Page 33 of 87

· 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.
· Utilizing the fuel consumption modes in the Trip Computer 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 : The automatic transmission's ( D)rive position should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel
economy.
WARNING!
It is recommended that tires of the same make and dimensions be used on all four wheels (including the use of snow
tires). Do not use bias ply tires as this will adversely alter vehicle handling characteristics. Maintain correct tire
pressure.
WARNING!
Do not drive with trunk lid open! A warning light in the instrument panel will indicate that the trunk is open.
Poisonous exhaust gases may enter via the open trunk lid. If the trunk lid/tailgate must be kept open for any reason,
proceed as follows:
· Close the windows.
· Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side windows and blower control to its
highest setting.
pg. 63 Starting the engine
Starting and stopping
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. Make sure the gear selector is in the Park position.
3. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to the starting position. Allow the starter to operate
for up to 5 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. Depress the brake pedal and release the parking
brake.
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Page 67 of 87

Cooling system
Type: Positive pressure, closed system
Thermostat begins to open at 186° F (90° C)
Coolant: Volvo original coolant/antifreeze
Capacity: 6 US qts. (5.7 liters)
Fuel system
The engine is equipped with a multipoint fuel injection system.
Distributor ignition system
Firing order: 13-4-2
Distributor ignition setting: Not adjustable
Spark plugs: Champion RC8PYP or equivalent
Spark plug gap: 0.03" (0.75 mm)
Tightening torque: 18.4 ft. lbs. (25 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.
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Replacing spark plugs
The spark plugs should be changed according to your service program in your Warranty booklet. 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
Spring strut suspension with integrated shock absorbers and control arms linked to the support frame. Power assisted
rack and pinion steering. Safety type steering column.
The alignment specifications apply to a car at curb weight (without passengers or cargo).
Toe-in measured on the wheel rims: 2.1 mm + - 0.7 mm
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Page 86 of 87
Service reminder indicator23
Servicing110,111
Shift lock64
Shiftlock release97
Shiftlock release (override)97
Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)8
Side marker lamp replacement88
Side-view mirrors - heated26
SIPS8
Snow chains79
Snow tires79
Spare tire82
Spare tire (sedan)54
Spark plugs124
Specifications121
Speed warning27
SRS5,6,7
SRS diagnostic system22
SRS warning light5,22
Start inhibitor (immobilizer)40
Starting the engine63
Steering wheel adjustment34
Steering wheel lock26
Storage compartments53
Studded tires79
Sun roof50,51
T
Tachometer20
Tailgate (opening/locking)45
Technical Data - audio142
Temperature gauge20
Temporary spare tire82
Tires - changing85
Tire pressure80
Tires78
Tool kit84
Towing68,69
Towing a trailer75
Traction Control System (TRACS)23,72
Trailer towing75
Trip Computer27
Trip odometer20
Turn signals25
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