If the brake fluid level is above the MIN mark, drive carefully to an authorized Volvo retailer and have the brake
system inspected.
pg. 29 Instruments and controls
Supplemental Restraint System SRS
If the light comes on (or stays on after the vehicle has started), the SRS diagnostic system has detected a fault. Drive to
an authorized Volvo retailer for an inspection of the system. See the SRS section for more information.
Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charging system checked.
Seat belt reminder
This symbol lights up to indicate that the driver has not fastened his/her seat belt.
Tire pressure monitoring light
See page 118
for more information on this function.
PARK BRAKE Parking brake applied
This light will be on when the parking brake (hand brake) is applied. The parking brake lever is situated between the
front seats.
Canadian models are equipped with this symbol.
Rear fog light
This light indicates that the fog light is on.
Turn signal indicator - trailer (certain models)
If you are towing a trailer, this light will flash simultaneously with the turn signals on the trailer. If the light does not
flash when signaling, neither the trailer's turn signals nor the car's turn signals are functioning.
Oil pressure warning light
If the light comes on while driving, stop the car and then stop the engine immediately and check the engine oil
level. See page 142
. R-models are also equipped with an oil level warning system. If the light stays on after restart,
have the car towed to the nearest authorized Volvo retailer. After hard driving, the light may come on occasionally
when the engine is idling. This is normal, provided it goes off when the engine speed is increased.
CHECK ENGINE Malfunction indicator light
On-Board Diagnostic II (OBDII): As you drive, a computer called "OBDII" monitors your car'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 this happens, please have your car 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 car's behavior.
Even so, an uncorrected condition could hurt fuel economy, emission cleanliness, and driveability. Extended driving
without correcting the cause could even damage other components in your car.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light.
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The ignition should be switched off when:
Conducting engine tests.
Replacing parts in the ignition system, such as spark plugs, ignition coil, distributor, ignition cables, etc.
WARNING!
Never try to repair any part of the SRS or SIPS bag systems yourself. Any interference in the system could cause
malfunction and serious injury. Any work should only be performed by an authorized Volvo workshop.
pg. 139 Maintenance and service
Belt check
Check the belt regularly to make sure it is in good condition and is clean. A worn or dirty belt can cause poor cooling
and low alternator output as well as impair the operation of the power steering and the air conditioning unit.
NOTE: The drive belt is equipped with a self -tensioning mechanism and requires no adjustment between changes!
WARNING!
The engine must not be running when this check is performed.
Check coolant level
The cooling system must be filled with coolant and not leak to operate at maximum efficiency. Check the coolant level
regularly. The level should be between the "MAX" and "MIN" marks on the expansion tank. The check should be
made with particular thoroughness when the engine is new or when the cooling system has been drained.
Do not remove the filler cap other than for topping up with coolant. Frequent removal may prevent coolant circulation
between the engine and the expansion tank during engine warm up and cooling.
Changing 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. 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.
WARNING!
Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is warm. Wait until the car cools.
pg. 140 Maintenance and service
Hood and engine compartment
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pg. 141 Maintenance and service
Oils and fluids
Oil quality
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 normal maintenance services. This oil is only used at
customer request, at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.
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 below.
Oil viscosity (stable ambient temperatures)
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 above.
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
driving in mountainous areas.
Changing oil and oil filter
Oil and oil filter changes should be made at 7,500 mile (12,000 km) intervals.
Volvo does not recommend the use of oil additives.
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance service intervals.
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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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R-models are equipped with an oil level warning system. If the engine oil level becomes too low, the warning light in
the instrument panel will come on and a warning will be displayed in the text window.
If the yellow warning light in the instrument panel comes on and the text OIL LEVEL LOW/ FILL OIL is displayed,
stop safely as soon as possible and add 1 qt (1 liter) of oil. Check the oil level with the dipstick before restarting the
engine.
If the red warning light in the instrument panel comes on and the text OIL LEVEL LOW/STOP SAFELY-->STOP
ENGINE-->SEE MANUAL is displayed, stop safely as soon as possible and add oil (not more than 1.6 qts (1.5 liters).
Check the oil level with the dipstick before restarting the engine. If no oil level is visible on the dipstick, do not start
the engine. Have the car towed to an authorized Volvo workshop.
pg. 143 Maintenance and service
Washer fluid reservoir
Washer fluid reservoir
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and holds approx. 6.8 US qts (6.4 liters) or 4.8 US qts
(4.5 liters) on the S60 R.
During cold weather, the reservoir should be filled with windshield washer solvent containing antifreeze.
Coolant reservoir
Changing 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).
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