1998 VOLVO C70 Owners Manual

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
The fuel filler cap is located inside the fuel tank cover on the right rear fender.
NOTE: The fuel tank cover is locked and must be popped open using the control on the driver's door (see page 37).

Open fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather conditions.
When filling, hang the cap on the special bracket on the inside of the fuel tank cover.
NOTE: Turn the ignition off or to position I when refueling. If the ignition is on, an incorrect reading could occur in
the fuel gauge (low fuel level will be indicated).
After filling the tank, install the cap and turn until a "click" is heard.
The fuel tank is designed to hold approximately 18.4 US gal. (70 liters) with sufficient volume left over to
accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. Be aware that the "usable" tank will be somewhat less than
the specified maximum. When the fuel level is low, such factors as ambient temperature, the fuel's "vapor pressure"
characteristics, and terrain can affect the fuel pumps' ability to supply the engine with an adequate supply of fuel.
Therefore, it is advisable to refuel as soon as possible when the needle nears the red zone, or when the fuel warning
light comes on.
CAUTION:
Do not refuel with the engine running. After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it
clicks into place.
Allow for fuel expansion by not overfilling the tank. Overfilling could also cause damage to the emission control
systems.
NOTE: If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp may indicate a fault. Use only Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps.
CAUTION: Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. Gasolines containing alcohol can cause damage to painted
surfaces, which may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Do not use gasoline containing methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice can result in vehicle
performance deterioration and can damage critical parts in the fuel system. Such damage may not be covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

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Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires
pg. 75 Wheels and tires
Wheels and tires

The handling and riding comfort of the vehicle is dependent on the inflation pressure and the type of tires fitted. Read
the following pages carefully.
General information, Wear indicator, Tire economy, Flat spots
76
Snow chains, Winter tires77
Inflation pressure78
Uniform tire quality grading79
pg. 76 Wheels and tires
General information

Your vehicle is equipped with tires according to the tire information label located on the rear facing side of the
right front door.
The following is an example of a tire designation code 225/50R16:
225 = tire width in mm.
50 = tire profile. This is the relationship (in percent) between the section height and the width of the tire.
R = radial tires.
16 = diameter in inches.
The tires have good road holding characteristics and offer good handling on dry and wet surfaces. It should be noted
however that the tires have been developed to give these features on snow/ice-free surfaces. Certain models are
equipped with "all-season" tires, which provide a somewhat higher degree of winter roadholding on slippery
surfaces than tires without the "all-season" rating. However, for optimum road holding on icy or snow covered
roads - we recommend suitable winter tires on all four wheels. When replacing tires, be sure that the new tires are
the same size designation, type (radial) and preferably from the same manufacturer, on all four wheels. Otherwise there
is a risk of altering the car's road-holding and handling characteristics.
NOTE: When storing wheel/tire assemblies (e.g. winter tires and wheels), either stand the assemblies upright or
suspend them off the ground. Laying wheel/tire assemblies on their sides for prolonged periods can cause wheel and/or
tire damage.
Wear indicator
The tires have a so-called "wear indicator" in the form of a number of narrow strips running across or parallel to the
tread. When approx. 1/16" (1.6 mm) is left on the tread, these strips show up and indicate that the tire should be
replaced.
Tires with less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread have a very poor grip in rain or snow.
When replacing worn tires, it is recommended that the tire be identical in type (radial) and size as the one being
replaced. Using a tire of the same make (manufacturer) will prevent alteration of the driving characteristics of the
vehicle.
To improve tire economy:
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Maintain correct tire pressure.
Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking and tire screeching.
Tire wear increases with speed.
Correct front wheel alignment is very important.
Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and driving comfort.
If the wheels are rotated, they should be kept on the same side of the car so that they revolve in the same direction
as prior to rotation.
Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently.
Flat spots
All tires become warm during use. After cooling, when the vehicle is parked, the tires have a tendency to distort
slightly, forming flat spots. These flat spots can cause vibrations similar to the vibrations caused by unbalanced wheels.
They do, however, disappear when the tire warms up. The degree to which the flat spots form depends on the type of
cord used in the tire. Remember that, in cold weather, it takes longer for the tire to warm up and consequently longer
for the flat spot to disappear.
CAUTION: The car must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions. The use of different size wheels can
seriously damage your car's transmission.
pg. 77 Wheels and tires (cont.)
Snow chains

