
Warning lamp in the center of the instrument panel
This lamp lights up red or yellow depending on the severity of the fault that has been detected.
Red symbol - Stop the vehicle as soon as possible in a suitable location and read the message shown in the text
window. The symbol and accompanying text will remain on until the fault has been corrected.
Yellow symbol - Follow the instructions shown in the text window. The text can be erased by pressing the READ
button (see page 30
), or will disappear automatically after two minutes.
NOTE: When the message "TIME FOR REGULAR SERVICE" is displayed, the text can be erased and the yellow
symbol light can be turned off by pressing the READ button. The text will disappear and the symbol light will go out
automatically after two minutes.
Brake failure warning light
If the light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately, open the hood and check the brake fluid level
in the reservoir. See page 158
for the location of the reservoir.
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 . R-models are also equipped with an oil level warning system. See page 160
. 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.
Parking brake reminder light
This light will be on when the parking brake (hand brake) is applied. The parking brake lever is situated between the
front seats.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:
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
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Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
If this light comes on while the car is being driven, or remains on for longer than approximately 10 seconds after the
car has been started, the SRS systemÕs diagnostic functions have detected a fault in a seat belt lock or tensioner, a
front airbag, side impact airbag, and/or an inflatable curtain. Have the system(s) inspected by a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician as soon as possible.
pg. 30 Text information window
Messages in the text window
When a warning light in the instrument panel comes on, a message is also displayed in the text window. After you
have read the message, you can erase it by pressing button A (see illustration above).
NOTE: Certain messages cannot be erased until the condition has been corrected.
Warning messages override text messages from any car feature that also uses the text window. A warning message
must be acknowledged (erased) before you can access the feature of your choice. Press button A to erase the warning
message.
Erased messages are stored in the system's memory until the required action has been taken. You can scroll through
the stored messages by pressing button A. The text window can be cleared (the message will be returned to memory)
by pressing button A again.
General messages
STOP SAFELY: Stop and switch off the engine - to help prevent serious risk of damage.
STOP ENGINE: Stop and switch off the engine - to help prevent serious risk of damage.
SERVICE URGENT: Take your car to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for inspection immediately.
SEE MANUAL: Refer to your owner's manual. For additional information, please contact your Volvo retailer.
SERVICE REQUIRED: Take your car to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for inspection as soon as
possible (but preferably before the next scheduled maintenance service).
FIX NEXT SERVICE: Have the system affected inspected at the next scheduled maintenance service.
TIME FOR REGULAR SERVICE: This light will come on at 7,500 mile (12,000 km) intervals, after 750 hours of
driving or after 12 months, whichever occurs first, to remind the driver that the service interval has been exceeded. The
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pg. 88 Fuel requirements
Fuel requirements
Octane rating: Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
rating AKI 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.
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 car'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 an authorized Volvo retailer for service.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers
"Oxygenated fuels"
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
Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol".
Ethers - MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
CAUTION! 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.
pg. 89 Fuel requirements
Carbon Monoxide - Important Warning
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust gases. If you ever smell
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L (Low gears)
The transmission is locked in gears 1 and 2 when the selector is in this position.
NOTE:
Gears 4, 3, or L can be used if you are driving in a mountainous area, towing a trailer or to increase engine braking
effect.
The transmission has a built-in limiter designed to help prevent excessive engine speeds (high rpm) when gears 4, 3
or L are selected.
pg. 95 Automatic transmission AW5
Automatic transmission - shift gate positions
The gear selector can be moved freely between N and D.
Depressing the button on the front of the gear selector knob enables you to move the gear selector to positions P, R, N,
D, 4, 3 and L.
W Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction
Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D)rive position.
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode (see illustration).
An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and this will also be displayed in the instrument
panel (see page 27
).
This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
NOTE: R-models are not equipped with this button.
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when the transmission is in the manual shift (geartronic) mode (see next page).
Shift gate positions
Automatic transmission - shift gate positions
You can move the gear selector freely between the ( MAN)ual and ( D)rive positions while driving.
Depress the button on the front of the gear selector knob to move between the R, N, D, and P positions.
Please see the following page for information on using the Geartronic manual shift mode.
pg. 97 Automatic transmission (Geartronic)
Manual shifting - Geartronic
You can move the gear selector freely between the (MAN)ual and ( D)rive positions while driving. Gears 2, 3, and 4
have a "lock -up" function which reduces engine speed and helps save fuel.
The currently selected gear will be displayed in the instrument panel (see page 27
).
To access the (MAN)ual shifting position from (D)rive, pull the gear selector back slightly from D and move it to
the left to MAN.
To return to the (D)rive position from MAN, move the gear selector to the right and push it forward to the (D)rive
position.
While driving
If you select the (MAN)ual position while driving, the gear that was being used in the (D)rive position will also
initially be selected in (MAN)ual position.
Move the gear selector forward (toward "+") to shift to a higher gear or rearward (toward "-") to shift to a lower
gear.
If you hold the gear selector toward "-", the transmission will downshift one gear and will utilize the braking power
of the engine. If the current speed is too high for using a lower gear, the downshift will not occur until the speed has
decreased enough to allow the lower gear to be used.
If you slow down to a very low speed, the transmission will automatically shift down.
When starting in the (MAN)ual position, 3rd gear is the highest gear that may be selected.
NOTE: Kickdown (see previous page) does not function when the transmission is in the manual shift (geartronic)
mode. The gear selector must be in the D (Drive) position.
W Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction
Please refer to the information on page 95
.
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Sport mode (R-models only)
R-models are equipped with a (S)port button that can be used to engage/disengage the Sport shifting mode. An
indicator light in the button will go on when Sport mode is engaged.
With Sport mode engaged, the transmission will shift up at higher rpm in first and second gears, and will also shift
down at higher rpm for more immediate engine response during acceleration and deceleration.
pg. 98 All Wheel Drive - option
All Wheel Drive (AWD) - general information
Your Volvo can be equipped with permanent All Wheel Drive, which means that power is distributed automatically
between the front and rear wheels. Under normal driving conditions, most of the engine's power is directed to the front
wheels. However, if there is any tendency for the front wheels to spin, an electronically controlled coupling distributes
power to the wheels that have the best traction.
Tire dimensions
Volvo recommends that you always drive on tires of the same brand, size, construction (radial), tread pattern, load-,
speed-, traction-, temperature-, and treadwear rating. Never drive on mixed tires, except for brief periods when the
temporary spare tire is in use.
Always use properly inflated tires of correct dimensions. Tire size and inflation pressures are shown on the tire
inflation pressure placards, located on the driver's side B-pillar (the structural member at the side of the vehicle, at the
rear of the driver's door opening), or on the inside of the fuel filler door on Canadian models.
Temporary Spare
The temporary spare tire is for temporary, low-speed, short-distance use only. Replace it with a full-sized tire as soon
as possible. Do not drive on the temporary spare at speeds above 50 m.p.h. (80km/h) or for distances greater than 50
miles (80 km).
Never install snow chains on a temporary spare.
pg. 99 Four -C active chassis system (option)
Four-C
The FOUR-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) active chassis system, consisting of Comfort and Sport
modes, is available as an option.
NOTE: The V70 R has a standard FOUR-C system consisting of Comfort, Sport, and Advanced sport modes. The
buttons for controlling these driving modes are located in center instrument panel, above the ventilation system panel
vents, see the illustration in the right column. These buttons can be pressed at any time to change driving modes. An
indicator light in the selected button will come on to indicate the driving mode that is currently selected.
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Temporary spare tire
T125/80R1761 (420)
61 (420)
V70 R
235/45R17 35 (240)35 (240)
Temporary spare tire
T115/85R18 61 (420)
61 (420)
XC70
215/65R16 30 (210)
430 (210)4
215/60R1730 (210)430 (210)4
Temporary spare tire
T135/90R1761 (420)
61 (420)
4 The optional tire pressure shown in this table may not be used on XC70s equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (option as available). Vehicles with this system must use the standard tire pressure listed in the table in the left
column (38 psi/260 kPa).
pg. 123 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - option on certain U.S. models only
The tire pressure monitoring system uses sensors mounted in the tire valves to check inflation pressure levels. When
the vehicle is moving at a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster, these sensors transmit inflation pressure data to a
receiver located in the vehicle.
USA - FCC ID: MRXTG315AM04
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
WARNING!
The TPMS system uses a radio frequency of 315 MHz. Accessory electrical equipment using the same frequency
could interfere with TPMS and should not be installed in the vehicle. Please consult your Volvo retailer, a qualified
Volvo service technician, or the accessory equipment's supplier for further information.
When low inflation pressure is detected, TPMS will light up the tire pressure warning light (
) i (also referred to as a
telltale) in the instrument panel, and will display a message in the text window. The wording of this message is
determined by the degree of inflation pressure loss.
When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light is on, one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
You should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure as indicated on the
vehicle's tire information placard.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability. Each tire,
including the spare, should be checked monthly when cold and set to the recommended inflation pressure as specified
in the vehicle placard and owner's manual.
NOTE: If a fault occurs in TPMS, the tire pressure warning light will flash for approximately 1 minute and TIRE
PRESS SYST SERVICE REQUIRED will be displayed.
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run flat tires.
Tires of this type have specially reinforced sidewalls that make it possible to continue driving in the event of a drop in
inflation pressure. Tires of this type are mounted on special rims.
NOTE: Self supporting run flat tires are only available in conjunction with TPMS.
If a self supporting run flat tire should lose inflation pressure, the yellow TPMS warning symbol (
) in the instrument
panel lights up to alert the driver, and a message will be shown in the text window in the instrument panel.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed to a maximum of 50 mph (80 km/h). The vehicle can be driven approximately 50
miles (80 km), or somewhat farther if the vehicle is not heavily loaded. The tire should be replaced as soon as
possible.
Hard braking and sudden steering maneuvers should be avoided.
In certain cases, it may be difficult to see which self supporting run flat tire is defective. To determine which tire is
damaged, check the inflation pressure of all four tires.
WARNING!
• Only specially trained persons should mount self supporting run flat tires.
• If self supporting run flat tires are mounted, the vehicle must be equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
• After a low pressure warning has been displayed, do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
• Avoid severe cornering and hard braking, and minimize the distance traveled before replacing the self supporting
run flat tire.
• Self supporting run flat tires cannot be repaired. They must be replaced if damaged or punctured.
pg. 126 Wheels and tires
Tire designations
Federal law mandates that tire manufacturers place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires (see the
illustration).
The following information is listed on the tire sidewall:
The tire designation (the following figures are examples of a tire designation):
1. 215: the width of the tire (in millimeters) from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. The larger the number, the wider the
tire.
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