Page 116 of 242

2003 VOLVO XC90
l Models equipped with a 5-cylinder turbo engine have five forward speeds.\
Models equipped with a 6-
cylinder turbo engine have four forward speeds
l A "lock-up" feature on gears 3 and 4 (and 5, if equipped) reduces engi\
ne speed and help saves fuel.
The currently selected gear will be displayed in the instrument panel (\
see
page 24).
l To access the (MAN)ual shifting position from (D)rive, move the gear selector to the left to MAN.
l To return to the (D)rive position from MAN, move the gear selector to the right.
While driving
If you select the (MAN)ual position while driving, the gear that was being used in the (D)rive position
will also initially be selected in (MAN)ual position.
l Move the gear selector forward (toward "+") to shift to a higher gear \
or rearward (toward "-") to shift
to a lower gear.
l If you hold the gear selector toward "-", the transmission will downshif\
t one gear and will utilize the
braking power of the engine. If the current speed is too high for using \
a lower gear, the downshift will
not occur until the speed has decreased enough to allow the lower gear t\
o be used.
l If you slow down to a very low speed, the transmission will automaticall\
y shift down.
l When starting in the (MAN)ual position, 3rd gear is the highest gear that may be selected.
Kickdown
Automatic shift to a lower gear (kickdown) is achieved by depressing t\
he accelerator pedal fully and
briskly. An upshift will occur when approaching the top speed for a part\
icular gear or by releasing the
accelerator pedal slightly. Kickdown can be used for maximum acceleratio\
n or when passing at highway
speeds.
NOTE: The gear selector must be in the D (Drive) position for kickdown to fu\
nction.
Automatic transmission - adaptive system
The automatic transmission is controlled by an adaptive control system t\
hat constantly monitors the way
in which the transmission functions. It senses and adapts each gear shif\
t for optimal performance. The
system also monitors your particular driving style and adapts gear shift\
ing accordingly.
pg. 93 Starting and driving
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_06a.htm (13 of 15)12/30/20\
06 4:18:58 PM
Page 129 of 242

2003 VOLVO XC90
pg. 103 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially des\
igned for the vehicle.
l Maximum trailer weights recommended by Volvo are:
All models - trailers without brakes: 1,650 lbs (750 kg)
Models with all wheel drive - trailers with brakes: 4,960 lbs (2250 kg)\
Models with front wheel drive - trailers with brakes: 3,970 lbs (1800 k\
g)
Observe the legal requirements of the state/province in which the vehicl\
es are registered.
l All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumper\
s. Trailer hitch
installation should not interfere with the proper operation of this bump\
er system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but ta\
ke into consideration:
l Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See section "Wheels and tire\
s."
l When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 6\
20 miles (1,000 km).
l Recommended hitch tongue load is: Trailer weights below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 110 lbs (50 kg)
Trailer weights above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 198 lbs (90 kg)
l Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 mph (80 km/h).
l Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engin\
e coolant temperature should
be closely watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use a \
lower gear and turn off the air
conditioner if the temperature gauge needle enters the red range.
l If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be disp\
layed in the text window.
l Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
l Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
l It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes\
to provide a safe stop (check
and observe state/local regulations).
l Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brak\
e system.
l More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
l Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
l Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer o\
ver long distances or in
mountainous areas.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_06b.htm (11 of 17)12/30/20\
06 4:18:59 PM
Page 188 of 242

2003 VOLVO XC90
19. Heated front passenger's seat (option)15
20. Infotainment system 10
21. Relay extended D1 feed: climate control system, power driver's seat,\
instrument panel 10
22. Headlight switch module, climate control system, onboard diagnostic \
connector,
steering wheel lever modules 5
23. Turn signals 20
24. Automatic transmission - shift inhibitor, extended D2 feed 10
25. Fuel pump 15
26. Moonroof (option) 15
27. Central electronic module, vanity mirror lighting, courtesy lighting\
, glove compartment
lighting, alarm siren* 10
28. Alarm siren* 5
29. -
30. Daytime running lights 10
31. Daytime running lights 10
32. Left front/rear parking lights 7.5
33. Right front/rear parking lights, license plate lights 7.5
34. Front fog lights 15
35. -
36. High beam headlights 20
37. Navigation system (option), DVD player 10
38. Low beam headlights, Bi-Xenon headlights (option) 15
Please be aware that if these fuese are not intact, or have been removed\
, the alarm will not sound.
pg. 148 Maintenance
Fuses (contd)
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_09b.htm (21 of 23)12/30/20\
06 4:19:04 PM
Page 195 of 242

2003 VOLVO XC90
2) Vehicles with all wheel drive (AWD), see also page 103
WARNING!
When adding accessories, equipment, luggage and other cargo to your vehi\
cle, the total capacity
weight must not be exceeded.
Capacities
Fuel tank 19 US gals. (72 liters), minimum octane requirement - AKI 87 (RON
91) - unleaded fuel (See also page 84)
Engine oil
B5254T2 6.1 US qts. (5.8 liters)
B6294T 7.1 US qts. (6.7 liters)
Transmission oil
Automatic (AW 55-50 5- speed) 7.9 US qts. (7.5 liters)
Automatic (GM 4-speed) 13.4 US qts (12.7 liters)
Miscellaneous
Power steering 0.9 US qts. (0.9 liters)
Windshield washer reservoir 6.9 US qts. (6.5 liters)
Brake fluid 0.63 US qts. (0.6 liters)
Air conditioning system Front - 2.2 lb. (1 kg), Rear (option) 2.9 lb. (1.3 kg) R 134a
pg. 153 Specifications
Lubricants
Engine oil
Meeting minimum ILSAC specification GF-2, including ACEA A1, API SJ, SJ/\
CF and SJ/ Energy
Conserving.
Oil additives must not be used.
Transmission
Oil grade:
4-speed automatic (on models with 6-cylinder turbo engines):
Dexron III G (Volvo P/N 1161521).
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_10.htm (5 of 10)12/30/2006\
4:19:05 PM
Page 196 of 242
2003 VOLVO XC90
5-speed automatic (on models with 5-cylinder turbo engines):
Volvo synthetic transmission oil Volvo P/N 1161540.
Different types of oil should never be mixed.
Power steering
Grade: ATF
Brake fluid
Fluid type: DOT 4+ boiling point >536°F (280°C), P/N 9437433
Cooling system
Type Positive pressure, closed system.
Coolant Volvo original coolant/antifreeze
Volume 5-cyl. turbo 9.3 US qts. (8.8 liters)
6-cyl. turbo 11.2 US qts (10.6 liters)
The thermostat begins to open at 194°F (90°C).
Suspension
Rear suspension
Individual rear wheel suspension with longitudinal support arms, double \
link arms and track rods.
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.
pg. 154 Specifications
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_10.htm (6 of 10)12/30/2006\
4:19:05 PM