NOTE: Vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions should use (D)rive as often as possible and avoid using
"kick -down" to help improve fuel economy. Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions should use fifth gear at
highway speeds. At other times, choose the highest gear that still allows smooth acceleration.
Weight distribution affects handling
At the specified curb weight your car has a tendency to understeer, which means that the steering wheel has to be
turned more than might seem appropriate for the curvature of a bend. This ensures good stability and reduces the risk
of rear wheel skid. Remember that these properties can alter with the vehicle load. The heavier the load on the rear of
the vehicle (e.g., heavily loaded (max. 220 lbs, 100 kg) cargo area or when towing a trailer, the less the tendency to
understeer.
Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore, check that the tires are inflated to
the recommended pressure according to the vehicle load. See "Tire pressure" section. Loads should be distributed so
that capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
pg. 90 Points to remember
Cooling system
The risk for engine overheating is greatest, especially in hot weather, when:
Towing a trailer up steep inclines for prolonged periods at wide open throttle and low engine rpm.
Stopping the engine suddenly after high speed driving (so-called "after-boiling" can occur).
To avoid overheating, the following rules should be followed: Do not drive for prolonged periods at engine speeds
above 4500 rpm if you are towing a trailer in hilly terrain. Reduce speed when towing a trailer up long, steep inclines.
The risk of overheating can be reduced by switching off the air conditioning system for a short time. Do not let the
engine idle unnecessarily for prolonged periods. Do not mount auxiliary lamps in front of the grill.
When the risk of overheating is imminent, or in the event of overheating (the temperature gauge goes repeatedly into,
or stays continually in, the red section), the following precautions should be taken:
Switch off the air conditioning system.
Pull off the road, away from traffic, stop the car and put the gear selector into neutral.
Switch the heater to full (maximum) position. Increase the engine speed to approx. 2000 rpm (twice idling speed)
until the temperature begins to drop.
WARNING!
Do not remove coolant expansion tank cap. The coolant will be extremely hot.
If necessary, see page 127
and 130 for information on checking and topping-up the coolant level.
CAUTION: Drive slowly and carefully if going through standing water (i.e. flooded roadways, etc.). Damage to the
engine could result if excess water is drawn in through the air intake system. Never drive the vehicle in water deeper
than 1 foot (300 mm). See the flood warning on page 7
.
WARNING!
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Driving with the tailgate open: Driving with the tailgate open could mean that poisonous exhaust gases enter the
passenger compartment. If the 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.
Floor mats: An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause the accelerator pedal to catch. Check that the movement
of the accelerator pedal is not impeded. Not more than one protective floor covering may be used at one time.
Electrical system
When replacing the battery or when carrying out work involving the electrical system, the following should be
observed:
A battery connection to the wrong terminal will damage the electrical system. Be sure to connect the positive battery
cable to the positive battery terminal and the negative battery cable to the negative battery terminal.
If booster batteries are used for starting, they must be properly connected to minimize the risk of the electrical
system being damaged. For correct connection, see "Jump starting" section.
Never disconnect the battery circuit (for example, to replace the battery) while the engine is running, as this may
damage the generator. Always make sure that all the battery connections are properly cleaned and tightened.
If any electrical welding work is performed on the vehicle, the battery's ground lead (negative cable) and all the
connecting cables of the generator must be disconnected and the welder cables placed as near the welding points as
possible.
The radio must be turned off before the battery is disconnected.
Switch off the ignition for at least 10 minutes before disconnecting the battery.
pg. 91 Roof racks/Load carriers
Load carriers (accessory)
Load carriers are available as Volvo accessories. Observe the following points when in use:
To avoid damaging your car and to achieve maximum safety when driving, we recommend using the load carriers
that Volvo has developed especially for your car.
The maximum weight that may be loaded on the roof is 220 lbs (100 kg), including load carriers.
Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loads evenly.
Place heavier cargo at the bottom of the load.
Anchor the cargo correctly with appropriate tie-down equipment.
Check periodically that the load carriers and load are properly secured.
Remember that the car's center of gravity and handling change when you carry a load on the roof.
The car's wind resistance (and correspondingly, fuel consumption) will increase with the size of the load.
Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid starts, fast cornering and hard braking.
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2 0 0 2
VOLVO V70
Chapter 8 - Maintenance/Servicing
pg. 111 Maintenance/Servicing
Fuses112
Replacing bulbs116
Paint touch up122
Washing the car123
Cleaning the upholstery124
Maintenance service, Warranty125
Fuel/emissions systems126
Drive belt, Air pump system, Coolant127
Emissions maintenance128
Opening the hood, Engine compartment130
Engine oil131
Power steering/Brake fluid reservoirs133
Battery maintenance134
Replacing wiper blades136
pg. 112 Fuses
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Replacing fuses
If an electrical component fails to function, it is possible that a fuse has blown due to a temporary circuit overload.
Fuses are located in different places:
A - Relays/fuse box in the engine compartment
B - Fuse box in the passenger compartment
C - Relays/fuse box in the cargo area
A label on the inside of each cover indicates the amperage and the electrical components that are connected to each
fuse.
The easiest way to see if a fuse is blown is to remove it. Pull the fuse straight out. If a fuse is difficult to remove, you
will find a special fuse removal tool in the passenger compartment fuse box. From the side, examine the curved metal
wire to see if it is broken. If so, put in a new fuse of the same color and amperage (written on the fuse). Spare fuses
are stored in the fuse box in the passenger compartment. If fuses burn out repeatedly, have the electrical system
inspected by an authorized Volvo retailer.
WARNING!
Never use fuses with higher amperage that those stated on the following pages. Doing so could overload the car's
electrical system.
pg. 113 Fuses in the engine compartment
Relays/fuses in the engine compartment
When replacing fuses, be sure to replace a blown fuse with a new one of the same color and amperage (written on the
fuse). Fuse amperage is also indicated on the inside of the fuse box cover.
