossed on the steering wheel pad and above
the glove compartment, the knee bolsters beneath
the steering column and the glove compartment
and decals on both sun visors and on the far right
side of the dash.
The airbags are folded and located in the center of
the steering wheel and above the glove
compartment. They are designed to deploy during
certain frontal or front-angular collisions,
impacts, or decelerations, depending on the crash
severity, angle, speed and object impacted. Both
airbags and seat belt tensioners will deploy, even
if the passenger seat is not occupied.
The airbag system includes gas generators (1)
surrounded by the airbags (2) and front seat belt
tensioners for both of the front seats (4). To deploy the
system, the sensor (3) activates the gas generators
causing the airbags to be inflated with nitrogen gas. As
the movement of the seats' occupants compresses the
airbags, some of the gas is expelled at a controlled rate
to provide better cushioning. Both seat belt tensioners
also deploy, minimizing any seat belt slack.
The entire process, including inflation and deflation of
the airbags, takes approximately two-tenths of a second.
WARNING!
When installing any optional equipment make sure
that the SRS system is not damaged. Do not attempt
to service any component of the SRS yourself.
Attempting to do so may result in serious personal
injury. If a problem arises, take your car to the
nearest authorized Volvo Retailer for inspection as
soon as possible.
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WARNING!
As its name implies, SRS is designed to be a
SUPPLEMENT to - not a replacement for - the
three-point belt system. For maximum
protection, wear seat belts at all times. Be
aware that no system can prevent all possible
injuries that may occur in an accident.
VOLVO SRS (cont.) pg. 5
A self-diagnostic system incorporated in the sensor
monitors the SRS. This system does not, however,
monitor the SIPS airbags. If a fault is detected, the
"SRS" warning light will illuminate. The light is
included in the warning/indicator light cluster in the
instrument panel. Normally, the SRS warning lamp
should light up when the ignition is switched on
and should go out after 10 seconds or when the
engine is started. Check that this light is
functioning properly every time the car is started.
The following items are monitored by all the selfdiagnostic system:
● Sensor unit
● Cable harness
There is no maintenance to perform on the SRS
yourself. The only periodic maintenance
recommended on the SRS is that the air bag
modules and front seat belts (including tensioners)
should be replaced approximately every ten years
and that the other components in the system
(wiring, connectors, etc.) should also be inspected
at this time. The SRS decal on your car shows the
month and year servicing is due. This service must
be performed by an authorized Volvo retailer.
Should you have any questions about the SRS
system, please contact your authorized Volvo
Retailer or Volvo Customer Support.
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● Gas generator ignitors
WARNING! Never drive an SRS equipped car
with your hands on the steering wheel pad/
airbag housing. No objects, accessory
equipment or stickers may be placed on,
attached to or installed near the SRS cover in the
center of the steering wheel, the SRS cover
above the glove compartment or the area
affected by the airbag deployment.
If the SRS warning light stays on after the
engine has started or if it comes on while you
are driving, drive the car to the nearest
authorized Volvo retailer for inspection as soon
as possible.
VOLVO SRS (cont.) pg. 6
WARNING!Do not use child
safety seats or child boosters
cushions/backrests in the front
passenger's seat. We also
recommend that children who
have outgrown these devices
sit in the rear seat with the seat
belt properly fastened.
NOTE: Deployment of SRS
components occurs only one time
during an accident. In a collision
where deployment occurs, the air
bags and seat belt tensioners
activate. Some noise occurs and a
small amount of powder is
released. The release of the
powder may appear as smoke-like
matter. This is a normal
WARNING!
● Children must never be
allowed to stand in front
of the passenger seat.
● Occupants in the front
passenger's seat must
never sit on the edge of
the seat, sit leaning
toward the instrument
panel or otherwise sit out
of position. The
occupant's back must be
as upright as comfort
allows and be against the
seat back with the seat
properly fastened.
● Feet must be on the floor,
e.g. not on the dash, seat
or out of the window.
● No objects or accessory
equipment, e.g. dash
covers, may be placed on,
attached to or installed
near the SRS hatch (the
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characteristic and does not
indicate fire.
area above the glove
compartment) or the area
affected by air bag
deployment (see
illustration).
