
If your vehicle has been parked in the sun in warm weather, opening the windows and moonroof (option) for several
minutes before driving will help release the warm air from the passenger compartment. When the engine is running,
close the windows and moonroof and use the recirculation function for several minutes to enable the air conditioning
to cool the compartment as quickly as possible.
Windows and optional moonroof
The ECC system will function best if the windows and optional moonroof are closed. If you drive with the moonroof
open, we recommend that you manually adjust the temperature and blower control (the LED in the AUTO switch
should be off).
Acceleration
The air conditioning is momentarily disengaged during full-throttle acceleration.
Climate control maintenance
Special tools and equipment are required to maintain and carry out repairs on the climate system. Work of this type
should only be done by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Refrigerant
Volvo cares about the environment. The air conditioning system in your vehicle contains a CFC-free refrigerant -
R134a (HFC134a). This substance will not deplete the ozone layer. The system contains 1.5 lbs (700 g) R134a and
uses PAG oil.
Climate system blower
The climate system blower will be automatically switched off when the engine is not running (even if the ignition key
is in position I or II) to avoid unnecessary battery drain. To activate the blower, turn the control to the desired setting.
Passenger compartment blower
Approximately 50 minutes after the ignition is turned off, the blower may come on automatically, and run for seven
minutes, to remove condensation in the A/C evaporator.
85 03 Climate
Air distribution
Air distribution
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Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Canadian 2306104388A
Model 509 977 by Connaught Electronics
Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
NOTE
If an airbag deploys, your vehicle's SRS control module will attempt to automatically unlock all doors.
The keys may also be used to lock and unlock the doors, and to activate and deactivate the alarm system.
To avoid leaving your keys in the vehicle, make a habit of always locking the vehicle with the remote control.
If the key blade section of the remote is not fully folded out when starting the vehicle, the immobilizer function
may make it impossible to start the engine.
The vehicle can be locked even if a door is open. When the door(s) are closed, they will be locked. Please be
aware that the keys could be locked in the car when this is done.
Automatic re-locking
If the doors are unlocked, the locks will automatically reengage (re-lock) and the alarm will rearm after 2 minutes
unless a door or the trunk has been opened. This helps prevent the car from inadvertently being left unlocked.
114 05 Locks and alarm
Remote control
WARNING
Never use the transmitter to lock the doors from inside the vehicle.
Doing so would ACTIVATE:
the break-in alarm, which would sound if one of the doors were opened
the optional interior motion and inclination alarm sensors. Doing so would DEACTIVATE:
the moonroof and interior courtesy light controls.
the central locking buttons on the front door armrests, although the interior door handles would still function to
allow occupants to leave the vehicle.
Disabled features would remain disabled until the remote is used again to unlock the vehicle.
In addition, locking an occupied vehicle would hinder rapid access to the occupants in an accident or emergency.
Replacing the battery in the remote control
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Never switch off the ignition (turn the ignition key to position 0) or remove the key 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.
129 06 Starting and driving
Economical driving
Economical driving conserves natural resources
Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops and adjusting the speed of
your vehicle to immediate traffic conditions. Observe the following rules:
Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by driving with a light foot on the accelerator
pedal for the first few minutes of operation. A cold engine uses more fuel and is subject to increased wear.
Whenever possible, avoid using the vehicle for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach
normal operating temperature.
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
Do not exceed posted speed limits.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the vehicle.
Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (when tires are cold).
Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc, increase air resistance and also fuel consumption.
Avoid using automatic transmission kickdown feature unless necessary.
However, at higher driving speeds, fuel consumption will be lower with the air conditioning on and the windows
closed than with the air conditioning off and the windows open.
Using the onboard trip computer's fuel consumption modes can help you learn how to drive more economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage are:
Dirty air cleaner
Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
Dragging brakes
Incorrect front end alignment. Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard
Maintenance Service intervals.
NOTE
Vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions should use (D)rive as often as possible and avoid using "kickdown"
to help improve fuel economy.
CAUTION
Drive slowly and carefully if going through standing water (i.e. flooded roadways, etc.). Damage to the engine could
result if excess water is drawn in through the air intake system. Never drive the vehicle in water deeper than 1 foot
(300 mm).
130 06 Starting and driving
Handling and road holding
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Removing the ball holder
1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the ball holder/hitch assembly.
2. Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assembly.
A cover for the hitch assembly can be purchased from your Volvo retailer.
147 06 Starting and driving
Load carriers (accessory)
Load carriers are available as Volvo accessories. Observe the following points when in use:
To avoid damaging your vehicle and to achieve maximum safety when driving, we recommend using the load
carriers that Volvo has developed especially for your vehicle.
Volvo-approved removable roof racks are designed to carry the maximum allowable roof load for this vehicle: 220
lbs (100 kg). For Non-Volvo roof racks, check the manufacturer's weight limits for the rack.
