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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Washing the car
The car should be washed at regular intervals since dirt, dust, insects and tar spots adhere to the paint and may cause
damage.
NOTE: It is particularly important to wash the car frequently in the wintertime to prevent corrosion, when salt has
been used on the roads.
When washing the car, do not expose it to direct sunlight. Use lukewarm water to soften the dirt before you wash
with a sponge, and plenty of water, to avoid scratching.
Bird droppings: Remove from paintwork as soon as possible. Otherwise the finish may be permanently damaged.
A detergent can be used to facilitate the softening of dirt and oil.
A water-soluble grease solvent may be used in cases of sticky dirt. However, use a washplace equipped with a
drainage separator.
Dry the car with a clean chamois and remember to clean the drain holes in the doors and rocker panels.
The power radio antenna (sedans) must be dried after washing.
Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar remover after the car has been washed.
A stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm soapy water can be used to clean the wiper blades. Frequent cleaning improves
visibility considerably.
Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheel housings fenders, etc.).
In areas of high industrial fallout, more frequent washing is recommended.
CAUTION: During high pressure washing the spray mouthpiece must never be closer to the vehicle than 13" (30
cm). Do not spray into the locks.
When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying water or steam directly on the electrical components or
toward the rear side of the engine.
After cleaning the engine, the spark plug wells should be inspected for water and blown dry if necessary.
Suitable detergents
Special car washing detergents should be used. A suitable mixture is about 2.5 fl. oz. (8.5 cl) of detergent to 2.6 US
gal. (10 liters) of warm water. After washing with a detergent the car should be well rinsed with clean water. WARNING!
When the car is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brake several times in order to remove any
moisture from the brake linings.
Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine is warm. This constitutes a fire risk.
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The following items should be checked weekly by the driver (it takes only a few minutes).
Engine oil level
Horns
Brake fluid level
Windshield wipers
Radiator coolant level
Tire pressure (all five tires)
Operation of all lights
Level of windshield washer fluid
The following should also be carried out at regular intervals:
Washing (check all drain holes)
Polishing
Cleaning
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Type: Positive pressure, closed system
Thermostat begins to open at 186°F (90°C)
Turbo -charged models 180° F (87° C)
Coolant: Volvo original coolant/anti-freeze
Capacity: 7.6 US qts. (7.2 liters)
Turbo -charged models - 7.4 US qts. (7.0 liters)
Fuel system
The engine is equipped with a multiport fuel injection system
Distributor ignition system
Firing order 1-2-4-5-3
Distributor ignition setting Not adjustable
Spark plugs Bosch FR 7 DC or Champion RC9YC
Spark plug gap 0.028" (0.7 mm)
Turbo -charged models: Champion RC8PYP (or equivalent)
Spark plug gap 0.03" (0.75 mm)
Tightening torque 18.4 ft. lbs. +/- 3.7 ft. lbs. (25 Nm +/- 5 Nm)WARNING!
The distributor ignition system operates at very high voltages. Special safety precautions must be followed to
prevent injury. Always turn the ignition off when:
Replacing distributor ignition components e.g. plugs, coil, etc.
Do not touch any part of the distributor ignition system while the engine is running. This may result in
unintended movements and body injury.
Replacing spark plugs
The spark plugs should be changed every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). However, city driving or fast highway driving
may necessitate changing after 15,000 miles (24,000 km) of driving. When installing new plugs, be sure to fit the right
type and use correct torque, see "Specifications". When changing the plugs, check that the suppressor connectors are in
good condition. Cracked or damaged connectors should be replaced. When changing the spark plugs, clean the
terminals and the rubber seals.
Front suspension
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are not connected to a suitable antenna can cause faults in the car's electronic controlsystems. Your car is equipped with an accessory connector located under the dashboard on the
driver's side. Please consult your Volvo retailer if you have any questions before connecting
accessory or optional equipment to the vehicle's electrical systems.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless and odorless gas which is present in all exhaust
gases. If you ever smell exhaust fumes from inside the vehicle, make sure the passenger
compartment is ventilated and immediately return the vehicle to you th retailer for correction.
Never sit in a parked or stopped car for any extended amount of time, nor have it unattended
while the engine is running.
Never operate the engine in confined, unventilated areas.
Back Cover
The following should be checked regularly: *
1 Washer fluid reservoir should be filled with water and solvent
(wintertime: windshield washer anti -freeze). See page 129
.
2 Coolant level should be between the expansion tank marks.
Mixture: 50% anti -freeze and 50% water. See page 130
.
3 Power steering - When cold, the level must not be above the
COLD mark and when hot it must not be above the HOT mark. Top up
if the level drops to the ADD mark with ATF fluid. See page 126
.
4 Engine oil level should be between the dipstick marks. The
distance between the marks represents approx. 1.6 US qts (1.5
liter). See page 124
.
5 Brake fluid - check, without removing the cap, that the level
is above the MIN mark. Use brake fluid DOT 4+. See page 126
.
* Engine oil should be checked each time the car is refuelled.
Octane rating, see page 67
Tire pressure, see label located on inside of the fuel filler flap.
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