Ordinary fuses
Location Amperage
1 Accessories 25A
2 Auxiliary lamps (option) 20A
3 Vacuum pump 15A
4 Oxygen sensors 20A
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5 Crankcase ventilation heater, Solenoid valves 15A
6 Mass airflow sensor, Engine control module, Injectors 15A
7 Throttle module10A
8 AC compressor, Accelerator pedal position sensor 10A
9 Horn 15A
10 Tailgate wiper 10A
11 AC compressor, Ignition coils 20A
12 Brake light switch 5A
13 Windshield wipers 25A
14 ABS 30A
15 -
16 Windshield and headlight washers 15A
17 Low beam, right 10A
18 Low beam, left 10A
19 ABS 30A
20 High beam, left 15A
21 High beam, right 15A
22 Starter motor 25A
23 Engine control module 5A
24 -
pg. 114 Fuses in the passenger compartment
Fuse box in the passenger compartment
This fuse box is located at the far left side of the instrument panel. Extra fuses and the fuse removal tool are also stored
here. When replacing a blown fuse, be sure to replace it with a new one of the same color and amperage (written on
the fuse).
Location Amperage
1 -
2 -
3 Low beam headlights 15A
4 High beam headlights 20A
5 Power driver's seat 30A
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Replacing high/low beam headlight bulbs
The headlight bulbs must be replaced from the engine compartment.
CAUTION:
Do not touch the glass on halogen bulbs with your fingers. Grease, oil or any other impurities can be carbonized onto
the bulb and cause damage to the reflector.
Be sure to use bulbs of the correct type and voltage.
To remove a defective low beam bulb:
Switch off all lights and turn the ignition switch to position 0.
Open the hood.
Remove the plastic cover over the bulb (1) by turning it counterclockwise.
Remove the connector (2).
Loosen the retaining spring (3) by first moving it to the right and then moving it down, out of the way.
Pull out the defective bulb. Note the position of the guide lug on the base of the bulb (4).
To install a new low beam bulb (H7):
Insert the new bulb, without touching the glass, with the guide lug upward (1). The bulb will only seat properly in
this position.
Move the retaining spring up and push it slightly to the left until it seats properly (2).
Press the connector into place on the bulb (3).
Reinstall the plastic cover and turn it clockwise until it is correctly in place (4). "TOP" must be upward.
NOTE: If the vertical aim of your headlights needs to be adjusted for any reason (e.g., towing a trailer for extended
periods), this should be done by an authorized Volvo retailer.
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These bulbs may be difficult for you to replace yourself. We recommend that you let an authorized Volvo retailer
replace these bulbs if necessary.
Rear reading lights
These bulbs may be difficult for you to replace yourself. We recommend that you let an authorized Volvo retailer
replace these bulbs if necessary.
NOTE: Other bulbs may be difficult for you to replace yourself. Let an authorized Volvo retailer replace these bulbs if
necessary.
pg. 122 Paint touch up
Paint touch-up
Paint damage requires immediate attention to avoid rusting. Make it a habit to check the finish regularly - when
washing the car for instance. Touch-up if necessary.
Paint repairs require special equipment and skill. Contact your Volvo retailer for any extensive damage.
Minor scratches can be repaired by using Volvo touch-up paint.
NOTE: When ordering touch-up paint from your Volvo retailer, use the paint code indicated on the model plate. The
plate is located in the engine compartment.
Minor stone chips and scratches
Material:
Primer - can
Paint - touch-up bottle
Brush
Masking tape
NOTE: When touching up the car, it should be clean and dry. The surface temperature should be above 60° F (15° C).
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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. Mix according to manufacturer's instructions. Bumpers:
The bumpers are painted. Wash the bumpers with the same cleaning agent used on the rest of the car. Never clean the
bumpers with gasoline or paint thinner. Difficult spots can be removed with denatured alcohol. To avoid scratches, do
not dry the bumpers with paper.
WARNING!
When the car is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes 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.
pg. 124 Washing the car, Cleaning the upholstery
Automatic washing - simple and quick
We do NOT recommend washing your car in an automatic wash during the first six months (because the
paint will not have hardened sufficiently).
An automatic wash is a simple and quick way to clean your car, but it is worth remembering that it may not be as
thorough as when you yourself go over the car with sponge and water. Keeping the underbody clean is most important,
especially in the winter. Some automatic washers do not have facilities for washing the underbody.
Before driving into an automatic wash, make sure that side view mirrors, auxiliary lamps, etc, are secure, otherwise
there is risk of the machine dislodging them.
Polishing and waxing
Normally, polishing is not required during the first year after delivery. However, waxing may be beneficial.
Before applying polish or wax the car must be washed and dried. Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar
remover. Difficult spots may require a fine rubbing compound.
After polishing, use liquid or paste wax.
Several commercially available products contain both polish and wax.
Waxing alone does not substitute for polishing of a dull surface.
A wide range of polymer-based car waxes can be purchased today. These waxes are easy to use and produce a long-
lasting, high-gloss finish that protects the bodywork against oxidation, road dirt and fading.
Do not polish or wax your car in direct sunlight (the surface of the car should not be warmer than 113° F (45° C).
Cleaning the upholstery
The fabric can be cleaned with soapy water or a detergent. For more difficult spots caused by oil, ice cream, shoe
polish, grease, etc., use a clothing/fabric stain remover.
The plastic in the upholstery can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.
Leather upholstery/suede-like upholstery (alcanteraª) can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution. For
more difficult spots, Volvo offers a leather care kit.
Under no circumstances should gasoline, naphtha or similar cleaning agents be used on the plastic or the
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