
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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Immobilizer: If two of the keys to your vehicle are close together, e.g., on the same 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 trying to start the vehicle again.
Keylock: Your vehicle is equipped with a keylock system. When the engine is switched 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 automatic transmission may shift up at slightly higher engine speeds than normal
until the automatic transmission fluid reaches normal operating temperature.
Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubrication points fast enough to
prevent engine damage.
WARNING!
Volvo's floor mats are specially manufactured for your car. They must be firmly secured in the clips on the floor so
that they cannot slide and become trapped under the pedals on the driver's side.
pg. 105 Starting the vehicle
CAUTION!
Automatic transmission: The engine should be idling when you move the gear selector. Never accelerate 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
prevent overheating of the automatic transmission fluid.
WARNING!
Always place the gear selector in Park and apply the parking brake before leaving the vehicle. Never leave the
vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Always open 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.
pg. 106 Ignition switch and steering wheel lock
0 - Locked position
Remove the key to lock the steering wheel1. Never turn the key to position 0 while driving or when the vehicle is
being towed.
NOTE: A ticking sound may be audible if the key is turned to a position between 0 and I. To stop this sound, turn the
key to position II and back to position 0.
I - Intermediate position
2
Certain accessories, radio, etc. on, daytime running lights off
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Checking the oil
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint-free rag.
2. Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check the oil level.
3. Add oil if necessary. If the level is close to the MIN mark, add approximately 1 US quart (1 liter) of oil.
4. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
5. Switch off the engine and wait for at least 10-15 minutes and recheck the oil level. If necessary, add oil until the
level is near the Max mark.CAUTION!
Never fill oil above the MAX mark. This could cause an increase in oil consumption.
WARNING!
Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into contact with hot exhaust pipe surfaces.
pg. 150 Oils and fluids
Washer fluid reservoir
Washer fluid
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and holds approximately 6.8 US qts (6.5 liters).
During cold weather, the reservoir should be filled with windshield washer solvent containing antifreeze.
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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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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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