2007 Volvo XC70
your vehicle.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light.
pg. 49 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 137 for
additional information.
Stability Traction Control (STC)1 system or Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)
system
2
This indicator light will flash when STC or DSTC is actively working to \
stabilize the vehicle. See
page
139 for more detailed information.
Tire pressure monitoring light
See
page 162 for more information on this function.
Turn signal indicator - trailer (certain models)
If you are towing a trailer, this light will flash simultaneously with t\
he turn signals on the trailer. If the
light does not flash when signaling, neither the trailer's turn signals \
nor the vehicle's turn signals are
functioning.
1. Standard on all models except R models.
2. Standard on R models, option on all other models.
pg. 50 Instruments and controls
Indicator and warning symbols
Messages in the text window
When a warning light in the instrument panel comes on, a message is also\
displayed in the text window.
After you have read the message, you can erase it by pressing button A (\
see illustration).
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2007 Volvo XC70
2 0 0 7
VOLVO XC70
Starting and driving
pg. 119 Starting and driving
General information
120
Fuel requirements
121
Starting the car
125
General driving information
127
Manual transmission
129
Automatic transmission (option)
130
Geartronic (option)
132
All Wheel Drive (option)
134
Four-C active chassis system
135
Brake system
136
Stability system
139
Towing
142
Jump starting
144
Towing a trailer
145
Detachable trailer hitch
147
Load carriers (accessory)
148
Cold weather precautions
151
Before a long distance trip
152
Front/rear park assist (option/
accessory)
153
pg. 120 Starting and driving
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2007 Volvo XC70
Alcohol - Ethanol: Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be u\
sed. Ethanol may also be
referred to as Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol".
Ethers - MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
pg. 121 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
Octane rating
Volvo engines are designed to achieve rated horsepower, torque, and fuel\
economy performance using
premium 91 octane fuel.
Volvo recommends premium for best performance, but using 87 octane or ab\
ove will not affect engine
reliability.
In demanding driving conditions, such as operating the vehicle in hot we\
ather, towing a trailer, or
driving for extended periods at higher altitudes than normal, it may be \
advisable to switch to higher
octane fuel (91 or higher) or to change gasoline brands to fully utili\
ze your engine's capacity, and for the
smoothest possible operation.
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2007 Volvo XC70
CAUTION!
Drive slowly and carefully if going through standing water (i.e. floode\
d roadways, etc.). Damage to
the engine could result if excess water is drawn in through the air inta\
ke system. Never drive the
vehicle in water deeper than 1 foot (300 mm).
Weight distribution affects handling
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 curvatur\
e of a bend.
This ensures good stability and reduces the risk of rear wheel skid. Rem\
ember that these properties can
alter with the vehicle load.
The heavier the load in the cargo area (max. 220 lbs, 100 kg), the les\
s the tendency to understeer.
Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle hand\
ling. Therefore, check that the tires
are inflated to the recommended pressure according to the vehicle load. \
See "Tire pressure" section.
pg. 128 Starting and driving
General driving information
Loads should be distributed so that capacity weight or maximum permissib\
le axle loads are not exceeded.
Speed-sensitive power steering (Option on certain models)
With this feature, the steering is most responsive at lower speeds to ma\
ke parking, driving in city traffic,
etc., easier. The effect of the power steering diminishes as you acceler\
ate for greater stability at highway
speeds.
Driving through water
The vehicle can be driven through water up to a depth of approximately 9\
in. (25 cm), at a maximum
speed of 6 mph (10 km/h). Take particular care when driving through fl\
owing water.
Clean the electrical connections for trailer wiring after driving in mud\
or water.
When driving through water, maintain low speed and do not stop in the wa\
ter.
WARNING!
After driving through water, press lightly on the brake pedal to ensure \
that the brakes are functioning
normally. Water or mud can make the brake linings slippery, resulting in\
delayed braking effect.
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2007 Volvo XC70
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position and should be used as often as possible\
to help improve fuel economy.
The vehicle should not be moving when shifting from R to the D position.
4 (Intermediate gear)
The transmission will shift automatically between gears 4, 3, 2 or 1 fro\
m this position. The transmission
cannot shift up to (D)rive from fourth gear.
3 (Intermediate gear)
The transmission will shift automatically between gears 3, 2 and 1 from \
this position. The transmission
cannot shift up to fourth gear or (D)rive from third gear.
L (Low gears)
The transmission is locked in gears 1 and 2 when the selector is in this\
position.
