
 Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving - see the chapter  "Wheels and  tires."
 To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from  freezing, add  washer solvents containing antifreeze  (see age 188 for the
location of the washer fluid reservoir).  This is important since dirt is often splashed  on the windshield during winter
driving, requiring the frequent use of the washers and  wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent should be  diluted as follows:
Down  to 14° F (-10° C): 1 part washer solvent and  4 parts  water Down  to 5° F (-15° C): 1 part washer solvent and  3
parts  water Down  to 0° F (- 18° C): 1 part washer solvent and  2 parts  water Down  to -18° F (-28° C): 1 part washer
solvent and  1 part water.
 Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
 NOTE 
Avoid using de -icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
Conserving electrical  current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize battery drain:
 When the engine is not running, avoid turning the ignition key  to position II. Many electrical systems (the audio
system, the optional navigation system, power windows, etc) will function with the ignition key  in position I. This
position reduces drain on the battery.
 Please keep in mind that using systems, accessories, etc that consume a  great deal of current when the engine is not
running could result in the battery being completely  drained.
 The optional 12-volt socket in the cargo area provides  electrical current even with the ignition switched off, which
drains  the battery.
 NOTE 
 If the ignition is switched on, a  warning message will be  displayed in the text window in the instrument panel
when the battery charge is low.
 An energy conserving function designed into the vehicle's electrical system will switch off certain functions or
reduce the load on the battery by, e.g.,  reducing the audio system's volume.
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked at a  Volvo retailer before driving long distances. Your retailer
will also be  able to supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark plugs and  wiper blades for your use in the event that problems
occur.
As a  minimum, the following items should be  checked before any  long trip:
 Check that engine runs smoothly and  that fuel consumption is normal.
 Check for fuel, oil, and  fluid leakage
 Have the transmission oil level  checked1.
 Check condition of drive belts.
 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 your Volvo retailer only.
 Check all lights, including high beams.
 Reflective warning triangles  are legally required in some states/provinces.
 Have a  word with your Volvo retailer 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.
ProCarManuals.com 

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
126 06 Starting  and driving
Fuel requirements
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 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 Ethyl alcohol,  or
"Gasohol".
Ethers - MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be  used.
Fuel Formulations
Do not use gasoline that contains lead as a  knock  inhibitor,  and  do not use lead additives. Besides damaging  the
exhaust emission control systems on your vehicle, lead has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer. Many fuels
contain  benzene as a  solvent. Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer. If you live in an
area where  you must  fill your own gas tank, take precautions.
ProCarManuals.com 

 CAUTION 
 Do not refuel with the engine running1. 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.
 Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Do not press the handle on the filler  nozzle more than one  extra time. Too much
fuel in the tank in hot weather conditions can cause the fuel to overflow. 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.
1If 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.
128 06 Starting  and driving
Ignition switch/Steering wheel lock
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.
1Automatic transmission:  the gear selector must  be  in  the Park position.  The  optional keyless  drive start control does not need to  be  removed.
2Please  be  aware  that leaving  the key in  this positions I  or II will  increase battery  drain.
II - Drive position 
ProCarManuals.com 

Never  switch off the ignition (turn  the ignition key  or start control to position 0) or remove the key  or start control
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.
To start the engine
1. 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.
2. Apply the parking brake if not already  set. The gear selector should be  locked in the Park ( P) position (Shiftlock).
See  also page 138
.
Manual transmission : the clutch  must  be  fully depressed.
3. The vehicle is equipped with an  autostart  feature. Without touching the throttle pedal, 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. If the
engine fails to start, repeat  this  step.
 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.
4. To release the gear selector from  the Park ( P) position, the engine must  be  running (or the ignition key  must  be  in
position II) and  the brake pedal must  be  depressed.
5. Select  the desired gear. On models with an  automatic  transmission, the gear engages after a  very slight delay which
is especially noticeable when selecting R.
130 06 Starting  and driving
Starting the vehicle
 NOTE 
Immobilizer : If two of the keys to your vehicle are close together, e.g.,  on the same key  ring when you try to start
the vehicle, this  could cause interference in the immobilizer system and  result in the vehicle not starting. If this
should occur, remove one  of the keys from  the key  ring before trying to start the vehicle again.
Keylock: Models equipped an  automatic  transmission have a  keylock system. When the engine is switched off, the
gear selector must  be  in the Park ( P) position before the key  can be  removed from  the ignition switch
1.
 When starting in cold weather, the transmission may shift up at slightly  higher engine speeds than normal until the
automatic  transmission fluid reaches normal operating temperature.
 Do not race a  cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubrication points  fast  enough
to prevent engine damage.
1 The  optional keyless  drive start control does not need to  be  removed from  the ignition switch.
ProCarManuals.com 

