Page 114 of 208

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
Page 130 of 208

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
Page 169 of 208

Battery
Battery maintenance
Driving habits and conditions, climate, the number of starts, etc., all affect the service life and function of the battery. In
order for your battery to perform satisfactorily, keep the following in mind:
Check the fluid level in each cell in the battery every 24 months or every 15,0001 miles (24,000 km), whichever is
sooner. The fluid should be at the level shown in the illustrations above (A). Do not overfill.
1More frequently in warm climates.
Use a screw driver to open the caps or cover and a flashlight to inspect the level.
If necessary, add distilled water. The level should never be above the indicator (A).
The fluid level should be checked if the battery has been recharged.
After inspection, be sure the cap over each battery cell or the cover is securely in place.
Check that the battery cables are correctly connected and properly tightened.
Never disconnect the battery when the engine is running, or when the key is in the ignition. This could damage the
vehicle's electrical system.
The battery should be disconnected from the vehicle when a battery charger is used directly on the battery.
WARNING
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the state of
California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
194 09 Maintenance and servicing
ProCarManuals.com