1993 Volvo 850 GLT
Volvo recommends the use of gasoline containing deposit control additives. These additives have shown
to be efficient in keeping injectors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit control gasolines
will help ensure good driveability and fuel economy. If you are not sure whether the gasoline contains
deposit control additives, check with the service station operator.
pg. 4:3 Fuel requirements, Refueling
Unleaded Fuel
Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline (as specified on the
instrument panel and by a label near the filler inlet). U.S. and Canadian regulations require that pumps
delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit your
car's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled "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.
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. Volvo allows the use of the
following "oxygenated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed on this page must still be met.
Alcohol -- Ethanol
Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be used. Ethanol may also be referred to as Ethyl
alcohol, or "Gasohol".
Ethers -- MTBE
Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
Refueling
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