pedal for the first few minutes of operation. A cold engine uses more fuel and is subject to increased wear.
Whenever possible, avoid using the car for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach normal
operating temperature.
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
Do not exceed speed limit.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the car.
Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (check when tires are cold).
Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
Note that trunk-mounted luggage racks increase air resistance and thereby fuel consumption.
Avoid using automatic transmission kickdown feature unless necessary.
Avoid using the air conditioning when it is not required. When engaged, the air conditioner's compressor places an
additional load on the engine. However, please note that fuel consumption is lower with the air conditioning on than it
is when driving with the air conditioning switched off and the windows down.
If your car is equipped with the optional Trip Computer, utilizing the fuel consumption modes can help you "learn"
how to drive more economically.
Other factors which decrease gas mileage are:
Dirty air cleaner
Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
Dragging brakes
Incorrect front end alignment
Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard Maintenance Service intervals.
NOTE : (D)rive or 5th gear (manual transmissions) should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy.
pg. 64 Starting the Engine
Starting and stopping
1. Fasten the seat belt.
WARNING!
Before starting, check that the seat, steering wheel and mirrors are adjusted properly. Make sure the brake pedal can
be depressed completely. Move the seat closer if necessary. Refer to section "front seats".
2. Apply the parking brake, if not already set. The gear selector (automatic transmission) is locked in the (P)ark
position (SHIFT LOCK).
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 step 3.
For cold starts at altitudes above 6000 ft (1800 meters), depress the accelerator pedal halfway and turn the key to the
starting position. Release the pedal slowly when the engine starts.
4. To release the gear selector from the (P)ark position (automatic transmission), the ignition key must be in position II
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and the brake pedal must be depressed. See page 101 for instructions on manually releasing the SHIFTLOCK
system.
NOTE: (Automatic transmission only)
Your car is equipped with a KEYLOCK system. When the engine is switched off, the gear selector must be in the
( P )ark position before the starting key can be removed from the ignition switch.
5. Select the desired gear. The gear engages after a slight delay (automatic transmission) which is especially noticeable
when selecting R.
CAUTION : (Automatic transmission only)
The engine should be idling; never accelerate until after you feel the gear engage! Too-rapid acceleration immediately
after selecting a gear will cause harsh engagement and premature transmission wear.
NOTE : Selecting P or N (automatic transmission) when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help
prevent overheating of transmission oil.
WARNING!
Always place the gear selector (automatic transmission) in Park and apply the parking brake before leaving the
vehicle. Never leave the car unattended with the engine running.
Always open the garage doors fully before starting the engine inside a garage to ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless but very poisonous.
CAUTION: Never race the engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubricating points fast
enough to prevent engine damage.
Do not race the engine just prior to switching off!
* If the key is left in the Drive position (position II) for more than 30 seconds, it must be turned to position 0 and then
turned to the Start position (position III) again in order to start the car. See page 21
for ignition key positions.
pg. 65 Manual transmission
Shift positions
Depress the clutch pedal completely when changing gears*.
Remove your foot from the clutch pedal while driving.
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Overdrive (5th gear) should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy. This gear can be engaged at
speeds above approx. 50 mph (80 km/h).
CAUTION: Follow the shift pattern indicated on the gear shift knob when shifting up (e.g., do not shift directly from
2nd to 5th gear) to help avoid excessive wear on the transmission.
Engaging reverse gear
The gear lever must first be moved to neutral in order to engage reverse gear.
CAUTION: Be careful that you do not inadvertently engage reverse while moving forward.
* Clutch interlock (manual transmission only)
The clutch must be fully depressed before you can start your car. If the clutch is not depressed, it will not be possible
to start the engine.
pg. 66 Automatic transmission
P (Park)
Use this position when starting the engine or parking the car.
Never use P while the car is in motion.
The parking brake should be set whenever the car is parked.
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The gear selector is mechanically locked in the P position (SHIFTLOCK). To release the gear selector from this
position, the engine must be running (or the ignition key must be in position II) and the brake pedal must be
depressed.WARNING! Never leave the car unattended when the engine is running. If, by mistake, the gear selector is moved
from P, the car may start moving.
R (Reverse)
Never engage R while the car is moving forward.
N (Neutral)
Neutral - no gear engaged. Use the parking brake.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position and should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy. The car should
not be moving when shifting from R to the D position.
4 (Intermediate gear)
The transmission will shift automatically between gears 4, 3, 2 or 1 from this position. The transmission cannot shift
up to (D) from fourth gear.
3 (Intermediate gear)
The transmission will shift automatically between gears 3, 2 and 1 from this position. The transmission cannot shift
up to fourth gear of (D)rive from third gear.
L (Low gears)
The transmission is locked in gears 1 and 2 when the selector is in this position.
NOTE:
Gears 4, 3, or L can be used if you are driving in a mountainous area, towing a trailer or to increase engine braking
effect.
The transmission has a built-in limiter designed to help prevent excessive engine speeds (high rpm) when gears 4, 3
or L are selected.
Automatic transmission - adaptive system
The automatic transmission is controlled by an adaptive control system that constantly monitors the way in which the
transmission functions. It senses and adapts each gear shift for optimal performance. The system also monitors your
particular driving style and adapts gear shifting accordingly.