● There should be no loose
articles, e.g. coffee cups,
on the floor, seat or dash
area.
● Never try to open the
SRS cover on the steering
wheel or the passenger
side SRS hatch. This
should only be done by
an authorized Volvo
service technician.
● Failure to follow these
instructions can result in
injury to the vehicle
occupants in an accident.
VOLVO SRS (cont.) pg. 7
NOTE:The information on this page does not pertain
to the Side Impact Protection System airbags.
When are the airbags deployed?
The SRS system is designed to deploy during certain
frontal or front-angular collisions, impacts, or
decelerations, depending in the crash severity, angle,
speed, and object impacted. The SRS sensor is
designed to react to both the impact of the collision
and the inertial forces generated by it and to
determine if the intensity of the collision is sufficient
for the airbags to be deployed.
WARNING! The SRS is designed to help prevent
serious injury. Deployment occurs very quickly
and with considerable force. During normal
deployment and depending on variables such as
seating position, one may experience abrasions,
bruises, swellings, or other injuries as a result of
airbag(s) deployment.
Seat belts - the heart of the Volvo safety
system
The heart of the Volvo safety system is the threepoint seat belt (a Volvo invention)! In order for the
SRS system to provide the protection intended, seat
belts must be worn at all times by everyone in the car.
The SRS system is a supplement to the seat belts.
WARNING! If your car has been subjected to
flood conditions (e.g. soaked carpeting/standing
water on the floor of the vehicle) or if your car has
become flood-damaged in any way, do not
attempt to start the vehicle or put the key in the
ignition before disconnecting the battery (see
below). This may cause airbag deployment which
could result in personal injury. Have the car towed
to an authorized Volvo retailer for repairs.
Automatic transmission only:
Before attempting to tow the car, use the
following procedure to override the shiftlock
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If the airbags have been deployed, we recommend
the following:
● Have the car towed to an authorized Volvo
retailer. Never drive with the airbags
deployed.
● Have an authorized Volvo retailer replace the
SRS system components.
● Use only new, Genuine Volvo Parts when
replacing SRS components (airbags, seat
belts, tensioners, etc.).
When are the airbags NOT deployed?
Not all frontal collisions activate the SRS system. If
the collision involves a non-rigid object (e.g., a snow
drift or bush), or a rigid, fixed object at a low speed,
the SRS system will not necessarily deploy. Airbags
do not normally deploy in a side impact collision, in
a collision from the rear or in a rollover situation.
The amount of damage to the bodywork does not
reliably indicate if the airbags should have deployed
or not.
system to move the gear selector to the neutral
position.
● Disconnect the battery
● Wait at least one minute
● Insert the key in the ignition and turn it to
position 1
● Press firmly on the shiftlock override
button (located near the base of the gear
selector).
● While holding the override button down,
move the gear selector from the park
position.
WARNING! Never drive with the airbags
deployed. The fact that they hang out can impair
the steering of your car. Other safety systems can
also be damaged. The smoke and dust formed
when the airbags are deployed can cause skin and
eye irritation in the event of prolonged exposure.
Volvo Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) airbag pg. 8
WARNING!
● The SIPS airbag
system is a
supplement to the
Side Impact
Protection System
and the three-point
seat belt system. It
is not designed to
deploy during
collisions from the
front or rear of the
car or in rollover
situations.
● Only Volvo
approved seat
1- Airbag, 2 - cable, 3 - sensor
unit, 4 - gas generator
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SIPS airbag decal*
SIPS airbag (front seats only)
As an enhancement to the structural Side
Impact Protection System built into your
car, your car is also equipped with Side
Impact Protection System (SIPS) airbags.
The SIPS airbag system consists of airbag
modules built into the sides of both front
seat backrests (1), cables (2) from these
modules to the mechanical sensor units (3)
and gas generators (4).
