
are all important considerations.
In production, Volvo has partly or completely  phased out several chemicals including freons, lead chromates,
naphtanates, asbestos, mercury and  cadmium; and  reduced the amount of chemicals used in our plants 50% since 1991.
In use, Volvo was the first in the world to introduce into production a  three-way catalytic converter with a  Lambda
sond, now called oxygen  sensor, in 1976. The current version  of this  highly efficient system reduces emissions  of
harmful substances (CO, HC, NOx) from  the exhaust pipe by approximately 95% and  the search to eliminate the
remaining emissions  continues. Volvo is the only automobile manufacturer to offer  CFC-free retrofit kits  for the air
conditioning system for all models back to the M/Y 1975 240. Advanced electronic  engine controls, refined
purification systems and  cleaner  fuels  are bringing us closer to our goal.
After Volvo cars and  parts  have fulfilled their use, recycling is the next critical step in completing the life cycle. The
metal content  is about 75% of the total weight of the car, which  makes the car among the most  recycled  industrial
products.  In order to have efficient and  well controlled recycling, many Volvo variants have printed dismantling
manuals indication the weight and  material of individual components. For Volvo, all homogeneous plastic parts
weighing more than 1.7 oz.  (50 grams)are marked with international symbols that indicate how the component  is to be
sorted  for recycling.
In addition to continuous environmental refinement of conventional gasoline-powered  internal combustion engines,
Volvo is actively looking at advanced technology  alternative-fuel vehicles.
When you drive a  Volvo, you become our partner in the work to lessen  the car's impact on the environment. 
To reduce your vehicle's environmental impact, you can:
Maintain proper air pressure in your tires. Tests have shown decreased  fuel economy with improperly  inflated
tires
Follow the recommended maintenance schedule
Drive at a  constant speed
See  an  authorized Volvo retailer as soon as possible for inspection if the check engine (malfunction indicator)
lamp illuminates,  or stays on after the vehicle has started
Properly  dispose of any  vehicle related waste such as used motor oil, used batteries, brake pads, etc.
When cleaning your car, use Volvo's  own car care products,  all of which  have systematically been adapted to
the environment.
Contents
Important
Before you operate your car for the first time, please familiarize yourself  with the BREAK-IN information on
page 56. You should also be familiar  with the information in the first three chapters of this manual.
Information contained in the balance of the manual is extremely useful and should be studied after operating
the vehicle  for the first time.
This manual is structured so that it can be used  for reference. It should thus be kept in the car for ready  access.
Do not export your Volvo to another country before investigating  the country's applicable safety and exhaust
emission requirements. In  some cases it may be difficult or  impossible  to comply with these requirements.
Modifications to the emission control system(s)  may render your Volvo not certifiable for legal operation in the
U.S., Canada or  other countries.
All information, illustrations and  specifications contained in this  manual  are based on the latest product information
available at the time of publication. Volvo reserves the right to make model changes at any  time, or to change
specifications or design, without notice  and  without incurring obligation.
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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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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).
  
Contents | Top of Page
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1 Vehicle Emission Control Information 
Your Volvo is designed to meet  all applicable emission standards, as evidenced by the certification label  on the
underside of the hood. For further information regarding these regulations,  please consult your Volvo retailer. 
2 Vacuum hose routing  
(underside of hood) 
3 Loads and Tire Pressures  
(on rear edge of passenger's  door) 
4 Model plate  
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).  Codes for color and  upholstery, etc. The plate  is located in the engine
compartment, on the inside of left front  fender. 
5 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) * 
The VIN plate  is located on the top left surface  of the dashboard. The VIN is also stamped on the right hand  door
pillar. 
6 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) specifications (USA) and Ministry of Transport (CMVSS)
Standards (Canada)  
Your Volvo is designed to meet  all applicable safety standards, as evidenced by the certification label  on the facing
side of the driver's door. For further information regarding these regulations,  please consult your Volvo retailer. 
* The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)  should always be  quoted in all correspondence concerning  your vehicle
with the retailer and  when ordering parts.  
** These decals are located on the underside of the hood. 
All specifications are subject to change without notice.  
pg. 107 Maintenance service, Warranty
Maintenance service
 
Volvo advises  you to follow the service program which  is outlined in the "Maintenance  Records Manual". This
maintenance program contains inspections and  services necessary  for the proper function of your car. The maintenance
services contain  several checks which  require special instruments and  tools  and  therefore must  be  performed by a
qualified technician. To keep your Volvo in top condition, specify time tested and  proven Genuine Volvo Parts and
Accessories. 
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pg. 188 Index
A
ABS........................................17Air conditioning...........................35Air mix....................................33Air vents..................................33Airbag (SIPS)...............................8Airbag (SRS)................................4Alarm......................................44Ambient temperature sensor.................25Anti -lock  Brake  System (ABS).........17, 19,70Ashtrays...................................31Audio  systems
  General information.....................184
  SC-813..................................132  SC-816..................................145  SC-900..................................161Auto -dim (rear -view  mirror)................48Automatic  car washing.....................103Automatic  daytime running lights...........24Automatic  transmission...........61,62,63,127  Driving mode  selector....................62Automatic  transmission fluid..........117,124
B
Battery................................72,128Battery drain  - avoiding...................54Battery maintenance.......................122Booster cushion............................11Brake  failure warning light.............17,18Brake  fluid...........................116,124Brake  fluid  warning light..................18Brake  system...............................70Brake  warning light........................17Break -in period............................56Bulb  failure warning....................17,19Bulbs.....................................128Bulbs  - replacing..........................85
C
Capacities................................127Catalytic  converter........................69Central locking button.....................36Chains (snow)..............................77Changing a wheel...........................82Child  booster cushion......................11Child  Restraint  Anchorages..................9Child  safety...............................11Clock......................................16Clock  - resetting..........................25Clutch fluid..............................116Coolant - checking/changing...............120Coolant level  sensor.......................19Coolant level  warning light................17Cooling system.........................64,126Courtesy lights - front....................49Cruise control.............................29
D
Daytime running lights..................20,24Demister - rear  window.....................23Dimensions................................129Distributor ignition system...............126Doors  and locks............................42Drive  belt................................118Driving economy............................58
E
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