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2 0 0 4
VOLVO C70
Chapter 7 - Car care
pg. 103 Car care
Page
Paint touch-up 104
Washing106
Cleaning the convertible top, Polishing and waxing107
Cleaning the upholstery108
pg. 104 Paint touch up
Paint touch-up
Paint damage requires immediate attention to avoid rusting. Make it a habit to check the finish regularly when washing
the car for instance. Touch-up if necessary.
Paint repairs require special equipment and skill. Contact your Volvo retailer for any extensive damage.
Minor scratches can be repaired by using Volvo touch-up paint.
NOTE: When ordering touch-up paint from your Volvo retailer, use the paint code indicated on the model plate. The
plate is located in the engine compartment, on the inside of the left front fender.
Minor stone chips and scratches
Material:
Primer - can
Paint - touch-up bottle
Brush
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NOTE: It is particularly important to wash the car frequently in the wintertime to prevent corrosion, when salt has
been used on the roads.
When washing the car, do not expose it to direct sunlight. Use lukewarm water to soften the dirt before you wash
with a sponge, and plenty of water, to avoid scratching.
Bird droppings: Remove from paintwork and the convertible top as soon as possible. Otherwise the finish may be
permanently damaged.
A detergent can be used to facilitate the softening of dirt and oil.
A water-soluble grease solvent may be used in cases of sticky dirt. However, use a wash place equipped with a
drainage separator.
Dry the car with a clean chamois and remember to clean the drain holes in the doors and rocker panels *.
The power radio antenna must be dried after washing.
Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar remover after the car has been washed.
A stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm soapy water can be used to clean the wiper blades. Frequent cleaning improves
visibility considerably.
Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheel housings, fenders, etc.).
In areas of high industrial fallout, more frequent washing is recommended.
CAUTION: During high pressure washing, the spray mouthpiece must never be closer to the painted surfaces of the
vehicle than 13" (30 cm). Do not spray directly into the locks.
When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying water or steam directly on the electrical components or
toward the rear side of the engine.
After cleaning the engine, the spark plug wells should be inspected for water and blown dry if necessary.
Suitable detergents
Special car washing detergents should be used. A suitable mixture is about 2.5 fl. oz. (8.5 cl) of detergent to 2.6 US
gal. (10 liters) of warm water. After washing with a detergent the car should be well rinsed with clean water.
WARNING!
When the car is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes several times in order to remove any
moisture from the brake linings.
Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine is warm. This constitutes a fire risk.
Volvo offers an environmentally friendly Car Care Kit, containing waxing, washing, and degreasing agents.
NOTE: When washing the car, remember to remove dirt from the drain holes in the doors and sills. Bumpers: Wash
the bumpers with the same cleaning agent used on the rest of the car. Never clean the bumpers with gasoline or paint
thinner. Difficult spots can be removed with denatured alcohol. To avoid scratches, do not dry the bumpers with paper.
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2 0 0 4
VOLVO C70
Chapter 8 - Volvo Service
pg. 109 Volvo Service
Page
Label information 110
Maintenance service, Warranty111
Servicing112
Emissions maintenance113
Fuel/emissions systems114
Lubrication115
Engine oil116
Power steering fluid, Brake/clutch system fluid reservoir118
Washer fluid reservoir119
Coolant120
Engine compartment121
Battery maintenance/ Proposition 65 Warning122
Three-way catalytic converter123
pg. 110 Label information
1 Vehicle Emission Control Information
Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable emission standards, as evidenced by the certification label on the
underside of the hood. For further information regarding these regulations, please consult your Volvo retailer.
2 Vacuum hose routing
(underside of hood)
3 Loads and Tire Pressures
(on rear edge of passenger's door)
4 Model plate
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Codes for color and upholstery, etc. This plate is located in the engine
compartment, on the inside of the left front fender.
5 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) *
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Maintenance services
Your Volvo passed several major inspections before it was delivered to you, in accordance with Volvo specifications.
The maintenance services outlined in the Warranty and Service Records Information booklet, many of which will
positively affect your vehicle's emissions, should be performed as indicated. It is recommended that receipts for
vehicle emission services be retained in case questions arise concerning maintenance.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
Page 113
provides more information about maintenance of emission-related components.
Applicable warranties U.S. and Canada
In accordance with applicable U.S. and Canadian regulations, the following list of warranties is provided.
New Car Limited Warranty- U.S.
New Car Warranty - Canada
Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty
Corrosion Protection Limited Warranty
Seat Belt and Supplemental Restraint Systems Limited Warranty-U.S.
Seat Belt and Supplemental Restraint Systems Warranty -Canada
Emission Design and Defect Warranty
Emission Performance Warranty -U.S. and Province of British Columbia only
These are the Federal warranties; other warranties are provided as required by laws in your state or province. Refer to
your separate Warranty and Service Records Information Booklet for detailed information concerning each of the
warranties.
pg. 112 Servicing
Hoisting the car
If a garage jack is used to lift the car, the two jack attachments points should be used. They are specially reinforced to
bear the weight of the car. A garage jack can also be placed under the front of the engine support frame and under the
reinforced plate in the spare wheel well. Take care not to damage the splash guard under the engine. Ensure that the
jack is positioned so that the car cannot slide off it. Always use axle stands or similar structures.
If a two-post hoist is used to lift the car, the front lift arm pads should be positioned under the rear engine frame
mounts. The rear lift arm pads should be positioned under the rear supporting arm bracket.
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