The SIPS airbag system is designed to help
increase occupant protection in the event of
certain side impact collisions. The SIPS
airbags are designed to deploy only during
certain side-impact collisions, depending on
the crash severity, angle, speed, and point of
impact. The airbags are not designed to
deploy in all side impact situations.
covers may be
used. The use of
non-approved
aftermarket seat
covers may impede
SIPS airbag
deployment.
● No objects,
accessory
equipment or
stickers may be
placed on, attached
to or installed near
the SIPS airbag
system or in the
area affected by
SIPS airbag
deployment (see
illustration to the
right above).
● Never try to open
or repair any
components of the
SIPS airbag system.
This should only be
done by an
authorized Volvo
service technician.
● For best protection
from the SIPS
airbag system, both
front seat occupants
should sit in an
upright position
with the seat belt
properly fastened.
NOTE: SIPS airbag
deployment (one airbag)
occurs only on the side of
the vehicle affected by the
impact.
WARNING!
● Never drive with the
airbags deployed. The
fact that they hang out
can impair the steering
of your car. Other
safety systems can
also be damaged. The
smoke and dust
formed when the
airbags are deployed
can cause skin and eye
irritation in the event
of prolonged
exposure.
● If your car has been
subjected to flood
conditions (e.g.
soaked carpeting/
standing water on the
floor of the vehicle) or
if your car has become
flood-damaged in any
way, do not attempt to
start the vehicle or put
the key in the ignition
before disconnecting
the battery. This may
cause airbag
deployment which
could result in
personal injury. Have
the car towed to an
authorized Volvo
retailer for repairs.
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*A SIPS airbag warning
decal is also located at the
end of the instrument panel
on the driver's side of the
car.
Contents | Top of Page
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Chapter 1 - (cont.)
Child Safety
pg. 9
Child Restraint Anchorages
Volvo cars are fitted with Child
Restraint Top Tether Anchorages in the
rear seat. There are three anchorages
under the rear section of the car's rear
window shelf on sedans and on the back
rest on wagons. The backrest on wagons
must be folded down slightly to reach
the anchorages. When the car is
delivered, the holes for these anchorages
are covered by plastic covers. In cars
designated for Canada, one top tether
anchorage set will be in the glove box.
The top tether anchorage set includes the
top tether anchorage plate, an 5/16"
UNC bolt and a plastic trim cover. If
another set is needed, consult your
Volvo retailer.
Installing the top tether
Remove the plastic cover on the
anchorage point you want to use. This
can be done with a suitable coin. The
cover is removed counter-clockwise.
Refer to the child seat manufacturer's
instructions for securing the seat.
WARNING! Child Restraint
Anchorages are designed to withstand
only those loads imposed by correctly
fitted Child Restraints. Under no
circumstances are they to be used for
adult seat belts or harnesses. The
anchorages are not able to withstand
excessive forces on them in the event of
collision if full harness seat belts or
adult seat belts are installed to them. An
adult who uses a belt anchored in a
Child Restraint Anchorage runs a great
risk of suffering severe injuries should
a collision occur. Do not install rear
speakers which would require the
removal of the top tether anchors or
interfere with the proper use of the top
tether strap.
Child Safety (cont.) pg. 10
Sedans/Wagons
With the child properly seated on
the booster cushion (see
illustration), adjust the head
restraint to support the child's head
(see page 3). The hip section of the
three-point seat belt must fit
snugly across the child's hips, not
across the stomach.
The shoulder section of the threepoint seat belt should be
positioned across the chest and
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shoulder (see illustration). The
shoulder belt must never be placed
behind the child's back or under the
arm.
To fold down the booster
cushion:
● Pull the upper edge of the
cushion down
● Fold up the backrest
To fold up the booster
cushion:
● Fold down the booster
cushion backrest
● Fold up the entire booster
cushion unit
Integrated booster cushion (optional)
Volvo's own integrated booster cushion has
been specially designed to help safeguard a
child seated in the center position of the rear
seat. When using the integrated booster
cushion, the child must be secured with the
vehicle's three-point seat belt. The booster
cushion is approved for children weighing
between 22.7 and 36 kg (50 and 80 lbs) and
between 117 and 137 cm (46 and 54 in ) in
height. It is not intended for children under
3 years of age.
