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NOTE
When washing the car, remember to remove dirt from the drain holes in the doors and sills.
Exterior components
Volvo recommends the use of special cleaning products, available at your Volvo retailer, for cleaning colored plastic,
rubber, or ornamental components such as chromed strips on the exterior of your vehicle. The instructions for using
these products should be followed carefully. Solvents or stain removers should not be used.
CAUTION
Avoid waxing or polishing plastic or rubber components
Polishing chromed strips can wear away or damage the surface
Polishes containing abrasive substances should not be used
CAUTION
During high pressure washing, the spray mouthpiece must never be closer to the vehicle than 13" (30 cm). Do not
spray into the locks.
Dirt, snow, etc., on the headlights can reduce lighting capacity considerably. Clean the headlights regularly, for
example when refueling.
When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying water or steam directly on the electrical components
or toward the rear side of the engine.
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.
197 08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the vehicle
Automatic washing - simple and quick
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 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.
WARNING
When the car is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes several times in order to remove any
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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).
CAUTION
Volvo does not recommend the use of long-life or durable paint protection coatings, some of which may claim to
prevent pitting, fading, oxidation, etc. These coatings have not been tested by Volvo for compatibility with your
vehicle's clear coat. Some of them may cause the clear coat to soften, crack, or cloud. Damage caused by application
of paint protection coatings may not be covered under your vehicle's paint warranty.
198 08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the vehicle
Upholstery care
Fabric
Clean with soapy water or a detergent. For more difficult spots caused by oil, ice cream, shoe polish, grease, etc., use a
clothing/fabric stain remover. Consult your Volvo retailer.
Interior plastic components
Cleaning interior plastic components should be done with a cleaning agent specially designed for this purpose. Consult
your Volvo retailer.
Alcantera™ suede-like material
Suede -like upholstery can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.
Leather care
Volvo's leather upholstery is manufactured with a protectant to repel soiling. Over time, sunlight, grease and dirt can
break down the protection. Staining, cracking, scuffing, and fading can result.
Volvo offers an easy-to-use, non-greasy leather care kit formulated to clean and beautify your vehicle's leather, and to
renew the protective qualities of its finish. The cleaner removes dirt and oil buildup. The light cream protectant
restores a barrier against soil and sunlight.
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Volvo also offers a special leather softener that should be applied after the cleaner and protectant. It leaves leather soft
and smooth, and reduces friction between leather and other finishes in the vehicle.
Volvo recommends cleaning, protecting and conditioning your vehicle's leather two to four times a year. Ask your
Volvo retailer about Leather Care Kit 951 0251 and Leather Softener 943 7429.
Cleaning leather upholstery
1. Pour leather cleaner on a damp sponge and squeeze it until the cleaner foams.
2. Apply the foam to the stain by moving the sponge with circular movements.
3. Dampen the stain thoroughly with the sponge. Let the sponge absorb the stain, do not rub.
4. Dry the stain with soft paper towels or a towel, and allow the leather to dry completely.
Protecting leather upholstery
1. Put a small amount of protectant cream on a cloth and apply a thin coating of cream to the upholstery with light
circular movements.
2. Allow the leather to dry for 20 minutes.
This will help the leather resist staining and protect against sunlight's harmful UV rays.
CAUTION
Under no circumstances should gasoline, naphtha or similar cleaning agents be used on the plastic or the leather
since these can cause damage.
Take extra care when removing stains such as ink or lipstick since the coloring can spread.
Use solvents sparingly. Too much solvent can damage the seat padding.
Start from the outside of the stain and work toward the center.
Sharp objects (e.g. pencils or pens in a pocket) or Velcro fasteners on clothing may damage the textile upholstery.
Clothing that is not colorfast, such as new jeans or suede garments, may stain the upholstery.
199 08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the vehicle
Cleaning the seat belts
Clean only with lukewarm water and a mild soap solution.
Cleaning floor mats
The floor mats should be vacuumed or brushed clean regularly, especially during winter when they should be taken out
for drying. Spots on textile mats can be removed with a mild detergent. For best protection in winter, Volvo
recommends the use of Volvo rubber floor mats. Consult your Volvo retailer.
200 08 Car care
Paint touch up
Touching up minor paint damage
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Paint damage requires immediate attention to avoid rusting. Make it a habit to check the finish regularly - when
washing the vehicle for instance. Touch-up if necessary.
Paint repairs require special equipment and skill. Contact a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for any
extensive damage. Minor scratches can be repaired by using Volvo touch-up paint.
Color code
When ordering touch-up paint from your Volvo retailer, make sure you have the right color. Use the paint code
indicated on the model plate (1 in the illustration above).
Minor stone chips and scratches
Material:
Primer - can
Paint - touch-up pen
Brush
Masking tape
NOTE
When touching up the vehicle, it should be clean and dry. The surface temperature should be above 60° F (15° C).
If the stone chip has not penetrated down to the metal and an undamaged layer of paint remains, the touch-up
paint can be applied as soon as the spot has been cleaned.
201 08 Car care
Paint touch up
Deep scratches
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1. Place a strip of masking tape over the damaged surface. Pull the tape off so that any loose flakes of paint adhere to
it.