NOTE: Gears 4, 3, or L can be used if you are driving in a mountainous area, \
towing a trailer or to
increase engine braking effect. The transmission has a built-in limiter \
designed to help prevent excessive
engine speeds (high rpm) when gears 4, 3 or L are selected.
pg. 131 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission (option)
W - Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction
l Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D)rive position.
l Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage th\
is driving mode (see
illustration).
l When the W driving mode is engaged, this is displayed in the instrument \
panel (see page 46).
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2007 Volvo XC70
reservoir.
NOTE: Press the brake pedal hard and maintain pressure on the pedal - do not \
pump the brakes.
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 text window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle \
towed to a Volvo
retailer and have the brake system inspected.
NOTE: When the vehicle is at a standstill and the engine is idling, e.g. at a\
traffic light and the brake
pedal is depressed, the pedal may go down slightly. This is a normal fun\
ction of the power-assisted
brake system.
Power brakes function only when the engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure which is only created when the \
engine is running. Never let
the vehicle roll to a stop with the engine switched off.
If the power brakes are not working, the brake pedal must be pressed app\
roximately four times harder
than usual to make up for the lack of power assistance. This can happen \
for example when towing your
vehicle or if the engine is switched off when the vehicle is rolling. Th\
e brake pedal feels harder than
usual.
Water on brake discs and brake pads affects braking
Driving in rain and slush or passing through an automatic car wash can c\
ause water to collect on the
brake discs and pads. This will cause a delay in braking effect when the\
pedal is depressed. To avoid
such a delay when the brakes are needed, depress the pedal occasionally \
when driving through rain,
slush etc. This will remove the water from the brakes. Check that brake \
application feels normal. This
should also be done after washing or starting in very damp or cold weath\
er.
Severe strain on the brake system
The brakes will be subject to severe strain when driving in mountains or\
hilly areas or towing. Vehicle
speed is usually slower, which means that the cooling of the brakes is l\
ess efficient than when driving on
level roads. To reduce the strain on the brakes, shift into a lower gear\
and let the engine help with the
braking. Do not forget that, if you are towing a trailer, the brakes wil\
l be subjected to a greater than
normal load.
pg. 137 Starting and driving
Brake system
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2007 Volvo XC70
engine compartment (2), located under a small black plastic cover atta\
ched to the fuse box cover,
marked with a "+" sign. Remove the cover on the main fuse box if necessa\
ry to access this terminal.
Then connect the auxiliary battery's negative (-) terminal (3) to th\
e ground point in your vehicle's engine
compartment (4).
- Start the engine in the assisting vehicle, then start the engine in th\
e vehicle with dead battery.
- After the engine has started, first remove the negative (-) terminal\
jumper cable. Then remove the
positive (+) terminal jumper cable.
WARNING!
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead \
compounds, chemicals known
to the state of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash h\
ands after handling.
WARNING!
l Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any\
moving parts. Avoid
touching hot manifolds.
l Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
l Do not smoke near the battery.
l Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
l Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow battery fluid to cont\
act eyes, skin, fabrics or
painted surfaces. If contact occurs, flush the affected area immediately\
with water. Obtain medical
help immediately if eyes are affected.
l Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to persona\
l injury.
pg. 145 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially des\
igned for the vehicle.
l Maximum trailer weight recommended by Volvo is:
Trailers without brakes: 1650 lbs (750 kg)
Trailers with brakes: 2" (50 mm) ball - 3300 lbs (1500 kg), 1 7/8" (\
47 mm) ball - 2000 lbs (900 kg).
Observe the legal requirements of the state/province in which the vehicl\
es are
l All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumper\
s. Trailer hitch
installation should not interfere with the proper operation of this bump\
er system.
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2007 Volvo XC70
Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but ta\
ke into consideration:
l Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See section "Wheels and tire\
s."
l When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 6\
20 miles (1000 km).
l Recommended hitch tongue load is: Trailer weights below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 110 lbs (50 kg)
Trailer weights above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 165 lbs (75 kg)
l Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 mph (80 km/h).
l Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engin\
e 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.
l If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be disp\
layed in the text window.
l Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
l Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
l It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes\
to provide a safe stop (check
and observe state/ local regulations).
l Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brak\
e system.
l More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
l Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
l Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer o\
ver long distances or in
mountainous areas.
WARNING!
l Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should s\
afety chains be attached
to the bumper.
l Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.
l 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 ne\
arest authorized Volvo retailer
for correct installation.
l When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety wire must be correctly faste\
ned to the hole or hook
provided in the trailer hitch on the vehicle. The safety wire should nev\
er be fastened to or wound
around the drawbar ball.
NOTE:
l When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking bra\
ke before putting the gear
selector in (P)ark (first/ reverse gear on manual transmissions).
pg. 146 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
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