1995 Volvo 940

Jump starting
CAUTION:
Improper hook-up of jumper cables or use of other than 12-volt batteries could result in damage to equipment and/or battery.

Check that cars are not touching to prevent premature completion of negative circuit. Note the position of the battery terminals and using jumper cables:

First connect booster battery positive (+) terminal (1) to car battery positive (+) terminal (2).

Then connect booster battery negative (-) terminal (3) to a stationary solid metal part on the engine at a point away from the battery (4).

Do not connect booster cable to any part of fuel system or any moving parts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.

After engine has started, remove first the negative (-) terminal jumper cable. Then remove the positive (+) terminal jumper cable.

WARNING!
To reduce the possibility of explosion, never expose battery to open flame or electric spark. Do not smoke near battery. Batteries generate hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, fabrics or painted surfaces. If contact occurs, flush affected area immediately with water.
Obtain medical attention immediately if eyes are affected.

WARNING!
Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to personal injury.

pg. 4:15 Winter driving

Cold weather precautions

If you wish to check your car before the approach of cold weather, the following advice is worth noting:
Make sure that the engine coolant contains at least 50 percent antifreeze: that is, 5.3 qts. (5 liters) Volvo Genuine Coolant/Antifreeze. This gives protection against freezing down to -31°F (-35°C). See section "Coolant".
The use of "recycled" antifreeze is not approved by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze may not be mixed.

Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this prevents the formation of condensation in the tank.
In addition in extremely cold weather conditions it is worthwhile to add fuel line de-icer before refueling.

The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weather starting as well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine is warming up. For winter use, 5W-30 oil, particularly the synthetic type, is recommended.
Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use this cold-weather oil for hard driving or in warm weather. See section "Engine oil" for more information.

The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the heater, windshield wipers, lighting etc. are used more often. Moreover, the capacity of the battery decreases as the temperature drops. In very cold weather, a poorly charged battery can freeze and be damaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state of charge more frequently and spray an anti-rust oil on the battery posts.

Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving - see section "Wheels and tires".

To prevent the washer reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze. This is important since the dirt is often splashed on the windshield during winter driving, thus requiring frequent use of the washers and wipers. The Volvo Washer Solvent should be diluted as follows:
Down to 14°F (-10°C): 1 part anti-freeze and 4 parts water
Down to 5°F (-15°C): 1 part anti-freeze and 3 parts water
Down to 0°F (-18°C): 1 part anti-freeze and 2 parts water
Down to -18°F (-28°): 1 part anti-freeze and 1 part water

Use lock spray or grease in the locks.

NOTE: Avoid the use of de-icing spray as they can cause damage to the locks.

Automatic differential lock

The differential automatically locks at speed between 3 - 25 mph (5 - 40 km/h) if either of the drive wheels begins to lose traction. The differential lock improves power distribution to the drive wheels in slippery conditions, shifting power to the wheel with best traction. It also functions when the transmission is in reverse.

pg. 4:16 Towing a trailer

When preparing for trailer hauling, observe the following:

Use a trailer hitch which meets Federal Safety Standards for rear end collisions (FMVSS 301-75) For trailer weights exceeding 2000 lbs. (908 kg), use only a trailer hitch offered as a Genuine Volvo Accessory. Since the automatic transmission is subject to increased load and temperature, certain vehicles are equipped with an extra oil cooler as standard equipment. Consult your Volvo dealer for additional information.

Maximum trailer weight recommended by
Volvo is:
Trailers without brakes : 1100 lbs (500kg)
Trailers with brakes: 2" ball - 3300 lbs (1500 kg), 1 7/8" ball - 2000 lbs (908 kg).
Observe legal requirements of the state in which the vehicles are registered.

All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailer hitch installation should not interfere with the proper operation of this bumper system.
WARNING! Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle brake system, nor a trailer's lighting system directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult your nearest authorized Volvo retailer for correct installation.

WARNING! Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safety chains be attached to the bumper. Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.

Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but take into consideration:

Recommended hitch tongue load is 110 (50 kgs) for trailer weights below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kgs) and 165 lbs (75 kgs) for trailer weights above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kgs).

For trailer weights between 2,650-3,300 lbs (1,200-1,500 kgs) a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) should never be exceeded.

Increase tire pressure to recommended full-load pressure. See section "Wheels and tires".

Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant temperature should be closely watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use lower gear and turn off air conditioner if temperature gauge pointer enters the red range.

Avoid overload and other abusive operation.

Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.

It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop. Check and observe State/Local regulations.

More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.

Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used,

Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer over long distances or in mountainous areas.

The trailer hitch tongue load (110/165 lbs - 50/75 kg) is part of the vehicle's capacity weight. It may be necessary to reduce the trunk/cargo area load when towing a trailer to ensure that the max. permissible axle load or gross vehicle weight are not exceeded.

NOTE: Refer to section "Automatic transmission" for additional trailer hauling tips.

pg. 4:17 Brake system

If one of the brake circuits should malfunction, the red warning light will come on. (see page 1:4)

The pedal stroke increases slightly, the pedal feels softer and extra pressure is required for normal braking.
If the light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
WARNING!
If the fluid 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.

If the brake power-assist does not function

The power assist to the brakes functions only when the engine is running. When the car is moving without the engine running the brake pedal pressure required to stop the car is increased by 3-4 times.
The brake pedal feels stiff and hard.

Moisture on brake discs and brake pads affects braking.

Driving in rain and slush or passing through an automatic car wash can cause water to collect on the brake discs and pads. This will cause a delay in braking effect when the pedal is depressed. To avoid such a delay when the brakes are needed, depress the pedal occasionally when driving through rain, slush etc. This will remove the water from the brakes. Check that brake application feels normal. This should also be done after washing or starting in very damp weather.

Severe strain on the brake system

The brakes will be subject to severe strain when driving in mountains or hilly areas. The speed is usually low which means that the cooling of the brakes is less efficient than when driving on level roads. To reduce the strain on the brakes it is advisable not to use the brakes excessively. Instead, shift into a lower gear and let the engine help with the braking. A good rule is to use the same gear downhill as would be used ascending the same grade. For vehicles with automatic transmission use position 2 or, in some cases, 1.
Do not forget that, if you are towing a trailer, the brakes will be subjected to greater load than is normal.

pg. 4:18 Long distance trip

Before a long distance trip

It is always worthwhile to have your car checked at a Volvo dealer before driving long distances. Your dealer will also be able to supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark plugs and wiper blades for your use in the event that problems occur.

If you prefer to check the car yourself, please note the following:

Check that the engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.

Check engine oil, coolant levels, and for possible fuel leakage.

Check transmission oil level and rear axle for leakage.

Check condition of drive belts.

Check state of charge of battery.

Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those that are worn. Check tire pressures.

The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked by your Volvo dealer only.

Check all lights, including high beams.

Reflective warning triangles are legal requirement in some countries.

Have a word with your Volvo dealer concerning engine adjustments if you intend to drive in countries where it may be difficult to obtain correct fuel.

pg. 4:19 ABS

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) and the vehicle should be driven to a Volvo dealer for inspection.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and steering) during severe braking conditions by limiting brake lock-up. When the system "senses" impending lock-up, braking pressure is automatically modulated in order to help prevent lockup, which could lead to a skid. The system performs a self-diagnostic test when the vehicle is started and at 4 mph (6 km/h). The driver may detect one pulsation of the brake pedal, which is normal. To obtain optimal effect from the ABS system, constant pressure should be kept on the brake pedal while the system is modulating the brakes. Do not pump the brake pedal.
The switching of the ABS modulator will be audible at this time.
Please be aware that ABS does not increase the absolute braking potential of the vehicle.
While control will be enhanced, ABS will not shorten stopping distances on slippery surfaces.

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