WARNING! Failure to follow
the instructions on this page will
increase the risk of your child
being injured during a sudden
stop or collision.
In the event of a collision while
the integrated booster cushion
was occupied, the entire booster
cushion and center seat belt must
be replaced. The booster cushion
should also be replaced if it is
badly worn or damaged in any
way. This work should be
performed by an authorized
Volvo retailer only. The booster
cushion should be cleaned while
in place in the vehicle if
possible. If not, please consult
your Volvo retailer.
Auxiliary seat (optional)
If all the seats are occupied, a rear-facing
auxiliary seat in the cargo area of the
wagon models can be used. This seat is
designed for two children, each weighing
between 23 - 40 kg (50 - 88 lbs.) and up
to 150 cm (59 inches) in height.
WARNING! Both rear seat backrests
must be up when the auxiliary seat is
being used.
Do not use a booster cushion or child
seat in conjunction with the auxiliary
seat.
Child Safety (cont.) pg. 11
The lap section of the seat belt cannot
be loosened as long as the red lock
button is in the right position.
The lap section of the seat belt can be
adjusted when the lock button is in the
left position (see illustration B).
NOTE: Before exiting the car, check
that the seat belt retracts fully after
being unbuckled. If necessary, guide
the belt back into the retractor slot.
When not in use, the child restraint
Important!
Why Volvo believes no child should
sit in the front seat of a car.
It's quite simple really. A front air bag
is a very powerful device designed, by
law, to help protect an adult. Because of
the size of the air bag and its speed of
inflation, a child should never be placed
in the front seat, even if he or she is
properly belted or strapped into a child
safety seat. Volvo has been an
innovator in safety for over fifty years,
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Keeping child seats in place (spoolout)
To make child restraint installation easier,
each seat belt buckle (except for the driver's
belt) is equipped with a locking mechanism
to help keep the lap section of the seat belt
taut.
When attaching the seat belt to a child
restraint:
● Make sure the red lock button is
moved to the right (see illustration
A). A coin, etc. can be used to move
the button.
● Attach the seat belt to the child
restraint according to the child
restraint manufacturer's instructions.
● Pull the lap section of the seat belt
taut.
should be secured with the seat belt to
help prevent movement during a
sudden stop.
WARNING! Do not use child
safety seats or child booster
cushions/backrests in the front
passenger's seat. We also
recommend that children who have
outgrown these devices sit in the
rear seat with the seat belt properly
fastened.
and we'll continue to do our part. But
we need your help. Please remember to
put your children in the back seat, and
buckle them up.
Volvo has some very specific
recommendations:
● Always wear your seat belt.
● Air bags are a
SUPPLEMENTAL safety device
which when used in conjunction
with a three-point seat belt can
help reduce serious injuries
during certain types of severe
accidents. Please do not
disconnect the air bag system in
your vehicle.
● Volvo strongly recommends that
ALL children sit in the rear seat
of any vehicle and that they be
properly restrained.
● A child should NEVER sit in the
front passenger sit of any vehicle
equipped with a front passenger
side air bag.
● Volvo recommends that ALL
occupants (adults and children)
shorter than four feet seven
inches (140 cm) be seated in the
back seat of any vehicle with a
front passenger side air bag.
Drive safely!
Child Safety (cont.) pg. 12
Child safety
Volvo recommends the proper use of
restraint systems for all occupants
including children. Remember that,
regardless of age and size, a child should
always be properly restrained in a car.
Restraint systems for children are
designed to be secured in the vehicle by
lap belts or the lap portion of a lapshoulder belt. Such child restraint
systems can help protect children in cars
in the event of an accident only if they
Recent accident statistics have shown
that children are safer in rear seating
positions than front seating positions
when properly restrained. A child
restraint system can help protect a child
in a vehicle. Here's what to look for
when selecting a child restraint system:
● It should have a label certifying
that it meets applicable Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(FMVSS 213-80) - or in Canada,
CMVSS 213.
