Page 130 of 242

2003 VOLVO XC90
WARNING!
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should s\
afety chains be attached to
the bumper.
Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.
Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle\
brake system, nor a trailer's
lighting system directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult your ne\
arest authorized Volvo retailer
for correct installation.
When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety wire must be correctly faste\
ned to the hole or hook provided
in the trailer hitch on the vehicle. The safety wire should never be fas\
tened to or wound around the
drawbar ball.
pg. 104 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer (contd)
NOTE!
- When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking b\
rake before putting the gear
selector in (P)ark. When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in \
(D)rive before releasing the parking
brake.
- If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a tr\
ailer, make sure the gear you select
does not put too much strain on the engine (using too high a gear).
- The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may be rated for trailers heavier t\
han the vehicle is designed to tow.
Please adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer weights.
Leveling
If your vehicle is equipped with automatic levelling, the rear suspensio\
n always retains the correct ride
height regardless of the load. When the vehicle is stationary, the rear \
suspension lowers, which is
normal.
pg. 105 Starting and driving
Detachable trailer hitch - installing/removing
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_06b.htm (12 of 17)12/30/20\
06 4:18:59 PM
Page 143 of 242

2003 VOLVO XC90
CAUTION
The vehicle must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions or wi\
th a spare tire other than the
one that came with the vehicle. The use of different size wheels can ser\
iously damage your vehicle's
transmission.
pg. 115 Wheels and tires
Snow chains
Snow chains can be used on your Volvo with the following restrictions:
l Snow chains should be installed on front wheels only. Use only Volvo app\
roved snow chains.
l If accessory, aftermarket or "custom" tires and wheels are installed and\
are of a size different than the
original tires and wheels, chains in some cases CANNOT be used. Sufficie\
nt clearances between chains
and brakes, suspension and body components must be maintained.
l Some strap-on type chains will interfere with brake components and there\
fore CANNOT be used.
l All Wheel Drive models: Snow chains should only be installed on the front wheels. Only chains
adapted for AWD models should be used.
NOTE: Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information.
CAUTION
- Check local regulations regarding the use of snow chains before instal\
ling.
- Always follow the chain manufacturer's installation instructions caref\
ully. Install chains as tightly as
possible and retighten periodically.
- Never exceed the chain manufacturer's specified maximum speed limit. (\
Under no circumstances
should you exceed 31 mph 50 km/h)
- Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns when driving with snow chains.
- The handling of the vehicle can be adversely affected when driving wit\
h chains. Avoid fast or sharp
turns as well as locked wheel braking.
Snow tires, studded tires*
Tires for winter use:
Owners who live in or regularly commute through areas with sustained per\
iods of snow or icy driving
conditions are strongly advised to fit suitable winter tires to help ret\
ain the highest degree of traction.
It is important to install winter tires on all four wheels to help retai\
n traction during cornering, braking,
and accelerating. Failure to do so could reduce traction to an unsafe le\
vel or adversely affect handling.
Do not mix tires of different design as this could also negatively affec\
t overall tire road grip.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_08.htm (3 of 12)12/30/2006\
4:19:01 PM
Page 191 of 242
2003 VOLVO XC90
2 0 0 3
VOLVO XC90
Specifications
pg. 149 Specifications
Label information150
Dimensions and weights151
Capacities152
Lubricants153
Cooling system153
Suspension153
Electrical system155
Bulbs156
Engine specifications, Transmission157
All specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
pg. 150 Specifications
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_10.htm (1 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
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
Page 235 of 242
2003 VOLVO XC90
Parking lights 31
Polishing
111
Power seat
56
Power steering fluid
132
Power moonroof
43
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
102, 136
R
Radiator
128
Rain sensor - windshield wipers
34
Reading lights
61
Rear fog lights
31
Rear seat air condition
29
Rear suspension
153
Rear window defroster
35
Rearview mirror/door mirrors
42
Recirculation
50
REDUCE SPEED
28
Refrigerant (A/C system)
46
Refueling
84, 86
Remote control - central locking system
75
Reporting safety defects
21
Reverse warning system
29
Roadholding
90
Roll Stability Control (RSC)
97
S
Safety
1
Safety defects - reporting
21
Seat belt
2
Seat belt maintenance
21
Seat belt reminder
42
Seat belts (keeping child seats in place)
20
SEL button
162
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_12.htm (7 of 14)12/30/2006\
4:19:09 PM
Page 236 of 242
2003 VOLVO XC90
Service 124
Service key
74
Service reminder
27
SERVICE REQUIRED
28
SERVICE URGENT
28
Shiftlock
ii, 87
Side airbags
10
Sideview mirrors
42
SIPS airbags
10
Snow chains
115
Snow tires
115
Spare tire - accessing
119
Spare tires
116
Spark plugs
155
Specifications
149
Speedometer
24
Spoiler lights
31
SRS
4
Start inhibitor (immobilizer)
74
Starting the car
87
Steering
88
Steering wheel adjustment
30
Steering wheel lock
88
Stone chips
112
STOP
28
STOP ENGINE
28
Storage compartments
64
Studded tires
115
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
4
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - warning light
27
Suspension
153, 155
Switches in the center console
29
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_12.htm (8 of 14)12/30/2006\
4:19:09 PM