2003 VOLVO XC90
Driving in rain and slush or passing through an automatic car wash can c\
ause water to collect on the
brake discs and pads. This will cause a delay in braking effect when the\
pedal is depressed. To avoid
such a delay when the brakes are needed, depress the pedal occasionally \
when driving through rain,
slush, etc. This will remove the water from the brakes. Check that brake\
application feels normal. This
should also be done after washing or starting in very damp or cold weath\
er.
Severe strain on the brake system
The brakes will be subject to severe strain when driving in mountains or\
hilly areas, or when towing a
trailer. Vehicle speed is usually slower, which means that the cooling o\
f the brakes is less efficient than
when driving on level roads. To reduce the strain on the brakes, shift i\
nto a lower gear and let the engine
help with the braking. Do not forget that if you are towing a trailer, t\
he brakes will be subjected to a
greater than normal load.
pg. 96 Starting and driving
Brake system (contd)
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
If the warning lamp lights up there is a malfunction of the ABS system (\
the standard braking system will
however function) and the vehicle should be driven cautiously to a Volv\
o retailer for inspection. The
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stop\
ping and steering) during severe
braking conditions by limiting brake lockup. When the system "senses" im\
pending lockup, braking
pressure is automatically modulated in order to help prevent lockup, whi\
ch could lead to a skid.
This system performs a self-diagnostic test when the engine is started a\
nd when the vehicle first
reaches a speed of approximately 12 mph (20 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsate several times and a
sound may be audible from the ABS control module. This is normal.
To obtain optimal effect from the ABS system, constant pressure should b\
e kept on the brake pedal,
keep constant pressure on the brake pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal.
The switching of the ABS modulator will be audible and the brake pedal w\
ill pulsate during braking.
Please be aware that ABS does not increase the absolute braking potentia\
l of the vehicle. While control
will be enhanced, ABS will not shorten stopping distances on slippery su\
rfaces.
ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
EBD is an integrated part of the ABS system. EBD regulates the hydraulic\
pressure to the rear brakes to
help provide optimal braking capacity. The brake pedal will pulsate duri\
ng braking, which is normal.
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in place.
After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet should be removed and retur\
ned to the tool bag. Press the
cover back into position.
Precautions when the vehicle is in tow
l The steering wheel must be unlocked. Turn the ignition key to position I\
or II.
l The gear selector must be in position N.
l Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not exceed the maximum allowable t\
owing speed.
l Maximum distance with front wheels on ground: 50 miles (80 km).
l While the vehicle is being towed, try to keep the tow rope taut at all t\
imes.
l The vehicle should only be towed in forward direction.
CAUTION
- Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this t\
ype of towing, as vehicles being
towed are subject to regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length \
and type of towing device,
lighting, etc.
- If the vehicle's battery is dead, do not attempt to start the vehicle \
by pushing or pulling it as this will
damage the three-way catalytic converter(s). The engine must be jump s\
tarted using an auxiliary
battery (see
page 102).
- If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets \
must not be used to secure the
vehicle on the flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
WARNING!
- Remember that the power brakes and power steering will not function wh\
en engine is not running.
The braking and steering systems will function but the brake pedal press\
ure required is 3 - 4 times
above normal and greater steering effort must be exerted.
- The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling the vehicle out of a d\
itch or for any similar purpose
involving severe strain. Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the vehic\
le up onto a flat bed tow truck.
pg. 101 Starting and driving
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2003 VOLVO XC90
page 128 for the location of the washer fluid reservoir).
This is important since dirt is often splashed on the windshield during \
winter driving, requiring the
frequent use of the washers and wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent should be d\
iluted as follows:
Down to 14° F (-10° C): 1 part washer solvent and 4 parts water \
Down to 5° F (-15° C): 1 part washer solvent and 3 parts water
Down to 0° F (-18° C): 1 part washer solvent and 2 parts water
Down to -18° F (-28° C): 1 part washer solvent and 1 part water \
l Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
NOTE: Avoid the use of de-icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
W Winter/Wet driving modeÐenhanced vehicle traction
l Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D)rive position.
l Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage th\
is driving mode.
l An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and thi\
s will also be displayed in the
instrument panel (see
page 24).
l This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
* Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal mainte\
nance intervals except at owner
request and at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.
pg. 108 Starting and driving
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked at a Volvo retailer\
before driving long distances.
Your retailer will also be able to supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark p\
lugs and wiper blades for your use
in the event that problems occur.
As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip\
:
l Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
l Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage
l Check transmission oil level*.
l Check condition of drive belts.
l Check state of the battery's charge.
l Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those th\
at are worn. Check tire pressures.
l The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked b\
y your Volvo retailer only.
l Check all lights, including high beams.
l Reflective warning triangles are legally required in some states/provinc\
es.
l Have a word with your Volvo retailer if you intend to drive in countries\
where it may be difficult to
obtain the correct fuel.
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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
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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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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Fuses in the passenger compartment
Fuses are located inside the access panel on the end face of the dashboa\
rd. There are also a number of
spare fuses. No. Amperage
1. Blower - climate system 30
2. Audio amplifier 30
3. Power driver's seat 30
4. Power passenger's seat (option) 30
5. Driver's door - central locking, power windows, door mirror 25
6. Front passenger's door - central locking, power windows, door mirror \
25
7. Rear side doors - power windows, child safety locks 30
8. -
9. -
10. Power passenger's seat 5
11. Electric socket 12V 15
12. Ignition switch (30-feed), central electronic module, starter moto\
r relay, SRS, antenna
ring, engine management system 10
13. -
14. Electronic module (ceiling), courtesy lighting (ceiling) 10
15. -
16. Speed-sensitive power steering (T6 only) 5
17. ABS/DSTC 5
18. Heated driver's seat (option) 15
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