
be difficult to obtain the correct fuel.
Consider your destination. If you will be driving through an area where snow or ice are likely to occur, consider
snow tires.
1To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your vehicle's transmission fluid yourself. Have your vehicle's transmission fluid
level inspected by a qualified Volvo service technician.
136 06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
Octane rating
MINIMUM
Volvo recommends premium for best performance, but using 87 octane or above will not affect engine reliability.
Volvo engines are designed to achieve rated horsepower, torque, and fuel economy performance using premium 91
octane fuel.RECOMMENDED
In demanding driving conditions, such as operating the vehicle in hot weather, 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 utilize your engine's capacity, and for the smoothest possible operation.
NOTE

When switching to higher octane fuel or changing gasoline brands, it may be necessary to fill the tank more than
once before a difference in engine operation is noticeable.
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gasoline to control engine deposits. Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping
injectors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit control gasolines will help ensure good drivability and fuel
economy. If you are not sure whether the gasoline contains deposit control additives, check with the service station
operator.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of store -bought fuel injector cleaning additives.
Unleaded fuel
Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and Canadian regulations
require that pumps delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEADED." Only these pumps have nozzles which fit
your vehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled "unleaded gasoline only."
Leaded gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of
leaded gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of the emission control
137 06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
system and could result in loss of emission warranty coverage. State and local vehicle inspection programs will make
detection of misfueling easier, possibly resulting in emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.
NOTE
Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive called methyl- cyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission Control System performance may be affected, and the
Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator lamp) located on your instrument panel may light. If this occurs, please
return your vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for maintenance.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or ethers. In some areas, state or
local laws require that the service pump be marked indicating use of alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas in
which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet seasonal air quality standards, some areas require the use of "oxygenated"
fuel. Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed on this page must
still be met.
Alcohol - Ethanol: Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be used. Ethanol may also be referred to as
Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol". Ethers - MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
Fuel Formulations
Do not use gasoline that contains lead as a knock inhibitor, and do not use lead additives. Besides damaging the
exhaust emission control systems on your vehicle, lead has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer. Many fuels

contain benzene as a solvent. Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer. If you live in an
area where you must fill your own gas tank, take precautions.
These may include:
standing upwind away from the filler nozzle while refueling
refueling only at gas stations with vapor recovery systems that fully seal the mouth of the filler neck during
refueling
wearing neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
WARNING
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust gases. If you ever smell
exhaust fumes inside the vehicle, make sure the passenger compartment is ventilated, and immediately return the
vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for correction.
Use of Additives
With the exception of fuel line antifreeze during winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or other store -bought
additives to your vehicle's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse may damage your engine, and some of these
additives contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.
Fuel filler door
Press the button on the light switch panel (see the illustration on page 59
) with the ignition switched off to unlock the
fuel filler door. Please note that the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the vehicle begins to move forward. An
audible click will be heard when the fuel filler door relocks.
138 06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
If you intend to leave your vehicle while it is being refueled, this feature enables you to lock the doors/rear liftgate
while leaving the fuel filler door unlocked.
You can also keep the vehicle locked if you remain inside it during refueling. The central locking button does not lock
the fuel filler door.
Be sure the fuel filler door is not obstructed and is completely closed after refueling. Open the fuel filler cap slowly
during hot weather.
Refueling
The fuel tank is designed to accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. See page 250
for fuel tank
volumes. Be aware that the "usable" tank capacity will be somewhat less than the specified maximum. When the fuel
level is low, such factors as ambient temperature, the fuel's "Reid vapor pressure" characteristics, and terrain can affect
the fuel pump's ability to supply the engine with an adequate supply of fuel. Therefore, it is advisable to refuel as soon
as possible when the needle nears the red zone, or when the fuel warning light comes on.
CAUTION
Do not refuel with the engine running1. Turn the ignition off or to position I. If the ignition is on, an incorrect
reading could occur in the fuel gauge

After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place.
Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Do not press the handle on the filler nozzle more than one extra time. Too much
fuel in the tank in hot weather conditions can cause the fuel to overflow. Overfilling could also cause damage to the
emission control systems.
Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. In addition to causing damage to the environment, gasolines containing
alcohol can cause damage to painted surfaces, which may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Do not use gasolines containing methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice can result in vehicle
performance deterioration and can damage critical parts in the fuel system. Such damage may not be covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
1If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the vehicle is refueled, the Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator
lamp) may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps.
139 06 Starting and driving
Ignition switch/Steering wheel lock
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock
0 - Locked position
Remove the key to lock the steering wheel
1. Never turn the key to position 0 while driving or when the vehicle is
being towed.
NOTE
A ticking sound may be audible if the key is turned to a position between 0 and I. To stop this sound, turn the key to
position II and back to position 0.
I - Intermediate position2
Certain accessories, radio, etc. on, daytime running lights off.
1Automatic transmission: the gear selector must be in the Park position. The optional keyless drive start control does not need to be removed.
2Please be aware that leaving the key in positions I or II will increase battery drain
II - Drive position
The key's position when driving. The vehicle's entire electrical system is activated.
III - Start position

