
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 fuel line de -icer before refueling.
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
1 , is recommended. Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use cold-weather oil for hard driving or in
warm weather. See page 187
for more information.
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
anti-rust oil on the battery posts.
Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving - see the chapter "Wheels and tires."
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze (see page 148 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 diluted 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.
Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
NOTE: Avoid using de -icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
1. Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at
additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.
Conserving electrical current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize battery drain:
When the engine is not running, avoid turning the ignition key to position II. Many electrical systems (the audio
pg. 100 General information
system, the optional navigation system, power windows, etc) will function with the ignition key in position I. This
position reduces drain on the battery.
Please keep in mind that using systems, accessories, etc that consume a great deal of current when the engine is not
running could result in the battery being completely drained.
The optional 12 volt socket in the trunk provides electrical current even with the ignition switched off, which drains
the battery.
NOTE: If the ignition is switched on, a warning message will be displayed in the text window in the instrument panel
when the battery charge is low.
An energy conserving function designed into the vehicle's electrical system will switch off certain functions or reduce
the load on the battery by, e.g., reducing the audio system's volume.
W Winter/Wet driving mode- enhanced vehicle traction
Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D)rive position.
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode.
An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged.
This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
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 plugs and wiper blades for your use in the event that problems
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WARNING!
The cooling fan may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine has been switched off.
pg. 149 Oils and fluids
Changing engine oil and oil filter
Refer to the Warranty and Service Records Information booklet for information on the oil change intervals. See page
187 for oil specifications.
Volvo does not recommend the use of oil additives.
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at
additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.
Checking and adding oil
The oil level should be checked every time the vehicle is refueled. This is especially important during the period up to
the first scheduled maintenance service.
CAUTION!
Not checking the oil level regularly can result in serious engine damage if the oil level becomes too low.
Always add oil of the same type and viscosity as already used.
The car should be parked on a level surface when the oil is checked.
Location of dipstick and oil filler cap
If the engine is warm , wait for at least 10-15 minutes after the engine has been switched off before checking the oil.
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Coolant reservoir
Coolant
Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be drained, consult your Volvo retailer.
NOTE: Do not top off with water only. This reduces the rust-protective and antifreeze qualities of the coolant and has
a lower boiling point. It can also cause damage to the cooling system if it should freeze. Top off with Volvo Genuine
Coolant/Antifreeze only (a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze). CAUTION!
The cooling system must always be kept filled to the correct level, and the level must be between the MIN and
MAX marks. If it is not kept filled, there can be high local temperatures in the engine which could result in damage.
Different types of antifreeze/coolant may not be mixed. Check coolant regularly!
WARNING!
Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is warm. Wait until the vehicle cools.
If it is necessary to top off the coolant when the engine is warm, unscrew the expansion tank cap slowly so that the
over-pressure dissipates.
pg. 151 Oils and fluids
Brake fluid reservoir
Brake fluid
The brake fluid should always be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir. Check, without
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removing the cap, that there is sufficient fluid in the reservoir.
Fluid type: DOT 4+ boiling point >536°F (280°C), P/N 9437433
Replace: The fluid should be replaced according to the intervals specified in the Warranty and Service Records
Information booklet. When driving under extremely hard conditions (mountain driving, etc), it may be necessary to
replace the fluid more often. Consult your Volvo retailer. Always entrust brake fluid changing to an authorized Volvo
retailer.
Power steering fluid reservoir
Power steering fluid
The fluid level should always be between the MIN and MAX marks.
Fluid type: Volvo power steering fluid or equivalent.
Replace: No fluid change required WARNING!
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, keep in mind that greater effort will be required to turn the steering wheel.
pg. 152 Wiper blades
Wiper blades
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reservoirconditions.
Air
conditioning
systemRefrigerant - R134a
1.2 lbs. (530 grams)
pg. 187 Engine oil
Oil specifications
Engine oil must meet the minimum ILSAC specification GF-2, including ACEA 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 ILSAC GF-2. Equivalent and better oils include
ACEA A1, API SJ, SJ/CF, and SJ/Energy conserving. Lower quality 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 premium or synthetic oils.
Oil additives must not be used.
NOTE: Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal service intervals. This oil is only used at
customer request, at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.
Oil viscosity (stable ambient temperatures)
Operation in hot climates
When temperatures exceed 86° F (30° C) in your area, Volvo recommends, for the protection of your engine, that you
use a heavier weight oil, such as SAE 10W -30. See the viscosity chart.
Operation in temperate climates
Incorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life. Under normal use when temperatures do not exceed 86° F (30° C), SAE
5W -30 will provide good fuel economy and engine protection. See the viscosity chart.
American Petroleum Institute (API) symbol
Extreme engine operation
Synthetic oils meeting SAE 10W -30 and complying with oil quality requirements are recommended for driving in
areas of sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold), when towing a trailer over long distances, and for prolonged
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Brake fluid151
Bulbs155
C
Capacities, fluids186
Catalytic converter, three-way190
CD changer179
CD player177
Central locking system, remote controls88
Changing a tire135
Changing oil149
Charge air cooler188
Child restraint anchorages35
Child safety32
Clock setting button38
Cold weather precautions99
Collision status30
Collisions, driving after30
Compact disc care177
Compass in rearview mirror57
Coolant150
Courtesy lighting81
Cruise control49
D
Dimensions185
Disabling the passenger's side front airbag19
Display, instrument panel38
Dolby Surround Pro Logic II172
Door mirrors58
Door open warning42
Driving after a collision30
DSTC44
E
Economical driving98
Electrical current - conserving99
Electrical system189
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)112
Emergency Brake Assistance - EBA113
Engine compartment148
Engine oil, changing149
Engine specifications188
Environment3
Equalizer, audio system172
F
Federal Clean Air Act146
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