2001 VOLVO C70 Owners Manual

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following condition: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
This key operates the driver's door and the ignition switch/steering wheel lock.
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.

Contents | Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com

2 0 0 1
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 remember63
Emergency towing66
Vehicle towing information67
Jump starting68
Brake system69-70
Trailer towing71
Winter driving72
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 112.
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.
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com

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 holds approximately 17.9 US gal. (68 liters) with sufficient volume left over to accommodate possible
expansion of the fuel in hot weather. Be aware that the "usable" tank capacity 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 right rear fender) is locked and must be popped open using the control on the driver's door.
Open fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather 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.
· After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place *.
· 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 gasolines 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 Limited Warranty.
* 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. 58 Driving economy
Economical driving conserves natural resources
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com

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 95
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.
ProCarManuals.com

CAUTION:
Never race the engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubricating points fast enough to
prevent engine damage.
Do not race the engine just prior to switching off!
pg. 60 Manual transmission
Shift positions
Depress the clutch pedal completely when changing gears*.
Remove your foot from the clutch pedal while driving.
Overdrive (5th gear) should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy. This gear can be engaged at
speeds above approx. 50 mph (80 km/h).
CAUTION: Follow the shift pattern indicated on the gear shift knob when shifting up (e.g., do not shift directly from
2nd to 5th gear) to help avoid excessive wear on the transmission.
Engaging reverse gear
The gear lever must first be moved to neutral in order to engage reverse gear.
ProCarManuals.com

CAUTION: Be careful that you do not inadvertently engage reverse while moving forward.
* Clutch interlock (manual transmission only)
The clutch must be fully depressed before you can start your car. If the clutch is not depressed, it will not be possible
to start the engine.
pg. 61 AW5 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
P (Park)
Use this position when starting the engine or parking the car.
Never use P while the car is in motion.
The parking brake should also be used when parking on grades.
The gear selector is mechanically locked in the P position (SHIFTLOCK). To release the gear selector from this
position, the engine must be running (or the ignition key must be in position II) and the brake pedal must be
depressed.
WARNING!
Never leave the car unattended when the engine is running. If, by mistake, the gear selector is moved from P, the car
may start moving.
R (Reverse)
Never engage R while the car is moving forward.
N (Neutral)
Neutral - no gear engaged. Use the parking brake.
ProCarManuals.com