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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Engine compartment
1. Expansion tank - coolant
2. Power steering fluid reservoir
3. Washer fluid reservoir
4. Dipstick - engine oil
5. Radiator
6. Cooling fan
7. Oil filler cap - engine
8. Clutch/brake fluid reservoir
9. Relay/fuse box
10. Air cleaner
11. Battery (in trunk)
12. Data plate
WARNING!
The cooling fan (6) may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine has been switched off.
pg. 174 Maintenance and servicing
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.
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 maintenance services. 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.
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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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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 vehicle 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.
Checking the oil
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint-free rag.
- Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check the oil level.
- Add oil if necessary. If the level is close to the MIN mark, add approximately 1 US quart (1 liter) of oil.
- Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
- Switch off the engine and wait for at least 10-15 minutes and recheck the oil level. If necessary, add oil until the
level is near the mark.
CAUTION!
- Not checking the oil level regularly can result in serious engine damage if the oil level becomes too low.
- Never fill oil above the MAX mark. This could cause an increase in oil consumption.
- Not checking the oil level regularly can result in serious engine damage if the oil level becomes too low.
- Always add oil of the same type and viscosity as already used.
WARNING!
Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into contact with hot exhaust pipe surfaces.
R-models
R-models are equipped with an oil level warning system. If the engine oil level becomes too low, the warning light in
the instrument panel will come on and a warning will be displayed in the text window.
If the yellow warning light in the instrument panel comes on and the text OIL LEVEL LOW/FILL OIL is displayed,
stop safely as soon as possible and add 1 qt (1 liter) of oil. Check the oil level with the dipstick before restarting the
engine.
If the red warning light in the instrument panel comes on and the text OIL LEVEL LOW/STOP SAFELY-->STOP
ENGINE -->SEE MANUAL is displayed, stop safely as soon as possible and add oil (not more than 1.6 qts (1.5
liters). Check the oil level with the dipstick before restarting the engine. If no oil level is visible on the dipstick, do not
start the engine. Have the vehicle towed to an authorized Volvo workshop.
pg. 176 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids
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