pg. 29 Indicator and warning lights
Rear fog light
This light indicates that the rear fog light is on.
Malfunction indicator lamp
On-Board Diagnostic II (OBDII): As you drive, a computer called "OBDII" monitors your car's engine, transmission,
electrical and emission systems. The CHECK ENGINE light will light up if the computer senses a condition that
potentially may need correcting. When this happens, please have your car checked by a Volvo retailer as soon as
possible.
A CHECK ENGINE light may have many causes. Sometimes, you may not notice a change in your car's behavior.
Even so, an uncorrected condition could hurt fuel economy, emission cleanliness, and driveability. Extended driving
without correcting the cause could even damage other components in your car.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:
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.
Anti-lock Brake System ABS
If the warning light comes on, there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system will still
function). The vehicle should be driven to a Volvo retailer for inspection. See page 19
for additional information.
Stability Traction Control (STC) system (option), or Dynamic Stability and
Traction Control (DSTC) system (option)
An indicator light will flash when STC or DSTC is actively working to stabilize the car. See pages 20-21 for more
detailed information.
Turn signal indicator - trailer (certain models)
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If you are towing a trailer, this light will flash simultaneously with the turn signals on the trailer. If the light does not
flash when signaling, neither the trailer's turn signals nor the car's turn signals are functioning.
Seat belt reminder
This symbol lights up to indicate that the driver has not fastened his/her seat belt.
pg. 30 Text information window
Messages in the text window
When a warning light in the instrument panel comes on, a message is also displayed in the text window. After you
have read the message, you can erase it by pressing button A (see illustration above).
NOTE: Certain messages cannot be erased until the condition has been corrected.
Warning messages override text messages from any car feature that also uses the text window. A warning message
must be acknowledged (erased) before you can access the feature of your choice. Press button A to erase the warning
message.
Erased messages are stored in the system's memory until the required action has been taken. You can scroll through
the stored messages by pressing button A. The text window can be cleared (the message will be returned to memory)
by pressing button A again.
General messages
STOP SAFELY: Stop and switch off the engine - to help prevent serious risk of damage.
STOP ENGINE: Stop and switch off the engine - to help prevent serious risk of damage.
SERVICE URGENT: Take your car to an authorized Volvo retailer for inspection as soon as possible.
SEE MANUAL: Refer to your owner's manual. For additional information, please contact your Volvo retailer.
SERVICE REQUIRED: Take your car to an authorized Volvo retailer for inspection at your convenience (but
preferably before the next scheduled maintenance service).
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Trip computer
The trip computer stores information gathered from several systems in your car and has four menus that can be
displayed in the text window.
Driving distance on current fuel reserve
Average fuel consumption
Current fuel consumption
Average speed
Current speed in mph (Canadian models only)
NOTE: Warning messages from the car's monitoring systems will override the trip computer function. If a warning
message is displayed in the text window while you are using the trip computer, you must acknowledge the message by
pressing button A. Press button A again to return to the trip computer function.
Trip computer controls and functions
The four* trip computer functions can be accessed by twisting control B one step at a time in either direction. Twisting
a fifth time** returns you to the original function.
The trip computer can be reset (current data will be erased from system memory) by pressing RESET (button C).
1. Driving distance on current fuel reserve
This function shows the approximate distance that can be driven on the fuel remaining in the tank. This calculation is
based on average fuel consumption during the last 12 miles (20 km) of driving and the amount of fuel remaining in the
tank when the reading was taken. When the driving distance on current fuel reserve is less than 12 miles (20 km), "----
" will be displayed in the text window.
2. Average fuel consumption
This value indicates fuel consumption since the last time the trip computer was reset (by pressing RESET, button C).
When the engine is switched off, information on fuel consumption is stored and remains in system memory until the
RESET (button C) is pressed again.
3. Current fuel consumption
This value indicates the current fuel consumption, based on readings taken once per second. When the car is not
moving, "----" will be displayed.
4. Average speed
This value indicates average speed since the last time the trip computer was reset (by pressing RESET, button C).
When the engine is switched off, information on average speed is stored and remains in system memory until the
RESET (button C) is pressed again.
5. Current speed in miles per hour (Canadian models only)
This function provides the driver with an instantaneous conversion of the car's current speed from km/h to mph.
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Always keep the air intake grille at the base of the windshield free of snow.
Cabin air filter
Replace the cabin air filter with a new one at the recommended intervals. The filter should be replaced more often
when driving under dirty and dusty conditions. The filter cannot be cleaned and therefore should always be replaced
with a new one.
Sensors
The sunlight sensor on the dashboard and passenger compartment temperature sensor in the ECC control panel should
not be covered in any way as this could cause incorrect information to be sent to the ECC system.
Parking the car in warm weather
If your car has been parked in the sun in warm weather, opening the windows and sun roof (option) for several
minutes before driving will help release the warm air from the passenger compartment. When the engine is running,
close the windows and sun roof and use the recirculation function for several minutes to enable the air conditioning to
cool the compartment as quickly as possible.
