If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a "Brake failure - Service urgent" message is displayed
in the text window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to an authorized Volvo retailer and have the brake
system inspected.
PARK BRAKE Parking brake applied This light will be on when the parking brake (hand brake) is applied. The
parking brake lever is situated between the front seats. See also page 62
for additional information.
Canadian models are equipped with this symbol.
Oil pressure warning light
If the light comes on while driving, stop the vehicle and then stop the engine immediately and check the engine
oil level. See page 49
. R-models are also equipped with an oil level warning system. If the light stays on after restart,
have the vehicle towed to the nearest authorized Volvo retailer. After hard driving, the light may come on occasionally
when the engine is idling. This is normal, provided it goes off when the engine speed is increased.
Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charging system checked.
Rear fog light
This light indicates that the fog light is on.
CHECK ENGINE Malfunction indicator light
On-Board Diagnostics II (OBDII): As you drive, a computer called "OBDII" monitors your vehicle's engine,
transmission, electrical and emission systems. The CHECK ENGINE light will light up if the computer senses a
condition that potentially may need correcting. When this happens, please have your vehicle checked by a Volvo
retailer as soon as possible.
A CHECK ENGINE light may have many causes. Sometimes, you may not notice a change in your vehicle's behavior.
Even so, an uncorrected condition could hurt fuel economy, emission cleanliness, and driveability. Extended driving
without correcting the cause could even damage other components in your vehicle.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light.
pg. 47 Instruments and controls
Indicator and warning symbols
Anti-lock brake system ABS
If the warning light comes on, there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system will still
function). The vehicle should be driven to a Volvo retailer for inspection. See page 123
for additional information.
Stability Traction Control (STC)
1 system or Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) system2
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STOP
SAFELYStop and switch off the engine - to help prevent serious risk of damage.
STOP
ENGINE Stop and switch off the engine - to help prevent serious risk of damage.
SERVICE
URGENT Take your vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for inspection immediately.
SEE
MANUAL Refer to your owner's manual. For additional information, please contact your Volvo retailer.
SERVICE
REQUIRED Take your vehicle to an authorized Volvo retailer for inspection at your convenience (but preferably
before the next scheduled maintenance service).
FIX NEXT
SERVICE Have the system affected inspected at the next scheduled maintenance service.
TIME FOR
REGULAR
SERVICE This message will be displayed at 7,500 mile (12,000 km) intervals, after 750 hours of driving or after
12 months, whichever occurs first, to remind the driver that the service interval has been exceeded. The
message will be displayed for 2 minutes each time the vehicle is started until reset by the servicing
retailer.
OIL LEVEL
LOW -
FILL OIL
1 2
Check the oil level and top up if necessary. See page 175.
OIL LEVEL
LOW -
STOP
SAFELY
1 3
Stop as soon as possible and switch off the engine, check the oil level and top up if necessary. See page
175.
OIL LEVEL
LOW -
STOP
ENGINE
1 3
Stop as soon as possible and switch off the engine, check the oil level and top up if necessary. See page
175.
OIL LEVEL
LOW - SEE
MANUAL
1
3
Stop as soon as possible and switch off the engine, check the oil level and top up if necessary. See page
175.
STC/DSTC
SPIN
CONTROL
OFF The stability system's spin control function has been turned off. See page 125
for details.
1. These messages apply to R- models only.
2. Yellow warning symbol, see page 45
.
3. Red warning symbol, see page 45
.
pg. 50 Instruments and controls
Switches in the center console
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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 text window.
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 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.
NOTE:
When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in ( P)ark
(first/ reverse gear on manual transmissions).
pg. 132 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for wheel chocking.
When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in ( D)rive before releasing the parking brake.
If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, 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.
Leveling
If your vehicle is equipped with automatic leveling, the rear suspension always retains the correct ride height
regardless of the load. When the vehicle is stationary, the rear suspension lowers, which is normal.
pg. 133 Starting and driving
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If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the following advice is worth noting:
Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture will reduce freeze protection.
This gives protection against freezing down to -31°F (-35°C). See section "Coolant". The use of "recycled"
antifreeze is not approved by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze must not be mixed.
Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator. Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty
of Volvo engine coolant to protect your vehicle during cold weather.
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this prevents the formation of condensation in the tank. In addition, in
extremely cold weather conditions it is worthwhile to add fuel line de -icer before refueling.
The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weather starting as
well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine is warming up. For winter use, 5W -30 oil, particularly the
synthetic type
1, is recommended. Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use cold-weather oil for hard driving or in
warm weather. See section "Engine oil" for more information.
The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the windshield wipers, lighting, etc. are used more
often. Moreover, the capacity of the battery decreases as the temperature drops. In very cold weather, a poorly charged
battery can freeze and be damaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state of charge more frequently and spray an
antirust oil on the battery posts.
Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving - see section "Wheels and tires."
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze (see page 176 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 the use of de -icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
W - Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction (automatic transmission)
Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the ( D)rive position.
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode.
An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and this will also be displayed in the instrument
panel (see page 44
).
This mode may be selected for starting/ moving off on slippery roads.
1. Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance service intervals.
pg. 137 Starting and driving
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.
Check transmission oil level1.
Check condition of drive belts.
