Page 174 of 251

Refueling
or components, altering emission system components or location or removing components, and/or repeated use of
leaded fuel.
NOTE
Unleaded fuel is required for vehicles with three-way catalytic converters.
Heated oxygen sensors
The heated oxygen sensors monitor the oxygen content of the exhaust gases. Readings are fed into a control module
that continuously monitors engine functions and controls fuel injection. The ratio of fuel to air into the engine is
continuously adjusted for efficient combustion to help reduce harmful emissions.
179 05 During your trip
Loading
Introduction
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is determined by factors such as the number of passengers, the amount of
cargo, the weight of any accessories that may be installed, etc.
NOTE
To increase loading space, the rear seat backrests can be folded down, see page 80
.
The trunk lid can be opened via the button located on the lighting panel, see page 60.
Load the cargo in the trunk against the backrest.
Load wide cargo in the trunk on both sides of the rear seat split.
Unstable loads can be secured to the load anchoring eyelets with straps or web lashings to help keep them from
shifting.
WARNING
The vehicle's driving characteristics may change depending on the weight and distribution of the load.
A 44-pound (20 kg) object produces a force of 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) in a head-on collision at 30 mph (50
km/h).
Loading the cargo area
Stop the engine and apply the parking brake when loading or unloading long objects. The gear selector can be knocked
out of position by long loads, which could set the vehicle in motion. To increase loading space, the rear seat backrests
can be folded down, see page 80
.
WARNING
Stop the engine, put the gear selector in P , and apply the parking brake when loading or unloading long objects.
The rear seat should not be loaded to a level higher than 2 in. (5 cm) below the upper edge of the rear side
windows. Objects placed higher than this level could impede the function of the Volvo Inflatable Curtain.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 175 of 251
Load anchoring eyelets
The load anchoring eyelets are used to fasten straps to help anchor items in the trunk.
WARNING
Cover sharp edges on long loads to help prevent injury to occupants. Secure the load to help prevent shifting
during sudden stops.
Always secure large and heavy objects with a seat belt or cargo retaining straps.
180 05 During your trip
Loading
Grocery bag holder1
The grocery bag holder holds shopping bags in place.
1. Open the hatch in the trunk.
2. Secure the shopping bags.
1Available on certain markets only.
Ski hatch
ProCarManuals.com
Page 176 of 251
There is a hatch in the right section of the rear seat backrest that can be opened for transportation.
Fold the right backrest forward.
Release the hatch in the rear seat backrest by sliding the catch up while folding the hatch forward.
Return the backrest to the upright position with the hatch open.
Use the seat belt to prevent the load from moving.
WARNING
Always secure the load to help prevent it from moving in the event of sudden.
Switch off the engine, apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in P when loading and unloading the
vehicle.
NOTE
If the vehicle is equipped with the optional integrated booster cushion, fold it out first.
181 05 During your trip
Loading
The cover on the rear seat armrest/child seat has no hinge. The cover must be removed before the ski hatch is used.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 178 of 251

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.
183 05 During your trip
Towing a trailer
NOTE
When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in P .
Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for wheel chocking.
When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in D before releasing the parking brake. See also page 111 for more
detailed information about starting off on a hill while towing a trailer.
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.
Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of more than 15 %.
Trailer cable
An adapter is required if the vehicle's trailer hitch has a 13-pin connector and the trailer has 7 pins. Use an adapter
cable approved by Volvo. Make sure the cable does not drag on the ground.
184 05 During your trip
Towing a trailer
Detachable trailer hitch (accessory)
ProCarManuals.com
Page 185 of 251

If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit - or was lit but went out without service, have your vehicle diagnosed and, if
necessary, serviced by a qualified Volvo technician.
If you recently had service for a lit Check Engine light, or if you had service that required disconnecting the battery,
a period of driving is necessary to bring the OBD II system to "ready" for inspection. A half-hour trip of mixed stop-
and -go/highway driving is typically needed to allow OBD II to reach readiness. Your Volvo retailer can provide you
with more information on planning a trip.
Maintain your vehicle in accordance with your vehicle's maintenance schedule.
193 06 Maintenance and specifications
Hood and engine compartment
Opening and closing the hood
Pull the lever located under the left side of the dash to release the hood lock.
Lift the hood slightly. Press the release control (located under the right front edge of the hood) to the left, and lift
the hood
WARNING
Check that the hood locks properly when closed.
Engine compartment, overview
ProCarManuals.com
Page 186 of 251

The appearance of the engine compartment may vary depending on engine model.
Coolant expansion tank
Power steering fluid reservoir
Engine oil dipstick
Radiator
Air cleaner
Filler cap for engine oil
Brake fluid reservoir
Battery
Relay and fuse box
Washer fluid reservoir
WARNING
The cooling fan may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine has been switched off.
WARNING
The distributor ignition system operates at very high voltages. Special safety precautions must be followed to prevent
injury. Always turn the ignition off when:
Replacing distributor ignition components e.g. plugs, coil, etc.
Do not touch any part of the distributor ignition system while the engine is running. This may result in unintended
movements and body injury.
194 06 Maintenance and specifications
Engine oil
Checking the engine 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.
See page 246 for oil specifications.
Refer to the Warranty and Service Records Information booklet for information on the oil change intervals.
Volvo recommends
oil products.
CAUTION
ProCarManuals.com
Page 188 of 251

WARNING
Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into contact with hot exhaust pipe surfaces.
NOTE
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.
196 06 Maintenance and specifications
Fluids
Coolant
Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be drained, consult your Volvo retailer.
See page 248
for information on cooling system capacities.
CAUTION
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).
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 over-pressure dissipates.
197 06 Maintenance and specifications
Fluids
ProCarManuals.com
Page 189 of 251

Brake fluid
Checking the level
The fluid reservoir is concealed under the round cover at the rear of the engine compartment. The round cover must be
removed first before the reservoir cap can be accessed.
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 a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a brake-related message is shown 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.
Filling
Turn and open the cover.
Unscrew the reservoir cap and fill the fluid. The level must be between the MIN and MAX marks.
Power steering fluid
ProCarManuals.com