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Exterior plastic components
Cleaning exterior plastic components should be done with a cleaning agent specially designed for this purpose.
Solvents or stain removers should not be used. Consult your Volvo retailer.
NOTE
When washing the car, remember to remove dirt from the drain holes in the doors and sills.
NOTE
During high pressure washing, the spray mouthpiece must never be closer to the vehicle than 13" (30 cm). Do not
spray into the locks.
When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying water or steam directly on the electrical components
or toward the rear side of the engine. Special moonroof cautions:
Always close the moonroof and sun shade before washing your vehicle.
Never use abrasive cleaning agents on the moonroof.
Never use wax on the rubber seals around the moonroof
Automatic washing - simple and quick
We do NOT recommend washing your car in an automatic wash during the first six months (because the paint will not
have hardened sufficiently).
An automatic wash is a simple and quick way to clean your car, but it is worth remembering that it may not be as
thorough as when you yourself go over the car with sponge and water. Keeping the underbody clean is most important,
especially in the winter. Some
177 08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the car
automatic washers do not have facilities for washing the underbody.
CAUTION
Before driving into an automatic car wash, turn off the optional rain sensor to avoid damaging the windshield
wipers.
Make sure that side view mirrors, auxiliary lamps, etc, are secure, and that any antenna(s) are retracted or
removed. Otherwise there is risk of the machine dislodging them.
Chromed wheels : Clean chrome-plated wheels using the same detergents used for the body of the vehicle.
Aggressive wheel-cleaning agents can permanently stain chrome-plated wheels
WARNING
When the car is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes several times in order to remove any
moisture from the brake linings.
Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine is warm. This constitutes a fire risk.
Exterior lighting
Condensation may form temporarily on the inside of the lenses of exterior lights such as headlights, fog lights, or
taillights. This is normal and the lights are designed to withstand moisture. Normally, condensation will dissipate after
the lights have been on for a short time.
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information on planning a trip.
Maintain your vehicle in accordance with your vehicle's maintenance schedule.
187 09 Maintenance and servicing
Hood and engine compartment
Opening the hood
To open the hood:
1. Pull the lever located under the left side of the dash to release the hood lock.
2. Lift the hood slightly.
3. Press up the release control located under the front edge of the hood (at the center) up to the right, and lift the hood.
WARNING
Check that the hood locks engage properly when closed.
188 09 Maintenance and servicing
Hood and engine compartment
Engine compartment
1. Cooling system expansion tank
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2. Power steering fluid reservoir (concealed behind the headlight)
3. Dipstick - engine oil
4. Radiator
5. Cooling fan
6. Washer fluid reservoir
7. Engine oil filler cap
8. Brake/clutch fluid reservoir
9. Battery
10. Relay/fuse box
11. Air cleaner
WARNING
The cooling fan may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine has been switched off.
189 09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil
Changing engine oil and oil filter
See page 231
for oil specifications. Refer to the Warranty and Service Records Information booklet for information on the
oil change intervals.
Volvo recommends
.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of oil additives.
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at
additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.
Checking and adding oil
The oil level should be checked every time the vehicle is refueled. This is especially important during the period up to the
first scheduled maintenance service
The car should be parked on a level surface when the oil is checked.
If the engine is warm , wait for at least 10- 15 minutes after the engine has been switched off before checking the oil.
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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
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5. Connect the ground cable.
6. Reinstall the cover over the battery.
NOTE
Used batteries should be properly disposed of at a recycling station or similar facility, or taken to your Volvo retailer.
WARNING
Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
Do not smoke near the battery.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, fabrics or painted surfaces. If
contact occurs, flush the affected area immediately with water. Obtain medical help immediately if eyes are affected.
195 09 Maintenance and servicing
Bulbs
Bulbs used in the car
NOTE
Never touch the glass of bulbs with your fingers. Grease and oils from your fingers vaporize in the heat and will leave
a deposit on the reflector, which will damage it.
The optional Bi -Xenon headlight bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury. These bulbs should always be disposed of
by an authorized Volvo retailer.
Certain bulbs should only be replaced by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician:
- Courtesy (dome) lighting
- Reading lights
- Glove compartment lights
- Turn signals and courtesy lights in the side door mirrors
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- High-mounted brake lights
- Bi -Xenon headlights
196 09 Maintenance and servicing
Replacing front bulbs
Removing the headlight housing
The entire headlight housing must be lifted out when replacing the high/low beam, parking light, turn signal, and side
marker bulbs. To lift out the housing:
1. Remove the key from the ignition and turn the headlight switch to position 0.
2. Open the hood.
3. Pull up the headlight housing's retaining pin (1)
4. Pull the headlight housing to one side and then forward (2).
5. Disconnect the wiring connector.
6. Lift out the headlight housing and place it on a soft surface to avoid scratching the lens.
After the defective bulb has been replaced, reinsert the housing in the reverse order. Check that the retaining pin is
correctly inserted.
WARNING
Bi -Xenon headlights (option) - due to the high voltage used by these headlights, these bulbs should only be replaced by
an authorized Volvo service technician.
Low beam bulb
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