
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
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Fuel requirements (contd.)
CAUTION!
Do not refuel with the engine running
a. 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.
a. If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the vehicle 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. 104 Starting and driving
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock
0 - Locked position
Remove the key to lock the steering wheel1. Never turn the key to position 0 while driving or when the
vehicle is being towed.
NOTE: A ticking sound may be audible if the key is turned to a position between 0 and I. To stop this sound, turn the
key to position II and back to position 0.
I - Intermediate position
2
Certain accessories, radio, etc. on, daytime running lights off.
II - Drive position
The key's position when driving. The vehicle's entire electrical system is activated.
III - Start position
Release the key when the engine starts. The key returns automatically to the Drive position.
A chime will sound if the key is left in the ignition and the driver's door is opened.
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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
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increases to the maximum level. Maintain full pressure on the brake pedal in order to utilize the system completely.
EBA is automatically deactivated when the brake pedal is released.
pg. 113 Starting and driving
Stability system
The car is equipped with DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control). This system consist of the following
functions:
Traction control - TC
This function is designed to help reduce wheel spin by transferring power from a drive wheel that begins to lose
traction to the wheel on the opposite side of the vehicle (on the same axle). TC monitors and compares the rotational
speed of the drive wheels. If one of the drive wheels shows a tendency to spin, the difference in speed is immediately
detected.
TC is most active at low speeds, and a pulsating sound will be audible when the system is regulating wheel spin. This
is quite normal.
This function cannot be disabled.
Spin control - SC
The spin control function is designed to help prevent the drive wheels from spinning while the vehicle is accelerating.
This is done by temporarily reducing engine torque to the drive wheels, which helps improve tractive force.
Under certain circumstances, such as when driving with snow chains, or driving in deep snow or loose sand, it may be
advisable to temporarily disable this function for maximum tractive force.
Disabling the spin control function:
This is done in the menu system, and will be indicated by a text messages in the information display.
Turn control (A) on the left steering wheel lever until the DSTC menu is displayed.
Press and hold down the reset button (B) until DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF or DSTC ON is displayed.
The anti-spin function will be automatically reactivated when the engine is started.
WARNING!
The car's handling and stability characteristics will be altered with the spin control function disabled.
Active yaw control - AYC
This function helps maintain directional stability, for example when cornering, by braking one or more of the wheels if
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Screw the towing eyelet in place first by hand and then using the tire iron until it is securely in place (3).
After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet should be unscrewed and returned to its storage place. Press the plastic
cover in bumper back into position.
WARNING!
Volvo does not recommend towing a disabled vehicle behind another vehicle. Significant difficulty in steering and
braking, combined with unfavorable weather, traffic, and road conditions may make it impossible to maintain
vehicle control.
Towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground
Apply the parking brake.
Insert the key into the ignition to unlock the steering wheel. The steering wheel must be unlocked. With the engine
off and the vehicle at a standstill, great effort will be required to turn the steering wheel.
WARNING!
Towing a vehicle with a locked steering wheel will make the vehicle impossible to steer.
Turn the ignition key to position II.
Place the gear selector in neutral. For vehicles with automatic transmissions, follow instruction on page 110,
"Shiftlock override" to allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position.
Keep firm pressure on the brake pedal while releasing the parking brake.
When towing has been completed, return the gear selector to Park (automatic) or Reverse (manual) and apply the
parking brake.
pg. 118 Starting and driving
Towing
The following points should also be observed:
Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). Never exceed local towing speed limits and heed all local towing restrictions.
Never tow farther than 50 miles (80 km).
Keep the tow rope taut at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
The disabled vehicle should be towed in the forward direction only.
WARNING!
Never allow a vehicle to be towed without a driver behind the wheel of the disabled vehicle.
Never remove the key from the ignition while the vehicle is moving. The steering wheel could lock, making it
impossible to steer the vehicle.
When the engine is not running, steering resistance and the effort needed to apply the brakes will be great.
Never attempt to tow a vehicle with a dead battery at night.
CAUTION!
Check with state and local authorities before attempting this type of towing, as vehicles being towed are subject to
regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length and type of towing device, lighting, marker flags, etc.
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Your vehicle is equipped with a tire sealing system that enables you to temporarily seal a hole in the tread surface and
re-inflate a flat tire, or to adjust a tire's inflation pressure.
The tire sealing kit is stowed behind the ski hatch in the center of the rear seat backrest.
The jack, and lug wrench are secured in a foam plastic block located under the floor panel in the trunk.
The system consists of an air compressor, an integrated container for the sealing compound, wiring to connect the
system to the vehicle's electrical system via one of the 12-volt sockets, and a hose used to connect the system to the
tire's inflation valve.
NOTE:
The tire sealing system is only intended to seal holes on the tire's tread area, not the sidewall.
