
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 whenever possible.
See a trained and qualified Volvo service technician as soon as possible for inspection if the check engine
(malfunction indicator) light 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 vehicle, please use genuine Volvo car care products. All Volvo car care products are
formulated to be environmentally friendly.
WARNING
Certain components of this vehicle such as air bag modules, seat belt pretensioners, adaptive steering columns, and
button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate material. Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life
disposal. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
.
For additional information regarding the environmental activities in which Volvo Cars of North America, LLC and
Volvo Car Corporation are involved, visit our Internet home page at: http://www.volvocars.us
.
8 01 Safety
Volvo and the environment
PremAir® (certain models only)
The surface of the radiator in the engine compartment
1 is treated with a special coating called PremAir2. This coating
works as a catalytic converter, converting most of the ground level ozone passing through the radiator into oxygen,
thereby reducing harmful ground-level ozone.
NOTE
If a PremAir -coated radiator needs to be replaced, it should be replaced with another radiator with this coating. If
this is not done, the Malfunction Indicator Light (see page 52
) will illuminate.
1Only U.S. vehicles with engine B5244 S7 (engine code 39 in the VIN)
2PremAir is a registered trademark of Engelhard Corporation.
9 01 Safety
Important warnings
Accessory Installation
We strongly recommend that Volvo owners install only genuine, Volvo-approved accessories, and that accessory
installations be performed only by the factorytrained technicians at your authorized Volvo retailer.
Genuine Volvo accessories are tested to ensure compatibility with the performance, safety, and emission systems in
your car. Additionally, your authorized Volvo retailer knows where accessories may and may not be safely installed in
your Volvo. In all cases, please consult your authorized Volvo retailer before installing any accessory in or on your car.
Accessories that have not been approved by Volvo may or may not be specifically tested for compatibility with your
car. Additionally, an inexperienced installer may not be familiar with some of your car's systems.
Any of your car's performance and safety systems could be adversely affected if you install accessories that Volvo
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12. High beam indicator
13. Clock setting button - Turn the button to set the time.
14. Temperature gauge - The gauge indicates the temperature of the engine cooling system. If the temperature is
abnormally high and the needle enters the red zone, a message is shown in the display. Bear in mind that auxiliary
lamps in front of the air intake reduce the cooling capacity at high outside temperatures and high engine loads.
15. Indicator and warning symbols
51 02 Instruments and controls
Indicator and warning symbols
Function check
The indicator and warning symbols
1 light up when you turn the ignition key or the optional keyless drive start control
to the driving position (position II) before starting. This shows that the symbols are functioning.
When the engine starts, all symbols go out. If the engine is not started within 5 seconds, all of the symbols except
CHECK ENGINE and will go out. Certain symbols may not have their functions illustrated, depending on the car's
equipment.
The PARK BRAKE symbol will not go out until the parking brake has been released.
1On certain engines, the symbol for low oil pressure is not used. Instead, a text warning is provided in the information display, see also page 190.
Symbols in the center of the instrument panel
Warning symbol
The red warning symbol lights up to indicate a fault that could affect the car's drivability. A text explaining the nature
of the fault will also be shown in the information display. The symbol and accompanying text will remain on until the
fault has been corrected. This symbol may also light up in combination with other indicator or warning symbols.
If the red warning symbol lights up:
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6. Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charging system checked by an authorized Volvo workshop.
1 On certain engines, this symbol is not used to indicate low oil pressure. Instead, a text warning is provided in the information display, see also
page 190
.
54 02 Instruments and controls
Symbols - instrument panel
7. Brake failure warning light
If this light comes on while driving or braking, stop the car as quickly as possible in a safe place, open the hood, and
check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. See page 188
for the location of the reservoir.
NOTE
Canadian models are equipped with the second symbol.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a "Brake failure - Service urgent" message is displayed
in the information display: DO NOT DRIVE . Have the car towed to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician
and have the brake system inspected.
If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on at the same time, this could indicate a fault in the brake system.
In this case:
1. Stop the car in a suitable place and switch off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
3. If both warning lights go off, no further action is required and the car can be driven.
4. If both lights remain on after the engine has been restarted, switch off the engine again and check the brake fluid
level. See page 188
for the location of the reservoir.
Door open warning
The driver will be alerted if one of the doors, the hood, or the trunk lid are open or ajar.
At low speeds
If the car is moving at a speed of less than approximately 4 m.p.h. (7 km/h), the Information symbol in the instrument
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Observe the following rules:
Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by driving with a light foot on the accelerator
pedal for the first few minutes of operation. A cold engine uses more fuel and is subject to increased wear.
Whenever possible, avoid using the vehicle for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach
normal operating temperature.
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
Use the transmission's Drive ( D) position as often as possible and avoid using kickdown.