Never exceed the rack manufacturer's weigh limits and never exceed the maximum rated roof load of 220 lbs (100
kg).
Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loads evenly.
Place heavier cargo at the bottom of the load.
Secure the cargo correctly with appropriate tie-down equipment.
Check periodically that the load carriers and load are properly secured.
Remember that the vehicle's center of gravity and handling change when you carry a load on the roof.
The vehicle's wind resistance and fuel consumption will increase with the size of the load.
Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid starts, fast cornering and hard braking.
Attaching load carriers
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The attachment brackets for the load carriers are located under the roof molding.
1. Make sure that the load carriers are placed in the right direction. See the mark on the decal under the cover.
2. Press the guide lugs into the holes (1).
3. Carefully lower the opposite side of the load carrier to the roof.
4. Loosen the tightening wheel slightly. Slide the hook on the load carrier attachment into the attachment bracket under
the roof molding.
5. Turn the tightening wheel to secure the load carrier in the attachment bracket.
148 06 Starting and driving
Load carriers (accessory)
6. Repeat this procedure for the other load carrier attachments.
7. Check that the hooks on all four load carrier attachments are securely tightened in the respective attachment brackets
on the roof of the vehicle.
8. Press down the covers.
Check periodically that the load carriers and load are properly secured.
149 06 Starting and driving
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 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
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spray into the locks.
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.
Dirt, snow, etc., on the headlights can reduce lighting capacity considerably. Clean the headlights regularly, for
example when refueling.
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.
After cleaning the engine, the spark plug wells should be inspected for water and blown dry if necessary.
Suitable detergents: Special vehicle washing detergents should be used. A suitable mixture is about 2.5 fl. oz. (8.5 cl)
of detergent to 2.6 US gal. (10 liters) of warm water. After washing with a detergent the vehicle should be well rinsed
with clean water.
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
NOTE
When washing the vehicle, remember to remove dirt from the drain holes in the doors and sills
179 08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the vehicle
WARNING
When the vehicle is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes several times in order to remove any
moisture from the brake linings.
Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine is warm. This constitutes a fire risk.
Automatic washing - simple and quick
We do NOT recommend washing your vehicle 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 vehicle, but it is worth remembering that it may not be
as thorough as when you yourself go over the vehicle with sponge and water. Keeping the underbody clean is most
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3. Remove the bolts on the retaining bracket over the battery and lift out the bracket.
4. Fold up the plastic cover over the negative (ground) battery terminal. or unscrew the cover over the battery.
5. Disconnect the negative cable.
200 09 Maintenance and servicing
Battery
6. Lift off the plastic cover if necessary and disconnect the positive cable
7. Pull the ventilation hose from the battery.
8. Lift out the old battery.
Installing a new battery
1. Put a new battery into place.
2. Put the lower retaining bracket in place and retighten the bolt.
3. Reconnect the positive cable.
4. Press the cover for the positive battery terminal into place and fold down the lid of the plastic cover.
5. Connect the negative (ground) cable and fold down the plastic cover if applicable.
6. Be sure that the ventilation hose is securely connected to the battery and that the other end of the hose is properly
routed through the ventilation opening in the floor of the battery compartment.
7. Reinstall the retaining bracket over the battery and retighten the nuts.
WARNING
Ventilation hose:
The battery generates hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive. The battery is fitted with a ventilation hose
which vents hydrogen gas out of the battery compartment through a ventilation opening in the bottom of this
compartment. If the battery must be replaced, it is essential that the ventilation hose is properly connected to the battery
and that it is routed through the ventilation opening provided (see illustration).
Be sure the ventilation hose is free of debris.
Only use replacement batteries equipped with a ventilation hose. Consult a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician.
NOTE
After the battery has been disconnected or replaced, lock and unlock the vehicle with the central locking system's
remote control to reactivate such features as the power windows, moonroof, courtesy lighting, etc.
201 09 Maintenance and servicing
Replacing bulbs
When replacing bulbs, keep the following points in mind:
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Current fuel consumption64
D
Defroster87
Detachable trailer hitch146
Dimensions244
Disabling the passenger's side front
airbag21
Door mirrors
defroster63
Driver distraction9
Driving economically129
Driving through water130
Dynamic Stability and Traction
Control (DSTC)139
E
Economical driving129
Electrical system249
Electrically operated moonroof76
Emission inspection188
Engine
specifications247
starting127
Engine compartment191
Engine oil192
Environment7
F
Federal Clean Air Act186
FIX NEXT SERVICE53
Fog lights
front58
rear58
Folding head restraints54
Front airbags17, 18, 21
Front park assist151
Front seats
folding backrests93
manually operated92
power operated94
Front suspension251
Fuel122
Fuel filler cap6, 125
Fuel filler door125
Fuel Formulations124
Fuel gauge48
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