2003 VOLVO C70 ESP

Service reminder indicator
This light will come on at 7,500 mile (12,000 km) intervals, after 750 hours of driving or after 12 months, whichever
occurs first. It is a reminder to the driver that the service interval has been exceeded. The light will stay on for 2
minutes after start until reset by the servicing retailer.
Bulb failure warning light
The light will come on if any of the following bulbs are defective:
one of the low beam headlights
one of the tail lights
one of the brake lights when the brake pedal is depressed.
Check the fuse and bulb. See sections "Replacing bulbs" and "fuses.
Should the warning light come on after a defective outside bulb has been replaced, the corresponding bulb on the other
side of the car should also be replaced.
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.
pg. 20 Headlights, Parking lights, Turn signals
Headlights and parking lights
All lights off *
Parking lights on *
Headlights and parking lights are on if starting (ignition ) switch is in positions I or II.
If the headlight switch is in the position
all lights will go out when the starting switch is switched off.
ProCarManuals.com

2 0 0 3
VOLVO C70
Chapter 4 - Starting and driving
pg. 59 Starting and driving
Page
Fuel requirements, Refueling 60
Driving economy63
Starting the engine64
Manual transmission65
Automatic transmission66
Points to remember68
Trunk -mounted luggage racks70
Emergency towing71
Vehicle towing information72
Jump starting73
Brake/Stability systems74
Trailer towing76
Winter driving77
pg. 60 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 wearing in 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 116-117.
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.
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.
Manual transmission
ProCarManuals.com

and the brake pedal must be depressed. See page 101 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! Too rapid 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.
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!
* 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.
pg. 65 Manual transmission
Shift positions
ProCarManuals.com

and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a minimum level of performance that all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible
tire failure.
pg. 84 This page left intentionally blank

Contents | Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com

Clean the contact surfaces on the wheel and hub. Lift the wheel and place it on the hub. Make sure that you align the
wheel with the guide stud on the wheel hub prior to installation. Install the wheel bolts crosswise (see illustration) and
tighten by turning lightly clockwise. Lower the vehicle to the ground and alternately tighten the bolts to 100 ft. lbs.
(130 Nm). Install the wheel cap (where applicable).
CAUTION: Correct tightening torque on wheel bolts must be observed. The wheel bolts should never be greased or
lubricated. The extended, chromed wheel bolts must not be used with steel rims, as they make it impossible to fit the
hub caps.
Correct tightening order for wheel bolts
pg. 88 Spare tire
Temporary Spare (certain models)
The spare tire in your car is called a "Temporary Spare". It has the following designation: T125/90 R15.
Recommended tire pressure (see decal on fuel filler flap) should be maintained irrespective of which position on the
car the Temporary Spare tire is used on.
In the event of damage to this tire, a new one can be purchased from your Volvo retailer.
CAUTION: The car must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions or with a spare tire other than the one that
came with the car. The use of different size wheels can seriously damage your car's transmission.
WARNING!
Current legislation prohibits the use of the "Temporary Spare" tire other than as a temporary replacement for a
punctured tire. In other words, it must be replaced as soon as possible by a standard tire. Roadholding, etc., may be
affected with the "Temporary Spare" in use. Do not, therefore, exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
pg. 89 Replacing bulbs
ProCarManuals.com

* Pay special attention to the drain holes near the base of the windshield in the cowl under the rear edge of the hood.
pg. 107 Cleaning the convertible top, Polishing and waxing
Automatic car washing
An automatic was 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 automatice 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. You should also lower the antenna by turning off the radio.
We do NOT recommend washing your car in an automatice wash during the first six months (because the paint will
not have hardened sufficiently).
Cleaning the convertible top
CAUTION:
Some automatic car washes can damage the convertible top. For this reason, we recommend washing the car by
hand only.
Remember that the windows are lowered slightly when the convertible top is raised. Be sure the windows are closed
and the convertible top is completely raised and properly in place at the upper edge of the windshield before washing
the car. A chime indicates when the top has been fully raised (see page 40
).
Wash the convertible top with a mild detergent, wiping from the front towards the rear. Rinse thoroughly with clean
water.
Do not wash the convertible top with a high pressure spray.
After washing, the convertible top should be completely dry before it is folded down.
Remove bird droppings from the convertible top as soon as possible. Otherwise the top may be permanently stained.
A soft brush can be used to clean the convertible top between washings.
Winter: remove any residue of road salt from the convertible top as soon as possible.
Do not use solvents, tar remover or other all-purpose stain removers to clean the convertible top. Use Volvo
approved cleaning agents only - consult your Volvo retailer.
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 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, highgloss finish that protects the bodywork against oxidation, road dirt and fading.
ProCarManuals.com

pg. 108 Cleaning the upholstery
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 Volvo plastic-rubber cleaner.
Leather upholstery can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution. For more difficult spots, Volvo offers a
leather care kit.
On no account must gasoline, naphtha or similar cleaning agents be used on the plastic or the leather since these
can cause damage.
Cleaning the seat belts
Clean only with lukewarm water and mild soap solution.
Cleaning floor mats
The floor mats should be vacuumed or brushed clean regularly, especially during winter when they should be taken out
for drying. Spots on textile mats can be removed with a mild detergent.
Bear in mind
Take extra care when removing stains such as ink or lipstick since the coloring can spread.
Use solvents sparingly. Too much solvent can damage the seat padding.
Start from the outside of the stain and work toward the center.

Contents | Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com

The VIN plate is located on the top left surface of the dashboard. The VIN is also stamped on the right hand door
pillar.
6 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) specifications (USA) and Ministry of Transport (CMVSS)
standards (Canada)
Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable safety standards, as evidenced by the certification label on the rear edge
of the driver's door. For further information regarding these regulations, please consult your Volvo retailer.
* The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should always be quoted in all correspondence concerning your vehicle
with the retailer and when ordering parts.
** These decals are located on the underside of the hood.
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
pg. 111 Maintenance service, Warranty
Maintenance service
Volvo advises you to follow the service program which is outlined in the "Maintenance Records Manual". This
maintenance program contains inspections and services necessary for the proper function of your car. The maintenance
services contain several checks which require special instruments and tools and therefore must be performed by a
qualified technician. To keep your Volvo in top condition, specify time tested and proven Genuine Volvo Parts and
Accessories.
The Federal Clean Air Act U.S.
The Federal Clean Air Act requires vehicle manufacturers to furnish written instructions to the ultimate purchaser to
assure the proper servicing and function of the components that control emissions. These services, which are listed in
the "Warranty and Service Records Information booklet," are not covered by the warranty. You will be required to pay
for labor and material used.
ProCarManuals.com