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
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
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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 tank is designed to hold approximately:
18.4 US gal. (68 liters) - Front Wheel Drive
17.4 US gal. (66 liters) - All Wheel Drive
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 "Reid 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.
Fuel tank cover
The fuel tank cover (on the fight rear fender) is locked and must be popped open using the control on the driver's door.
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Open fuel filler cap slowly during hot eather conditions.
CAUTION:
Do not refuel with the engine running. Turn the ignition off or to position I. If the ignition is on, an incorrect
reading could occur in the fuel gauge.
Allow for fuel expansion by not overfilling the tank. Overfilling could also cause damage to the emission control
systems.
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 LimitedWarranty.
* 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. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo
original or approved fuel filler caps. pg. 68 Driving economy
Economical driving conserves natural resources
Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops and adjusting the speed of
your vehicle to immediate traffic conditions. Observe the following rules:
Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by driving with a light foot on the accelerator
pedal for the first few minutes of operation. A cold engine uses more fuel and is subject to increased wear.
Whenever possible, avoid using the car for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach normal
operating temperature.
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
Do not exceed posted speed limit.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the car.
Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (check when tires are cold).
Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc., increase air resistance and thereby fuel consumption.
Avoid using automatic transmission kick-down feature unless necessary.
Avoid using the air conditioning when it is not required. When engaged, the air conditioner's compressor places an
additional load on the engine. However, please note that fuel consumption is lower with the air conditioning on than it
is when driving with the air conditioning switched off and the windows down.
If your car is equipped with the optional Trip Computer, utilizing the fuel consumption modes can help you "learn"
how to drive more economically.
Other factors which decrease gas mileage are:
Worn or dirty spark plugs
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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:
Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire pressure label on the inside of the fuel tank cover.
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 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. *
* This also applies to models equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD). pg. 87 Wheels and tires (cont.)
Snow chains
Snow tire chains can be used on your Volvo with the following restrictions:
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direction throughout theirentire 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 provincial regulations restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such
tires.
* Where permitted
** All Wheel Drive models, including the AWD XC should be equipped with 195/65 R15 winter tirespg. 88 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 inside of the fuel filler flap. 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. 89 Wheels and tires (cont.)
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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
T125/80 R17.
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).
NOTE : Certain models are equipped with a full-size spare wheel.
Contents | Top of Page
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Chapter 8 - Service and routine maintenance
pg. 115 Volvo Service
Service - an investment
An investment which will pay dividends in the form of improved reliability, durability, and resale value. Page No. Subject
pg. 116
Label information
pg. 117
Maintenance service, Warranty
pg. 118-119
Maintenance schedule
pg. 120-121
Servicing
pg. 122
Fuel/emissions systems
pg. 123
Lubrication
pg. 124-125
Engine oil
pg. 126
Power steering fluid, Brake/clutch system fluid reservoir
pg. 127
Automatic transmission fluid
pg. 128
Drive belt, Air pump system
pg. 129
Windshield washer nozzle, Washer fluid reservoir
pg. 130
Coolant
pg. 131
Engine compartment
pg. 132
Battery maintenance
pg. 116 Label information
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 inside of fuel tank cover)
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. headlight.
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.
7 Child safety latch label
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Timing belt - all engines3
1) See section "Engine oil" for detailed information
NOTE: The oil should be changed at these intervals or after 750 hours of driving or after 12 months which ever
occurs first.
2) For services beyond 90,000 miles (144,000 km), please refer to the Warrenty and Service Records.
3) For proper functioning of the vehicle and its emission control system, the timing belt and tensioner must be
replaced every 105,000 miles (168,000 km).
pg. 119 Maintenance schedule (cont.)
Maintenance schedule
A = Adjust (Correct if necessary)
I = Inspect (Correct or Replace if necessary)
R = Replace
L = Lubricate
Maintenance Operation thousand miles
(thousand km) 7.5
(12)15
(24)22.5
(36) 30
(48)37.5
(60) 45
(72)52.5
(84) 60
(96)67.5
(108) 75
(120)82.5
(132)90
(144)
ENGINE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
ENGINE
Fuel line Filter
1
PCV Nipple (orifice)/hoses,clean I I
Battery (check charge and electrolyte level) III II II II III
BRAKES
Inspect brakes, replace components as necessary II II II II III
Brake Fluid
2 -check
I I I I I I
STEERING/SUSPENSION
Tires
3, check pressure, wear and condition I
II II II II III
Check power steering fluid level I I I I I
BODY
Power antenna (clean) L L L L L L
Trunk/hood, hinges and latches L L L
Air cabin filter( see page 121
) R R R R R R
1) Replace at 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
2) Brake fluid should be changed at owner request every second year or 30,000 miles (48,000 km). The fluid should be
replaced once a year or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) when driving under extremely hard conditions (mountain
driving, etc.)
3) Rotate tires at owner request.
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