2004 VOLVO XC90
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 82. 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 used 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
environmental impact.
Volvo's environmental activities are based on a holistic view, which mea\
ns we consider the overall
environmental impact of a product throughout its complete life cycle. In\
this context, design, production,
product use, and recycling are all important considerations.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2004/2004_XC90/04xc90_00.htm (3 of 7)12/30/2006 \
4:35:10 PM
2004 VOLVO XC90
In production, Volvo has partly or completely phased out several chemica\
ls including chloro-fluorocarbons
(CFCs), lead chromates, naphtanates, asbestos, mercury and cadmium; an\
d reduced the amount of chemicals
used in our plants 50% since 1991.
Volvo was the first in the world to introduce into production a three-wa\
y catalytic converter with Lambda
Sond, now called oxygen sensor, in 1976. The current version of this hig\
hly efficient system reduces emissions
of harmful substances (CO, HC, NOx) from the exhaust pipe by approxima\
tely 95% and the search to eliminate
the remaining emissions continues. Volvo is the only automobile manufact\
urer to offer CFC-free retrofit kits
for the air conditioning system of all models as far back as the 1975 Vo\
lvo 240. Advanced electronic engine
controls, refined purification systems and cleaner fuels are bringing us\
closer to our goal.
After Volvo vehicles and parts have fulfilled their use, recycling is th\
e next critical step in completing the life
cycle. The metal content is about 75% of the total weight of a vehicle, \
which makes the vehicle among the most
recycled industrial products. In order to have efficient and well contro\
lled recycling, many Volvo variants have
printed dismantling manuals, indicating the weight and material of indiv\
idual components. For Volvo, all
homogeneous plastic parts weighing more than 1.7 oz. (50 grams) are ma\
rked with international symbols that
indicate how the component is to be sorted for recycling.
In addition to continuous environmental refinement of conventional gasol\
ine-powered internal combustion
engines, Volvo is actively looking at advanced technology alternative-fu\
el vehicles.
When you drive a Volvo, you become our partner in the work to lessen the\
car's impact on the environment.
To reduce your vehicle's environmental impact, you can:
l Maintain proper air pressure in your tires. Tests have shown decreased f\
uel economy with improperly
inflated tires.
l Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your Warranty and Service\
Records Information booklet.
l Drive at a constant speed.
l See an authorized Volvo retailer as soon as possible for inspection if t\
he check engine (malfunction
indicator) lamp illuminates, or stays on after the vehicle has started.\
l Properly dispose of any vehicle-related waste such as used motor oil, us\
ed batteries, brake pads, etc.
l When cleaning your car, use Volvo's own car care products, all of which \
have systematically been adapted to
the environment.
For additional information regarding the environmental activities in whi\
ch Volvo Cars of North America, LLC.
and Volvo Car Corporation are involved, visit our Internet Home Page at:\
http://www.volvocars.com
PremAir®
On the surface of the radiator in the engine compartment, there is a spe\
cial coating called PremAir®. PremAir®
works as a catalytic converter, converting most of the ground-level ozon\
e passing through the radiator into
oxygen, thereby reducing harmful ground-level ozone.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2004/2004_XC90/04xc90_00.htm (4 of 7)12/30/2006 \
4:35:10 PM
2004 VOLVO XC90
functioning.
Oil pressure warning light
If the light comes on while driving, stop the vehicle and then stop the \
engine immediately and
check the engine oil level See
page 128. If the light stays on after restart, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized Volvo retailer. After hard driving, the light may com\
e on occasionally when the
engine is idling. This is normal, provided it goes off when the engine s\
peed is increased.
CHECK ENGINE Malfunction indicator light
On-Board Diagnostics II (OBDII): As you drive, a computer called "OBDI\
I" monitors your vehicle's
engine, transmission, electrical and emission systems. The CHECK ENGINE \
light will light up if the
computer senses a condition that potentially may need correcting. When t\
his happens, please have your
vehicle checked by a Volvo retailer as soon as possible.
