Vehicle database
VOLVO 850 Series
850 / 1996-1997 / Sedan, Wagon / Sedan / Wagon
Global (Europe, North America, selected other markets)Global with regional engine variationCoverage: expanded
Year and trim selector
Choose the exact year and trim to see engine, oil and service details.
1996 VOLVO 850 Series B5204F/B5244S (850)
850 / B5204F, B5244S, B5234T, B5254T / Five-cylinder, inline petrol engines ranging from 2.0L to 2.5L turbocharged and naturally aspirated; main global markets used B5204F (2.0L naturally aspirated), B5244S (2.4L naturally aspirated), B5234T (2.3L turbo), and B5254T (2.5L turbo). In North America, the 2.3L turbo B5234T was common.
GoldOpen details
Oil type: SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 synthetic or semi-synthetic engine oil meeting ACEA A3/B3 or manufacturer specsOil capacity: Approx. 5.5 liters (service-fill including filter change)Related: 850, S70, V70
1997 VOLVO 850 Series B5234F/B5234T4 (850)
850 / B5234F, B5234T4, B5254T4 / Inline-5 engines in 2.3L to 2.5L naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants used globally with some market-specific tuning
GoldOpen details
Oil type: SAE 5W-30 or OEM specification synthetic oilOil capacity: Approx. 5.5 liters service fill including filter change (varies slightly by engine code)Related: B5234F – 2.3L NA 10v, B5234T4 – 2.3L Turbo 20v, B5254T4 – 2.5L Turbo 20v (late 850 and S70/V70 early)
Engine codes by year
| Year | Trim | Engine codes | Displacement | Fuel system |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | technical-profile | B5204F, B5244S, B5234T, B5254T | 2.0 to 2.5 liters | Multi-point fuel injection |
| 1997 | technical-profile | B5234F, B5234T4, B5254T4 | 2.3L to 2.5L (2316-2435 cc) | Multipoint fuel injection |
Oil capacity by engine
| Year | Engine codes | Oil type | Oil capacity | Fluid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | B5204F, B5244S, B5234T, B5254T | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 synthetic or semi-synthetic engine oil meeting ACEA A3/B3 or manufacturer specs | Approx. 5.5 liters (service-fill including filter change) | Volvo recommended ATF Dexron III or equivalent |
| 1997 | B5234F, B5234T4, B5254T4 | SAE 5W-30 or OEM specification synthetic oil | Approx. 5.5 liters service fill including filter change (varies slightly by engine code) | AW 1 automatic transmission fluid for automatics, OEM specified gear oil for manuals |
Technical specifications
- Engines: B5204F, B5244S, B5234T, B5254T, B5234F, B5234T4, B5254T4
- Transmissions: 5-speed manual (varied by market and engine), 4-speed automatic, Volvo recommended ATF Dexron III or equivalent, 5-speed manual (varies by market), 4-speed automatic (AW 55-50SN) available, AW 1 automatic transmission fluid for automatics, OEM specified gear oil for manuals
- Tire sizes: 195/65 R15, 205/55 R16, 215/45 R17, 195/60 R15, 225/45 R17
- Bolt pattern: Verify by exact trim and wheel package
- Wheel torque: Verify by VIN and wheel package
- Battery: Verify by engine, market and equipment package
Fluids and service data
- Engine oil: SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 synthetic or semi-synthetic engine oil meeting ACEA A3/B3 or manufacturer specs / SAE 5W-30 or OEM specification synthetic oil
- Transmission fluid: Volvo recommended ATF Dexron III or equivalent / AW 1 automatic transmission fluid for automatics, OEM specified gear oil for manuals
- Coolant: Approx. 9 liters
- Brake fluid: DOT 4
Known problems
- Timing belt wear - mandatory replacement at recommended intervals
- Electronic ignition module failures
- Turbocharger wastegate issues on turbo models
- Control arm and suspension bush wear
- Timing belt wear
- Ignition coil failures
- Rust in wheel arches and door sills