2. Thoroughly mix the primer and apply it with a small brush. When the primer surface is dry, the paint can be applied
using a brush. Mix the paint thoroughly; apply several thin paint coats and let dry after each application.
3. If there is a longer scratch, you may want to protect surrounding paint by masking it off.
Contents | Top of Page
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2 0 0 8
VOLVO C70
202 09 Maintenance and servicing
Volvo maintenance 204
Maintaining your vehicle205
Hood207
Engine compartment208
Engine oil209
Fluids211
Wiper blades213
Battery214
Bulbs216
Replacing bulbs217
Fuses224
203 09 Maintenance and servicing
204 09 Maintenance and servicing
Volvo maintenance
General
Volvo advises you to follow the maintenance program outlined in the Warranty and Service Records Information
booklet. This maintenance program contains inspections and services necessary for the proper function of your vehicle.
The maintenance services contain several checks that require special tools and training, and therefore must be
performed by a qualified technician. To keep your Volvo in top condition, specify time-tested and proven Genuine
Volvo Parts and Accessories.
The Federal Clean Air Act - U.S
The Federal Clean Air Act requires vehicle manufacturers to furnish written instructions to the ultimate purchaser to
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assure the proper servicing and function of the components that control emissions. These services, which are listed in
the "Warranty and Service Records Information" booklet, are not covered by the warranty. You will be required to pay
for labor and material used.
Maintenance
Your Volvo passed several major inspections before it was delivered to you, in accordance with Volvo specifications.
The maintenance procedures outlined in the Warranty and Service Records Information booklet, many of which will
positively affect your vehicle's emissions, should be performed as indicated. It is recommended that receipts for
vehicle emission maintenance be retained in case questions arise concerning maintenance. Inspection and maintenance
should also be performed anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
Applicable warranties - U.S/Canada
In accordance with applicable U.S. and Canadian regulations, the following list of warranties is provided.
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty
Corrosion Protection Limited Warranty
Seat Belt and Supplemental Restraint Systems Limited Warranty
Emission Design and Defect Warranty
Emission Performance Warranty
These are the federal warranties; other warranties are provided as required by state/provincial law. Refer to your
separate Warranty and Service Records Information booklet for detailed information concerning each of the warranties.
Periodic maintenance helps minimize emissions
Periodic maintenance will help keep your vehicle running well. Your Warranty and Service Records Information
booklet provides a comprehensive periodic maintenance schedule up to 150,000 miles (240,000 km) of vehicle
maintenance. The schedule includes components that affect vehicle emissions. This page describes some of the
emission-related components.
Vehicle Event Data (Black Box)
Your vehicle's driving and safety systems employ computers that monitor, and share with each other, information
about your vehicle's operation. One or more of these computers may store what they monitor, either during normal
vehicle operation or in a crash or near-crash event. Stored information may be read and used by:
Volvo Car Corporation
service and repair facilities
law enforcement or government agencies
others who may assert a legal right to know, or who obtain your consent to know such information.
205 09 Maintenance and servicing
Maintaining your vehicle
Owner maintenance
Periodic maintenance requirements and intervals are described in your vehicle's Warranty and Service Records
Information booklet.
The following points can be carried out between the normally scheduled maintenance services.
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Each time the car is refueled:
Check the engine oil level
Clean the windshield, windshield wipers, headlights, and taillights
Monthly:
Check cold tire pressure in all tires. Inspect the tires for wear.
Check that engine coolant and other fluid levels are between the indicated " min" and "max" markings.
Clean interior glass surfaces with a glass cleaner and soft paper towels.
Wipe driver information displays with a soft cloth.
Visually inspect battery terminals for corrosion. Corrosion may indicate a loose terminal connector, or a battery near
the end of its useful service life. Consult a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for additional information.
As needed:
Wash the car, including the undercarriage, to reduce wear that can be caused by a buildup of dirt, and corrosion that
can be caused by salt residues.
Clean leaves and twigs from air intake vents at the base of the windshield, and from other places where they may
collect.
NOTE
Complete service information for qualified technicians is available online for purchase or subscription at
www.volvotechinfo.com.
206 09 Maintenance and servicing
Maintaining your vehicle
Emission inspection readiness
What is an Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)?
OBD II is part of your vehicle's computerized engine management system. It stores diagnostic information about your
vehicle's emission controls. It can light the Check Engine light (MIL) if it detects an emission control "fault." A "fault"
is a component or system that is not performing within an expected range. A fault may be permanent or temporary.
OBD II will store a message about any fault.
How Do States Use OBD II for Emission Inspections?
Many states connect a computer directly to a vehicle's OBD II system. The inspector can then read "faults." In some
states, this type of inspection has replaced the tailpipe emission test.
How Can My Vehicle Fail OBD II Emission Inspection ?
Your vehicle can fail OBD II emission inspection for any of the following reasons.
If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit, your vehicle may fail inspection.
If your vehicle's Check Engine light was lit, but went out without any action on your part, OBD II will still have a
recorded fault. Your vehicle may pass or fail, depending on the inspection practices in your area.
If you had recent service that required disconnecting the battery, OBD II diagnostic information may be incomplete
and "not ready" for inspection. A vehicle that is not ready may fail inspection.
How Can I Prepare for My Next OBD II Emission Inspection ?
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