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 car 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 71
.
81 03 Climate
Air vents
Air vents in the dashboard
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Observe the following rules:
Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by driving with a light foot on the accelerator
pedal for the first few minutes of operation. A cold engine uses more fuel and is subject to increased wear.
Whenever possible, avoid using the vehicle for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach
normal operating temperature.
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
Use the transmission's Drive ( D) position as often as possible and avoid using kickdown.
Do not exceed posted speed limits.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the vehicle.
Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (when tires are cold).
Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
At highway driving speeds, fuel consumption will be lower with the air conditioning on and the windows closed
than with the air conditioning off and the windows open.
Using the onboard trip computer's fuel consumption modes can help you learn how to drive more economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage are:
Dirty air cleaner
Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
Dragging brakes
Incorrect front end alignment Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard
maintenance intervals.
Avoid overheating the engine
Do not drive at engine speeds above 4,500 rpm if you tow a trailer in hilly areas. This could cause the engine oil to
overheat.
WARNING
Driving with the trunk open : Driving with the trunk open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the
passenger compartment. If the trunk must be kept open for any reason, proceed as follows:
Close the windows
Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side windows and the blower control to its
highest setting.
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 curvature of a bend. This ensures good stability and reduces the risk
of rear wheel skid. Remember that these properties can alter with the vehicle load. The heavier the load in the cargo
area, the less the tendency to understeer.
Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore,
133 06 Starting and driving
General information
check that the tires are inflated to the recommended pressure according to the vehicle load. See the "Tire pressure"
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2. Apply the parking brake if not already set. The gear selector should be locked in the Park (P) position (Shiftlock).
Manual transmission : the clutch must be fully depressed.
3. The vehicle is equipped with an autostart feature. Without touching the throttle pedal, turn the key to position III
and release it. The starter motor will then operate automatically (for up to ten seconds) until the engine starts. If the
engine fails to start, repeat this step.
NOTE
After a cold start, idle speed may be noticeably higher than normal for a short period. This is done to help bring
components in the emission control system to their normal operating temperature as quickly as possible, which
enables them to control emissions and help reduce the vehicle's impact on the environment.
4. To release the gear selector from the Park ( P) position, the engine must be running (or the ignition key must be in
position II) and the brake pedal must be depressed.
5. Select the desired gear. On models with an automatic transmission, the gear engages after a very slight delay which
is especially noticeable when selecting R.
NOTE
Immobilizer : If two of the keys to your vehicle are close together, e.g., on the same key ring when you try to start
the vehicle, this could cause interference in the immobilizer system and result in the vehicle not starting. If this
should occur, remove one of the keys from the key ring before trying to start the vehicle again.
Keylock: Models equipped an automatic transmission have a keylock system. When the engine is switched off, the
gear selector must be in the Park ( P) position before the key can be removed from the ignition switch.
When starting in cold weather, the transmission may shift up at slightly higher engine speeds than normal until the
automatic transmission fluid reaches normal operating temperature.
Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubrication points fast enough
to prevent engine damage.
WARNING
Volvo's floor mats are specially manufactured for your car. They must be firmly secured in the clips on the floor so
that they cannot slide and become trapped under the pedals on the driver's side.
141 06 Starting and driving
Starting the vehicle
CAUTION
Automatic transmission : The engine should be idling when you move the gear selector. Never accelerate until after
you feel the transmission engage! Accelerating immediately after selecting a gear will cause harsh engagement and
premature transmission wear. Selecting P or N when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help
prevent overheating of the automatic transmission fluid.
WARNING
Always place the gear selector in Park (manual transmission: first or reverse gear) and apply the parking brake
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before leaving the vehicle.and apply the parking brake before leaving the vehicle. Never leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running.
Always open garage doors fully before starting the engine inside a garage to ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless but very poisonous.
142 06 Starting and driving
Starting the car with keyless drive (option)
Starting a vehicle with keyless drive
Keyless drive makes it possible to unlock, start and lock the vehicle without using a remote control.
A start control is fitted in the ignition switch on vehicles equipped with the optional keyless drive. This control is used
in the same way as the ignition key to start the engine. See also page 140
for general information on starting the
engine.
NOTE
A keyless drive remote control must be in the passenger's compartment or in the trunk/cargo area in order to start the
engine.
1. Press the brake pedal (the clutch pedal must also be fully depressed on models with a manual transmission).
2. Press in the keyless drive start control and turn it to position III.
NOTE
The vehicle is equipped with an autostart function that makes it possible to start the engine without holding the start
control in position III. Turn the start control to position III and release it. The starter motor will then operate
automatically (for up to ten seconds) until the engine starts.
Starting the vehicle with the ignition key (remote control)
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A vehicle with keyless drive can also be started with the ignition key (if, for example, the battery in the keyless drive
remote control is weak). To do so:
1. Press the catch on the side of the start control (see the illustration).
2. Pull the keyless drive start control out of the ignition switch.
3. Insert the remote control into the ignition switch and turn it to position III to start the engine. See also page 140
for
complete starting information.
143 06 Starting and driving
Manual transmission
6-speed manual transmission (option on certain models)
Depress the clutch pedal completely when changing gears1.
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.
1Clutch 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
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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
Towing a trailer
General information
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehicle.
Maximum trailer weights recommended by Volvo are:
Trailers without brakes : 1,540 lbs (700 kg).
Trailers with brakes: 2,000 lbs (900 kg) Observe the legal requirements of the state/province in which the vehicles
are registered.
The maximum recommended hitch tongue load is 165 lbs ( 75 kg).
All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailer hitch installation should not
interfere with the proper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but take into consideration:
Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See the chapter "Wheels and tires."
When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).
Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).
Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engine 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.
If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be displayed in the information display.
Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
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's 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 trained and qualified Volvo service technician for correct
installation.
When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety wire must be correctly fastened to the hole or hook provided in the
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trailer hitch on the vehicle. The safety wire should never be fastened to or wound around the drawbar ball.
156 06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
NOTE
When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in Park
( P ) or in reverse on models with a manual transmission. Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations
for wheel chocking.
If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, or if the vehicle is equipped with a
manual transmission, 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 exceeding 15%.
157 06 Starting and driving
Detachable trailer hitch
Installing the ball holder
1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin (C) from the locking bolt (B) and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch assembly
(D).
2. Slide the ball holder (A) into the hitch assembly (D).
3. Align the hole in the ball holder (A) with the one in the hitch assembly (D).
4. Slide the locking bolt (C) through the hitch assembly (D)/ball holder (A).
5. Insert the cotter pin (C) in the hole at the end of the locking bolt (B).
Removing the ball holder
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pressure when you get to the pump.
If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot, never "bleed" or reduce air pressure. The tires are hot from driving and it
is normal for pressures to increase above recommended cold pressures. A hot tire at or below recommended cold
inflation pressure could be significantly under-inflated.
To check inflation pressure
1. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire, then firmly press the tire gauge onto the valve.
2. Add air to reach the recommended air pressure
3. Replace the valve cap.
4. Repeat this procedure for each tire, including the spare.
5. Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that could puncture the tire and
cause an air leak.
6. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
NOTE
If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve. Then recheck the
pressure with your tire gauge.
Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure than the other tires. Consult the tire inflation tables on pages 172
and 173 or see the inflation pressure placard.
172 07 Wheels and tires
Tire inflation
Tire inflation pressure tables - U.S. models
The following tire pressures are recommended by Volvo for your vehicle. Refer to the tire inflation placard for
information specific to the tires installed on your vehicle at the factory.
Load ratings
The load ratings in the tables above translate as follows:
91 = 1365 lbs (615 kg),
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