2008 VOLVO S40 engine coolant

or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
Driving through water
The vehicle can be driven through water up to a depth of approximately 9 in. (25 cm), at a maximum speed of 6 mph
(10 km/h).
Take particular care when driving through flowing water.
Clean the electrical connections for trailer wiring after driving in mud or water
When driving through water, maintain low speed and do not stop in the water.
WARNING
After driving through water, press lightly on the brake pedal to ensure that the brakes are functioning normally.
Water or mud can make the brake linings slippery, resulting in delayed braking effect.
CAUTION
Engine damage will occur if water is drawn into the air cleaner.
If the vehicle is driven through water deeper than 9 in (25 cm), water may enter the differential and the
transmission. This reduces the oil's lubricating capacity and may shorten the service life of these components.
Do not allow the vehicle to stand in water up to the door sills longer than absolutely necessary. This could result
in electrical malfunctions.
If the engine has been stopped while the car is in water, do not attempt to restart the engine. Have the car towed
out of the water.
Cold weather precautions
If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the following advice is worth noting:
Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture will reduce freeze protection.
This gives protection against freezing down to - 31°F (-35°C). See section "Coolant". The use of "recycled" antifreeze
is not approved by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze must not be mixed.
Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator. Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty
of Volvo engine coolant to help protect your vehicle during cold weather.
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this prevents the formation of condensation in the tank. In addition, in
extremely cold weather conditions it is worthwhile to add fuel line de -icer before refueling.
The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weather starting as
well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine is warming up. For winter use, 5W -30 oil, particularly the
synthetic type
1, is recommended. Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use cold-weather oil for hard driving or in
warm weather. See page 253
for more information.
The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the windshield wipers, lighting, etc. are used more
often. Moreover, the capacity of the battery decreases as the temperature drops. In very cold weather, a poorly charged
battery can freeze and be damaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state of
1Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at additional charge. Please
consult your Volvo retailer.
130 06 Starting and driving
General information
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Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any moving parts. Avoid touching hot
manifolds.
Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
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.
Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
Do not smoke near the battery.
Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to personal injury.
Do not touch the jumper cables during the attempt to start the vehicle. This could cause sparks.
154 06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
General information
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehicle.
CAUTION
Models equipped with the B5244S7 engine (engine code 39, which is the 6th and 7th digits from the left in your
vehicle's VIN number, see page 249
for the location of the VIN plate), may not be used to tow trailers or vehicles of
any kind. This could cause damage to the vehicle's emission control systems.
Maximum trailer weights recommended by Volvo are:
Trailers without brakes: 1,540 lbs (700 kg).
Trailers with brakes: 2,000 lbs (900 kg) Observe the legal requirements of the state/province in which the vehicles
are registered.
The maximum recommended hitch tongue load is 165 lbs (75 kg).
All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailer hitch installation should not
interfere with the proper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but take into consideration:
Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See the chapter "Wheels and tires."
When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).
Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).
Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant temperature should be closely
watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use a lower gear and turn off the air conditioner if the
temperature gauge needle enters the red range.
If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be displayed in the information display.
Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop (check and observe
state/local regulations).
Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brake system.
More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer over long distances or in mountainous
areas.
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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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206 09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids
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 54
) 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.
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
Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be drained, consult a trained and qualified
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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).
207 09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids
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.
Brake fluid
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.
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