Owners Maintenance

1996 Volvo 850
pg. 4:9 Automatic transmission
Special Tips - automatic transmission
● For driving down steep hills and when driving for prolonged periods at low speeds, position L should
be selected. Avoid, however, repeated changes since this can cause overheating of the transmission oil.
For driving on long continuous uphill gradients, select position 3.
● See caution on page 4:7.
● Do not hold the car stationary on an incline by using the accelerator pedal. Instead, apply the hand
brake (parking brake). This prevents the transmission oil from becoming overheated.
● When towing a trailer, select shift position 3.
● The (E)conomy mode should be selected when the cruise control is engaged.
● While towing a trailer in hilly terrain, do not drive continuously at engine speeds above 4500 rpm to
help avoid high engine oil temperatures.
pg. 4:10 Points to remember
Cooling system
The risk for engine overheating is greatest, especially in hot weather, when:
● towing a trailer up steep inclines for prolonged periods at wide open throttle and low engine rpm.
● stopping the engine suddenly after high speed driving (so-called "after-boiling" can occur).
● To avoid overheating, the following rules should be followed:
● Do not drive for prolonged periods at engine speeds above 4500 rpm if you are towing a trailer in
hilly terrain.
● Reduce speed and downshift when towing a trailer up long, steep inclines. The risk of overheating can
be reduced by switching off the air conditioning system for a short time.
● Do not let the engine idle unnecessarily for prolonged periods.
● Do not mount auxiliary lamps in front of the grill.
When the risk of overheating is imminent, or in the event of overheating, (the temperature gauge goes
repeatedly into, or stays continually in, the red section) the following precautions should be taken:
● Switch off the air conditioning system.
● Stop the car and put the gear lever into neutral. Do not stop the engine!
● Switch the heater to full (maximum) position. Increase the engine speed to approx. 2000 rpm (twice
idling speed) until the temperature begins to drop.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_406.htm (7 of 10)12/30/2006 9:59:34 AM
Classic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org