CAUTION: Certain models have reduced ground clearance due to the design of the front spoiler. Please observe
caution when e.g., driving onto garage hoists, through drifted snow or when other road debris is encountered, or
when parking near curbs
©1997 Volvo Cars of North America Inc.
Contents
Chapter 1 - Occupant safety1
Chapter 2 - Instruments, switches and controls15
Chapter 3 - Body and interior39
Chapter 4 - Starting and driving55
Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires75
Chapter 6 - In case of an emergency81
Chapter 7 - Car care99
Chapter 8 - Volvo Service105
Chapter 9 - Specifications123
Chapter 10 - Audio systems131
Index188
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Sun visor: The sun roof also features a sliding sun visor. The visor slides back automatically when the sun roof is
opened and also slides back slightly when the sun roof is opened to the ventilation position. The visor must be closed
manually.
CAUTION: Do not close the sun visor when the sun roof is in the ventilation position as this could damage the
mechanism.
NOTE:
The electrically -operated sun roof has an overload protecting circuit breaker (fuse no. 37) which is activated when an
object blocks the sun roof. Should this occur, remove the object and wait 20 seconds for the circuit breaker to reset.
The sun roof should then function normally. Also check fuse no. 35.
WARNING! The sun roof must never be obstructed in any way when in operation.
pg. 42 Keys, doors and locks
Master key
This key operates all locks (ignition switch/steering wheel lock, driver's door, trunk and glove compartment).
Service key
This key operates the driver's door and the ignition switch/steering wheel lock.
NOTE:
As an added anti-theft measure, new keys have been developed which may take slightly longer to copy or replace if
the original keys are misplaced. Duplicate keys may be ordered from your Volvo retailer.
The key number codes are stamped on a separate tag supplied with the keys. This tag should be separated from the
key ring and kept in a safe place.
Doors and locks
Your car is equipped with a central locking system.
The key, used on the driver's door, the remote control, or central locking button, will lock/unlock both doors, and the
trunk.
Turn the key once to unlock the driver's door only.
Turn the key again (within 10 seconds) to unlock both doors and the trunk.
One turn with the key towards lock in the drivers door locks both doors and the trunk.
Use the switch on the front door armrests to lock/unlock the car from the inside.
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Chapter 4 - Starting and driving
pg. 55 Starting and driving
Starting and driving
This section on starting and driving contains items such as starting the engine, operating the gear selector, towing,
trailers, etc.
Break-in period
56
Fuel requirements, Refueling56-57
Driving economy58
Starting the engine59
Manual transmission60
Automatic transmission61
Points to remember64
Emergency towing66
Vehicle towing information67
Jump starting68
Three-way catalytic converter69
Brake system, ABS70
Trailer towing71
Winter driving72
Long distance trips73
pg. 56 Break-in period, Fuel requirements
A new car should be broken -in
Refrain from utilizing your car's full driving potential during the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) including the "kick -
down" function (automatic transmission).
NOTE - ENGINE OIL:
Although some oil consumption occurs during normal engine operation, more oil is consumed when the engine is new
as the internal parts generate higher friction while wearing-in to each other. From the time the engine is new until
the first service is performed, the oil consumption could be higher than normal. For this reason, it is especially
important to check the oil every time you refuel your car during this period. See page 114
.
In general, the rate of oil consumption depends on such factors as: engine temperature, length of trip, driving
conditions, oil viscosity and quality, engine speed and acceleration/deceleration.
Checking your engine oil level each time the car is refueled is one of the most important items you can perform to
help keep your car in good running order.
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Manual transmission
The following speeds should not be exceeded during the break-in period: Up to 600 miles
(1000 km)600 - 1,200 miles
(1000 - 2000 km)
1st gear 20 mph (30 km/h)25 mph (40 km/h)
2nd gear 30 mph (50 km/h)40 mph (70 km/h)
3rd gear 45 mph (80 km/h)65 mph (100 km/h)
4th gear 70 mph (110 km/h)80 mph (130 km/h)
5th gear/overdrive 80 mph (130 km/h)95 mph (150 km/h)
Posted speed limits should not be exceeded.
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
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.
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. 57 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.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated fuels; however, the octane ratings listed on this page must still be
met.
Alcohol — Ethanol
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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 8 - Volvo Service
pg. 105 Volvo Service
Service - an investment
An investment which will pay dividends in the form of improved reliability, durability, and resale value.
Label information
106
Maintenance service, Warranty107
Maintenance schedule108-109
Servicing110-111
Fuel/emissions systems112
Lubrication113
Engine oil114-115
Power steering fluid, Brake/clutch system fluid reservoir116
Automatic transmission fluid117
Drive belt118
Windshield washer nozzle, Washer fluid reservoir119
Coolant120
Engine compartment121
Battery maintenance122
pg. 106 Label information
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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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The Federal Clean Air Act - U.S.
The Clean Air Act requires vehicle manufacturers to furnish written instructions to the ultimate purchaser to assure the
proper functioning of those components that control emissions. The maintenance instructions listed in the "Servicing"
section of this Manual represent the minimum maintenance required. These services are not covered by the warranty.
You will be required to pay for labor and material used. Refer to your Warranty booklet for further details.
Maintenance services
Your Volvo has passed several major inspections before being delivered to you, according to Volvo specifications. The
maintenance services outlined in this book should be performed as indicated. The extended maintenance service
intervals make it even more advisable to follow this program. Inspection and service should also be performed any
time a malfunction is observed or suspected. It is recommended that receipts for vehicle emission services be retained
in the event that questions arise concerning maintenance. See your "Maintenance Records Manual".
Applicable warranties - U.S.
In accordance with U.S. Federal Regulations, the following list of applicable U.S. warranties is provided. For Canadian
specification vehicles, see your separate warranty booklet.
New Car Limited Warranty
Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty
Corrosion Protection Limited Warranty
Seatbelt and Supplemental Restraint Systems Limited Warranty
Emission Design and Defect Warranty
Emission Performance Warranty
These are the Federal warranties; other warranties are provided as required by state law. Refer to your separate
Warranty booklet for detailed information concerning each of the warranties.
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