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Vehicle Event Data (Black Box)
Your vehicle's driving and safety systems employ computers that monitor, and share with each other, information
about your vehicle's operation. One or more of these computers may store what they monitor, either during normal
vehicle operation or in a crash or near-crash event. Stored information may be read and used by:
Volvo Car Corporation
service and repair facilities
law enforcement or government agencies
others who may assert a legal right to know, or who obtain your consent to know such information.
Applicable warranties
In accordance with applicable U.S. and Canadian regulations, the following list of warranties is provided.
New Car Limited Warranty
Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty
Corrosion Protection Limited Warranty
Seat Belt and Supplemental Restraint Systems Limited Warranty
Emission Design and Defect Warranty
Emission Performance Warranty
These are the Federal warranties; other warranties are provided as required by state/ provincial law. Refer to your
separate Warranty and Service Records Information booklet for detailed information concerning each of the warranties.
pg. 169 Maintenance and servicing
Maintaining your vehicle
Owner maintenance
Periodic maintenance requirements and intervals are described in your vehicle's Warranty and Service Records
Information booklet.
The following points can be carried out between the normally scheduled maintenance services.
Each time the vehicle is refueled:
Check the engine oil level
Clean the windshield, windshield wipers, headlights, and tail lights
Monthly:
Check cold tire pressure in all tires. Inspect the tires for wear.
Check that engine coolant and other fluid levels are between the indicated "min" and "max" markings.
Clean interior glass surfaces with a glass cleaner and soft paper towels.
Wipe driver information displays with a soft cloth.
Visually inspect battery terminals for corrosion. Corrosion may indicate a loose terminal connector, or a battery near
the end of its useful service life. Consult your Volvo retailer for additional information.
As needed:
Wash the vehicle, including the undercarriage, to reduce wear that can be caused by a buildup of dirt, and corrosion
that can be caused by salt residues.
Clean leaves and twigs from air intake vents at the base of the windshield, and from other places where they may
collect.
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Battery
Ensure that the battery cables are correctly connected and tightened.
Never disconnect the battery when the engine is running (e.g. when replacing the battery).
Never use a fast charger to charge the battery. The battery cables should be disconnected when recharging.
The battery contains acid that is both corrosive and poisonous. It is important that the battery is handled in an
environmentally friendly way. Let your Volvo dealer assist you.
Hoisting the vehicle
If a garage jack is used to lift the vehicle, the two jack attachments points should be used. They are specially
reinforced to bear the weight of the vehicle. A garage jack can also be placed under the front of the engine support
frame. Take care not to damage the splash guard under the engine. Ensure that the jack is positioned so that the vehicle
cannot slide off it. Always use axle stands or similar structures.
If a two-post hoist is used to lift the vehicle, the front and rear lift arm pads should be centered under the reinforced
lift plates on the inboard edge of the sill rail (see illustration).
pg. 172 Maintenance and servicing
Working on your vehicle
WARNING!
The vehicle ignition system has very high voltage!
The voltage in the ignition system is dangerous!
Do not touch spark plugs, ignition cables or the ignition coil when the engine is running or the ignition is switched
on!
The ignition should be switched off when:
Conducting engine tests.
Replacing parts in the ignition system, such as spark plugs, ignition coil, distributor, ignition cables, etc.
WARNING!
Never try to repair any part of the SRS or SIPS bag systems yourself. Any interference in the system could cause
malfunction and serious injury. Any work should only be performed by an authorized Volvo workshop.
Belt check
Check the belt regularly to make sure it is in good condition and is clean. A worn or dirty belt can cause poor cooling
and low alternator output as well as impair the operation of the power steering and the air conditioning unit.
NOTE: The drive belt is equipped with a self -tensioning mechanism and requires no adjustment between changes.
WARNING!
The engine must not be running when this check is performed.
Check coolant level
The cooling system must be filled with coolant and not leak to operate at maximum efficiency. Check the coolant level
regularly. The level should be between the "MAX" and "MIN" marks on the expansion tank. The check should be
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made with particular thoroughness when the engine is new or when the cooling system has been drained.
Do not remove the filler cap other than for topping up with coolant. Frequent removal may prevent coolant circulation
between the engine and the expansion tank during engine warm up and cooling.
Changing 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).
CAUTION!
The cooling system must always be kept filled to the correct level. 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.
WARNING!
Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is warm. Wait until the vehicle cools.
pg. 173 Maintenance and servicing
Hood and engine compartment
Opening the hood
- Pull the lever located under the left side of the dash to release the hood lock.
- Lift the hood slightly.
- Press up the release control located under the front edge of the hood (at the center) and lift.
WARNING!
Check that the hood locks properly when closed!
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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.
Extreme engine operation
Synthetic oils meeting SAE 0W -30 or 0W -40 and complying with oil quality requirements are recommended for
driving in areas of sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold), when towing a trailer over long distances, and for
prolonged driving in mountainous areas.
American Petroleum Institute (API) symbol
The API Service Symbol "donut" is divided into three parts:
The upper section describes the oil's performance level.
The center identifies the oil's viscosity.
The lower section indicates whether the oil has demonstrated energy-conserving properties in a standard test in
comparison to a reference oil.
pg. 175 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil
Changing engine oil and oil filter
See the previous page for oil specifications and page 203
for oil volumes. Refer to the Warranty and Service Records
Information booklet for information on the oil change intervals.
NOTE:
Volvo does not recommend the use of oil additives.
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