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CAUTION
Engine damage will occur if water is drawn into the air cleaner.
If the vehicle is driven through water deeper than 9 in (25 cm), water may enter the differential and the
transmission. This reduces the oil's lubricating capacity and may shorten the service life of these components.
Do not allow the vehicle to stand in water up to the door sills longer than absolutely necessary. This could result
in electrical malfunctions.
If the engine has been stopped while the vehicle is in water, do not attempt to restart the engine. Have the vehicle
towed out of the water.
Engine and cooling system
Under special conditions, for example when driving in hilly terrain, extreme heat or with heavy loads, there is a risk
that the engine and cooling system will overheat. Proceed as follows to avoid overheating the engine.
Maintain a low speed when driving with a trailer up long, steep hills.
Do not turn the engine off immediately you stop after a hard drive.
Remove any auxiliary lights from in front of the grille when driving in hot weather conditions.
Do not exceed engine speeds of 4500 rpm if driving with a trailer in hilly terrain. The oil temperature could become
too high.
Conserving electrical current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize battery drain:
When the engine is not running, avoid using ignition mode II. Many electrical systems (the audio system, the
optional navigation system, power windows, etc) will function in ignition modes 0 and I. These modes reduce 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 trunk provides electrical current even with the ignition switched off, which drains
the battery.
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician 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.
172 05 During your trip
Driving recommendations
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 checked.
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 a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician only.
Check all lights, including high beams.
Reflective warning triangles are legally required in some states/provinces.
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The towing eyelet is located under the floor of the trunk, with the spare tire. This eyelet must be screwed into the
positions provided on the right sides of either the front or rear bumper (see illustration).
Attaching the towing eyelet
1. Use a coin to pry open the lower edge of the cover.
2. Screw the towing eyelet in place, first by hand and then using the tire iron until it is securely in place.
After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet should be removed and returned to its storage location.
Press the cover for the attachment point back into position.
Precautions when the vehicle is in tow
The steering wheel must be unlocked. The remote key must be in the ignition slot1.
Attach jumper cables (see page 104) to provide current for releasing the optional electric parking brake and to move
the gear selector from the P position.
The gear selector must be in position N .
Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not exceed the maximum allowable towing speed.
Maximum distance with front wheels on ground: 50 miles (80 km).
While the vehicle is being towed, try to keep the tow rope taut at all times.
The vehicle should only be towed in the forward direction.
1On vehicles with the optional keyless drive, the remote key must be in the passenger compartment.
CAUTION
Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this type of towing, as vehicles being towed are
subject to regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length and type of towing device, lighting, etc.
If the vehicle's battery is dead, do not attempt to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it as this will damage the
three-way catalytic converter(s). The engine must be jump started using an auxiliary battery (see page 104
).
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the vehicle on the
flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive/All Wheel Drive
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We do NOT recommend washing your car in an automatic wash during the first six months (because the paint will
not have hardened sufficiently).
An automatic wash is a simple and quick way to clean your car, but it is worth
237 06 Maintenance and specifications
Vehicle care
remembering that it may not be as thorough as when you yourself go over the car with sponge and water. Keeping the
underbody clean is most important, especially in the winter. Some automatic washers do not have facilities for washing
the underbody.
CAUTION
Before driving into an automatic car wash, turn off the optional rain sensor to avoid damaging the windshield
wipers.
Make sure that side view mirrors, auxiliary lamps, etc, are secure, and that any antenna(s) are retracted or
removed. Otherwise there is risk of the machine dislodging them.
Chromed wheels : Clean chrome-plated wheels using the same detergents used for the body of the vehicle.
Aggressive wheel-cleaning agents can permanently stain chrome-plated wheels.
WARNING
When the vehicle is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes several times in order to remove any
moisture from the brake linings.
Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine is warm. This constitutes a fire risk.
Exterior lighting
Condensation may form temporarily on the inside of the lenses of exterior lights such as headlights, fog lights, or
taillights. This is normal and the lights are designed to withstand moisture. Normally, condensation will dissipate after
the lights have been on for a short time.
Polishing and waxing
Normally, polishing is not required during the first year after delivery, however, waxing may be beneficial.
Before applying polish or wax the vehicle must be washed and dried. Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar
remover. Difficult spots may require a fine rubbing compound.
After polishing use liquid or paste wax.
Several commercially available products contain both polish and wax.
Waxing alone does not substitute for polishing a dull surface.
A wide range of polymer-based waxes can be purchased today. These waxes are easy to use and produce a long-
lasting, high-gloss finish that protects the bodywork against oxidation, road dirt and fading.
Do not polish or wax your vehicle in direct sunlight (the surface of the vehicle should not be warmer than 113° F
(45° C).
238 06 Maintenance and specifications
Vehicle care
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