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2003 VOLVO XC90
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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2003 VOLVO XC90
l Capacity (including filter): 5-cylinder turbo engine - 6.1 US qt (5.8\
liters).
6-cylinder turbo engine - 7 US qt (6.7 liters)
l The oil filter should be replaced at every oil change.
pg. 131 Maintenance
Washer fluid reservoir
Washer fluid reservoir
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and hold\
s approx. 6.8 US qt (6.5 liters).
During cold weather, the reservoir should be filled with windshield wash\
er solvent containing antifreeze.
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2003 VOLVO XC90
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
Brake fluid reservoir
The brake fluid should always be above the MIN mark on the side of the r\
eservoir. Check, without
removing the cap, that there is sufficient fluid in the reservoir.
Fluid type : DOT 4+ boiling point >536°F (280°C), P/N 9437433
Replace : Every second year or 30,000 miles (48,000 km). The fluid should be rep\
laced once a year or
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) when driving under extremely hard condi\
tions (mountain driving, etc.)
Always entrust brake fluid changing to an authorized Volvo retailer.
Power steering fluid reservoir
The fluid level should always be between the MIN and MAX marks. Fluid type : ATF
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2003 VOLVO XC90
Replace : No fluid change required
NOTE: If a problem should occur in the power steering system or if the vehicle\
has no electrical current
and must be towed, it is still possible to steer the vehicle. However, k\
eep in mind that greater effort will
be required to turn the steering wheel.
pg. 133 Interior
Wiper blades
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2003 VOLVO XC90
NOTE: The driver's side wiper blade is straight. The passenger's side wiper bl\
ade is curved to match the
curve at the base of the windshield.
Replacing windshield wiper blades
1. Lift the wiper arm off the windshield and hold the blade at a 45° \
to the arm. Press the end of the
plastic clip located on the arm.
2. Slide the wiper blade along the arm to release it from the hook. The \
entire hooked part of the wiper
arm must pass through the opening in the wiper blade.
3. Pull the old blade free of the wiper arm. Install the new blade (ins\
tallation is the reverse of removal)
and make sure that it is properly attached to the wiper arm (clicks int\
o place).
NOTE: For reasons of safety, you should change the windshield wiper blades as \
soon as they start to
leave marks on the windshield or fail to wipe efficiently and cleanly. T\
o obtain maximum lifetime from
a set of wiper blades, clean them with a stiff-bristle brush and warm, s\
oapy water as part of a normal car
wash.
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2003 VOLVO XC90
Tailgate wiper blade
1. Pull the wiper blade out, away from the tailgate window.
2. Pull the wiper blade outward, toward the tailgate.
3. Press the new wiper blade into place. Check that it is properly secur\
ed.
Contents | Top of Page
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pg. 134 Maintenance
Battery Maintenance
The battery in your vehicle is located under the floor of the cargo comp\
artment.
Driving habits and conditions, climate, the number of starts, etc. all a\
ffect the service life and function of
the battery. In order for your battery to perform satisfactorily, keep t\
he following in mind:
l Check the fluid level in each cell in the battery every 24 months or eve\
ry 15,000* miles (24,000 km),
whichever is sooner. The fluid should be at the level shown in the illus\
tration above (A)**.
l Use a screw driver to open the caps and a flashlight to inspect the leve\
l.
l If necessary, add distilled water. The level should never be above the i\
ndicator (A**).
l The fluid level should be checked if the battery has been recharged.
l After inspection, be sure the cap over each battery cell is securely in \
place.
l Check that the battery cables are correctly connected and properly tight\
ened. Route ventilation hose
through opening in floor (see
page 135)
l Never disconnect the battery when the engine is running, for example whe\
n changing the battery.
l The battery should be disconnected from the vehicle when a battery charg\
er is used directly on the
battery.
l However, if the battery is being charged via the connecting points in th\
e engine compartment (see
page 102), the battery must be connected.
* More frequently in warm climates.
** The level indicator inside the battery could be designed in various w\
ays. See illustration.
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