2008 VOLVO S40 check engine light

Never tow farther than 50 miles (80 km).
Keep the tow rope taut at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
The disabled vehicle should be towed in the forward direction only.
152 06 Starting and driving
Towing
WARNING
Never allow a vehicle to be towed without a driver behind the wheel of the disabled vehicle.
Never remove the key from the ignition while the vehicle is moving. The steering wheel could lock, making it
impossible to steer the vehicle.
When the engine is not running, steering resistance and the effort needed to apply the brakes will be great.
Never attempt to tow a vehicle with a dead battery at night.
CAUTION
Check with state and local authorities before attempting this type of towing, as vehicles being towed are subject to
regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length and type of towing device, lighting, marker flags, etc.
Never attempt to push- or tow-start a vehicle with a dead battery. This would inject unburned fuel into the three-
way catalytic converter(s), causing overheating, backfiring, and damage. See page 153
for instructions on jump
starting the vehicle.
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive
Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equipment for towing vehicles with front wheel drive. If wheel lift equipment
must be used, please use extreme caution to help avoid damage to the vehicle.
In this case, the vehicle should be towed with the rear wheels on the ground if at all possible.
If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, please refer to the towing
information on the previous page.
Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air conditioning lines.
It is equally important not to use sling -type equipment at the rear or apply lifting equipment inside the rear wheels;
serious damage to the rear axle may result.
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the vehicle on the flat
bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
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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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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.
203 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.
204 09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine compartment
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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
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the state of
California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
210 09 Maintenance and servicing
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