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 204 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.
131 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.
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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 your Volvo retailer 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.
132 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.
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 fuelRECOMMENDED
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(91 or higher) or to change gasoline brands to fully utilize your engine's capacity, and for the smoothest possible
operation.
NOTE
When switching to higher octane fuel or changing gasoline brands, it may be necessary to fill the tank more than
once before a difference in engine operation is noticeable.
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gasoline to control engine deposits. Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping
injectors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit control gasolines will help ensure good driveability and
fuel economy. If you are not sure whether the gasoline contains deposit control additives, check with the service
station operator.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of store -bought fuel injector cleaning additives.
Unleaded fuel
Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and Canadian regulations
require that pumps delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit
your vehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled "unleaded gasoline only".
Leaded gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of
leaded gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of the
133 06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
emission control system and could result in loss of emission warranty coverage. State and local vehicle inspection
programs will make detection of misfueling easier, possibly resulting in emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.
NOTE
Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive called methyl-cyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission Control System performance may be affected, and the
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Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator lamp) located on your instrument panel may light. If this occurs, please
return your vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for maintenance.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or ethers. In some areas, state or
local laws require that the service pump be marked indicating use of alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas in
which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet seasonal air quality standards, some areas require the use of "oxygenated"
fuel. Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed on this page must
still be met.
Alcohol - Ethanol
Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be used. Ethanol may also be referred to as Ethyl alcohol, or
"Gasohol".
Ethers - MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
Fuel Formulations
Do not use gasoline that contains lead as a knock inhibitor, and do not use lead additives. Besides damaging the
exhaust emission control systems on your vehicle, lead has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer. Many fuels
contain benzene as a solvent. Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer. If you live in an
area where you must fill your own gas tank, take precautions.
These may include:
standing upwind away from the filler nozzle while refueling
refueling only at gas stations with vapor recovery systems that fully seal the mouth of the filler neck during
refueling
wearing neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
WARNING
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust gases. If you ever smell
exhaust fumes inside the vehicle, make sure the passenger compartment is ventilated, and immediately return the
vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for correction.
Use of Additives
With the exception of fuel line antifreeze during winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or other store -bought
additives to your vehicle's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse may damage your engine, and some of these
additives contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.
Fuel filler door
Press the button on the light switch panel (see the illustration on page 59
) with the ignition switched off to unlock the
fuel filler door. Please note that the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the vehicle begins to move forward. An
audible click will be heard when the fuel filler door relocks.
134 06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
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If you intend to leave your vehicle while it is being refueled, this feature enables you to lock the doors/trunk while
leaving the fuel filler door unlocked.
You can also keep the vehicle locked if you remain inside it during refueling. The central locking button does not lock
the fuel filler door.
Be sure the fuel filler door is not obstructed and is completely closed after refueling.
Open the fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather.
Refueling
The fuel tank is designed to accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. See page 252
for fuel tank
volume. Be aware that the "usable" tank capacity will be somewhat less than the specified maximum. When the fuel
level is low, such factors as ambient temperature, the fuel's "Reid vapor pressure" characteristics, and terrain can affect
the fuel pump's ability to supply the engine with an adequate supply of fuel. Therefore, it is advisable to refuel as soon
as possible when the needle nears the red zone, or when the fuel warning light comes on.
CAUTION
Do not refuel with the engine running1. Turn the ignition off or to position I. If the ignition is on, an incorrect
reading could occur in the fuel gauge
After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place.
Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Do not press the handle on the filler nozzle more than one extra time. Too much
fuel in the tank in hot weather conditions can cause the fuel to overflow. Overfilling could also cause damage to the
emission control systems.
Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. In addition to causing damage to the environment, gasolines containing
alcohol can cause damage to painted surfaces, which may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Do not use gasolines containing methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice can result in vehicle
performance deterioration and can damage critical parts in the fuel system. Such damage may not be covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
1If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the vehicle is refueled, the Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator
lamp) may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps.
135 06 Starting and driving
Ignition switch/Steering wheel lock
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock
0 - Locked position
Remove the key to lock the steering wheel
1. Never turn the key to position 0 while driving or when the vehicle is
being towed.
NOTE
A ticking sound may be audible if the key is turned to a position between 0 and I. To stop this sound, turn the key to
position II and back to position 0.
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In order to help reduce vehicle theft, make sure the steering wheel lock is engaged before leaving the vehicle.
3Vehicles with optional keyless drive: Turn the start control to position 0, turn the wheel slightly to release the pressure, and turn the start control
to position III to start the vehicle.
136 06 Starting and driving
Starting the vehicle
WARNING
Never switch off the ignition (turn the ignition key or start control to position 0) or remove the key or start control
from the ignition switch while the vehicle is in motion. This could cause the steering wheel to lock, which would
make the vehicle impossible to steer.
To start the engine
1. Fasten the seat belt.
WARNING
Before starting, check that the seat, steering wheel and mirrors are adjusted properly. Make sure the brake pedal can
be depressed completely. Adjust the seat if necessary.
2. Apply the parking brake if not already set. The gear selector should be locked in the Park ( P) position (Shiftlock).
See also page 145
.
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 switch1.
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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 gear) 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, 5-speed transmission
Reverse gear should only be engaged from a complete stop.
CAUTION
Never shift into reverse while moving forward.
WARNING
An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause the accelerator, brake, and/or clutch pedal to catch. Check that the
movement of these pedals is not impeded. Not more than one protective floor covering may be used at one time.
140 06 Starting and driving
Manual transmission, 6-speed
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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
Reverse gear should only be engaged from a complete stop.
NOTE
Reverse gear is electronically blocked and cannot be selected if the vehicle is moving at a speed of approximately 13
mph (20km/h).
CAUTION
Never shift into reverse while moving forward.
WARNING
An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause the accelerator, brake, and/or clutch pedal to catch. Check that the
movement of these pedals is not impeded. Not more than one protective floor covering may be used at one time.
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