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2003 VOLVO XC90
WARNING!
The ignition system has very high voltage! The voltage in the ignition s\
ystem is dangerous!
Do not touch spark plugs, ignition cables or the ignition coil when the \
engine is running or the
ignition is switched on!
The ignition should be switched off when:
- Conducting engine tests.
- Replacing parts in the ignition system, such as spark plugs, ignition \
coil, distributor, ignition cables,
etc.
- Never try to repair any part of the SRS/ SIPS/WHIPS/IC systems yoursel\
f. Any interference in the
system could cause malfunction and serious injury. Any work should only \
be performed by an
authorized Volvo workshop.
pg. 127 Maintenance
Belt check
Check the belt regularly to make sure it is in good condition and is cle\
an. A worn or dirty belt can cause
poor cooling and low alternator output as well as impair the operation o\
f the power steering and the air
conditioning unit.
NOTE: The drive belt is equipped with a self-tensioning mechanism and requires\
no adjustment
between changes.
WARNING!
The engine must not be running when this check is
performed.
Check coolant level
The cooling system must be filled with coolant and not leak to operate a\
t maximum efficiency. Check
the coolant level regularly. The level should be between the "MAX" and "\
MIN" marks on the expansion
tank. The check should be made with particular thoroughness when the eng\
ine is new or when the
cooling system has been drained.
Do not remove the filler cap other than for topping up with coolant. Fre\
quent removal may prevent
coolant circulation between the engine and the expansion tank during eng\
ine warm up and cooling.
Changing coolant
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2003 VOLVO XC90
Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be\
drained, consult your Volvo
retailer.
NOTE: Do not top off with water only. This reduces the rust-protective and ant\
ifreeze qualities of the
coolant and has a lower boiling point. It can also cause damage to the c\
ooling system if it should freeze.
Top off with Volvo Genuine Coolant/Antifreeze only (a 50/50 mix of wate\
r and antifreeze). CAUTION
The cooling system must always be kept filled to the correct level. If i\
t is not kept filled, there can be
high local temperatures in the engine which could result in damage. Diff\
erent types of antifreeze/
coolant may not be mixed.
WARNING!
Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is warm. Wait until the v\
ehicle
cools.
pg. 128 Maintenance
Engine compartment
Engine compartment
1. Brake fluid reservoir
2. Relay/fuse box
3. Air cleaner
4. Cooling fan
5. Radiator
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6. Dipstick - engine oil
7. Filler cap - engine oil
8. Washer fluid reservoir
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
10. Expansion tank - coolant
11. Data plate
12. Battery (under floor in rear cargo area)
WARNING!
The cooling fan (4) may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 min\
utes) after the engine has been
switched off.
pg. 129 Maintenance
Oil and fluids
Oil quality
Engine oil must meet the minimum ILSAC specification GF-2, including ACE\
A A1, API SJ, SJ/CF and
SJ/Energy Conserving.
Your Volvo has been certified to standards using ILSAC oil specification\
GF-2 5W-30. Volvo
recommends use of oil with a quality rating equal to or higher than ILSA\
C GF-2. Equivalent and better
oils include ACEA A1, API SJ, SJ/CF, and SJ/Energy conserving. Lower qua\
lity oils may not offer the
same fuel economy, engine performance, or engine protection.
Volvo Cars recommends Castrol.
Depending on your driving habits, premium or synthetic oils may provide \
superior fuel economy and
engine protection. Consult your Volvo retailer for recommendations on pr\
emium or synthetic oils.
Oil additives must not be used.
NOTE: Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintena\
nce is carried out. This
oil is only used at customer request, at additional charge. Please consu\
lt your Volvo retailer.
Operation in hot climates.
When temperatures exceed 86° F (30° C) in your area, Volvo recom\
mends, for the protection of your
engine, that you use a heavier weight oil, such as SAE 10W-30. See the v\
iscosity chart below.
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Oil and fluids (contd)
Checking the oil level
The oil level should be checked every time the vehicle is refueled. This\
is especially important
during the period up to the first maintenance. CAUTION
Not checking the oil level regularly can result in serious engine damage\
if the oil level becomes too
low.