Windows and optional sun roof
The ECC system will function best if the windows and optional sun roof are closed. If you drive with the sun roof
open, we recommend that you manually adjust the temperature and blower control (the LED in the AUTO switch
should be off).
Acceleration
The air conditioning is momentarily disengaged during full-throttle acceleration.
ECC maintenance
All maintenance on the climate control systems should be carried out by an authorized Volvo service technician only.
Refrigerant
Volvo cares about the environment. The air conditioning system in your car contains a CFC-free refrigerant - R134a.
This substance will not deplete the ozone layer. The system contains 2.2 lbs (1000 g) R134a and uses PAG oil.
Passenger compartment blower
Approximately 50 minutes after the ignition is turned off, the blower may come on automatically, and run for five
minutes, to remove condensation in the A/C evaporator.
pg. 48 Electronic Climate Control (ECC)
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Use the switch on the front door armrests to lock/unlock the car from the inside.WARNING!
If the doors are locked while driving, this may hinder rapid access to the occupants of the car in the event of an
accident. (Also see information on "Child safety locks").
NOTE: To help prevent accidentally locking the keys in the car, the central locking system is designed to unlock the
doors immediately if the key is left in the ignition switch, the car is locked using the lock button on the door and the
door is then closed. A sound from the lock will be audible at this time.
Please note that this function will not unlock the doors if the engine is running.
Immobilizer (start inhibitor)
Each of the keys supplied with your car contains a coded transmitter. The code in the key is transmitted to an antenna
in the ignition switch where it is compared to the code stored in the start inhibitor module. The car will start only with
a properly coded key. If you misplace a key, take the other keys to an authorized Volvo retailer for reprogramming as
an antitheft measure.
*This key operates only driver's door and ignition switch/steering wheel lock.
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.
Exterior courtesy lights
Home Safe System
When you leave your car at night, you can make use of the courtesy lighting function:
Remove the key from the ignition switch.
Pull the direction indicator lever towards the steering wheel (as when activating the high beams).
Exit the car and lock the doors.
The headlights, parking lights, license plate lights and the lights in the sideview mirrors will now come on and remain
on for 30, 60 or 90 seconds (the time interval is at your discretion and can be changed by an authorized Volvo retailer).
Approach lighting
When approaching the car at night, press the yellow button in the central locking remote control (see illustration on
page 77
). This lights up the interior courtesy light, parking lights, license plate lights and the lights in the sideview
mirrors.
pg. 77 Remote keyless entry system
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2 0 0 3
VOLVO V70
Chapter 6 - Starting and driving
pg. 83 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements84
Fuel Formulations85
Refueling86
Starting the engine87
Manual transmission89
Automatic transmission (AW5)90
Automatic transmission (Geartronic)92
All Wheel Drive94
Driving economy95
Points to remember96
Roof racks/load carriers97
Emergency towing99
Vehicle towing information100
Towing a trailer101
Detachable trailer hitch102
Jump starting103
Winter driving104
Long distance trips105
Three-way catalytic converter106
pg. 84 Fuel requirements
Fuel requirements
Octane rating : Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
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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).
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
Volvo recommends the use of gasoline containing deposit control additives. These additives have shown to be
effective 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 methyl-cyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission Control System performance may be affected,
and the Check Engine light (malfunction indicator lamp) located on your instrument panel may light. If this occurs,
please return your vehicle to an authorized Volvo retailer for service.
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: 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.
CAUTION! 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.
pg. 85 Fuel requirements
Carbon Monoxide - Important Warning
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust gases. If you ever smell
exhaust fumes inside the vehicle, make sure the passenger compartment is ventilated, and immediately return the
vehicle to your retailer for correction.
Fuel Formulations
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Do not use gasoline that contains lead as a knock inhibitor, and do not use lead additives. Besides damaging the
exhaust emission control systems on your car, lead has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer.
Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent. Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer. If you
live in an area where you must fill your own gas tank, take precautions. These may include:
standing upwind away from the filler nozzle while refueling
refueling only at gas stations with vapor recovery systems that fully seal the mouth of the filler neck during refueling
wear neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
Use of Additives
With the exception of gas line antifreeze during winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or other store -bought
additives to your car's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse may damage your engine, and some of these
additives contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.
pg. 86 Refueling
Refueling
The fuel tank holds approximately 18.5 US gals (70 liters) or 19 US gals (72 liters) on models equipped with All
Wheel Drive, 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 pump's
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 filler door
Press the button on the light switch panel (see illustration on page 34) when the car is at a standstill to unlock the fuel
filler door. Please note that the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the car begins to move forward. An audible
click will be heard when the fuel filler door relocks.
If you intend to leave your car while it is being refueled, this features enables you to lock the door/tailgate while
leaving the fuel filler door unlocked.
You can also keep the car locked if you remain inside it during refueling. The central locking button does not lock the
fuel filler door.
Be sure the fuel filler door is not obstructed and is completely closed after refueling. Open the fuel filler cap slowly
during hot weather conditions.
NOTE: During a transitional period, a small number of service stations may still have fuel nozzles that are not
compatible with the fuel filler neck on cars equipped with the evaporative control system. Please refer to page 130
for
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