Page 97 of 132

Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
Vehicle Event Data (Black Box)
Your vehicle's driving and safety systems employ computers that monitor, and share with each other, information
about your vehicle's operation. One or more of these computers may store what they monitor, either during normal
vehicle operation or in a crash or near-crash event. Stored information may be read and used by:
Volvo Car Corporation
service and repair facilities
law enforcement or government agencies
others who may assert a legal right to know, or who obtain your consent to know such information.
Applicable warranties
In accordance with applicable U.S. and Canadian regulations, the following list of warranties is provided
New Car Limited Warranty
Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty
Corrosion Protection Limited Warranty
Seat Belt and Supplemental Restraint Systems Limited Warranty
Emission Design and Defect Warranty
Emission Performance Warranty
These are the Federal warranties; other warranties are provided as required by state/provincial law. Refer to your
separate Warranty and Service Records Information booklet for detailed information concerning each of the warranties.
pg. 137 Maintenance and service
Maintaining your car
Owner maintenance
Periodic maintenance requirements and intervals are described in your vehicleÕs Warranty and Service Records
Information booklet.
The following points can be carried out between the normally scheduled maintenance services.
Each time the car is refueled:
Check the engine oil level
Clean the windshield, windshield wipers, headlights, and tail lights
Monthly:
Check cold tire pressure in all tires. Inspect the tires for wear.
Check that engine coolant and other fluid levels are between the indicated "min" and "max" markings.
Clean interior glass surfaces with a glass cleaner and soft paper towels.
Wipe driver information displays with a soft cloth.
Visually inspect battery terminals for corrosion. Corrosion may indicate a loose terminal connector, or a battery near
the end of its useful service life. Consult your Volvo retailer for additional information.
As needed:
Wash the car, including the undercarriage, to reduce wear that can be caused by a buildup of dirt, and corrosion that
can be caused by salt residues.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 98 of 132

Clean leaves and twigs from air intake vents at the base of the windshield, and from other places where they may
collect.
NOTE: Complete service information for qualified technicians is available online for purchase or subscription at
www.volvotechinfo.com
.
pg. 138 Maintenance and service
Emission inspection readiness
What is an Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)?
OBD II is part of your vehicle's computerized engine management system. It stores diagnostic information about your
vehicle's emission controls. It can light the Check Engine light (MIL) if it detects an emission control "fault." A "fault"
is a component or system that is not performing within an expected range. A fault may be permanent or temporary.
OBD II will store a message about any fault. How do states use OBD II for emission inspections? Many states connect
a computer directly to a vehicle's OBD II system. The inspector can then read "faults." In some states, this type of
inspection has replaced the tailpipe emission test.
How can my vehicle fail OBD II emission inspection?
Your vehicle can fail OBD II emission inspection for any of the following reasons.
If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit, your vehicle may fail inspection.
If your vehicle's Check Engine light was lit, but went out without any action on your part, OBD II will still have a
recorded fault. Your vehicle may pass or fail, depending on the inspection practices in your area.
If you had recent service that required disconnecting the battery, OBD II diagnostic information may be incomplete
and "not ready" for inspection. A vehicle that is not ready may fail inspection.
How can I prepare for my next OBD II emission inspection?
If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit - or was lit but went out without service, have your vehicle diagnosed and, if
necessary, serviced by a qualified Volvo technician.
If you recently had service for a lit Check Engine light, or if you had service that required disconnecting the battery,
a period of driving is necessary to bring the OBD II system to "ready" for inspection. A half-hour trip of mixed stop-
and -go/ highway driving is typically needed to allow OBD II to reach readiness. Your Volvo retailer can provide you
with more information on planning a trip.
Maintain your vehicle in accordance with your vehicle's maintenance schedule.
pg. 139 Maintenance and service
Working on your car
ProCarManuals.com
Page 99 of 132

