🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Volvo

Model:

850

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

LS

Engine Code Prefix:

B52xxF

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Volvo 850 was positioned as a premium compact executive car, offering a blend of Scandinavian safety, distinctive styling, and a unique inline 5-cylinder engine. It competed against established players like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi 80/90.

Competitive Analysis:

The 850 stood out with its front-wheel-drive (or optional all-wheel-drive on later models), transverse engine layout, and renowned Volvo safety features. Its boxy, yet aerodynamic design was a departure from many contemporaries. The manual covers the specific engineering innovations of the 850 platform.

Key Features:

Iconic 5-cylinder engine, high level of safety equipment for its era, distinctive Scandinavian design, spacious interior for its class, advanced suspension for comfortable ride and handling.

📋 Manual Details

Diagnostic Procedures:

Detailed troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretations, wiring diagrams for electrical systems, component testing procedures.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system maintenance, suspension and steering adjustments, body panel replacement, interior trim removal.

Maintenance Schedules:

Scheduled maintenance for engine oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, ignition system servicing, exhaust system inspections, cooling system maintenance, and lubrication points.

Page Count:

~1500-2000 (estimated for comprehensive coverage)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (2.4L & 2.5L 5-cylinder naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants), Transmission (M56 manual, AW30-43LE automatic), Clutch system, Fuel system (EFI, fuel pump, injectors), Exhaust system.

Chassis:

Suspension (front MacPherson struts, rear independent multi-link), Steering (power assisted rack and pinion), Brakes (front vented discs, rear solid discs, ABS), Wheels and Tires.

Electrical:

Engine management systems (ECU, sensors, actuators), Ignition system, Lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), Instrumentation, Audio system, Power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), Cruise control, Air conditioning system, SRS airbag system, Anti-theft system.

Body And Interior:

Body structure, Exterior panels (hood, doors, fenders), Interior trim, Seats, Safety belts, Glass and seals, Wipers and washers, HVAC system controls, Body hardware.

Engine Maintenance:

Oil and filter change, spark plug replacement, ignition timing adjustment (if applicable), valve clearance adjustment (if applicable), timing belt replacement (critical interval), cooling system flush and fill, component diagnostics.

Transmission Service:

Fluid and filter change for automatic transmissions, clutch inspection and replacement for manuals, driveshaft and CV joint service.

Brake Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake fluid flush and bleed, ABS system diagnostics and repair, parking brake adjustment.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common electrical faults, wiring diagram interpretation, fuse and relay identification, component testing.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance, routine servicing, component replacement, in-depth diagnostics, and complete system overhauls. Includes detailed specifications for tolerances, torques, and electrical parameters.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans suitable for printing, clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Searchability:

Searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 5-cylinder, DOHC, 20 valves

Displacement Naturally Aspirated:

2.4 liters (2435 cc)

Displacement Turbocharged:

2.0 liters (1984 cc) and 2.3 liters (2319 cc)

Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:

168 hp @ 6200 rpm (2.4L)

Torque Naturally Aspirated:

166 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (2.4L)

Horsepower Turbocharged:

222 hp @ 5200 rpm (2.3L Turbo, "T" model)

Torque Turbocharged:

221 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (2.3L Turbo, "T" model)

Fuel Injection:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Engine Control Unit:

Volvo Engine Control Module (ECM)

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Recommended every 60,000 miles or 5 years. Crucial due to interference engine design.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard:

5-speed Manual (M56H)

Transmission Optional:

4-speed Automatic (AW30-43LE)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Adaptive shift control, sport mode.

Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:

Volvo Manual Gear Oil (Part No. 1161436) or equivalent API GL-5 SAE 75W-90.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:

ATF JWS 3309 (Volvo) or Dexron-III compatible.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

186.7 inches

Width:

69.7 inches

Height:

55.2 inches

Wheelbase:

104.3 inches

Curb Weight Sedan:

~3200 - 3400 lbs

Curb Weight Wagon:

~3400 - 3600 lbs

Cargo Volume Sedan:

~15.0 cu ft

Cargo Volume Wagon:

~26.1 cu ft (rear seats up), ~63.7 cu ft (rear seats down)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4-star (1995 models)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4-star (1995 models)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) on some turbo models.

Passive Safety Features:

Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), front and rear crumple zones, reinforced passenger compartment, SRS airbags (driver and passenger), three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.

Child Safety Features:

Integrated rear child seats (optional on wagon), child safety locks on rear doors.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Factory installed AM/FM/Cassette stereo, optional CD player. Basic climate controls with manual or automatic climate control options.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Connectivity Features:

None in the modern sense (no Bluetooth, USB, or auxiliary inputs from factory).

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (using synthetic oil, consult manual for specific recommendations).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or annually.

Coolant Type:

Volvo Coolant (or equivalent) - blue color. Mixture of 50% coolant and 50% distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Volvo Power Steering Fluid (Part No. 1161527) or equivalent ATF Dexron-II.

Known Issues Common:

Timing belt failure (critical preventative maintenance), PCV system clogging leading to oil leaks, ABS module failures, Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, front suspension component wear (ball joints, control arm bushings), ignition coil failure, sunroof drainage blockages.

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly check and replace the timing belt. Keep engine bay clean, especially around PCV outlets. Inspect suspension components for wear. Monitor ABS warning lights. Address any oil leaks promptly.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Volvo Cars, founded in Sweden in 1927, has a long-standing reputation for safety, durability, and innovative design. The 850 continued this legacy.

Model Evolution:

The 850 was introduced in 1991 as a replacement for the Volvo 240 and 740/940 series. It marked a significant shift with its front-wheel-drive platform and advanced engineering. In 1997, it was succeeded by the Volvo S70 (sedan) and V70 (wagon).

Production Years:

1991-1996

Manufacturing Locations:

Ghent, Belgium; Kalmar, Sweden; Uddevalla, Sweden.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Volvo 850 received numerous accolades during its production run for safety and design, often cited in "safest cars" lists. While specific awards for the 1995 model year are not as widely publicized as modern vehicles, its reputation for robust engineering and safety was well-established.