2003 VOLVO XC90
Press the button on the light switch panel (see page 31) when the car is at a standstill to unlock the fuel filler
door. Please note that the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until t\
he car begins to move forward. An audible
click will be heard when the fuel filler door relocks.
Fuel filler cap
After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until\
it clicks into place. If this cap is not closed
tightly or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Malfun\
ction Indicator Lamp ("Check Engine"
light) may indicate a fault.
Important information
Before you operate your vehicle for the first time, please familiarize y\
ourself with the new engine oil
consumption information on
page 84. You should also be familiar with the information in chapters one, two \
and eight of this manual.
Information contained in the balance of the manual is extremely useful a\
nd should be read after operating the
vehicle for the first time. The manual is structured so that it can be u\
sed for reference. For this reason, it should
be kept in the vehicle for ready access.
Do not export your Volvo to another country before investigating that co\
untry's applicable safety and exhaust
emission requirements. In some cases it may be difficult or impossible t\
o comply with these requirements.
Modifications to the emission control system(s) may render your Volvo \
not certifiable for legal operation in the
U.S., Canada and other countries.
All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manu\
al are based on the latest product
information available at the time of publication. Please note that some \
vehicles may be equipped differently,
depending on special legal requirements. Optional equipment described in\
this manual may not be available in
all markets.
Volvo reserves the right to make model changes at any time, or to change\
specifications or design, without
notice and without incurring obligation.
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components\
contain or emit chemicals known
to the state of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other r\
eproductive harm. In addition, certain
fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear cont\
ain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproduc\
tive harm.
Volvo and the environment
Volvo is committed to the well being of our customers. As a natural part\
of this commitment, we care about the
environment in which we all live. Caring for the environment means an ev\
eryday involvement in reducing our
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2003 VOLVO XC90
pg. 86 Starting and driving
Fuel filler door
Press the button on the light switch panel (see illustration on
page 31) when the vehicle is at a standstill
to unlock the fuel filler door. Please note that the fuel filler door wi\
ll remain unlocked until the vehicle
begins to move forward. An audible click will be heard when the fuel fil\
ler door relocks.
If you intend to leave your vehicle while it is being refueled, this fea\
ture enables you to lock the doors/
tailgate while leaving the fuel filler door unlocked.
You can also keep the vehicle locked if you remain inside it during refu\
eling. The central locking button
does not lock the fuel filler door. Be sure the fuel filler door is not \
obstructed and is completely closed
after refueling. Open the fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather.
NOTE: During a transitional period, a small number of service stations may st\
ill have fuel nozzles that
are not compatible with the fuel filler neck on vehicles equipped with t\
he evaporative control system.
Refueling
The fuel tank is designed to hold approximately 19 US gals (72 liters)\
, with sufficient volume left over
to accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. Be aware t\
hat the"usable" tank capacity
will be somewhat less than the specified maximum. When the fuel level is\
low, such factors as ambient
temperature, the fuel's "Reid vapor pressure" characteristics, and terra\
in can affect the fuel pump's
ability to supply the engine with an adequate supply of fuel. Therefore,\
it is advisable to refuel as soon
as possible when the needle nears the red zone, or when the fuel warning\
light comes on.
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2003 VOLVO XC90
CAUTION
- Do not refuel with the engine running *. Turn the ignition off or to p\
osition I. If the ignition is on,
an incorrect reading could occur in the fuel gauge
- After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise unt\
il it clicks into place*.
- Allow for fuel expansion by not overfilling the tank. Overfilling coul\
d also cause damage to the
emission control systems.
- Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. In addition to causing damag\
e to the environment,
gasolines containing alcohol can cause damage to painted surfaces, which\
may not be covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
- Do not use gasolines containing methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcoho\
l). This practice can result
in vehicle performance deterioration and can damage critical parts in th\
e fuel system. Such damage
may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
* If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is runni\
ng when the vehicle is refueled, the
Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator lamp) may indicate a fault. \
However, your vehicle's
performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo original or approved fu\
el filler caps.
pg. 87 Starting and driving
Starting the engine
1. Fasten the seat belt.
WARNING!
Before starting, check that the seat, steering wheel and mirrors are adj\
usted properly. Make sure the
brake pedal can be depressed completely. Adjust the seat if necessary. S\
ee
pages 54, 56.
2. Apply the parking brake if not already set. The gear selector is lock\
ed in the (P)ark position
(Shiftlock).
Manual transmission: the clutch must be fully depressed.
3. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key* to the\
starting position. Allow the
starter to operate for up to 10 seconds. Release the key as soon as the \
engine starts. If the engine fails to
start, repeat this step.
NOTE:
- On certain models, when the vehicle is started, idle speed may be noti\
ceably higher than normal for a
short period, depending on the temperature of the engine.
This has been done to help bring components in the emission control syst\
em to their normal operating
temperature as quickly as possible, which enables them to function norma\
lly.
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2003 VOLVO XC90
Load carrier cover
The vehicle's ignition key or the stud on the edge of the supplied torqu\
e wrench can be used to undo or
tighten the cover. Turn a quarter turn (90 degrees). See illustration.\
pg. 107 Starting and driving
Cold weather precautions
If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, t\
he following advice is worth
noting:
l Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any ot\
her mixture will reduce
freeze protection. This gives protection against freezing down to -31°\
F (-35°C). See section "Coolant".
The use of "recycled" antifreeze is not approved by Volvo. Different typ\
es of antifreeze must not
be mixed.
l Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's r\
adiator. Your Volvo
retailer stocks plenty of Volvo engine coolant to help protect your vehi\
cle during cold weather.
l Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this prevents the formation of condensation in the tank. \
In
addition, in extremely cold weather conditions it is worthwhile to add f\
uel line de-icer before refueling.
l The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-
weather starting as well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine\
is warming up. For winter use,
5W-30 oil, particularly the synthetic type*, is recommended. Be sure to \
use good quality oil but do not
use cold-weather oil for hard driving or in warm weather. See section "E\
ngine oil" for more information.
l The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the windshield wipers, lighting, etc\
.
are used more often. Moreover, the capacity of the battery decreases as \
the temperature drops. In very
cold weather, a poorly charged battery can freeze and be damaged. It is \
therefore advisable to check the
state of charge more frequently and spray an antirust oil on the battery\
posts.
l Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving - see section "Wheels
and tires."
l To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze (see
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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
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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
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).
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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
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