After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place. If this cap is not closed tightly
or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp ("Check Engine" light) may
indicate a fault.
WARNING! If your vehicle is involved in an accident, unseen damage may affect your vehicle's driveability and
safety.
Important
Before you operate your car for the first time, please familiarize yourself with the new-engine oil consumption
information on page 159
. You should also be familiar with the information in chapters one, two and four of this
manual.
Information contained in the balance of the manual is extremely useful and should be read after operating the
vehicle for the first time.
The manual is structured so that it can be used for reference. For this reason, it should be kept in the car for
ready access. Do not export your Volvo to another country before investigating that country's applicable safety
and exhaust emission requirements. In some cases it may be difficult or impossible to comply with these
requirements. Modifications to the emission control system(s) may render your Volvo not certifiable for legal
operation in the U.S., Canada and other countries.
All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are based on the latest product
information available at the time of publication. Please note that some vehicles may be equipped differently,
depending on special legal requirements and that optional equipment described in this manual may not be
available in all markets.
Volvo reserves the right to make model changes at any time, or to change specifications or design, without
notice and without incurring obligation.
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING! Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the state of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain
fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Volvo and the environment
Volvo is committed to the well being of our customers. As a natural part of this commitment, we care about the
environment in which we all live. Caring for the environment means an everyday involvement in reducing our
environmental impact.
Volvo's environmental activities are based on a holistic view, which means we consider the overall environmental
impact of a product throughout its complete life cycle. In this context, design, production, product use, and recycling
are all important considerations. In production, Volvo has partly or completely phased out several chemicals including
freons, lead chromates, naphtanates, asbestos, mercury and cadmium; and reduced the amount of chemicals used in our
plants 50% since 1991.
In use, Volvo was the first in the world to introduce into production a three-way catalytic converter with a Lambda
sond, now called oxygen sensor, in 1976. The current version of this highly efficient system reduces emissions of
harmful substances (CO, HC, NOx) from the exhaust pipe by approximately 95% and the search to eliminate the
remaining emissions continues. Volvo is the only automobile manufacturer to offer CFC-free retrofit kits for the air
conditioning system for all models as far back as the M/Y 1975 240. Advanced electronic engine controls, refined
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purification systems and cleaner fuels are bringing us closer to our goal.
After Volvo cars and parts have fulfilled their use, recycling is the next critical step in completing the life cycle. The
metal content is about 75% of the total weight of a car, which makes the car among the most recycled industrial
products. In order to have efficient and well controlled recycling, many Volvo variants have printed dismantling
manuals, indicating the weight and material of individual components. For Volvo, all homogeneous plastic parts
weighing more than 1.7 oz. (50 grams) are marked with international symbols that indicate how the component is to be
sorted for recycling.
In addition to continuous environmental refinement of conventional gasoline-powered internal combustion engines,
Volvo is actively looking at advanced technology alternative-fuel vehicles. When you drive a Volvo, you become our
partner in the work to lessen the car's impact on the environment.
To reduce your vehicle's environmental impact, you can:
Maintain proper air pressure in your tires. Tests have shown decreased fuel economy with improperly inflated tires
Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your Warranty and Service Records Information booklet.
Drive at a constant speed
See an authorized Volvo retailer as soon as possible for inspection if the check engine (malfunction indicator) lamp
illuminates, or stays on after the vehicle has started
Properly dispose of any vehicle related waste such as used motor oil, used batteries, brake pads, etc.
When cleaning your car, use Volvo's own car care products, all of which have systematically been adapted to the
environment
PremAir®
On the surface of the radiator in the engine compartment, there is a special coating called PremAir®. PremAir® works
as a catalytic converter, converting most of the ozone passing through the radiator into oxygen, thereby reducing
harmful ground-level ozone. PremAir is a registered trademark of Engelhard Corporation.
Top of Page
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pg. 27 Instrument panel
1 Turn signals
2 Text window
3 Temperature gauge
The pointer should be approximately midway on the gauge when driving.
Do not drive the car if the warning light is on. The text window will provide you with additional information.
If the engine temperature remains high, check coolant level - see page 154
.
