Volvo Cars of North America
Customer Care Center
P.O. Box 914
Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647-0914
800-458-1552
http://www.volvocars.us
In Canada:
Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd.
National Customer Service
175 Gordon Baker Road
North York, Ontario M2H 2N7
800-663-8255
http://www.volvocanada.com
General Information
Shiftlock (automatic transmission)
When your car is parked, the gear selector is locked in the (P)ark position. To release the selector from this position,
turn the ignition key to position II (or start the engine), depress the brake pedal, press the button on the front side of the
gear selector and move the selector from (P)ark.
Keylock (automatic transmission)
When you switch off the ignition, the gear selector must be in the ( P)ark position before the key can be removed from
the ignition switch.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS system in your car performs a self -diagnostic test when the vehicle first reaches the speed of approximately
12 mph (20 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsate several times and a sound may be audible from the ABS control
module. This is normal.
Fuel filler door
The fuel filler door, located on the right rear fender, is connected to your car's central locking system.
Press the button on the light switch panel (see illustration on page 34
) when the car is at a standstill to unlock the fuel
filler door. Please note that the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the car begins to move forward. An audible
click will be heard when the fuel filler door relocks.
Fuel filler cap
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 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ("Check Engine" light) will
illuminate.
Important information
Before you operate your car for the first time, please familiarize yourself with the new-engine oil consumption
information on page 84.
You should also be familiar with the information in chapters one, two and four of this manual.
Information contained in the balance of the manual is extremely useful and 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 car for ready
access.
Do not export your Volvo to another country before investigating that country's applicable safety and exhaust emission
requirements. In some cases it may be difficult or impossible to comply with these requirements. Modifications to the
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wear neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
Use of Additives
With the exception of gas line antifreeze during winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or other store -bought
additives to your car's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse may damage your engine, and some of these
additives contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.
WARNING!
Never carry a cell phone that is switched on while refueling your vehicle. If the phone rings, this may cause a spark
that could ignite gasoline fumes, resulting in fire and injury.
pg. 86 Starting and driving
Fuel filler door
Press the button on the light switch panel (see illustration on page 34
) when the car is at a standstill to unlock the fuel
filler door. Please note that the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the car begins to move forward. An audible
click will be heard when the fuel filler door relocks.
If you intend to leave your car while it is being refueled, this feature enables you to lock the doors/trunk while leaving
the fuel filler door unlocked.
You can also keep the car locked if you remain inside during refueling. The central locking button does not lock the
fuel filler door. Be sure the fuel filler door is not obstructed and is completely closed after refueling.
Open the fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather.
NOTE: During a transitional period, a small number of service stations may still have fuel nozzles that are not
compatible with the fuel filler neck on cars equipped with the evaporative control system.
Refueling
The fuel tank holds approximately:
Front wheel drive : 18.5 US gals (70 liters)
All turbo models: 18 US gals (68 liters)
with sufficient volume left over to accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. Be aware that the
"usable" tank capacity will be somewhat less than the specified maximum. When the fuel level is low, such factors as
ambient temperature, the fuel's "Reid vapor pressure" characteristics, and terrain can affect the fuel pump's ability to
supply the engine with an adequate supply of fuel. Therefore, it is advisable to refuel as soon as possible when the
needle nears the red zone, or when the fuel warning light comes on.
CAUTION:
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Do not refuel with the engine running *. Turn the ignition off or to position I. If the ignition is on, an incorrect reading
could occur in the fuel gauge
After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place*.
Allow for fuel expansion by not overfilling the tank. Overfilling could also cause damage to the emission control
systems. Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. In addition to causing damage to the environment, gasolines
containing alcohol can cause damage to painted surfaces, which may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Do not use gasolines containing methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice can result in vehicle
performance deterioration and can damage critical parts in the fuel system. Such damage may not be covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
* If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Check Engine Light
(malfunction indicator lamp) may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected. Use only
Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps.
pg. 87 Starting and driving
Starting the car
Starting the engine
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. Adjust the seat if necessary. See pages 60,
62.
2. Apply the parking brake (hand brake) if not already set. The gear selector (automatic transmission) is locked in the
(P )ark position ( SHIFTLOCK ).
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 this step.
NOTE: On certain models, when the car is started, idle speed may be noticeably 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
system to their normal operating temperature as quickly as possible, which enables them to function normally.
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, 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 which is especially noticeable when selecting R.
NOTE: Your car is equipped with a KEYLOCK system (automatic transmission). 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 transmission may shift up at slightly higher engine speeds than normal until the
automatic transmission fluid reaches normal operating temperature.
