
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
193 08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the car
NOTE
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. Special moonroof cautions:
Always close the moonroof and sun shade before washing your vehicle.
Never use abrasive cleaning agents on the moonroof.
Never use wax on the rubber seals around the moonroof
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.
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.
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.
194 08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the car
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.
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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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
.
202 09 Maintenance and servicing
Maintaining your car
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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4. Connect the positive cable.
5. Connect the ground cable.
6. Reinstall the cover over the battery.
NOTE
Used batteries should be properly disposed of at a recycling station or similar facility, or taken to your Volvo
retailer.
WARNING
Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
Do not smoke near the battery.
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.
211 09 Maintenance and servicing
Replacing bulbs
Introduction
Before replacing bulbs in your vehicle, please keep the following points in mind:
NOTE
Never touch the glass of bulbs with your fingers. Grease and oils from your fingers vaporize in the heat and will
leave a deposit on the reflector, which will damage it.
The optional Bi -Xenon® headlight bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury. These bulbs should always be
disposed of by an authorized Volvo retailer.
Certain bulbs should only be replaced by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician:
- Courtesy (dome) lighting
- Reading lights
- Glove compartment lights
- Turn signals and courtesy lights in the side door mirrors
- High-mounted brake lights
- Bi -Xenon® headlights
- Brake lights
212 09 Maintenance and servicing
Replacing bulbs
Removing the headlight housing
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The entire headlight housing must be lifted out when replacing the high/low beam, parking light, turn signal, and side
marker bulbs. To lift out the housing:
1. Remove the key from the ignition and turn the headlight switch to position 0.
2. Open the hood.
3. Pull up the headlight housing's retaining pin (1).
4. Pull the headlight housing to one side and then forward (2).
5. Disconnect the wiring connector by pressing down clip (3) with your thumb while at the same time pulling the
connector (4) with your other hand.
6. Lift out the headlight housing and place it on a soft surface to avoid scratching the lens.
After the defective bulb has been replaced, reinsert the housing in the reverse order. Check that the retaining pin is
correctly inserted.
WARNING
Bi -Xenon® headlights (option) - due to the high voltage used by these headlights, these bulbs should only be
replaced by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
213 09 Maintenance and servicing
Replacing bulbs
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1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the headlight housing (see page 212
).
3. Remove the cover on the upper side of the headlight housing by turning it counterclockwise.
4. Driver's side headlight: Turn the bulb holder counterclockwise.
Passenger's side headlight: Turn the bulb holder clockwise.
214 09 Maintenance and servicing
Replacing bulbs
NOTE
The halogen high beam bulb has a different socket on vehicles equipped with Bi -Xenon® headlights. On these
models, pull the bulb straight out.
WARNING
Bi -Xenon® headlights (option) - due to the high voltage used by these headlights, the Bi -Xenon® bulbs should only
be replaced by an authorized Volvo service technician.
5. Pull out the bulb holder and replace the bulb.
6. Reinstall the bulb holder. It can only be installed in one position.
7. Reinstall the cover on the upper side of the headlight housing by turning it clockwise.
8. Reinstall the headlight housing.
Parking light bulb
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2 0 0 8
VOLVO S40
260-265 12 Index
12-volt socket 58
A
ABS6
, 147
malfunction of the ABS system53
Accessory Installation- Important Warning8
Active Bi -Xenon® headlights59
Active yaw control - AYC149
Air conditioning86
Air distribution95, 251
Air vents88
Airbag system17
Alarm124
All Wheel Drive146
Antifreeze206
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)6
Approach lighting78, 113
Audio system
CD player242
menu settings245
radio functions235
Sirius satellite radio237
system introduction230
USB/iPOD connector232
Autolock78
Automatic sound control234
Automatic transmission - Geartronic141
Autostart136
AUX (audio system)230
AUX menu245
Auxiliary equipment58
AWD146
B
Backrests, rear seat108
Battery
avoiding drain130
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conserving electrical current130
maintenance209
replacement210
specifications256
Battery replacement, remote control114
Bi -Xenon® headlights59, 212, 214
Black box (Vehicle Event Data)200
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)158 - 160
Booster cushion accessory40
Brake fluid207
Brake lights60
Bulbs
list of257
replacing211
C
Capacities, fluids252
Cargo area lighting, replacing218
Catalytic converter, three-way258
CD
changer241
changer menu (option)245
eject241
files with MP3 or WMA format242
menu245
pause242
player241
single player241
Central locking system, remote controls112
Changing oil205
Charge air cooler255
Child restraint anchors41, 42
Child restraints33
recalls and registration43
Child safety30
Child safety locks123
Clock setting77
Cold weather precautions129
Compact disc care243
Compass, rear view mirror (option)73
Convertible seats37
Coolant206
Courtesy lighting101
Crash mode29
Cup holders106
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