When a child has outgrown the child
safety seat, you should use the rear seat
with the standard seat belt fastened. The
best way to help protect the child here is
to place the child on a cushion (not
available in Canada) so that the seat belt
is properly located on the hips (see page
10).
A specially designed and tested booster
cushion for children between 22.7 - 36 kg
(50 - 80 lbs) and 117 - 137 cm (46 - 54")
can be obtained from your Volvo retailer.
If necessary, an auxiliary seat for children
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are used properly. However, children
could be endangered in a crash if the
child restraints are not properly secured
in the vehicle. Failure to follow the
installation instructions for your child
restraint can result in your child striking
the vehicle's interior in a sudden stop.
Holding a child in your arms is NOT a
suitable substitute for a child restraint
system. In an accident, a child held in a
person's arms can be crushed between
the vehicle's interior and an unrestrained
person. The child could also be injured
by striking the interior, or by being
ejected from the vehicle during a sudden
maneuver or impact. The same can also
happen if the infant or child rides
unrestrained on the seat. Other
occupants should also be properly
restrained to help reduce the chance of
injuring or increasing the injury of a
child. All states and provinces have
legislation governing how and where
children should be carried in a car. Find
out the regulations existing in your state
or province.
● Make sure the child restraint
system is approved for the child's
height, weight and development the label required by the standard
or regulation, or instructions for
infant restraints, typically provide
this information.
● In using any child restraint
system, we urge you to look
carefully over the instructions
that are provided with the
restraint. Be sure you
understand them and can use
the device properly and safely
in this vehicle. A misused child
restraint system can result in
increased injuries for both the
infant or child and other
occupants in the vehicle.
● If your child restraint requires a
top tether strap, consult your
authorized Volvo retailer for top
tether anchorage and installation
information.
is available for use in the luggage
compartment of station wagon models.
This seat is designed for two children,
each weighing between 23 - 40 kg (50 88 lbs.) and up to 150 cm (59 inches) in
height.
WARNING!
● When using the auxiliary seat
for children, both sections of
the rear seat backrest must be
secured in the upright position
● Do not use a booster cushion or
child seat in conjunction with
the auxiliary seat.
Occupant Safety pg. 13
Seat belt maintenance
Check periodically that the anchor bolts
are secure and that the belts are in good
condition. Use water and a mild
detergent for cleaning. Check seat belt
mechanism function as follows: Attach
the seat belt and pull rapidly on the strap.
Volvo Concern for Safety
Safety is the cornerstone for Volvo. Our
concern dates back to 1927 when the
first Volvo rolled off the production line.
Three-point seat belts (a Volvo
invention), safety cages, and energyabsorbing impact zones were designed
into Volvo cars long before it was
fashionable or required by government
regulation. We will not compromise our
commitment to safety. We continue to
seek out new safety features and to refine
those already in our cars. You can help.
We would appreciate hearing your
suggestions about improving automobile
Occupant safety
How safely you drive doesn't depend on
how old you are but rather on:
● how well you see
● your ability to concentrate
● how quickly you make decisions
under stress to avoid an accident.
The tips listed below are
suggestions to help you cope with
the ever changing traffic
environment.
● Never drink and drive.
● If you are taking any medication,
consult your physician about its
potential effects on your driving
abilities.
● Take a driver-retraining course
● Have your eyes checked regularly
● Keep your windshield and
headlamps clean.
● Replace wiper blades when they
start to leave streaks.
● Take into account the traffic,
Reporting Safety Defects in
the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in
addition to notifying Volvo Cars of
North America. If NHTSA receives
similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it finds that a
safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and
remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you,
your retailer, or Volvo Cars of North
America. To contact NHTSA, you
may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393
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safety. We also want to know if you ever
have a safety concern with your car. Call
us in the U.S. at: 800-458-1552 or in
Canada at: 800-663-8255.
road, and water conditions,
particularly with regard to
stopping distance.
(or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C.
area) or write to: NHSTA, U.S.
Department of Transportation,
Washington D.C. 20590. You can
also obtain other information about
motor vehicle safety from the
Hotline.