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Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard Maintenance Service intervals.
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions should use (D)rive as often as possible and avoid using
"kickdown" to help improve fuel economy.
WARNING!
Driving with the trunk open: Driving with the trunk open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the
passenger compartment.
If the trunk must be kept open for any reason, proceed as follows
- Close the windows
- Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side windows and blower control to its
highest setting.
CAUTION: Drive slowly and carefully if going through standing water (i.e. flooded roadways, etc.). Damage to the
engine could result if excess water is drawn in through the air intake system. Never drive the vehicle in water deeper
than 1 foot (300 mm).
pg. 90 Starting and driving
General information (contd)
Weight distribution affects handling
At the specified curb weight your car has a tendency to understeer, which means that the steering wheel has to be
turned more than might seem appropriate for the curvature of a bend.
This ensures good stability and reduces the risk of rear wheel skid. Remember that these properties can alter with the
vehicle load.
The heavier the load in the trunk (max. 220 lbs, 100 kg), the less the tendency to understeer.
Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling. 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 permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
Speed-sensitive power steering
(Option on certain models)
With this feature, the steering is most responsive at lower speeds to make parking, driving in city traffic, etc, easier.
The effect of the power steering diminishes as you accelerate for greater stability at highway speeds.
pg. 91 Starting and driving
Manual transmission
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Tire inflation
Check tire inflation pressure regularly. A table listing the recommended inflation pressure for your vehicle can be
found on page 117
. Tire inflation pressure placards are also located on the driver's side B-pillar (the structural member
at the side of the vehicle, at the rear of the driver's door opening), or on the inside of the fuel filler door on Canadian
models. These placards indicate the designation of the factory-mounted tires on your vehicle, as well as load limits and
inflation pressure.
Tire inflation placard on Canadian models
NOTE: The placards shown indicate inflation pressure for the tires installed on the car at the factory only.
Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation pressure, including the spare, at least once a month and before long trips.
You are strongly urged to buy a reliable tire pressure gauge, as automatic service station gauges may be inaccurate.
Use the recommended cold inflation pressure for optimum tire performance and wear.
Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause uneven treadwear patterns.
WARNING!
-Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire failure and may result in severe tire cracking, tread separation, or
"blowout," with unexpected loss of vehicle control and increased risk of injury.
-Under-inflated tires reduce the load carrying capacity of your vehicle.
When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also change. A 10-degree temperature drop causes a
corresponding drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check your tire pressures frequently and adjust them to the
proper pressure, which can be found on the vehicle's tire information placard or certification label.
Checking tire pressure
Cold tires
Inflation pressure should be checked when the tires are cold.
The tires are considered to be cold when they have the same temperature as the surrounding (ambient) air.
This temperature is normally reached after the car has been parked for at least 3 hours.
pg. 116 Wheels and tires
After driving a distance of approximately 1 mile (1.6 km), the tires are considered to be hot. If you have to drive
farther than this distance to pump your tire(s), check and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate air
pressure when you get to the pump.
If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot, never "bleed" or reduce air pressure. The tires are hot from driving and it
is normal for pressures to increase above recommended cold pressures. A hot tire at or below recommended cold
inflation pressure could be significantly under-inflated.
To check inflation pressure:
1. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire, then firmly press the tire gauge onto the valve.
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11. Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature grades: See page 123 for more information.
12. Maximum permissible inflation pressure: the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire. This
limit is set by the tire manufacturer.
pg. 121 Wheels and tires
Glossary of tire terminology
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
Glossary of tire terminology
Tire information placard: A placard showing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes, recommended inflation
pressure, and the maximum weight the vehicle can carry.
Tire Identification Number (TIN) : A number on the sidewall of each tire providing information about the tire
brand and manufacturing plant, tire size and date of manufacturer.
Inflation pressure : A measure of the amount of air in a tire.
Standard load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a maximum load at 35 psi [37 psi (2.5 bar) for
Metric tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tires load carrying capability.
Extra load : A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a heavier maximum load at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar)
for Metric tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tires load carrying
capability.
kPa : Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure.
PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard unit of air pressure.
B-pillar : The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the front door.
Bead area of the tire : Area of the tire next to the rim.
Sidewall of the tire: Area between the bead area and the tread.
Tread area of the tire : Area of the perimeter of the tire that contacts the road when mounted on the vehicle.
Rim: The metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads are seated.
