Steering wheel lock
The steering wheel lock might be under tension when the car is parked.
Turn the steering wheel slightly to free the ignition key.
In order to help reduce car theft, make sure the steering wheel lock is engaged before leaving the car.
WARNING!
Never switch off the ignition (turn the ignition key to position 0) or remove the key from the ignition switch while
the car is in motion. This could cause the steering wheel to lock, which would make the car impossible to steer
* The gear selector must be in the ( P)ark position (automatic transmission).
** Please be aware that leaving the key in this position will increase battery drain.
pg. 89 Starting and driving
General information
Economical driving conserves natural resources
Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops and adjusting the speed of
your vehicle to immediate traffic conditions. Observe the following rules:
Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by driving with a light foot on the accelerator
pedal for the first few minutes of operation. A cold engine uses more fuel and is subject to increased wear.
Whenever possible, avoid using the car for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach normal
operating temperature.
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
Do not exceed posted speed limits.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the car.
Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (when tires are cold).
Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc, increase air resistance and also fuel consumption.
Avoid using automatic transmission kickdown feature unless necessary.
However, at higher driving speeds, fuel consumption will be lower with the air conditioning on and the windows
closed than with the air conditioning off and the windows open.
Using the onboard trip computer's fuel consumption modes can help you learn how to drive more economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage are:
Dirty air cleaner
Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
Dragging brakes
Incorrect front end alignment
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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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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.
Check coolant regularly!
WARNING!
Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is warm. Wait until the car cools.
If it is necessary to top up the coolant when the engine is warm, unscrew the expansion tank cap slowly so that the
overpressure dissipates.
pg. 144 Maintenance and service
Oils and fluids (Contd)
Clutch and brake fluid reservoir
The clutch and brake fluid should always be above the MIN mark on the side of the reservoir. Check, without
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: Every second year or 30,000 miles (48,000 km). The fluid should be replaced once a year or every 15,000
miles (24,000 km) when driving under extremely hard conditions (mountain driving, etc.)
Always entrust brake fluid changing to an authorized Volvo retailer.
Power steering fluid reservoir
The fluid level should always be between the ADD and FULL marks.
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