
stabilize the car. See page 150 for more detailed information.
5. Not in use
6. Fuel level warning light
When this light comes on, there are approximately 2.1 US gallons (8 liters) of fuel remaining in the tank.
54 02 Instruments and controls
Instrument and warning symbols
Symbols - right side
1. Turn signal indicator for trailer (certain models)
If you are towing a trailer, this light will flash simultaneously with the turn signals on the trailer. If the light does not
flash when signaling, one of the turn signals on the trailer or on the vehicle are not functioning properly.
2. Parking brake applied
This light is on when the parking brake (hand brake) is applied. The parking brake lever is situated between the front
seats. See page 69
for more information.
NOTE
Canadian models are equipped with the second symbol.
3. SRS system warning light
If this light comes on while the vehicle is being driven, or remains on for longer than approximately 10 seconds after the
vehicle has been started, the SRS system's diagnostic functions have detected a fault in a seat belt lock or pretensioner, a
front airbag, side impact airbag, and/or an inflatable curtain. Have the system(s) inspected by a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician as soon as possible.

4. Oil pressure warning light1
If the light comes on while driving, stop the car, stop the engine immediately, and check the engine oil level. If the oil
level is normal and the light stays on after restart, have the vehicle towed to the nearest trained and qualified Volvo
service technician. After hard driving, the light may come on occasionally when the engine is idling. This is normal,
provided it goes off when the engine speed is increased.
5. Seat belt reminder
This symbol (and the seat belt reminder light above the rear view mirror) will light up if either front seat occupant has not
buckled his/her seat belt. If the vehicle is not moving, the symbols will go out after approximately 6 seconds.
6. Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charging system checked by an authorized Volvo workshop.
1On certain engines, this symbol is not used to indicate low oil pressure. Instead, a text warning is provided in the information display, see also page
203.
55 02 Instruments and controls
Instrument and warning symbols
7. Fault in the brake system
If this light comes on while driving or braking, stop the vehicle as quickly as possible in a safe place, open the hood, and
check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. See page 202
for the location of the reservoir.
NOTE
Canadian models are equipped with the second symbol.
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 information display: DO NOT DRIVE . Have the vehicle towed to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician
and have the brake system inspected.
If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on at the same time, this could indicate a fault in the brake system.
In this case:
1.Stop the vehicle in a suitable place and switch off the engine.

The defroster function should be used to remove fog or mist from the inside of the windows. Keeping the windows
clean with a commercially available window washing spray will also help prevent fogging or misting.
Climate control maintenance
Special tools and equipment are required to maintain and carry out repairs on the climate system. Work of this type
should only be done by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Refrigerant
Volvo cares about the environment. The air conditioning system in your vehicle contains a CFC-free refrigerant -
R134a. This substance will not deplete the ozone layer. The system contains 1.2 lbs (530 g) R134a (HFC 134a), and
uses PAG oil.
Passenger compartment filter
Replace the cabin air filter with a new one at the recommended intervals. Please refer to your Warranty and Service
Records Information booklet, or consult a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for these intervals. The filter
should be replaced more often when driving under dirty and dusty conditions. The filter cannot be cleaned and
therefore should always be replaced with a new one.
NOTE
There are different types of cabin air filters. Ensure that the correct type is installed.
Display
The display above the climate control panel shows the climate settings that have been made.
Personal settings
There are two functions in the climate system that can be set to your preferences:
Blower speed to Auto mode (models with ECC only).
Timer controlled recirculation of the air in the passenger compartment.
For information about how to make these settings, see the Personal settings section on page 78
.
87 03 Climate
General information
Models equipped with ECC (option)
Sensors
The sunlight sensor is on the upper side of the dashboard
The passenger compartment temperature sensor is located behind the climate system control panel.
The ambient temperature sensor is in the driver's side door mirror.
The humidity sensor is in the rearview mirror.
These sensors should never be obstructed.

Weak battery in the remote control
When the battery begins to lose its charge, the Information symbol in the instrument panel (see page 51) lights up and
REMOTE BATTERY LOW VOLTAGE is shown in the information display.
Replacing the battery in the remote control
If the range of the transmitter is noticeably reduced, this indicates that the battery (type CR 2450, 3V) is weak and
should be replaced. To replace the battery:
1. Place the remote control with the keypad downward. Pry open the cover with a small slotted screwdriver.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Note how the + and - sides of the battery are positioned on the inside of the cover (see the underside of the cover).
CAUTION
When replacing the battery, avoid touching the electrical circuitry in the other half of the remote control.
4. Pry out and replace the battery. Avoid touching the battery and its contact surfaces with your fingers.
5. Press the cover back into place.
The old battery should be disposed of properly at a recycling center or by a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician.
119 05 Locks and alarm
Remote control and key blade
Key blade

The battery is disconnected (while the alarm is armed).
The siren is disconnected when the alarm is disarmed.
The alarm indicator light
The status of the alarm system is indicated by the indicator light on at the top of the dashboard (see illustration):
Indicator light off - the alarm is not armed
The indicator light flashes every two seconds - the alarm is armed
The indicator light flashes rapidly before the ignition is switched on - the alarm has been triggered. The message
"ALARM TRIGGERED, CHECK CAR" will also be displayed.
Fault in the alarm system: If a fault has been detected in the alarm system, a message will be shown in the
information display. Contact a trained and qualified Volvo service technician to have the alarm system inspected and
repaired if necessary.
Arming the alarm
Press the LOCK button on the remote control, or press the central lock button on one of the front doors with the door
open. One long flash of the turn signals will confirm that the alarm is armed.
Disarming the alarm
Press the UNLOCK button on the remote control or insert the key in the ignition
1 to disarm the alarm. Two short
flashes from the car's direction indicators confirm that the alarm has been deactivated and that all doors are unlocked.
Turning off (stopping) the alarm
If the alarm is sounding, it can be stopped by pressing the UNLOCK button on the remote control or by inserting the
key in the ignition switch.
1On vehicles with the optional keyless drive, press in the start control in the ignition switch.
129 05 Locks and alarm
Alarm (option)
NOTE
On vehicles equipped with the optional keyless drive, the start control must be removed from the ignition switch
before the key can be inserted. See page 143
for instructions.
Audible/visual alarm signal

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 flowing 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 water.
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.
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.
Cold weather precautions
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 help 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 page 251
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
1Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at additional charge. Please
consult a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
134 06 Starting and driving
General information
more frequently and spray an anti-rust oil on the battery posts.
Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving - see the chapter "Wheels and tires."
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze (see page 202 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 using de -icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
Conserving electrical current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize battery drain:
When the engine is not running, avoid turning the ignition key to position II. Many electrical systems (the audio
system, the optional navigation system, power windows, etc) will function with the ignition key in position I. This
position reduces 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 cargo area provides electrical current even with the ignition switched off, which
drains the battery.
NOTE
If the ignition is switched on, a warning message will be displayed in the text window in the instrument panel
when the battery charge is low.
An energy conserving function designed into the vehicle's electrical system will switch off certain functions or
reduce the load on the battery by, e.g., reducing the audio system's volume.
135 06 Starting and driving
General information
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. An authorized Volvo 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 the engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
Have the transmission oil level checked1.
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.
Have a word with a trained and qualified Volvo service technician if you intend to drive in countries where it may

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