51 02 Instruments and controls
Symbols - instrument panel
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 car 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. Always pull up this lever as far as possible when applying the parking brake.
NOTE
Canadian models are equipped with the second symbol.
3. SRS warning light
If this light comes on while the car is being driven, or remains on for longer than approximately 10 seconds after the
car 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 car 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.
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5. Seat belt reminder
See page 16
for detailed information.
6. Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charging system checked by a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician.
7. Brake failure warning light
If this light comes on while driving or braking, stop the car as quickly as possible in a safe place, open the hood, and
check
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 210
.
52 02 Instruments and controls
Symbols - instrument panel
the brake fluid level in the reservoir. See page 208 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 car towed to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician
and have the brake system inspected.
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 car 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 car in a suitable place and switch off the engine.
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charge more frequently and spray an antirust 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 211 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. Your retailer or service technician 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 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
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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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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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210 09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil
WARNING
Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into contact with hot exhaust pipe surfaces
NOTE
Volvo uses different systems to indicate a low oil level or pressure. Some models have an oil pressure sensor, in
which case a warning symbol (see page 48
) is used to indicate low oil pressure. Other models have an oil level
sensor, in which case the driver is alerted by the warning symbol in the center of the instrument panel and a text in
the information display. Some models use both systems. Contact an authorized Volvo retailer for more information.
211 09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids
Washer fluid
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and holds approximately 6.8 US qts (6.5 liters).
During cold weather, the reservoir should be filled with windshield washer solvent containing antifreeze.
Coolant
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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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The brake fluid should always be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir. Check, without
removing the cap, that there is sufficient fluid in the reservoir.
Fluid type: DOT 4+ boiling point > 536°F (280°C), P/N 9437433
Replace : The fluid should be replaced according to the intervals specified in the Warranty and Service Records
Information booklet. When driving under extremely hard conditions (mountain driving, etc), it may be necessary to
replace the fluid more often. Consult your Volvo retailer. Always entrust brake fluid changing to a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician.
Power steering fluid
The fluid level is checked at each service interval.
Fluid type : Volvo power steering fluid or equivalent.
Replace : No fluid change required.
WARNING
If a problem should occur in the power steering system or if the vehicle has no electrical current and must be towed,
it is still possible to steer the vehicle. However, keep in mind that greater effort will be required to turn the steering
wheel.
213 09 Maintenance and servicing
Wiper blades
Replacing windshield wiper blades
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