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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
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
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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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
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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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