Contents | Top of Page
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Chapter 2 - Instruments, switches and controls
Instruments, switches and controls
pg. 14
Instruments, switches and controls pg. 15
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:
● Turn the starting (ignition) key to position
I
● Press firmly on the OVERRIDE" button
located near the base of the gear selector.
● While holding the override button down,
move the gear selector from the (P)ark
position.
Keylock
Some of the items below are available on certain
models only.
1 Air vent...pg. 25
2
Headlights, parking lights...pg. 20
3
Rear fog light...pg. 22
4
Front fog lights...pg. 22
5 Space for additional equipment
6
Power antenna (sedans only)...pg. 22
7
Instruments...pg. 15-17
8
Electrically operated sun roof...pg. 23,
Electrically operated sun roof...pg. 49
9
Heated rear window/side door mirrors...pg. 23
10
Hazard warning flasher...pg. 23
11
Central lock switch...pg. 23
12
Air vents...pg. 25
13
Heating and ventilation...pg. 25-27
14
Passenger's side SRS (air bag)...pg. 6
15
Audio system...pg. 131
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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 selfdiagnostic test when the vehicle is started and at
4 mph (6km/h). The driver may detect one
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.
16 Controls for electrically operated windows...
pg. 29
and side-view mirrors...pg. 35
17
Instrument illumination...pg. 22
18
Hood-release handle...pg. 39
19
Turn signals, high/low beams...pg. 20
cruise control...pg. 24
20
Adjustable steering wheel...pg. 22
21
SRS (air bag)/Horn...pg. 4
22
Starting (ignition) switch/steering wheel
lock...pg. 21
23
Windshield wiper/washer...pg. 21
Tailgate wiper/washer (wagons)...pg. 23
24
Cigarette lighter...pg. 30
25
Transmission mode selector buttons...pg. 59
26
Gear selector...pg. 58
27
Ash tray...pg. 30
28
Shiftlock release (override) button...pg. 61
29
Parking brake...pg. 30
30
Electrically-heated front seats (certain
models)...pg. 28
Instruments pg. 16
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1998 Volvo S90
NOTE: Canadian model
speedometers/odometers
indicate kilometers only.
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. 21.1 US gal. (80 liters).
The "usable" capacity is 20.3
US gal. (77 liters). When the
warning light comes on, there
are approximately 1.6 US gal. (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.
7 Tachometer
Reads thousands of engine rpm.
Engine should not be operated
in red range.
8 Temperature gauge
Do not drive the car with the
pointer in the red range. The
pointer should be approximately
midway on the gauge face when
driving. If the pointer approaches
the red range repeatedly, check
coolant level. See page 118.
WARNING! Allow engine to
cool before adding coolant.
Contents | Top of Page
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Chapter 2 - Instruments, switches and controls (cont.)
Indicator and warning lights
pg. 17
1 Turn signal, left
2 Turn signal, right
3 Malfunction indicator
lamp
4 Direction indicator,
trailer
5 Service reminder
indicator
6 Low washer fluid level
If the lamp glows continuously
when the engine is running,
there is only about 1/2 - 1 US
qts. remaining in the washer
fluid reservoir.
7 Rear fog light
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
15 Low coolant level
16 (Not in use)
17 "Winter" mode engaged/
transmission fault
18 Fasten seat belts
19 SRS
20 (Not in use)
21 (Not in use)
Warning lights
pg. 18
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The warning lights described on pages 18 and 19 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, have the
charging system checked.
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.
NOTE:If the fuel filler cap is
not closed tightly or if the
engine is running when the car
is refueled, the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp may indicate a
fault. Use only Volvo original
or approved fuel filler caps.
Oil pressure warning
light
If the light comes on while
driving, stop the car and then s
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 failure
warning light
If the light comes on while
driving or braking, stop
immediately, open the hood and
check the brake fluid level in the
reservoir. See page 114 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.
Warning lights (cont.) pg. 19
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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 67 for additional
information.
Canadian models are equipped
with this warning light:
Mode "W" engaged
The lamp will light up when the
Winter/Wet mode is engaged.
If the warning lamp begins to
flash,this means that there is a
fault in the automatic gearbox.
