🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Volvo

Model:

850

Year:

1995

Vin Prefix:

YV1LS

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Volvo 850 represented Volvo's bold step into the premium mid-size sedan and wagon segment, competing with established German luxury brands. It emphasized safety, comfort, and a distinctive Scandinavian design. This 1995 model year is part of the first generation of the 850, known for its transverse-mounted inline-five engine and front-wheel-drive platform (with AWD available on some variants).

Competitors:

Primary competitors included the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi 80/90, and to some extent, the Saab 900. The 850 differentiated itself with its emphasis on family safety, comfortable ride, and a unique inline-five engine character.

Features:

Notable features for the 1995 model included its distinctive Scandinavian design, excellent safety engineering (side-impact protection system, optional airbags), comfortable and spacious interior, robust build quality, and the unique character of its inline-five engines. Available body styles were Sedan and Sportswagon.

📋 Manual Details

Language:

English

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Format:

Printed Booklet

Page Count:

Approx. 250 pages (typical for this model year)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust systems, ignition system.

Drivetrain:

Automatic and manual transmission operation, clutch system (manual), driveshafts, differential.

Chassis:

Brake system (ABS operation), steering system, suspension components, wheels and tires.

Electrical:

12V electrical system, battery, charging system, lighting, instruments, wipers, horn, power accessories.

Comfort And Convenience:

HVAC system (climate control), seats, interior controls, door locks, power windows, mirrors, sunroof (if equipped).

Safety:

Seat belts, airbags (SRS system), child restraint systems, hazard warning lights.

Instrumentation And Controls:

Dashboard layout, warning lights, gauges, switches, levers, ventilation controls.

Basic Maintenance:

Checking and topping up fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, fuse replacement.

Operational Procedures:

Starting the engine, driving techniques, parking, using the transmission modes, fuel-saving tips.

Troubleshooting:

Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., starting problems, warning indicators).

Depth:

Comprehensive guidance for the vehicle owner, focusing on safe operation, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repairs or diagnostics requiring specialized tools.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Printed booklet designed for vehicle glove compartment. High-quality paper stock for durability.

Quality:

Professional printing with clear text and diagrams.

Binding:

Stapled or perfect bound (typical for owner's manuals).

Paper:

Durable, coated paper to resist wear and tear.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally aspirated inline-five-cylinder, DOHC, 20 valves.

Engine Code Typical:

B5252S (2.5L)

Displacement:

2435 cc (2.4 Liters)

Horsepower:

140 hp @ 5,100 rpm (for 2.5L variant)

Torque:

203 Nm (150 lb-ft) @ 3,000 rpm (for 2.5L variant)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane recommended)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 Liters (15.8 US Quarts)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.0 Liters (5.3 US Quarts) with filter change

Catalytic Converter:

Standard equipment

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission (M56H) on some variants.

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (AW50-42LE).

AWD Availability:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on certain higher-trim models, often designated 'AWD' or 'turbo AWD'.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Volvo Recommended Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent (e.g., Dexron-III).

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.0 Liters (7.4 US Quarts) for fluid change, higher for torque converter refill.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4785 mm (188.4 in) for Sedan, 4790 mm (188.6 in) for Sportswagon

Width:

1750 mm (68.9 in)

Height:

1420 mm (55.9 in) for Sedan, 1430 mm (56.3 in) for Sportswagon

Wheelbase:

2640 mm (103.9 in)

Cargo Volume Sedan:

Approx. 0.47 m³ (16.6 cu ft)

Cargo Volume Sportswagon:

Approx. 0.81 m³ (28.6 cu ft) with rear seats up, expandable

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs) depending on configuration

Standard Wheel Size:

15-inch alloy wheels

Standard Tire Size:

195/60 R15

Bolt Pattern:

5x108 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

Excellent ratings for its time, particularly in frontal impacts due to Volvo's safety focus. Specific 1995 ratings may vary by test protocol, but generally strong.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models.

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models, particularly AWD variants.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System) standard.

Side Impact Protection:

Volvo's Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with reinforced body structure and optional SIPS bags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts for all seating positions, front seat belt pretensioners.

Child Seat Anchors:

Provisions for child safety seat installation, including integrated child booster seats in rear bench on some models.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM/Cassette or CD player with amplifier. Speakers typically located in doors and rear parcel shelf. Options included premium sound systems from manufacturers like Dynaudio or Harman Kardon on higher trims.

Climate Control:

Manual or Automatic Climate Control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) with cabin air filter.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Headlights:

Halogen headlights with manual leveling adjustment. Headlight washers and wipers available on some models.

Auxiliary Input:

No factory auxiliary input or Bluetooth connectivity. Aftermarket solutions would be required.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for severe driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 24 months, or as needed based on driving environment.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 30,000-60,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs, depending on type specified by Volvo.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical. Recommended every 60,000 miles or 5 years due to interference engine design. Failure can cause severe engine damage.

Engine Oil:

Volvo recommends synthetic or semi-synthetic engine oil meeting API SJ/CF or ACEA A2-96/B2-96 specifications. Viscosity grade: 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 depending on ambient temperature (refer to manual for precise guidance).

Coolant:

Volvo Long Life Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based, typically green color) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Volvo Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF (Dexron-III).

Common Problems:

Common issues can include degraded plastic components (e.g., intake manifolds, vacuum hoses), ABS sensor failures, SRS warning lights, suspension wear (e.g., control arm bushings), catalytic converter failure, and potential transmission issues (especially on higher mileage automatics). Timing belt maintenance is critical.

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Mann-Filter W932/2, Mahle OX166, Volvo OE 3517857 (example, always verify for specific vehicle).

Air Filter Part Number Example:

Mann-Filter C35140/2, Mahle LX90, Volvo OE 3547090 (example).

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Volvo, a Swedish manufacturer founded in 1927, has a long-standing reputation for safety, reliability, and robust engineering. The brand is synonymous with innovative safety features and a distinctive design philosophy.

850 Launch:

The Volvo 850 was introduced in 1991 in Europe and 1992 in North America. It was a radical departure from Volvo's previous rear-wheel-drive, body-on-frame models, embracing a modern unibody construction and transverse-mounted engines for improved packaging and front-wheel drive dynamics. For 1995, the 850 received minor updates and was available in various trim levels including GLT, T5, and AWD variants.

Production Period:

1991-1996 (850 model line). The 850 was succeeded by the Volvo S70 (sedan) and V70 (wagon) in 1997, which were heavily based on the 850 platform.

Manufacturing:

Primarily manufactured in Sweden (Uddevalla and Gothenburg plants) and Belgium (Ghent plant).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

The Volvo 850 consistently received high safety marks from organizations like the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA for its robust structure and advanced safety features, reinforcing Volvo's brand positioning as a leader in automotive safety.

Consumer Reports Consideration:

While consumer reports might have noted some reliability concerns common to European vehicles of the era, the 850 was often praised for its driving dynamics, comfort, and unmatched safety for its class.