Snow tire chains can be used on your Volvo with the following restrictions:
Snow chains should be installed on front wheels only. Use only Volvo approved snow chains.
Snow chains may be mounted on tire dimension 195/65R15. Tire dimension 205/55R16 requires a special type of
snow chain. Consult your Volvo retailer. Snow chains may not be used on 205/55R16 tires.
If accessory, aftermarket or "custom" tires and wheels are installed and are of a size different than the original tires
and wheels, chains in some cases CANNOT be used. Snow chains cannot be used on those turbo-charged models fitted
with all-season tires 225/50R16 or 225/45R17 or 225/40R18. Sufficient clearances between chains and brakes,
suspension and body components must be maintained.
Some strap -on type chains will interfere with brake components and therefore CANNOT be used.
Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information.
CAUTION:
Check local regulations regarding the use of snow chains before installing.
Always follow the chains manufacturer's installation instructions carefully. Install chains as tightly as possible and
re-tighten periodically.
Never exceed the chain manufacture's specified maximum speed limit. (Under no circumstances should that limit
be higher than 30 mph (45 km/h).
Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns when driving with snow chains.
The handling of the vehicle can be adversely affected when driving with chains. Avoid fast or sharp turns as well
as locked wheel braking.
Snow tires, studded tires *
Tires for winter use:
Owners who live in or regularly commute through areas with sustained periods of snow or icy driving
conditions are strongly advised to fit suitable winter tires to help retain the highest degree of traction.
It is important to install winter tires on all four wheels to help retain traction during cornering, braking and
accelerating. Failure to do so could reduce traction to an unsafe level or adversely affect handling. Do not mix tires of
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different design as this could also negatively affect overall tire road grip. Volvo recommends 195/65 R15 winter tires
on 15" steel wheels on all C70 models including those equipped with 16", 17" or 18" wheels.
Winter tires wear more quickly on dry roads in warm weather. They should be removed when the winter driving
season has ended.
Studded tires should be run-in 300-600 miles (500-1000 km) during which the car should be driven as smoothly as
possible to give the studs the opportunity to seat properly in the tires. The car tires should have the same rotational
direction throughout their entire lifetime. In other words, if you wish to rotate the wheels, make sure that the same
wheels are always on the same side of the car.
NOTE: Please consult state or local regulations restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such tires.
* Where permitted
pg. 78 Wheels and tires (cont.)
Checking and correcting tire pressure
Check the tire pressure when refueling.
The tire pressure should be corrected only when the tires are cold.
With warm tires, correct only when the pressure is too low. The tire temperature rises after driving just a few miles.
Vehicle Loading
The tires on your Volvo will perform to specifications at all normal loads when inflated as recommended on the tire
information label* located on the rear facing edge of the passenger's door. This label lists both the tire and vehicle
design limits.
Do not load your car beyond the load limits indicated.
* Please note that the tire information label indicates pressures for both comfort and fuel economy.

Tire pressure label
pg. 79 Wheels and tires (cont.)
Uniform tire quality grading

ALL PASSENGER CAR TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN
ADDITION TO THESE GRADES
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded at 150 would wear one and one half (1 1/2) times as
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well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and many depart significantly from the norm due to variation in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
TRACTION
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C, as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING! The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
TEMPERATURE
The temperature grades are AA (the highest), A, B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING! The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.