A CHECK ENGINE light may have many causes. Sometimes, you may not notice\
a change in your
vehicle's behavior. Even so, an uncorrected condition could hurt fuel ec\
onomy, emission cleanliness, and
driveability. Extended driving without correcting the cause could even d\
amage other components in
your vehicle.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light.
pg. 28 Instruments and controls
Indicator and warning symbols (contd)
Messages in the text window
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2004/2004_XC90/04xc90_02a.htm (7 of 16)12/30/200\
6 4:35:14 PM
2004 VOLVO XC90
Acceleration
The air conditioning is momentarily disengaged during full-throttle acce\
leration.
Climate control maintenance
All maintenance on the climate control systems should be carried out by \
an authorized Volvo service technician only.
Refrigerant
Volvo cares about the environment. The air conditioning system in your v\
ehicle contains a CFC-free refrigerant - R134a.
This substance will not deplete the ozone layer. The system contains 2.2\
lbs (1000 g) R134a and uses PAG oil.
Passenger compartment blower
Approximately 50 minutes after the ignition is turned off, the blower ma\
y come on automatically, and run for seven
minutes, to remove condensation in the A/C evaporator.
Blower function to reduce battery drain
The climate system's blower functions normally while the engine is runni\
ng.
However, when the engine is switched off (even if the ignition is switc\
hed to positions I or II), the blower control will be
automatically switched off to avoid unnecessary battery drain. The follo\
wing points pertain if the ignition key is on but the
engine is not running:
l To restart the blower, turn the control knob to the setting of your choi\
ce.
l After approximately 2 minutes, the blower speed will be reduced to avoid\
battery drain.
You can reset the blower speed at any time. Please be aware that the sys\
tem has been designed to reduce the blower's speed
again after 2 minutes, until the engine is started. If the battery becom\
es drained:
l LOW BATTERY, FAN IS REDUCED will be displayed in the text window in the \
instrument panel.
l The yellow warning light in the instrument panel (see page 25) will also light up.
pg. 47 Climate control
Air distribution
Air distribution
The incoming air is distributed through the ventilation points in the pa\
ssenger compartment shown above.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2004/2004_XC90/04xc90_03.htm (2 of 7)12/30/2006 \
4:35:16 PM
2004 VOLVO XC90
pg. 82 Starting and driving
Refueling
ENGINE OIL
Although some oil consumption occurs during normal engine operation, mor\
e oil is consumed when the
engine is new as the internal parts generate higher friction while weari\
ng-in to each other. From the time
the engine is new until the first maintenance is performed, the oil cons\
umption could be higher than
normal. For this reason, it is especially important to check the oil eve\
ry time you refuel your vehicle
during this period. See
page 128.
Fuel requirements
Octane rating
Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium g\
asoline with an AKI
octane rating of 91 or above. AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of \
the Research Octane
Number, RON, and the Motor Octane Number, MON. ((RON + MON)/2). The \
minimum octane
requirement is AKI 87 (RON 91).
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gasoline to control engine deposit\
s. Detergent gasoline is
effective in keeping injectors and intake valves clean. Consistent use o\
f deposit control gasolines will
help ensure good driveability and fuel economy. If you are not sure whet\
her the gasoline contains
deposit control additives, check with the service station operator.
NOTE: Volvo does not recommend the use of external fuel injector cleaning syst\
ems.
Unleaded fuel
Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleade\
d gasoline. U.S. and Canadian
regulations require that pumps delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled \
"UNLEADED". Only these
pumps have nozzles which fit your vehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful\
to dispense leaded fuel into a
vehicle labelled "unleaded gasoline only". Leaded gasoline damages the t\
hree-way catalytic converter
and the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of leaded gasoline wil\
l lessen the effectiveness of
the emission control system and could result in loss of emission warrant\
y coverage. State and local
vehicle inspection programs will make detection of misfueling easier, po\
ssibly resulting in emission test
failure for misfueled vehicles.
