
In production, Volvo has partly or completely phased out several chemicals including freons, lead chromates,
naphtanates, asbestos, mercury and cadmium; and reduced the amount of chemicals used in our plants 50% since 1991.
In use, Volvo was the first in the world to introduce into production a three-way catalytic converter with a Lambda
sond, now called oxygen sensor, in 1976. The current version of this highly efficient system reduces emissions of
harmful substances (CO, HC, NOx) from the exhaust pipe by approximately 95% and the search to eliminate the
remaining emissions continues. Volvo is the only automobile manufacturer to offer CFC-free retrofit kits for the air
conditioning system for all models as far back as the M/Y 1975 240. Advanced electronic engine controls, refined
purification systems and cleaner fuels are bringing us closer to our goal.
After Volvo cars and parts have fulfilled their use, recycling is the next critical step in completing the life cycle. The
metal content is about 75% of the total weight of a car, which makes the car among the most recycled industrial
products. In order to have efficient and well controlled recycling, many Volvo variants have printed dismantling
manuals, indicating the weight and material of individual components. For Volvo, all homogeneous plastic parts
weighing more than 1.7 oz. (50 grams) are marked with international symbols that indicate how the component is to be
sorted for recycling.
In addition to continuous environmental refinement of conventional gasoline-powered internal combustion engines,
Volvo is actively looking at advanced technology alternative-fuel vehicles.
When you drive a Volvo, you become our partner in the work to lessen the car's impact on the environment.
To reduce your vehicle's environmental impact, you can:
Maintain proper air pressure in your tires. Tests have shown decreased fuel economy with improperly inflated tires
Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your Warranty and Service Records Information booklet.
Drive at a constant speed
See an authorized Volvo retailer as soon as possible for inspection if the check engine (malfunction indicator) lamp
illuminates, or stays on after the vehicle has started
Properly dispose of any vehicle related waste such as used motor oil, used batteries, brake pads, etc.
When cleaning your car, use Volvo's own car care products, all of which have systematically been adapted to the
environment.
PremAir®
On the surface of the radiator in the engine compartment, there is a special coating called PremAir®. PremAir® works
as a catalytic converter, converting most of the ozone passing through the radiator into oxygen, thereby reducing
harmful ground-level ozone.
PremAir is a registered trademark of Engelhard Corporation.
Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com

Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:
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 137
. 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.
Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charging system checked.
* Rear fog light, if used, and trailer turn signal, if towing a trailer, will go on while driving.
pg. 29 Indicator and warning lights
Rear fog light
This light indicates that the rear fog light is on.
CHECK
ENGINE
Malfunction indicator lamp
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:
NOTE : If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the 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.
Anti-lock Brake System ABS
If the warning light comes on, there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system pwill however
function). The vehicle should be driven to a Volvo retailer for inspection. See page 19
for additional information.
Stability Traction Control (STC) system (option), or Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system
(option)
This indicator light will flash with STC or DSTC is actively working to stabilize the car. See pages 20-21
for more
detailed information.
ProCarManuals.com

Volvo cares about the environment. The air conditioning system in your car contains a CFC-free refrigerant - R134a
(HFC134a). This substance will not deplete the ozone layer. The system contains 2.2 lbs (1000 g) R134a and uses
PAG oil.
Passenger compartment blower
Approximately 50 minutes after the ignition is turned off, the blower may come on automatically, and run for five
minutes, to remove condensation in the A/C evaporator.
pg. 51 Electronic Climate Control (ECC) - with Interior Air Quality system (option)
Interior Air Quality system (option)
Some cars are equipped with a multifilter and air quality sensor. The filter separates gases and particles, thereby
reducing the amounts of odors and contaminants entering the car. The air quality sensor detects increased levels of
contaminants in the outside air. When the air quality sensor detects contaminated outside air, the air intake closes and
the air inside the passenger compartment is recirculated, i.e. no outside air enters the car. The filter also cleans
recirculated passenger compartment air. When the Air quality sensor is activated, the LED AUT comes on in the
recirculation button
Operation:
Press
to activate the Air quality sensor (normal setting).
Or select one of three functions by pressing
1. Press
the LED AUT comes on.
The Air quality sensor is now activated.
2. Press
no LED is lighted.
Recirculation not activated.
3. Press
the LED MAN comes on. Recirculation is now activated. You can switch between these three functions
by repeatedly pressing
Keep the following in mind:
Make it a rule to have the air quality sensor activated at all times.
Recirculation is limited in cold climates to avoid misting up.
If misting occurs, you should deactivate the Air quality sensor.
If the windows mist up, you can also use the windshield and side window defroster functions. See page 48.
The filter should be changed at the intervals listed in the Warranty and Service Records Information booklet.
However, if the car is used in a severely contaminated environment, it may be necessary to change the filter more
frequently.
pg. 52
This page intentionally left blank.
ProCarManuals.com

NOTE: Vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions should use (D)rive as often as possible and avoid using
"kickdown" to help improve fuel economy.
Cooling system
The risk for engine overheating is greatest, especially in hot weather, when:
Towing a trailer up steep inclines for prolonged periods at wide open throttle and low engine rpm.
Stopping the engine suddenly after high speed driving (so-called "after-boiling" can occur).
To avoid overheating, the following rules should be followed:
Do not drive for prolonged periods at engine speeds above 4500 rpm if you are towing a trailer in hilly terrain.
Reduce speed when towing a trailer up long, steep inclines. The risk of overheating can be reduced by switching off
the air conditioning system for a short time.
Do not let the engine idle unnecessarily for prolonged periods.
Do not mount auxiliary lamps in front of the grill.
When the risk of overheating is imminent, or in the event of overheating (the temperature gauge goes repeatedly into,
or stays continually in, the red section), the following precautions should be taken:
Switch off the air conditioning system.
Pull off the road, away from traffic, stop the car and put the gear selector into Park. Do not stop the engine!
Switch the heater to full (maximum) position. Increase the engine speed to approx. 2000 rpm (twice idling speed)
until the temperature begins to drop.
If the warning light in the center of the instrument panel is red, and the message "Coolant level low stop engine" is
displayed, switch off the engine as soon as possible.
WARNING!
Do not remove coolant expansion tank cap. The coolant will be extremely hot.
If necessary, see page 132
for information on checking and topping-up the coolant level.
Contents | Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com

the vehicle and others sharing the roadway. Avoiding distractions is part of that responsibility.
The following should be checked regularly: *
1 Washer fluid reservoir should be filled with water and solvent (wintertime: windshield washer anti-freeze). See
page 93.
2 Power steering - When cold, the level must not be above the COLD mark and when hot it must not be above the
HOT mark. Top up if the level drops to the ADD mark with ATF fluid. See page 138.
3 Coolant level should be between the expansion tank marks. Mixture: 50% anti-freeze and 50% water. See page 132.
4 Engine oil level should be between the dipstick marks. The distance between the marks represents approx.
1.6 US qts (1.5 liters). See page 136.
5 Brake fluid - check, without removing the cap, that the level is above the MIN mark. Use brake fluid DOT 4+. See
page 138.
* Engine oil should be checked each time the car is refuelled.
Octane rating, see page 72.
Tire pressure, see label located on the rear edge of the right front door.
ProCarManuals.com