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If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit - or was lit but went out without service, have your vehicle diagnosed and, if
necessary, serviced by a qualified Volvo technician.
If you recently had service for a lit Check Engine light, or if you had service that required disconnecting the battery,
a period of driving is necessary to bring the OBD II system to "ready" for inspection. A half-hour trip of mixed stop-
and -go/highway driving is typically needed to allow OBD II to reach readiness. Your Volvo retailer can provide you
with more information on planning a trip.
Maintain your vehicle in accordance with your vehicle's maintenance schedule.
207 09 Maintenance and servicing
Hood
Opening the hood
To open the hood:
1. Pull the lever located under the left side of the dash to release the hood lock.
2. Lift the hood slightly.
3. Press up the release control located under the front edge of the hood (at the center) up to the right, and lift the hood.
WARNING
Check that the hood locks engage properly when closed.
208 09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine compartment
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Synthetic 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.
Checking and adding oil
The oil level should be checked every time the vehicle is refueled. This is especially important during the period up to
the first scheduled maintenance service
The car should be parked on a level surface when the oil is checked.
If the engine is warm , wait for at least 10-15 minutes after the engine has been switched off before checking the oil.
Checking the oil
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint-free rag.
2. Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check the oil level.
3. Add oil if necessary. If the level is close to the MIN mark, add approximately 1 US quart (1 liter) of oil.
4. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
5. Switch off the engine and wait for at least 10-15 minutes and recheck the oil level. If necessary, add oil until the
level is near the MAX mark.
CAUTION
Not checking the oil level regularly can result in serious engine damage if the oil level becomes too low.
Oil that is lower than the specified quality can damage the engine.
Always add oil of the same type and viscosity as already used.
Never fill oil above the MAX mark. This could cause an increase in oil consumption.
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Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be drained, consult a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician.
NOTE
Do not top off with water only. This reduces the rust-protective and antifreeze qualities of the coolant and has a
lower boiling point. It can also cause damage to the cooling system if it should freeze. Top off with Volvo Genuine
Coolant/Antifreeze only (a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze).
CAUTION
The cooling system must always be kept filled to the correct level, and the level must be between the MIN and
MAX marks. If it is not kept filled, there can be high local temperatures in the engine which could result in damage.
Different types of antifreeze/coolant may not be mixed. Check coolant regularly!
WARNING
Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is warm. Wait until the vehicle cools. If it is necessary to top off the
coolant when the engine is warm, unscrew the expansion tank cap slowly so that the overpressure dissipates.
212 09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids
Brake fluid
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214 09 Maintenance and servicing
Battery
Battery maintenance
Driving habits and conditions, climate, the number of starts, etc., all affect the service life and function of the battery.
In order for your battery to perform satisfactorily, keep the following in mind:
Check the fluid level in each cell in the battery every 24 months or every 15,0001 miles (24,000 km), whichever is
sooner. The fluid should be at the level shown in the illustrations above (A). Do not overfill.
1More frequently in warm climates.
Use a screw driver to open the caps or cover and a flashlight to inspect the level.
If necessary, add distilled water. The level should never be above the indicator (A).
The fluid level should be checked if the battery has been recharged.
After inspection, be sure the cap over each battery cell or the cover is securely in place.
Check that the battery cables are correctly connected and properly tightened.
Never disconnect the battery when the engine is running, or when the key is in the ignition. This could damage the
vehicle's electrical system.
The battery should be disconnected from the vehicle when a battery charger is used directly on the battery.
WARNING
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