NOTE: Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive ca\
lled methyl-
cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, \
your Emission Control System
performance may be affected, and the Check Engine Light (malfunction in\
dicator lamp) located on your
instrument panel may light. If this occurs, please return your vehicle t\
o an authorized Volvo retailer for
maintenance.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2004/2004_XC90/04xc90_06a.htm (2 of 15)12/30/200\
6 4:35:22 PM
2004 VOLVO XC90
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.
- For cold starts at altitudes above 6000 ft (1800 meters), depress th\
e accelerator pedal halfway and turn
the key to the starting position. Release the pedal slowly when the engi\
ne starts.
4. To release the gear selector from the (P)ark position, the engine must be running (or the ignition key
must be in position II) and the brake pedal must be depressed.
5. Select the desired gear. The gear engages after a very slight delay w\
hich is especially noticeable when
selecting R.
NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with a Keylock system. When the engine is switc\
hed off, the gear
selector must be in the (P)ark position before the key can be removed \
from the ignition switch.
When starting in cold weather, the transmission may shift up at slightly\
higher engine speeds than
normal until the automatic transmission fluid reaches normal operating t\
emperature.
Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not r\
each some lubrication points fast
enough to prevent engine damage.
* If two of the keys to your vehicle are close together, e.g., on the sa\
me key ring, when you try to start
the vehicle, this could cause interference in the immobilizer system and\
result in the vehicle not starting.
If this should occur, remove one of the keys from the key ring before tr\
ying to start the vehicle again. CAUTION
Automatic transmission
The engine should be idling when you move the gear selector. Never accel\
erate until after you feel
the transmission engage! Accelerating immediately after selecting a gear\
will cause harsh engagement
and premature transmission wear.
Selecting P or N when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help pre\
vent
overheating of the automatic transmission fluid.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2004/2004_XC90/04xc90_06a.htm (6 of 15)12/30/200\
6 4:35:22 PM
2004 VOLVO XC90
l Dirty air cleaner
l Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
l Dragging brakes
l Incorrect front end alignment
Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard\
Maintenance intervals.
Weight distribution affects handling
At the specified curb weight your vehicle has a tendency to understeer, \
which means that the steering
wheel has to be turned more than might seem appropriate for the curvatur\
e of a bend. This ensures good
stability and reduces the risk of rear wheel skid. Remember that these p\
roperties can alter with the
vehicle load. The heavier the load in the cargo area, the less the tende\
ncy to understeer.
WARNING!
Driving with the tailgate open: Driving with the tailgate open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases
entering the passenger compartment. If the tailgate must be kept open fo\
r any reason, proceed as
follows
- Close the windows
- Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield an\
d side windows and blower
control to its highest setting.
CAUTION
Drive slowly and carefully if going through standing water (i.e. floode\
d roadways, etc.). Damage to
the engine could result if excess water is drawn in through the air inta\
ke system. Never drive the
vehicle in water deeper than 18 inches (48 cm).
pg. 88 Starting and driving
General information (contd)
Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle hand\
ling. Therefore, check that the tires
are inflated to the recommended pressure according to the vehicle load. \
See "Tire pressure" section.
Loads should be distributed so that capacity weight or maximum permissib\
le axle loads are not exceeded.
Driving on rough/unpaved surfaces
The Volvo XC90 is designed primarily for onroad driving, and it has exce\
llent handling characteristics
on very rough or unpaved roads.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2004/2004_XC90/04xc90_06a.htm (9 of 15)12/30/200\
6 4:35:22 PM
2004 VOLVO XC90
l Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
l It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes\
to provide a safe stop (check
and observe state/local regulations).
l Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brak\
e system.
l More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
l Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
l Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer o\
ver long distances or in
mountainous areas.
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. 102 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.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2004/2004_XC90/04xc90_06b.htm (12 of 17)12/30/20\
06 4:35:23 PM