Park the vehicle on a level surface and wait for at least 5 minutes afte\
r the engine has been switched
off. Be sure the oil level is maintained between the upper and lower mar\
ks on the dipstick. Low oil
level can cause internal damage to the engine and overfilling can result\
in high oil consumption. The
distance between the dipstick marks represents approx. 1.6 US qt (1.5 l\
iter). The oil should preferably
be checked when cold, before the engine has been started.
NOTE: The engine must be stopped when checking the oil.
WARNING!
Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into contact with hot exhaust pip\
e
surfaces.
Adding oil (topping up)
l Add oil of the same kind as already used.
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Coolant reservoir
Changing coolant
Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be\
drained, consult your Volvo
retailer.
NOTE: Do not top off with water only. This reduces the rust-protective and ant\
ifreeze qualities of the
coolant and has a lower boiling point. It can also cause damage to the c\
ooling system if it should freeze.
Top off with Volvo Genuine Coolant/Antifreeze only (a 50/50 mix of wate\
r and antifreeze).
CAUTION
The cooling system must always be kept filled to the correct level. If i\
t is not kept filled, there can be
high local temperatures in the engine which could result in damage. Diff\
erent types of antifreeze/
coolant may not be mixed.
Check coolant regularly!
WARNING!
- Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is warm. Wait until the\
vehicle cools.
- If it is necessary to top up the coolant when the engine is warm, unsc\
rew the expansion tank cap
slowly so that the overpressure dissipates.
pg. 132 Interior
Oil and fluids (contd)
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2003 VOLVO XC90
10. Reinstall the cover and retaining bracket and screw it securely in p\
lace.
ventilation hose
WARNING!
- Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
- Do not smoke near the battery.
- Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow battery fluid to co\
ntact eyes, skin, fabrics or
painted surfaces. If contact occurs, flush the affected area immediately\
with water. Obtain medical
help immediately if eyes are affected.
pg. 136 Maintenance
Battery Maintenance (contd)
WARNING!
Ventilation hose: The battery generates hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive. T\
he
battery is fitted with a ventilation hose which vents hydrogen gas out o\
f the battery compartment
through a ventilation opening in the bottom of this compartment. If the \
battery must be replaced, it is
essential that the ventilation hose is properly connected to the battery\
and that it is routed through the
ventilation opening provided (see illustration).
Be sure the ventilation hose is free of debris. Only use replacement bat\
teries equipped with a
ventilation hose. Consult your Volvo retailer.
NOTE: After the battery has been disconnected or replaced, lock and unlock the\
vehicle with the central
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2003 VOLVO XC90
locking system's remote control to reactivate such features as the power\
windows, moonroof, courtesy
lighting, etc.
WARNING!
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead \
compounds, chemicals known
to the state of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash h\
ands after handling.
pg. 137 Maintenance
Bulbs
The following bulbs are used in the vehicle:
1. Low beam/high beam - 55W H7
2. Bi-Xenon headlight (option) - 35W D2R
3. Backup light - 21 W BA15
4. Brake light - 21W BA15
5. Turn signals, rear - PY21W(amber bulb)
6. Turn signals, front - H21W
7. Door step courtesy light/cargo area lighting - W5W
8. Vanity mirror - 1,2W
9. License plate lighting/parking light in headlight/side marker light, \
rear W5W
Side turn signal - W5W (amber bulb)
10. Fog lights, front - 55W H1
11. Fog light, rear - 21W BA5
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2003 VOLVO XC90
12. Parking lights, rear - P21/4W
l Never touch the glass of bulbs 1, 2, 3, 10 with your fingers. Grease and\
oils from your fingers
evaporate in the heat and will leave a deposit on the reflector, quickly\
damaging it.
l Bi-Xenon headlight bulbs (option) contain trace amounts of mercury. Th\
ese bulbs should always be
disposed of by an authorized Volvo retailer.
WARNING!
Bi-Xenon headlights (option) - due to the high voltage used by these h\
eadlights, these bulbs should
only be replaced by an authorized Volvo service technician.
pg. 138 Maintenance
Retaining pins
Replacing high/low beams/turn signal/parking light bulbs
The entire lamp housing must be lifted out when replacing these bulbs.
To lift out the lamp housing:
1. Switch off the ignition.
2. Open the hood.
3. Pull up the retaining pins (see the illustration above).
4. Lift out the lamp housing.
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