Tires with large holes or tears cannot be repaired with the tire sealing system.
WARNING!
After using the tire sealing system, the vehicle should not be driven farther than approximately 120 miles (200
km). Have the tire replaced as soon as possible.
The vehicle should not be driven faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) while using a tire that has been temporarily
repaired with the tire sealing system.
After using the tire sealing system, drive carefully and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers and sudden stops.
pg. 142 Wheels and tires
Tire sealing system
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Temporarily repairing a flat tire
Before using the tire sealing system, observe the following:
WARNING!
Never leave the tire sealing system unattended when it is operating.
Keep the tire sealing system kit away from children.
The vehicle's engine should be running when the tire sealing system is used to avoid battery drain. Therefore, be
sure the vehicle is parked in a well ventilated place before using the system.
Be sure the vehicle is parked safely off the road and away from moving traffic.
Apply the parking brake.
Do not remove any foreign objects (nails, etc.) from the tire.
Temporarily repairing a flat tire is done in two stages.
In the first stage, the hole is sealed by pumping sealing compound into the tire. The car is then driven a short
distance to distribute the sealing compound in the tire.
In the second stage, the tire's inflation pressure is checked and adjusted if necessary.
Stage 1: Sealing the hole
Peel off the speed limit sticker (1) and affix it to the steering wheel hub where it will be clearly visible to the driver.
Ensure that the orange switch (2) is in position 0 (the 0 side of the switch should be pressed down).
Pull out the electrical wire (5) and hose (4) from the side compartment (3).
Remove the valve cap from the tire's inflation valve and screw the hose connector onto the valve as tightly as
possible by hand.
Connect the electrical wire to the nearest 12-volt socket in the vehicle.
Release the safety catch (6) and turn the orange colored section of the sealing kit (7), which holds the sealing
compound container, 90 degrees until it clicks into the vertical position.
Start the vehicle's engine.
Start the tire sealing system's compressor by pressing the switch (2) to position I.
NOTE: The air pressure gauge (9) will temporarily show an increase in pressure to approximately 88 psi (6 bar) while
the sealing compound is being pumped into the tire. The pressure should return to a normal level after approximately
one minute.
pg. 143 Wheels and tires
Tire sealing system
WARNING!
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Contact with the sealing compound may cause skin irritation. If contact occurs, wash the affected area immediately
with soap and water.
Never stand next to the tire being inflated when the compressor is in operation. If cracks, bubbles, etc. form on the
tire, switch off the compressor immediately. If there is visible damage to the sidewall or the rim, the tire cannot be
repaired. The vehicle should not be driven if this occurs. Contact a towing service or Volvo On Call Roadside
Assistance if applicable.
Within seven minutes, inflate the tire to between 22 - 50 psi (1.8 - 3.5 bar). Switch off the compressor briefly to get a
clear reading from the pressure gauge (9).
CAUTION!
If the pressure remains below 22 psi (1.8 bar) after approximately seven minutes, turn off the compressor. In this
case, the hole is too large to be sealed and the vehicle should not be driven.
Disconnect the electrical wire from the 12-volt socket.
Unscrew the hose from the tire's inflation valve and reinstall the valve cap.
Fold down the orange section of the tire sealing system to its original (horizontal) position and press the safety catch
into place.
Safely stow the tire sealing system kit in a convenient place as it will soon be used again to check the tire's inflation
pressure.
Immediately drive the vehicle for approximately 2 miles (3 km) to distribute the sealing compound in the tire.
WARNING!
If heavy vibrations, unsteady steering behavior, or noises should occur while driving, reduce speed and park the car
in a safe place. Recheck the tire for bumps, cracks, or other visible damage, and recheck its inflation pressure. If the
pressure is below 16 psi (1.3 bar), do not continue driving. Have the vehicle towed to a workshop or Volvo retailer.
Stage 2: Checking inflation pressure
Park the car in a safe place.
Ensure that the orange switch (2) is in position 0 (the 0 side of the switch should be pressed down).
Remove the valve cap from the tire's inflation valve and screw the hose connector onto the valve as tightly as
possible by hand.
Connect the electrical wire to the nearest 12-volt socket in the vehicle.
Start the vehicle's engine.
Check the tire's inflation pressure on the gauge (9).
NOTE: In dark conditions, switching on the tire sealing system's compressor will illuminate the pressure gauge.
Inflate the tire to the correct pressure as indicated in the tire inflation tables on page 116. If the tire needs to be
inflated, start the tire sealing system's compressor. If necessary, release air from the tire by pressing the vent button (8).
Turn off the compressor (press switch 2 to the 0 position) when the correct inflation pressure has been reached.
pg. 144 Wheels and tires
Tire sealing system
CAUTION!
The compressor should not be used for more than ten minutes at a time to avoid overheating.
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