
Table of Contents
Page No.
Chapter and Subject
pg. 1Chapter 1 - Occupant safety
pg. 16
Chapter 2 - Instruments and controls
pg. 41
Chapter 3 - Body and interior
pg. 65
Chapter 4 - Starting and driving
pg. 85
Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires
pg. 91
Chapter 6 - In case of emergency
pg. 109
Chapter 7 - Car care
pg. 115
Chapter 8 - Volvo Service
pg. 133
Chapter 9 - Specifications
pg. 141
Chapter 10 - Audio systems
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.
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.
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Master key
This key operates all locks (ignition switch/steering wheel lock, driver's door, trunk/tailgate and glove compartment).
Service key
This key operates the driver's door and the ignition switch/steering wheel lock.
NOTE:
An 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.
pg. 43 Doors and Locks
Doors and locks
Your car is equipped with a two door operated central locking system.
The key, used on the driver's doors, the remote control, or central locking button, will lock/unlock all doors,
trunk/tailgate.
Turn the key once to unlock the driver's door only.
Turn the key again (within 10 seconds) to unlock all doors, trunk/tailgate.
One turn with the key towards lock in the drivers door locks all doors, trunk/tailgate.
Use the switch on the front door armrests to lock/unlock the car from the inside.
Check the action of the buttons on the other doors to verify their correct function (lock/unlock).
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Remote keyless entry system
Your car is equipped with a remote control transmitter. This transmitter uses a readio frequency which will allow
“keyless” entry into the passenger compartment or the trunk. You will be supplied with two coded key ring
transmitters, which willenable you to lock/unlock all doors and the trunk/tailgate from a distance of 10-15 feet (3-5
meters).
The car can also be locked/unlocked with the key.
As an extra security precaution in certain situations (valet parking,etc.), Volvo recommends that the transmitter not be
included when the keys are given to anyone. The service key can be used instead. If one of transmitters is misplaced ,
contact the nearest authorized Volvo retailer for assistance.
Using the remote control
· Press the LOCK button once to lock all doors and trunk/tailgate.
· Press the UNLOCK button once to unlock the driver’s door only. Press this button again (within 10 seconds) to
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Chapter 4 - Starting and driving
pg. 65 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. Page No.
Subject
pg. 66Break-in period
pg. 66-67
Fuel requirements, Refueling
pg. 68
Driving economy
pg. 69
Starting the engine
pg. 70
Manual transmission
pg. 70-73
Automatic transmission, All Wheel Drive (AWD)
pg. 74-75
Points to remember
pg. 76
Emergency towing
pg. 77
Vehicle towing information
pg. 78
Jump starting
pg. 79
Three-way catalytic converter
pg. 80
Brake system, ABS
pg. 81
Trailer towing
pg. 82
Winter driving
pg. 83
Long distance trips
pg. 66 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 124
.
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. 67 Fuel requirements, Refueling
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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
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.
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
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Other factors which decrease gas mileage are:
Worn or dirty spark plugs
Incorrect spark plug gap
Dirty air cleaner
Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
Dragging brakes
Incorrect front end alignment
Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard Maintenance Service intervals.
NOTE: ( D )rive or 5th gear (manual transmissions) should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy.
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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
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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