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
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
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
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
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
Vanity mirror 62
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
150
Vehicle loading
116
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
150
Volvo and the environment
iii
W
W - Winter
93
Warning symbol in center of dashboard
25
Warranties
124
Washer fluid reservoir
128, 131
Washing the car
110
Waxing
111
Weights
151
Wheels
114
WHIPS
15
Windows
40
Windshield washer
34
Windshield washer fluid reservoir
131
Windshield wipers
34
Windshield wipers (rain sensor function)
34
Winter tires
114
Winter/Wet driving mode
107
Wiper blades
133
Back cover
Accessory Installation - Important Warning
l We strongly recommend that Volvo owners install only genuine, Volvo-appr\
oved accessories, and
that accessory installations be performed only by the factory-trained te\
chnicians at your authorized
Volvo retailer.
l Genuine Volvo accessories are tested to ensure compatibility with the pe\
rformance, safety, and
emission systems in your vehicle. Additionally, your authorized Volvo re\
tailer knows where accessories
may and may not be safely installed in your Volvo. In all cases, please \
consult your authorized Volvo
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2003 VOLVO XC90
The following should be checked regularly:*
1. Washer fluid reservoir should be filled with water and solvent (wint\
ertime: windshield washer anti-
freeze). See
page 131.
2. Power steering - When cold, the level must not be above the COLD mark\
and when hot it must not be
above the HOT mark. Top up if the level drops to the ADD mark with ATF f\
luid. See
page 132.
3. Coolant level should be between the expansion tank marks. Mixture: 50\
% antifreeze and 50% water.
See
page 127.
4. Engine oil should be checked each time the vehicle is refueled. The o\
il level should be between the
dipstick marks. The distance between the marks represents approx. 1.6 US\
qt. (1.5 liter). See
page 130.
5. Brake fluid - check, without removing the cap, that the level is abov\
e the MIN mark. Use brake fluid
DOT 4+. See
page 132.
Fuel octane rating, see
page 84.
Tire pressure, see
page 116, and the label located on the inside of the fuel tank cover.
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