1997 Volvo 850
Unleaded Fuel
Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and Canadian
regulations require that pumps delivering unleaded gasoline be labeled "UNLEADED". Only these
pumps have nozzles which fit your car's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle
labeled "unleaded gasoline only". Leaded gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the
heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of leaded gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of the
emission control system and could result in loss of emission warranty coverage. State and local vehicle
inspection programs will make detection of misfueling easier, possibly resulting in emission test failure
for misfueled vehicles.
NOTE: Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive called methyl-
cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission Control System
performance may be affected, and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp located on your instrument panel
may light. If this occurs, please return your vehicle to an authorized Volvo retailer for service.
pg. 4:3 Fuel requirements, Refueling
Octane Rating
Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
rating. AKI of 91, or above. AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of the Research Octane
Number, RON, and the Motor Octane Number, MON, (RON + MON/ 2).
The minimum octane requirement is AKI 87 (RON 91).
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers
"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or ethers. In some
areas, state or local laws require that the service pump be marked indicating use of alcohol or ethers.
However, there are areas in which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol
or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check with the service station operator.
To meet seasonal air quality restrictions, some states require the use of "oxygenated" fuel in certain
areas.
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