Contact your Volvo retailer.
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 retailer for an
inspection of the system. See
the SRS section for more
information.
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 start
until reset by the servicing
retailer.
Coolant level sensor
If the light comes on while
driving, the coolant level is low.
The coolant level in the
expansion tank should be
checked immediately and
topped off if necessary. The
cooling system should be
inspected by an authorized
Volvo retailer.
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, neither the trailer's turn
signals nor the car's turn signals
are functioning.
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".
Lighting, Turn signals pg. 20
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Headlights and parking lights
All lights off *
Parking lights on **
Headlights and parking lights are on if
starting (ignition) switch is in position I or II. If
the headlight switch is in position
all lights
will go out when starting switch is switched off.
With the headlight switch in position
the
parking lights will stay on (headlights off) with
the daytime running light switch (A) in position
.
The high beams can only be switched on if the
headlight switch is in position
.
Switch from high to low beams, and vice versa,
by moving the turn signal switch lever on the left
side of the steering column towards the steering
wheel.
*Models equipped with daytime running lights:
The low beams, tail lights, parking lights and
license plate lights will come on automatically
when the ignition is switched on.
Automatic daytime running lights
NOTE: The daytime running light function may
only be disabled (turned off) in the U.S. Canadian law mandates the use of daytime
running lights.
Screw A in the illustration (available on U.S.
models only) is used to control the automatic
daytime running lights when the headlight switch
is in position 0. To adjust, press in the screw with
a small screwdriver and turn to one of the
following positions:
Automatic daytime
running lights
Automatic daytime
running lights
** The daytime running
lights will also function when
the headlight switch is in
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
3 High beam/low beam switch (headlights on)
Move the lever towards the steering wheel and
release it.
Headlight flasher (headlights off)
Move the lever towards the steering wheel.
The headlight high beam will be on until the lever
is released.
NOTE:Defective turn signal bulbs will cause turn
signal indicator and remaining signal lights to
flash more rapidly than normal.
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position and switch A is in this position.
All lights off (daytime running light function
disabled)
Winshield wipers/washers, Ignition switch pg. 21
Windshield wipers/washers
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, headlight
wiper/washer (certain models)
The wiper will make 2-3 complete sweeps
across the windshield and headlights after
lever is released.
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.
In order to reduce car
theft, make sure the
steering wheel lock is
engaged before leaving
the car.
Achime will sound if the
starting key is left in the
ignition lock and the
front door on the driver's
side is opened.
0 Locked position:
remove the key to lock the
steering wheel.
WARNING:
Never turn the key to
position 0 while driving or
when the car is being
towed.
I Intermediate position:
Certain accessories/radio,
etc. on, daytime running
lights off.
II Drive position:
Key position when engine is
running.
III Starting position:
Release the key when the
engine start.
The key returns
automatically to the Drive
position.
*The gear selector must be
in the (P)ark position before
the key can be removed
from the ignition switch.
Fog lights, Instruments illumination, Steering wheel adjustment, Power
antenna
pg. 22
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A - Rear fog light*
The indicator light in the
instrument panel will light
up when the rear fog light
is on. This fog light is
considerably brighter than
the normal tail light and
should be used only when
the atmospheric
conditions, such as fog,
rain, snow, smoke or dust
reduce the daytime or
nighttime visibility of
other vehicles to less than
500 ft (150 meters).
*By design, there is one
rear fog light only, located
in the driver's side tail light
cluster.
B- Instrument
illumination
To increase the brightness,
rotate the switch upward.
To decrease the brightness,
rotate the switch
downward.
C- Front fog lights
The indicator light in the
switch will light up when
the front fog lights are on.
The front fog lights will
only function when the low
beam headlights are on.
NOTE:Local regulations
governing the use of fog
lights may vary.
D- Power antenna (sedans only)
This button can be used to lower the antenna
when, for example, you are listening to a tape or
CD, or when you are driving into a low-roof
garage or car wash.
CAUTION: The antenna must be lowered
before washing the car in an automatic car wash.
E- 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.
WARNING!Do
not adjust the
steering wheel
while driving.
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