Remove your foot from the clutch pedal while driving. The shift pattern should be followed.
Overdrive (5th and 6th gears) should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy.
1 Clutch interlock
The clutch must be fully depressed before you can start your car. If the clutch is not depressed, it will not be possible to start the engine.
Engaging reverse gear, 6-speed transmission
Reverse gear should only be engaged from a complete stop.
NOTE
Reverse gear is electronically blocked and cannot be selected if the vehicle is moving at a speed of approximately 13
mph (20km/ h).
CAUTION
Never shift into reverse while moving forward.
WARNING
An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause the accelerator, brake, and/or clutch pedal to catch. Check that the
movement of these pedals is not impeded. Not more than one protective floor covering may be used at one time.
145 06 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission (option)
Shiftgate positions

Towing a vehicle with a locked steering wheel will make the vehicle impossible to steer.
3. Turn the ignition key to position II.
4. Place the gear selector in neutral. For vehicles with automatic transmissions, follow instruction on page 147
,
"Shiftlock override" to allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position.
5. Keep firm pressure on the brake pedal while releasing the parking brake.
6. When towing has been completed, return the gear selector to Park (automatic) or Reverse (manual) and apply the
parking brake.
The following points should also be observed:
Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). Never exceed local towing speed limits and heed all local towing restrictions.
Never tow farther than 50 miles (80 km) .
Keep the tow rope taut at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
The disabled vehicle should be towed in the forward direction only.
153 06 Starting and driving
Towing
WARNING
Never allow a vehicle to be towed without a driver behind the wheel of the disabled vehicle.
Never remove the key from the ignition while the vehicle is moving. The steering wheel could lock, making it
impossible to steer the vehicle.
When the engine is not running, steering resistance and the effort needed to apply the brakes will be great.
Never attempt to tow a vehicle with a dead battery at night.
CAUTION
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, marker flags, etc.
Never attempt to push- or tow-start a vehicle with a dead battery. This would inject unburned fuel into the three-
way catalytic converter(s), causing overheating, backfiring, and damage. See page 154
for instructions on jump
starting the vehicle.
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive
Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equipment for towing vehicles with front wheel drive. If wheel lift equipment
must be used, please use extreme caution to help avoid damage to the vehicle.
In this case, the vehicle should be towed with the rear wheels on the ground if at all possible.
If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, please refer to the towing
information on the previous page.
Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air conditioning lines.
It is equally important not to use sling -type equipment at the rear or apply lifting equipment inside the rear wheels;
serious damage to the rear axle may result.

WARNING
Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any moving parts. Avoid touching hot
manifolds.
Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, fabrics or painted surfaces. If
contact occurs, flush the affected area immediately with water. Obtain medical help immediately if eyes are affected.
Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
Do not smoke near the battery.
Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to personal injury.
Do not touch the jumper cables during the attempt to start the vehicle. This could cause sparks.
155 06 Starting and driving
Transporting loads
Loading the vehicle
Your vehicle's load-carrying capacity is affected by factors such as:
the number of passengers
tire inflation
the amount of optional or accessory equipment installed
the amount of cargo
See the chapter "Wheels and tires" for more detailed information.
Before loading the car, turn off the engine, and apply the parking brake when loading or unloading long objects. The
gear selector can be inadvertently knocked out of position by long cargo, causing the vehicle to move.
Keep the following in mind when loading the vehicle:
Load the cargo in the cargo area against the rear seat backrest.
Load heavy cargo as low as possible.
Center wide loads.
Secure all cargo with restraining straps anchored to the load securing eyelets.
Cover sharp edges on the load.
Seats can be folded down to extend the cargo compartment. See page 108.
WARNING
Remember that an object weighing 44 lbs (20 kg) produces a force of 2,200 lbs (1,000 kg) in a head-on collision
at 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h)!
When the rear backrest(s) are folded down, the vehicle 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.
Load carriers (accessory)
Load carriers are available as Volvo accessories. Follow the installation instructions supplied with the load carriers.
Observe the following points when using load carriers:

To avoid damaging your vehicle and to achieve maximum safety when driving, we recommend using the load
carriers that Volvo has developed especially for your car.
Volvo-approved removable roof racks are designed to carry the maximum allowable roof load for this vehicle: 165
lbs (75 kg). For Non-Volvo roof racks, check the manufacturer's weight limits for the rack.
Never exceed the rack manufacturer's weigh limits and never exceed the maximum rated roof load of 165 lbs (75
kg).
Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loads evenly.
Place heavier cargo at the bottom of the load.
Secure the cargo correctly with appropriate tie-down equipment.
Check periodically that the load carriers and load are properly secured.
Remember that the car's center of gravity and handling change when you carry a load on the roof.
The car's wind resistance and fuel consumption will increase with the size of the load.
Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid starts, fast cornering and hard braking.
156 06 Starting and driving
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)-option
Introduction
1. BLIS camera
2. Indicator light
3. BLIS symbol
The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is an information system that indicates the presence of another vehicle
moving in the same direction as your vehicle in the sideview mirror's "blind area."
CAUTION
The BLIS system should only be repaired by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
WARNING
BLIS is an information system, NOT a warning or safety system.
BLIS does not eliminate the need for you to visually confirm the conditions around you, and the need for you to
turn your head and shoulders to make sure that you can safely change lanes.
As the driver, you have full responsibility for changing lanes in a safe manner.