Maximum load rating : a figure indicating the maximum load in pounds and kilograms that can be carried by the
tire. This rating is established by the tire manufacturer.
Maximum permissible inflation pressure : the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire.
This limit is set by the tire manufacturer.
Recommended tire inflation pressure : inflation pressure, established by Volvo, which is based on the type of tires
that are mounted on a vehicle at the factory. This inflation pressure is affected by the number of occupants in the car,
the amount of cargo, and the speed at which the vehicle will be driven for a prolonged period. This information can be
found on the tire inflation placard(s) located on the driver's side B-pillar or on the inside of the fuel filler door on
Canadian models, and in the tire inflation table in this chapter.
Cold tires : The tires are considered to be cold when they have the same temperature as the surrounding (ambient)
air. This temperature is normally reached after the car has been parked for at least 3 hours.
pg. 122 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle design performance.
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining your vehicle's weight
ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle's Federal/ Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(FMVSS/CMVSS) label, and the vehicle's tire information placard:
Curb weight
The weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers,
cargo, or optional equipment.
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about your vehicle's operation. One or more of these computers may store what they monitor, either during normal
vehicle operation or in a crash or near-crash event. Stored information may be read and used by:
Volvo Car Corporation
service and repair facilities
law enforcement or government agencies
others who may assert a legal right to know, or who obtain your consent to know such information.
Applicable warranties
In accordance with applicable U.S. and Canadian regulations, the following list of warranties is provided
New Car Limited Warranty
Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty
Corrosion Protection Limited Warranty
Seat Belt and Supplemental Restraint Systems Limited Warranty
Emission Design and Defect Warranty
Emission Performance Warranty
These are the Federal warranties; other warranties are provided as required by state/provincial law. Refer to your
separate Warranty and Service Records Information booklet for detailed information concerning each of the warranties.
pg. 137 Maintenance and service
Periodic maintenance helps minimize emissions
Periodic maintenance will help keep your vehicle running well. Your Warranty and Service Records Information
booklet provides a comprehensive periodic maintenance schedule up to 150,000 miles (240,000 km) of vehicle service.
The schedule includes components that affect vehicle emissions. This page describes some of the emission-related
components.
Engine air filter
The engine air filter cleans particles from air entering the engine. Replace the engine air filter cartridge with a new one
every 37,500 miles (60,000 km) under normal driving conditions. Replace the cartridge more often when the vehicle is
driven under dirty and dusty conditions. The cartridge cannot be cleaned, and should always be replaced with a new
one.
Fuel filter
The fuel filter should be replaced at 105,000 miles (168,000 km). The filter is replaced as one complete unit. Replace
more frequently if contaminated fuel is introduced into the tank, or if there is reason to suspect that this has occurred.
Fuel system, including filler cap, tank, lines and connections
The ability of the fuel system to contain hydrocarbons is dependent upon a leak-free system. Inspect fuel lines every
30,000 miles (48,000 km). Check for proper sealing of the fuel filler cap which contains "O" ring type seals.
NOTE: If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Check Engine
light (Malfunction Indicator) may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected. Use only
Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps.
Timing belt
For proper functioning of the engine and emission control systems, the timing belt and belt tensioner must be replaced
every 105,000 miles (168,000 km). Engine damage will occur if the belt fails.
PCV system
(on turbocharged models)
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The API Service Symbol "donut" is divided into three parts:
The top half describes the oil's performance level.
The center identifies the oil's viscosity.
The bottom half tells whether the oil has demonstrated energy-conserving properties in a standard test in
comparison to a reference oil.
pg. 142 Maintenance and service
Oils and fluids (Contd)
Checking the oil level
The oil level should be checked every time the car is refueled. This is especially important during the period up
to the first service.
CAUTION:
Not checking the oil level regularly can result in serious engine damage if the oil level becomes too low.
Park the car on a level surface and wait for at least 5 minutes after the engine has been switched off. Be sure the oil
level is maintained between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick. Low oil level can cause internal damage to the
engine and overfilling can result in high oil consumption. The distance between the dipstick marks represents approx.
1.6 US qt (1.5 liter). The oil should preferably be checked when cold, before the engine has been started.
NOTE: The engine must be stopped when checking the oil.
WARNING!
Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into contact with hot exhaust pipe surfaces.
Adding oil (topping up)
Add oil of the same kind as already used.
Capacity (including filter): Normally-aspirated 5-cylinder engine - 5.8 US qts (5.5 liters).
Turbo 5-cylinder engine - 6.1 US qts (5.8 liters).
The oil filter should be replaced at every oil change.
R-models
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