
The trunk divider (see page 71) must be closed.
The trunk must be closed.
The brake pedal must be depressed while the retractable hard top is in motion. Volvo also recommends the
following:
The vehicle should be parked outdoors, on level ground.
Raising or lowering the power retractable hard top should preferably be done in one, continuous operation.
If the vehicle is parked outdoors, the engine should be idling to help avoid battery drain.
CAUTION!
If the instructions on these pages are not followed, damage to the power retractable hard top's mechanism may occur.
WARNING!
The power retractable hard top must not be obstructed in any way when it is being operated. Always have an
unobstructed view of the power retractable hard top when it is in motion. See also the decal on the trunk divider.
Anyone near the vehicle should be well clear of the power retractable hard top's moving parts before it is
operated.
Children must never be allowed to play with the power retractable hard top control buttons.
pg. 71 Interior
Power retractable hard top
Trunk divider
ProCarManuals.com

Raising or lowering the power retractable hard top
Turn the ignition key to position II, or start the engine if the vehicle is parked outdoors.
Press the brake pedal and keep it depressed while the retractable hard top is in motion.
Press and hold down the left button (1) to raise the power retractable hard top or the right button (2) to lower it. Hold
down the respective button until the top is completely raised or lowered.
Release the button when an audible signal sounds. The message ROOF OPEN or ROOF CLOSED will be displayed.
NOTE:
Please heed any messages that may appear in the information display while the top is in operation.
Any windows that are closed will be opened approximately 1 inch (2 cm) while the power retractable hard top is in
operation. The windows will be automatically re-closed when the top is completely raised or lowered.
pg. 73 Interior
Power retractable hard top
WARNING!
See the section "Before raising or lowering the power retractable hard top" on page 70
before operating the power
retractable hard top. Never pull the release wire for the power retractable hard top's hydraulic system that is located
under the rear seat cushion. This wire is only intended for use by qualified service personnel. Pulling this wire could
lead to:
High risk of being injured by the power retractable hard top mechanism.
Unexpected movement of the hard top, or the hard top or the trunk could inadvertently open.
The retractable hard top can be damaged.
Power retractable hard top-related text messages
PRESS BRAKE TO OPERATE ROOF
The brake pedal must be depressed while the retractable hard top is in motion.
CLOSE TRUNK FOR ROOF OPERATION
The trunk is open and must be closed before operating the power retractable hard top.
CLOSE TRUNK SEP. FOR ROOF OPERAT.
The trunk divider (see page 71
for more information) must be closed before operating the power retractable hard top.
LOW BATTERY FOR ROOF OPERATION
ProCarManuals.com

2 0 0 6
VOLVO C70
Chapter 7 - Starting and driving
pg. 97 Starting and driving
General information 98
Fuel requirements101
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock104
Starting the engine105
Manual transmission, 6-speed107
Automatic transmission - Geartronic108
Shiftlock override110
Brake system111
Stability system113
Park assist (accessory)115
Towing117
Jump starting119
Towing a trailer120
Detachable trailer hitch122
Transporting loads123
pg. 98 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 vehicle for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach
normal operating temperature.
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
Use the transmission's (D)rive position as often as possible and avoid using kickdown.
Do not exceed posted speed limits.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the vehicle.
Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (when tires are cold).
Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
ProCarManuals.com

At highway 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
Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard maintenance intervals.
Weight distribution affects handling
At the specified curb weight your vehicle 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 cargo
area, the less the tendency to understeer.
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,
Close the windows
Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side windows and the 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 18
inches (48 cm).
Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore, check that the tires are inflated to
pg. 99 Starting and driving
General information
the recommended pressure according to the vehicle load. See the "Tire pressure" section. Loads should be distributed
so that capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
Cold weather precautions
If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the following advice is worth noting:
Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture will reduce freeze protection.
This gives protection against freezing down to -31°F (-35°C). See section "Coolant". The use of "recycled" antifreeze
is not approved by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze must not be mixed.
Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.
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
ProCarManuals.com

