Contents
Chapter 1 - Occupant safety
Chapter 2 - Instruments, switches and controls
Chapter 3 - Body and interior
Chapter 4 - Starting and driving
Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires
Chapter 6 - In case of an emergency
Chapter 7 - Car care
Chapter 8 - Volvo Service
Chapter 9 - Specifications
Chapter 10 - Audio systems
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver (option)
Index
Back Cover
General information
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 read after operating the
vehicle for the first time.
The manual is structured so that it can be used for reference. For this reason, it should be kept in the car for
ready access.
Do not export your Volvo to another country before investigating that 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 and other countries.
All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are based on the latest product
information available at the time of publication. Please note that some vehicles may be equipped differently,
depending on special legal requirments and that optional equipment described in this manual may not be
available in all markets.
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
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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 as far back as 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 a 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, indicating 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
For additional information regarding the environmental activities in
which Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. and Volvo Car Corporation are involved, visit our Internet Home Page at:
http://www.volvocars.com
Three-way catalytic converter
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Reads thousands of engine rpm. Do not drive for long with the needle in the red section. The engine has an inbuilt
function preventing too high a rotation speed. When this function operates, you may discern some pulsation, which in
that case is quite normal.
pg. 17 Indicator and warning lights
1 Turn signal, left
2 Turn signal, right
3 Cruise control
4 Low washer fluid level
If the lamp glows continuously when the engine is running, there is only about 1/2 - 1 US qt. remaining in the washer
fluid reservoir.
5 Low fuel level
When the lamp glows, only about 1.8 US gals. (8 liters) of fuel remain. If the ignition is switched on while refuelling,
the gauge may read inaccurately for up to 25 minutes.
6 Rear fog light
7 High beams
8 Trunk/tailgate open
9 Bulb failure warning sensor
10 (Not in use)
11 Electronic Throttle System (ETS)
12 SRS
13 Generator not charging
14 Low engine oil pressure
15 Brake warning light
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16 Parking brake applied
17 ABS -system
18 Transmission mode: Indicates "W" if winter/wet driving mode is active, or indicates currently selected low gear.
19 Low coolant level
20 Stability and Traction Control (STC) System (option)
21 Malfunction indicator lamp
(See page 18 for more information)
22 Service reminder indicator
pg. 18 Warning lights
The warning lights described on pages 18 and 19 should never stay on when driving
When the ignition key is turned on and before the engine starts, all of the warning lights should go on to test the
function of the bulbs. Should a light not go off after the engine has started, the system indicated should be inspected.
However, the parking brake reminder light will not go off until the parking brake has been fully released.
Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charging system checked.
Malfunction indicator lamp
If the lamp comes on (or stays on after the vehicle has started), the engine diagnostic system has detected a possible
fault in the emission control system. Although driveability may not be affected, see an authorized Volvo retailer as
soon as possible for inspection.
NOTE : 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.
Oil pressure warning light
If the light comes on while driving, stop the car and then stop the engine immediately and check the engine oil
level . See page 114. If the light stays on after restart, have the car towed to the nearest authorized Volvo retailer. After
hard driving, the light may come on occasionally when the engine is idling. This is normal, provided it goes off when
the engine speed is increased.
Fault in ETC (Electronic Throttle Control system)
If this lamp comes on, there is a fault in the engine control system and driveability will be affected. Switch the ignition
off and then on again. If the light remains on, the system should be inspected by an authorized Volvo retailer.
Cruise Control
This light will be on when cruise control is engaged. Cruise control will automatically disengage when the ignition is
switched off.
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2 0 0 0
VOLVO C70
Chapter 4 - Starting and driving
pg. 55 Starting and driving
This section on starting and driving contains items such as starting the engine, operating the gear selector, towing,
trailers, etc. Fuel requirements, Refueling
56-57
Driving economy58
Starting the engine59
Manual transmission60
Automatic transmission61
Points to remember65
Emergency towing68
Vehicle towing information69
Jump starting70
Brake system71-72
Trailer towing73
Winter driving74
pg. 56 Fuel requirements
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 wearingin 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.
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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.
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 labelled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit
your car's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled "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 methly-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 alcohols 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 standards, some areas require the use of "oxygenated"
fuel.
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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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 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 kickdown 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
· 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.
pg. 59 Starting the engine
Starting and stopping
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1. Fasten the seat belt.
WARNING!
Before starting, check that the seat, steering wheel and mirrors are adjusted properly. Make sure the brake pedal can
be depressed completely. Move the seat closer if necessary. Refer to section "front seats".
2. Apply the parking brake, if not already set. The gear selector (automatic transmission) is locked in the (P)ark
position (SHIFT LOCK).
Manual transmission: the clutch must be fully depressed.
3. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to the starting position*. Allow the starter to operate
for up to 10 seconds. Release the key as soon as the engine starts. If the engine fails to start, repeat step 3.
For cold starts at altitudes above 6000 ft (1800 meters), depress the accelerator pedal halfway and turn the key to the
starting position. Release the pedal slowly when the engine starts.
* If the key is left in the Drive position (position II) for more than 30 seconds, it must be turned to position 0 and then
turned to the Start position (position III) again in order to start the car. See page 21
for ignition key positions.
4. To release the gear selector from the (P)ark position (automatic transmission), the ignition key must be in position II
and the brake pedal must be depressed. See page 97 for instructions on manually releasing the SHIFTLOCK
system.
Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubrication points fast enough to
prevent engine damage.
NOTE: (Automatic transmission only)
Your car is equipped with a KEYLOCK system. When the engine is switched off, the gear selector must be in the
( P )ark position before the starting key can be removed from the ignition switch.
5. Select the desired gear. The gear engages after a slight delay (automatic transmission) which is especially noticeable
when selecting R.
CAUTION : (Automatic transmission only)
The engine should be idling; never accelerate until after you feel the gear engage! Toorapid acceleration immediately
after selecting a gear will cause harsh engagement and premature transmission wear.
NOTE : Selecting P or N (automatic transmission) when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help
prevent overheating of transmission oil.
WARNING!
Always place the gear selector (automatic transmission) in Park and apply the parking brake before leaving the
vehicle. Never leave the car unattended with the engine running.
Always open the garage doors fully before starting the engine inside a garage to ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless but very poisonous.
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