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Chapter 6 - In case of emergency
pg. 81 In case of an emergency
In case of an emergency

Even if you maintain your car in good running condition, there is always the possibility that something might go wrong
and prevent you from driving, such as a punctured tire, blown fuse or bulb, etc. For additional information, see section
"ON CALL Road Assistance".
Wheel changing
82-83
Spare tire84
Replacing bulbs85-90
Replacing fuses91-93
Installation of accessories94
Replacing wiper blades95-96
In case of emergency97
pg. 82 Wheel changing

Loosen wheel bolts
Changing a wheel
The spare wheel is located under the carpet on the trunk floor. The jack and crank are secured in the wheel recess.
Engage the parking brake.
Put the gear selector in (P)ark (automatic) or in Reverse (manual).
With the car still on the ground, use the lug wrench to loosen the wheel bolts 1/2 - 1 turn. Turn the bolts
counterclockwise to loosen.
Fold out the crank handle on the jack by pressing the nob on the handle downward. To attach the jack, refer to the
illustration on the following page.
NOTE: To avoid excessive wear and the necessity of rebalancing, mark and reinstall wheels in same location and
position as before removal. To lessen the chance of imbalance, each wheel hub is equipped with a guide stud to ensure
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that a removed wheel can be reinstalled in its original position (as when changing over to winter tires/wheels).
CAUTION:
The car must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions or with a spare tire other than the one that came
with the car. The use of different size wheels can seriously damage your car's transmission.
pg. 83 Wheel changing (cont.)

Jack attachment
There is a jack attachment located in the center on each side of the car. Position the jack on the bar in the attachment
as shown in illustration A above and crank while simultaneously guiding the base of the jack to the ground. The base
of the jack must be flat on a level, firm, non-slippery surface. Before raising the car check that the jack is still
correctly positioned in the attachment. Raise the vehicle until both wheels on the side of the car where the jack is
attached are lifted off the ground. Unscrew the wheel bolts completely and carefully remove the wheel so as not to
damage the thread on the studs.
Installing the wheel
Clean the contact surfaces on the wheel and hub. Lift the wheel and place it on the hub. Make sure that you align the
wheel with the guide stud on the wheel hub prior to installation. Install the wheel bolts crosswise (see illustration) and
tighten by turning lightly clockwise. Lower the vehicle to the ground and alternately tighten the nuts to 81 ft. lbs. (110
Nm). Install the wheel cap (where applicable).

Correct tightening order for wheel bolts
WARNING!
The jack's attachment must engage the bar in the jack attachment (A). The car's weight must not rest on the jack's
attachment (B).
Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-slippery surface.
Never allow any part of your body to be extended under a car supported by a jack.
Use the jack intended for the car when replacing a wheel. For any other job, use stands to support the end of the
car being worked on.
Apply the parking brake, select position P (automatic transmission) or Reverse gear (manual transmission).
Block the wheels standing on the ground, use rigid wooden blocks or large stones.
The jack should be kept well-greased.
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CAUTION: Correct tightening torque on wheel bolts must be observed. The wheel bolts should never be greased or
lubricated. The extended, chromed wheel bolts must not be used with steel rims, as they make it impossible to fit the
hub caps.
pg. 84 Spare tire
Temporary Spare (certain models)
The spare tire of your car is what is called a "Temporary Spare". It has the following designation: T115/70 R15 or
T125/90R15.
Recommended tire pressure (see decal on fuel filler flap) should be maintained irrespective of which position on the
car the Temporary Spare tire is used on.
In the event of damage to this tire a new one can be purchased from your Volvo retailer.
CAUTION: The car must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions or with a spare tire other than the one
that came with the car. The use of different size wheels can seriously damage your car's transmission.
WARNING!
Current legislation prohibits the use of the "Temporary Spare" tire other than as a temporary replacement for a
punctured tire. In other words, it must be replaced as soon as possible by a standard tire. Roadholding, etc., may be
affected with the "Temporary Spare" in use. Do not, therefore, exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).

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