Check state of the battery's charge.
Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those that are worn. Check tire pressures.
The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician only.
Check all lights, including high beams.
Reflective warning triangles are legally required in some states/provinces.
Have a word with a trained and qualified Volvo service technician if you intend to drive in countries where it may
be difficult to obtain the correct fuel.
Consider your destination. If you will be driving through an area where snow or ice are likely to occur, consider
snow tires.
2. To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your vehicle's transmission fluid yourself. Have your vehicle's transmission fluid
level inspected by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
pg. 101 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
Octane rating
Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium gasoline with an AKI octane rating of 91
or above. AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of the Research Octane Number, RON, and the Motor Octane
Number, MON. ((RON + MON)/2). The minimum octane requirement is AKI 87 (RON 91).
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gasoline to control engine deposits. Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping
injectors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit control gasolines will help ensure good driveability and
fuel economy. If you are not sure whether the gasoline contains deposit control additives, check with the service
station operator.
NOTE: Volvo does not recommend the use of store -bought fuel injector cleaning additives.
Unleaded fuel
Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and Canadian regulations
require that pumps delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit
your vehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled "unleaded gasoline only".
Leaded gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of
leaded gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of the emission control system and could result in loss of emission
warranty coverage. State and local vehicle inspection programs will make detection of misfueling easier, possibly
resulting in emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.
NOTE: Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive called methyl-cyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission Control System performance may be affected,
and the Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator lamp) located on your instrument panel may light. If this occurs,
please return your vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for maintenance.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or ethers. In some areas, state or
local laws require that the service pump be marked indicating use of alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas in
which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet seasonal air quality standards, some areas require the use of "oxygenated"
fuel. Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed on this page must
still be met.
Alcohol - Ethanol : Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be used. Ethanol may also be referred to as
ProCarManuals.com

Steering wheel lock
When the key is removed from the ignition, the steering wheel locks so that it cannot be turned.
If the front wheels are hard up against a curb, the steering wheel lock may be under too much tension to unlock. If so,
the key will turn in the ignition switch but the car will not start. At the same time, a message "Steering locked" will
appear in the driver information text display.
If this happens:
Remove the key from the ignition.
Turn the steering wheel slightly and hold it to relieve pressure on the lock mechanism. Reinsert it the key. The
steering should immediately unlock. If not, try again.
NOTE: In order to help reduce vehicle theft, make sure the steering wheel lock is engaged before leaving the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never switch off the ignition (turn the ignition key to position 0) or remove the key from the ignition switch while
the vehicle is in motion. This could cause the steering wheel to lock, which would make the vehicle impossible to
steer.
1. The gear selector must be in the Park position.
2. Please be aware that leaving the key in this position will increase battery drain.
pg. 105 Starting and driving
Starting the engine
To start the engine:
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.
Apply the parking brake, if not already set. The gear selector (automatic transmission) is locked in the (P)ark position
(SHIFTLOCK). See also page 108
.
Manual transmission: The clutch must be fully depressed.
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.
Autostart (T5 turbo with automatic transmission only)
This function makes it possible to start the vehicle without holding the key in position III. Turn the key to position III
and release it. The starter motor will then operate automatically (for up to ten seconds) until the engine starts.
NOTE: After a cold start, idle speed may be noticeably higher than normal for a short period. This is done to help
bring components in the emission control system to their normal operating temperature as quickly as possible, which
enables them to control emissions and help reduce the vehicle's impact on the environment.
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.
To release the gear selector from the (P)ark position, the engine must be running (or the ignition key must be in
ProCarManuals.com

position II) and the brake pedal must be depressed.
Select the desired gear. On models with an automatic transmission, the gear engages after a very slight delay which
is especially noticeable when selecting R.
NOTE:
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. 106 Starting and driving
Starting the engine
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 (1st gear or reverse on models with a manual transmission) 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. 107 Starting and driving
Manual transmission, 6-speed
ProCarManuals.com

6-speed manual transmission (option on certain models)
Depress the clutch pedal completely when changing gears
1.
Remove your foot from the clutch pedal while driving. The shift pattern should be followed. Overdrive (5th and 6th
gears) should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy.
1. Clutch interlock
The clutch must be fully depressed before you can start your car. If the clutch is not depressed, it will not be possible
to start the engine.
Engaging reverse gear, 6-speed transmission
Reverse gear should only be engaged from a complete stop.
NOTE: Reverse gear is electronically blocked and cannot be selected if the vehicle is moving at a speed of
approximately 13 mph (20km/h).
CAUTION!
Never shift into reverse while moving forward.
WARNING!
An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause the accelerator, brake, and/or clutch pedal to catch. Check that the
movement of these pedals is not impeded. Not more than one protective floor covering may be used at one time.
pg. 108 Starting and driving
ProCarManuals.com