Do not exceed posted speed limits.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the vehicle.
Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (when tires are cold).
Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc, increase air resistance and also fuel consumption.
At highway driving speeds, fuel consumption will be lower with the air conditioning on and the windows closed
than with the air conditioning off and the windows open.
Using the onboard trip computer's fuel consumption modes can help you learn how to drive more economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage are:
Dirty air cleaner
Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
Dragging brakes
Incorrect front end alignment
Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard maintenance intervals.
Weight distribution affects handling
WARNING
Driving with the trunk open: Driving with the trunk open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the
passenger compartment. If the trunk must be kept open for any reason, proceed as follows:
Close the windows
Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side windows and the blower control to its
highest setting.
At the specified curb weight your vehicle has a tendency to understeer, which means that the steering wheel has to be
turned more than might seem appropriate for the curvature of a bend. This ensures good stability and reduces the risk
of rear wheel skid. Remember that these properties can alter with the vehicle load. The heavier the load in the cargo
area, the less the tendency to understeer.
Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore, check that the tires are inflated to
the recommended pressure according to the vehicle load. See the "Tire pressure" section. Loads should be distributed
so that capacity weight
123 06 Starting and driving
General information
or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
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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.
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Trailers without brakes: 1,540 lbs (700 kg).
Trailers with brakes: 2,000 lbs (900 kg) Observe the legal requirements of the state/province in which the vehicles
are registered.
The maximum recommended hitch tongue load is 165 lbs (75 kg).
All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailer hitch installation should not
interfere with the proper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but take into consideration:
Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See the chapter "Wheels and tires."
When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).
Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).
Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant temperature should be closely
watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use a lower gear and turn off the air conditioner if the
temperature gauge needle enters the red range.
If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be displayed in the information display.
Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop (check and observe
state/local regulations).
Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brake system.
More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer over long distances or in mountainous
areas.
WARNING
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safety chains be attached to the bumper.
Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle's rear axle must not be used.
Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle brake system, nor a trailer's lighting system
directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult your nearest authorized Volvo retailer for correct installation.
When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety wire must be correctly fastened to the hole or hook provided in the
trailer hitch on the vehicle. The safety wire should never be fastened to or wound around the drawbar ball.
148 06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
NOTE
When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in Park
( P ) or in reverse on models with a manual transmission. Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations
for wheel chocking.
If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, or if the vehicle is equipped with a
manual transmission, make sure the gear you select does not put too much strain on the engine (using too high a
gear).
The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may be rated for trailers heavier than the vehicle is designed to tow. Please
adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer weights.
Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines exceeding 15%.
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NOTE
Volvo uses different systems to indicate a low oil level or pressure. Some models have an oil pressure sensor, in which
case a warning symbol (see page 53
) is used to indicate low oil pressure. Other models have an oil level sensor, in which
case the driver is alerted by the warning symbol in the center of the instrument panel and a text in the information
display. Some models use both systems. Contact an authorized Volvo retailer for more information.
Washer fluid
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and holds approximately 6.8 US qts (6.5 liters). During
cold weather, the reservoir should be filled with windshield washer solvent containing antifreeze.
Coolant
Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be drained, consult your Volvo retailer.
NOTE
Do not top off with water only. This reduces the rust-protective and antifreeze qualities of the coolant and has a lower
boiling point. It can also cause damage to the cooling system if it should freeze. Top off with Volvo Genuine
Coolant/Antifreeze only (a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze).
191 09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids
CAUTION
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The cooling system must always be kept filled to the correct level, and the level must be between the MIN and MAX
marks. If it is not kept filled, there can be high local temperatures in the engine which could result in damage. Different
types of antifreeze/coolant may not be mixed. Check coolant regularly!
WARNING
Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is warm. Wait until the vehicle cools. If it is necessary to top off the
coolant when the engine is warm, unscrew the expansion tank cap slowly so that the overpressure dissipates.
Brake fluid
The brake fluid should always be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir. Check, without removing
the cap, that there is sufficient fluid in the reservoir.
Fluid type : DOT 4+ boiling point >536°F (280°C), P/N 9437433
Replace : The fluid should be replaced according to the intervals specified in the Warranty and Service Records
Information booklet. When driving under extremely hard conditions (mountain driving, etc), it may be necessary to replace
the fluid more often. Consult your Volvo retailer. Always entrust brake fluid changing to an authorized Volvo retailer.
Power steering fluid
The fluid level is checked at each service interval.
Fluid type : Volvo power steering fluid or equivalent.
Replace : No fluid change required.
WARNING
If a problem should occur in the power steering system or if the vehicle has no electrical current and must be towed, it is
still possible to steer the vehicle. However, keep in mind that greater effort will be required to turn the steering wheel.
192 09 Maintenance and servicing
Wiper blades
Replacing windshield wiper blades
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