Page 64 of 132

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 or in reverse on models with a manual transmission, and apply the parking
brake before leaving the vehicle. Never leave the car 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
Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting.
* If two of the keys to your car are close together, e.g., on the same key ring, when you try to start the car, this could
cause interference in the immobilizer system and result in the car not starting. If this should occur, remove one of the
keys from the key ring before trying to start the car again.
pg. 86 Starting and driving
Starting the car (contd)
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock
0 - Locked position:
Remove the key to lock the steering wheel*.
WARNING!
Never turn the key to position O while driving or when the car is being towed.
I - Intermediate position** - "radio position":
Certain accessories, radio, etc. on, daytime running lights off.
II - Drive position: The key position when driving. The car's entire electrical system is connected.
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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Page 85 of 132

A table listing important weight limits for your vehicle can be found on page 166.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
(1) Locate the statement "the combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds'' on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the "XXX''
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual
1 to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
WARNING!
- Exceeding the permissible axle weight, gross vehicle weight, or any other weight rating limits can cause tire
overheating resulting in permanent deformation or catastrophic failure.
- Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the tires that were original equipment on the
vehicle because this will lower the vehicle's GVW rating. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the vehicle's GVW rating limitations.
1. See "Towing a trailer" on page 103
WARNING!
pg. 122 Wheels and tires
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN
ADDITION TO THESE GRADES
Quality grades can be found, where applicable, on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one half (1 1/2) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and many depart significantly from the norm due to variation in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
TRACTION
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C, as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
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Page 110 of 132

Brake fluid
Fluid type: DOT 4+ boiling point > 536°F (280° C)
Cooling system
TypePositive pressure, closed system.
Coolant Volvo original coolant/antifreeze
Volume 9.3 US qts (8.8 liters)
The thermostat begins to open at 194°F (90° C).
pg. 170 Specifications
Three way catalytic converter
Three-way catalytic converter cautions
Keep your engine properly tuned. Certain engine malfunctions, particularly involving the electrical, fuel or
distributor ignition systems, may cause unusually high three-way catalytic converter temperatures. Do not continue to
operate your vehicle if you detect engine misfire, noticeable loss of power or other unusual operating conditions, such
as engine overheating or backfiring. A properly tuned engine will help avoid malfunctions that could damage the three-
way catalytic converter.
Do not park your car over combustible materials, such as grass or leaves, which can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system and cause such materials to ignite under certain wind and weather conditions.
Excessive starter cranking (in excess of one minute), or an intermittently firing or flooded engine can cause three-
way catalytic converter or exhaust system overheating.
Remember that tampering or unauthorized modifications to the engine, the Electronic Control Module, or the vehicle
may be illegal and can cause three-way catalytic converter or exhaust system overheating. This includes:
- Altering fuel injection setting or components.
- Altering emission system components or location or removing components.
- Repeated use of leaded fuel.
NOTE: Unleaded fuel is required for cars with three-way catalytic converters.
pg. 171 Specifications
Suspension
Rear suspension
Individual rear wheel suspension with longitudinal support arms, double link arms and track rods.
Front suspension
Spring strut suspension with integrated shock absorbers and control arms linked to the support frame. Power-assisted
rack and pinion steering. Safety type steering column.
pg. 172 Specifications
Bulbs
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