Page 155 of 242

2003 VOLVO XC90
The fuel filter should be replaced at 120,000 miles (193,000 km). The \
filter is replaced as a complete
unit. Replace more frequently if contaminated fuel is introduced into th\
e tank, or if there is reason to
suspect that this has occurred.
Fuel system, including filler cap, tank, lines, and connections
The ability of the fuel system to contain hydrocarbons depends upon a le\
ak-free system. Inspect fuel
lines every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). Check for proper sealing of the \
fuel filler cap, which contains "O"
ring seals.
NOTE: If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running\
when the vehicle is refueled,
the Check Engine light (Malfunction Indicator) may indicate a fault. H\
owever, your vehicle's
performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo original or approved fu\
el filler caps.
Timing belt
For proper functioning of the engine and emission control systems, the t\
iming belt and belt pretensioner
must be replaced every 120,000 miles (193,000 km). Engine damage will \
occur if the belt fails.
PCV system
(on turbocharged models)
The nipple in the intake manifold and the filter at the end of the PCV h\
ose in the air cleaner should be
inspected and cleaned at 120,000 miles (193,000 km), and again at 150,\
000 miles (240,000 km).
Spark plugs
The spark plugs should be replaced every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) unde\
r normal driving conditions.
City driving or fast highway driving may necessitate replacement sooner.\
Under normal driving conditions, spark plugs require no maintenance betw\
een replacement intervals.
When installing new plugs, be sure to use the right type and to tighten \
them correctly. When changing
the plugs, clean the terminals and rubber seals. Also check that the sup\
pressor connectors are in good
condition. Cracked or damaged connectors should be replaced.
pg. 126 Maintenance
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_09a.htm (3 of 15)12/30/200\
6 4:19:02 PM
Page 157 of 242

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
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_09a.htm (5 of 15)12/30/200\
6 4:19:02 PM
Page 161 of 242

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.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_09a.htm (9 of 15)12/30/200\
6 4:19:02 PM
Page 163 of 242

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)
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_09a.htm (11 of 15)12/30/20\
06 4:19:02 PM
Page 168 of 242

2003 VOLVO XC90
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.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_09b.htm (1 of 23)12/30/200\
6 4:19:04 PM
Page 230 of 242
2003 VOLVO XC90
Auxiliary 12-volt socket 39
Auxiliary lamps
29
Average speed
36
AWD
94
B
Bass
165
Battery
126, 133, 155
Battery - replacing
135
Battery drain - avoiding
90
Battery maintenance
134
Belt check
127
Blower (fan)
49
Booster cushion
17
Brake circuit
95
Brake system
26, 95
Bulbs
137, 156
C
Capacities
152
Carbon Monoxide - Important Warning
85
Catalytic converter
154
CD changer
177
Ceiling lighting
143
Center console - storage compartments
64
Central locking system - remote control
75
Changing coolant
127
Changing oil and oil filter
129
Check Engine warning light
27
Child restraint anchorages
18
Child safety
17
Child safety locks
79
Child seat (Isofix fasteners)
18
Climate control systems - general information
46
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_12.htm (2 of 14)12/30/2006\
4:19:09 PM
Page 231 of 242
2003 VOLVO XC90
Clock 24
Coat hanger
66
Coin compartment
64
Cold weather precautions
107
Coolant
131
Coolant - changing
127, 131
Coolant - checking level of
127
Cooling system
153
Courtesy light
61
Cruise control
37
Cup holder
64, 65
Cup holder in rear seat
64
Current fuel consumption
36
D
Defroster
49
Dimension designation (tires)
114
Direction indicators
33
Dolby Pro Logic II (DPL II)
165
Door mirror defroster
35
Driving economically
89
DSTC
29, 97
Dual-threshold air bags
5
E
ECC
48
Economical driving
89
Electric socket
29
Electrical current - conserving
90
Electrical system
155
Engine
128
Engine - starting
87
Engine compartment
128
Engine oil
129
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_12.htm (3 of 14)12/30/2006\
4:19:09 PM
Page 232 of 242
2003 VOLVO XC90
Engine oil, capacity 152
Engine specifications
157
Engne oil - checking
130
Environment
iii
F
Fader
165
Federal Clean Air Act
124
FIX NEXT SERVICE
28
Floor mats
62
Fog light
27
Folding sideview mirrors
42
Front seat - backrest
55
Front seats
54
Front seats - heated
35
Front seats - manual adjustment
54
Front seats - power
56
Front suspension
153
Fuel
ii, 84
Fuel filler cap
ii, 86
Fuel filler door
ii, 86
Fuel filler door - unlocking
31
Fuel filler door - unlocking manually
32
Fuel Formulations
85
Fuel gauge
24
Fuel tank, capacity
152
Fuses
145
G
Gasoline
84
Geartronic
91
Geartronic - kickdown
92
Geartronic - manual shifting
92
General information
ii
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_12.htm (4 of 14)12/30/2006\
4:19:09 PM