1 To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your vehicle's transmission fluid yourself. Have your vehicle's transmission fluid
level inspected by a qualified Volvo service technician.
125 06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
Octane rating
Volvo engines are designed to achieve rated horsepower, torque, and fuel economy performance using premium 91
octane fuel.
Volvo recommends premium for best performance, but using 87 octane or above will not affect engine reliability.
In demanding driving conditions, such as operating the vehicle in hot weather, towing a trailer, or driving for extended
periods at higher altitudes than normal, it may be advisable to switch to higher octane fuel (91 or higher) or to change
gasoline brands to fully utilize your engine's capacity, and for the smoothest possible operation.
NOTE
When switching to higher octane fuel or changing gasoline brands, it may be necessary to fill the tank more than
once before a difference in engine operation is noticeable.
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
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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.
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These may include:
standing upwind away from the filler nozzle while refueling
refueling only at gas stations with vapor recovery systems that fully seal the mouth of the filler neck during
refueling
wearing neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
WARNING
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust gases. If you ever smell
exhaust fumes inside the vehicle, make sure the passenger compartment is ventilated, and immediately return the
vehicle to your retailer for correction.
Use of Additives
With the exception of fuel line antifreeze during winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or other store -bought
additives to your vehicle's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse may damage your engine, and some of these
additives contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.
Fuel filler door
Press the button on the light switch panel (see the illustration on page 58
) with the ignition switched off to unlock the
fuel filler door. Please note that the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the vehicle begins to move forward. An
audible click will be heard when the fuel filler door relocks.
127 06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
If you intend to leave your vehicle while it is being refueled, this feature enables you to lock the doors/trunk while
leaving the fuel filler door unlocked.
You can also keep the vehicle locked if you remain inside it during refueling. The central locking button does not lock
the fuel filler door.
Be sure the fuel filler door is not obstructed and is completely closed after refueling.
Open the fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather.
Refueling
The fuel tank is designed to hold approximately 15.9 US gallons (60 liters)
1 with sufficient volume left over to
accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. Be aware that the "usable" tank capacity will be somewhat
less than the specified maximum. When the fuel level is low, such factors as ambient temperature, the fuel's "Reid
vapor pressure" characteristics, and terrain can affect the fuel pump's ability to supply the engine with an adequate
supply of fuel.
Therefore, it is advisable to refuel as soon as possible when the needle nears the red zone, or when the fuel warning
light comes on.
1Models with All Wheel Drive have a tank volume of 15 US gallons (57 liters).
Models with engine code 39 have a fuel tank capacity of 14 US gallons (53 liters). This code is the 6th and 7th digits from the left in your vehicle's
VIN number. See page 227
for the location of the VIN plate.
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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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The transmission oil does not normally need to be changed during the service life of the vehicle. However, it may be
necessary to replace the oil if the vehicle is often driven in areas of sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold), when
towing a trailer over long distances, for prolonged driving in mountainous areas, or if the vehicle is often driven short
distances in temperatures under 40°F (5°C).
231 11 Specifications
Engine oil
Oil specifications
Engine oil must meet the minimum ILSAC specification GF-3, API SL, and ACEA A1/B1. Lower quality oils may not
offer the same fuel economy, engine performance, or engine protection.
Volume: 6.1 US qts (5.8 liters).
Volume between the MIN and Max marks on the dipstick: approximately 1.4 US qts (1.3 liters).
Volvo recommends
.
Depending on your driving habits, premium or synthetic oils may provide superior fuel economy and engine protection.
Consult your Volvo retailer for recommendations on premium or synthetic oils.
Oil additives must not be used.
NOTE
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal service intervals. This oil is only used at customer
request, at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.
Oil viscosity (stable ambient temperatures)
Operation in hot climates
When temperatures exceed 86° F (30° C) in your area, Volvo recommends, for the protection of your engine, that you
use a heavier weight oil, such as such as SAE 5W -40 or 0W -40. See the viscosity chart.
Operation in temperate climates
Incorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life. Under normal use when temperatures do not exceed 86° F (30° C), SAE
5W -30 will provide good fuel economy and engine protection. See the viscosity chart.
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