If this  light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately and  check the brake fluid level  in the reservoir.
 NOTE 
Press the brake pedal hard and  maintain pressure on the pedal - do not pump the brakes.
 WARNING 
If the fluid level  is below  the MIN  mark in the reservoir or if a  brake system message is shown in the information
display: DO  NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed  to a  Volvo retailer and  have the brake system inspected.
Power brakes function only when the engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure which  is only created  when the engine is running. Never  let the vehicle roll
to a  stop with the engine switched off.
If the power brakes are not working, the brake pedal must  be  pressed approximately five times harder than usual to
make up for the lack of power assistance. This can happen for example when towing your vehicle or if the engine is
switched off when the vehicle is rolling. The brake pedal feels harder than usual.
Water on brake discs and brake pads  affects braking
Driving in rain and  slush or passing through an  automatic  car wash can cause water to collect on the brake discs and
pads. This will cause a  delay in braking effect when the pedal is depressed.  To avoid such a  delay when the brakes are
needed, depress the pedal occasionally when driving through rain, slush, etc. This will remove the water from  the
brakes. Check that brake application  feels normal. This should also be  done  after washing or starting in very damp or
cold weather.
Severe strain on the brake system
The brakes will be  subject to severe strain when driving in mountains or hilly areas, or when towing a  trailer. Vehicle
speed is usually slower, which  means that the cooling of the brakes is less efficient than when driving on level  roads.
To reduce the strain on the brakes, shift into a  lower gear and  let the engine help with the braking. Do not forget that if
you are towing a  trailer, the brakes will be  subjected to a  greater than normal load.
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
The Anti-lock Braking System  (ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and  steering) during severe braking
conditions by limiting brake lockup. When the system "senses" impending lockup, braking pressure is automatically
modulated in order to help prevent lockup that could lead to a  skid.
The system performs  a self -diagnostic test when the engine is started and when the vehicle  first reaches a speed
of approximately 12 m.p.h.  (20 km/h) . The brake pedal will pulsate several times and  a  sound may be  audible  from
the ABS  control module. This is normal.
141 06 Starting  and driving
Brake system
For optimal ABS  braking effect:
1. Press down on the brake pedal with full force. The pedal will pulsate.
ProCarManuals.com 

2. Steer the vehicle in the direction of travel and  keep the brake pedal depressed.
Electronic Brake Force  Distribution (EBD)
EBD is an  integrated part of the ABS  system. EBD regulates the hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes to help provide
optimal braking capacity.
The switching of the ABS  modulator will be  audible  and  the brake pedal will pulsate during braking. Please be  aware
that ABS  does not increase the absolute braking potential of the vehicle. While  control will be  enhanced, ABS  will not
shorten  stopping  distances on slippery surfaces.
If the warning lamp lights up there is a  malfunction of the ABS  system (the standard braking system will still  function)
and  the vehicle should be  driven cautiously to a  Volvo retailer for inspection.
 WARNING 
If the BRAKE and  ABS  warning symbols light at the same time, there may be  a  problem in the brake system. If the
brake fluid level  is normal in these circumstances, drive carefully to the nearest Volvo workshop  to have the brake
system checked.
Emergency Brake Assistance  - EBA
EBA is designed to provide full brake effect immediately in the event of sudden, hard braking. The system is activated
by the speed with which  the brake pedal is depressed.
When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and  pressure in the brake system immediately
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.
 NOTE 
 When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and  pressure in the brake system immediately
increases to the maximum level.  You must  maintain full pressure on the brake pedal in order to utilize the system
completely.  There will be  no braking effect if the pedal is released. EBA is automatically  deactivated when the brake
pedal is released.
 When the vehicle has been parked for some time, the brake pedal may sink more than usual when the engine is
started. This is normal and  the pedal will return to its  usual position when it is released.
142 06 Starting  and driving
Stability system
Stability Traction Control (STC)/Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)
The stability system consists of a  number of functions designed help reduce wheel spin, counteract skidding,  and  to
generally help improve directional stability.
A pulsating sound will be  audible  when the system is actively operating and  is normal.
ProCarManuals.com 

the vehicle shows  a  tendency to skid or slide laterally.
143 06 Starting  and driving
Stability system
This is one  of the stability system's permanent functions and  cannot be  switched off.
 WARNING 
The car's handling and  stability characteristics will be  altered if the STC/DSTC system functions have been disabled.
STC/DSTC-related messages in the text window
 " TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY OFF " - The system has been temporarily switched off due  to high
brake temperature and  will automatically  switch on again when the brakes have cooled.
 " ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED " - the system has been automatically  disengaged due  to a  fault. An authorized
Volvo retailer should check the system.
Symbols in the instrument panel
The Stability Control indicator light
This light indicates different  conditions, depending on how it illuminates.
The Stability Control indicator light illuminates  for approximately 2 seconds
This indicates that the system is performing a  self -diagnostic test when the ignition is switched on.
The Stability Control indicator light flashes
This indicates that the stability system is actively functioning to help counteract wheel spin and/or a  skid.
The Stability Control indicator light glows steadily
"ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED"  will be  displayed in the text window at the same time.
A fault is indicated in the stability system.
1. Stop the vehicle in a  safe place and  switch off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
3. If the indicator light goes out, the fault was temporary and  no further action  is required.
4. If the indicator light remains on, drive to an  authorized Volvo workshop  as soon as possible to have the system
checked.
The Stability Control indicator light glows steadily
If " STC/DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF " is displayed in the text window at the same time, this  is a  reminder that spin
control has been disabled by the driver.
The warning symbol
The warning symbol  glows steadily yellow
ProCarManuals.com 

 WARNING 
Towing a  vehicle with a  locked steering wheel will make the vehicle impossible to steer.
3. Turn  the ignition key  to position II.
4. Place the gear selector in neutral. For vehicles with automatic  transmissions,  follow instruction on page 138
,
"Shiftlock override" to allow the gear selector to be  moved from  the Park position.
5. Keep firm pressure on the brake pedal while releasing the parking brake.
6. When towing has been completed, return the gear selector to Park (automatic) or Reverse (manual) and  apply the
parking brake.
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.
145 06 Starting  and driving
Towing
 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.
 Never  attempt to push- or tow-start a  vehicle with a  dead battery. This would inject unburned fuel into the three-
way catalytic converter(s), causing overheating, backfiring, and  damage. See  page 146
 for instructions on jump
starting the vehicle.
Towing vehicles with front wheel  drive
ProCarManuals.com