🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Volvo

Model:

850

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

LS

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Premium compact executive sedan/wagon, competing with German luxury marques of the era.

Unique Selling Proposition:

Volvo's signature safety, distinctive Scandinavian design, and reliable inline-5 cylinder engines.

Rivals:

BMW 3 Series (E36), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi 80/90, Lexus ES.

Design:

Unique 'floating' dashboard, integrated bumpers, aerodynamic styling for its time.

Platform:

Front-wheel drive (later all-wheel drive optional on some variants not explicitly detailed for 1995 model year in this product description).

Engine Layout:

Transverse-mounted inline 5-cylinder engine.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

Page Count:

Approximately 1500+

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.5L 5-cylinder (B5252, B5254, B5254S) naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants, including engine mechanicals, fuel injection (EFI), ignition, cooling, lubrication, and emissions control.

Transmission:

AW50-42LE automatic and M56H manual transmissions, including overhaul, diagnostics, and fluid specifications.

Brakes:

Four-wheel disc brakes, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) component diagnosis, repair, and bleeding procedures.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link independent suspension, including component replacement, alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.

Steering:

Power-assisted rack and pinion steering system, including hydraulic system diagnosis and component replacement.

Electrical:

Complete electrical system, including wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrument cluster, climate control, power accessories, and diagnostic procedures.

Bodywork:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, locks, glass, and body repair techniques.

HVAC:

Manual and automatic climate control systems, including refrigerant handling (R134a), component diagnosis, and repair.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System) diagnosis and troubleshooting.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt inspections/replacements, fluid checks and changes.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for common issues, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems, including engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, and electrical component repair.

Diagnostics:

Engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing, and ABS system diagnostics.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable for physical use in workshop environments.

Resolution:

High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text.

Source Quality:

Professional reproduction of original factory documentation.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

B5252FS (2.5L 10V SOHC NA)

Engine Code 2:

B5254FS (2.5L 20V DOHC NA)

Engine Code 3:

B5254FTS (2.5L 20V DOHC Turbocharged)

Displacement Na:

2.435 cc

Horsepower Na:

140-168 hp (depending on variant)

Torque Na:

150-170 lb-ft (depending on variant)

Displacement Turbo:

2.435 cc

Horsepower Turbo:

222 hp (for Turbo models)

Torque Turbo:

221 lb-ft (for Turbo models)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection (MPI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended, especially for turbocharged models).

Configuration:

Inline 5-cylinder

Block Material:

Aluminum alloy

Head Material:

Aluminum alloy

Valvetrain:

SOHC 10-valve or DOHC 20-valve (depending on variant).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

AW50-42LE 4-speed automatic

Transmission Type:

M56H 5-speed manual

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

Dexron II or III (check owner's manual for specific Volvo recommendation).

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

SAE 75W-90 GL-5 or GL-4 (check manual for specific Volvo recommendation).

Gear Ratios Auto:

Specific ratios detailed within the manual.

Gear Ratios Manual:

Specific ratios detailed within the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 186.6 inches (4740 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.4 inches (1763 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.1 inches (1400 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.7 inches (2659 mm)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x108 mm

Curb Weight Sedan:

Approx. 3100-3300 lbs (1406-1497 kg, depending on trim and options)

Curb Weight Wagon:

Approx. 3200-3400 lbs (1451-1542 kg, depending on trim and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4-star (for models with side airbags, otherwise 3-star)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4-star (for models with side airbags, otherwise 3-star)

ABS:

Standard (4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System).

Traction Control:

Optional (TRACS - Traction Control System on some models).

Airbags:

Standard driver and front passenger airbags. Optional side airbags available on some configurations.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for all seating positions.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced A-pillars and roof structure, integral to Volvo's safety philosophy.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory premium audio systems (e.g., Harman Kardon) with cassette and AM/FM radio. CD player often optional or integrated into a changer.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control with cabin air filter integration.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional electronic cruise control.

OBD Interface:

OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) system with proprietary Volvo diagnostic connector, requiring specific tools or adapters for advanced diagnostics (manual covers this).

🔧 Maintenance

Interval Miles Synthetic:

7,500 - 10,000 miles (with synthetic oil)

Interval Miles Conventional:

3,000 - 5,000 miles (with conventional oil)

Interval Months:

12 months

Interval Miles:

30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum recommended for longer intervals).

Interval Miles:

60,000 miles or 4 years (critical replacement interval to prevent catastrophic engine damage).

Coolant Type:

Volvo specified (typically a long-life ethylene glycol coolant, often blue or green color) - consult manual for exact part number and mixture.

Power Steering Fluid:

Volvo specified hydraulic fluid or Dexron II/III compatible fluid.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Engine Mounts:

Common wear item, can cause vibration and clunking noises.

Ignition Coils:

Can fail, leading to misfires and rough running, especially on turbocharged models.

ABS Module Failure:

The ABS control module is known to fail, leading to ABS warning lights and loss of ABS function.

Pcv System Clogging:

Positive Crankcase Ventilation system can become clogged, leading to oil leaks and increased crankcase pressure.

Cv Joints:

Front CV joints can wear out, producing clicking noises during turns.

📚 Vehicle History

Volvo Safety Focus:

Volvo's long-standing reputation for safety innovation, dating back to the three-point seatbelt invention by Nils Bohlin.

Predecessor:

Volvo 240, 740/940 series.

Successor:

Volvo S70/V70 (based on the 850 platform).

Introduction Year:

1991 (for Europe), 1993 (for North America)

Production End Year:

1997

Manufacturing Plants:

Mainly Ghent, Belgium and Torslanda, Sweden.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Consistently recognized for safety by organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA during its production run.

Design Acclaim:

Praised for its distinctive Scandinavian design and innovative interior layout, setting it apart from competitors.