4 Trip odometer/reset button
The trip odometer is used for measuring shorter distances. The last digit indicates 1/10 mile/kilometer. Press the button
quickly to toggle between trip odometers 1 and 2. Hold in the button for more than 2 seconds to reset.
5 Odometer
6 Speedometer
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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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This light indicates that the rear fog light is on.
Malfunction indicator lamp
On-Board Diagnostic II (OBDII): As you drive, a computer called "OBDII" monitors your car's engine, transmission,
electrical and emission systems. The CHECK ENGINE light will light up if the computer senses a condition that
potentially may need correcting. When this happens, please have your car checked by a Volvo retailer as soon as
possible.
A CHECK ENGINE light may have many causes. Sometimes, you may not notice a change in your car's behavior.
Even so, an uncorrected condition could hurt fuel economy, emission cleanliness, and driveability. Extended driving
without correcting the cause could even damage other components in your car.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:
NOTE : If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the 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.
Anti-lock Brake System ABS
If the warning light comes on, there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system will still
function). The vehicle should be driven to a Volvo retailer for inspection. See page 114
for additional information.
Stability Traction Control (STC) system (option), or Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system
(option)
An indicator light will flash when STC or DSTC is actively working to stabilize the car. See pages 115-116
for more
detailed information.
Turn signal indicator - trailer (certain models)
If you are towing a trailer, this light will flash simultaneously with the turn signals on the trailer. If the light does not
flash when signaling, neither the trailer's turn signals nor the car's turn signals are functioning.
Seat belt reminder
This symbol lights up to indicate that the driver has not fastened his/her seat belt.
Tire pressure warning light
See page 123
for more information on this function.
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light will stay on for 2 minutes after start until reset by the servicing retailer.
1) OIL LEVEL LOW/FILL OIL* Check the oil level and top up if necessary. See page 160.
2) OIL LEVEL LOW/STOP SAFELY* Stop as soon as possible and switch off the engine, check the oil level and
top up if necessary. See page 160
.
2) OIL LEVEL LOW/STOP ENGINE* Stop as soon as possible and switch off the engine, check the oil level and
top up if necessary. See page 160
.
2) OIL LEVEL LOW/SEE MANUAL* Stop as soon as possible and switch off the engine, check the oil level and
top up if necessary. See page 160
.
* These messages apply to R-models only.
1) Orange warning triangle, see page 28
.
2) Red warning triangle, see page 28
.
pg. 31 Switches in the center console
The positions of these buttons may vary, depending on the specifications of your car
Stability Traction Control (STC)*/ Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)**
Press this switch to turn the Spin Control (SC) function of the STC/DSTC system on or off. To help reduce the risk
that the SC function is turned off inadvertently, the switch must be held in for at least half a second to disable this
function.
See pages 115-116
for more information. R-models only:
The Active Yaw Control function can also be deactivated. See page 115
for more information.
WARNING!
Please be aware that the car's handling characteristics may be affected if the Spin Control/Active Yaw Control
functions are switched off.
Disconnecting the alarm
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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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NOTE: During a transitional period, a small number of service stations may still have fuel nozzles that are not
compatible with the fuel filler neck on cars equipped with the evaporative control system. Please refer to page 153 for
additional information.
WARNING!
Never carry a cell phone that is switched on while refueling your vehicle. If the phone rings, this may cause a spark
that could ignite gasoline fumes, resulting in fire and injury.
CAUTION:
Do not refuel with the engine running *. 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 when 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.
* If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the car 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. 91 Starting the engine
Starting the engine
1. Fasten the seat belt.
WARNING!
Before starting, check that the seat, steering wheel and mirrors adjusted properly.
Make sure the brake pedal can be depressed completely. Adjust the seat if necessary. See pages 58 and 59.
2. Apply the parking brake, if not already set. The gear selector ( automatic transmission) is locked in the (P)ark
position ( SHIFT -LOCK ).
Manual transmission: the clutch must be fully depressed.
3. 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.
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.
NOTE:
On certain models, when the car is started, idle speed may be noticeably higher than normal for a short period,
depending on the temperature of the engine.
This has been done to help bring components in the emission control system to their normal operating temperature as
quickly as possible, which enables them to function normally.
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.
4. 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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