Note the following before you begin working on your car:
Battery
Ensure that the battery cables are correctly connected and tightened.
Never disconnect the battery when the engine is running (e.g. when replacing the battery).
Never use a fast charger to charge the battery. The battery cables should be disconnected when recharging.
The battery contains acid that is both corrosive and poisonous. It is important that the battery is handled in an
environmentally friendly way. Let your Volvo dealer assist you.
Hoisting the car
If a garage jack is used to lift the car, the two jack attachments points should be used. They are specially reinforced to
bear the weight of the car. A garage jack can also be placed under the front of the engine support frame. Take care not
to damage the splash guard under the engine. Ensure that the jack is positioned so that the car cannot slide off it.
Always use axle stands or similar structures.
If a two-post hoist is used to lift the car, the front and rear lift arm pads should be centered under the reinforced lift
plates on the inboard edge of the sill rail (see illustration).
WARNING!
The car ignition system has very high voltage!
The voltage in the ignition system is dangerous!
Do not touch spark plugs, ignition cables or the ignition coil when the engine is running or the ignition is switched
on!
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. 140 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
ProCarManuals.com
Page 100 of 132

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. 141 Maintenance and service
Hood and engine compartment
Opening the hood
Pull the lever located under the left side of the dash to release the hood lock.
Lift the hood slightly.
Press up the release control located under the front edge of the hood (at the center) and lift.
WARNING!
Check that the hood locks properly when closed!
Engine compartment
1. Expansion tank - coolant
2. Power steering fluid reservoir
3. Washer fluid reservoir
ProCarManuals.com
Page 101 of 132

4. Dipstick - engine oil
5. Radiator
6. Cooling fan
7. Oil filler cap - engine
8. Clutch/brake fluid reservoir
9. Relay/fuse box
10. Air cleaner
11. Battery (in trunk)
12. Data plate
WARNING!
The cooling fan (6) may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine has been switched off.
pg. 142 Maintenance and service
Engine oil
Oil specifications
Engine oil must meet the minimum ILSAC specification GF-3, API SL, or ACEA A1/B1. Lower quality oils may not
offer the same fuel economy, engine performance, or engine protection.
Volvo Cars recommends
.
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.
Oil viscosity (stable ambient temperatures)
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.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 102 of 132

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.
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.
American Petroleum Institute (API) symbol
American Petroleum Institute (API) symbol
The API Service Symbol "donut" is divided into three parts:
The upper section describes the oilÕs performance level.
The center identifies the oilÕs viscosity.
The lower section indicates whether the oil has demonstrated energy-conserving properties in a standard test in
comparison to a reference oil.
pg. 143 Maintenance and service
Oils and fluids (Contd)
Changing engine oil and oil filter
See the previous page for oil specifications and page 168
for oil volumes. Refer to the Warranty and Service Records
Information booklet for information on the oil change intervals.
NOTE:
Volvo does not recommend the use of oil additives.
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at
additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.
Checking and adding oil
The oil level should be checked every time the vehicle is refueled. This is especially important during the period up to
the first scheduled maintenance service.
The car should be parked on a level surface when the oil is checked.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 103 of 132

If the engine is warm, wait for at least 10-15 minutes after the engine has been switched off before checking the oil.
Checking the oil
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint free rag.
2. Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check the oil level.
3. Add oil if necessary. If the level is close to the MIN mark, add approximately 1 US quart (1 liter) of oil.
4. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
5. Switch off the engine and wait for at least 10-15 minutes and recheck the oil level. If necessary, add oil until the
level is near the mark.
CAUTION:
- Not checking the oil level regularly can result in serious engine damage if the oil level becomes too low.
- Never fill oil above the MAX mark. This could cause an increase in oil consumption.
- Not checking the oil level regularly can result in serious engine damage if the oil level becomes too low.
- Always add oil of the same type and viscosity as already used.
WARNING!
Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into contact with hot exhaust pipe surfaces.
R-models
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. 144 Maintenance and service
ProCarManuals.com
Page 104 of 132

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).
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. 145 Maintenance and service
ProCarManuals.com