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Working on your vehicle
Note the following before you begin working on your vehicle
Battery
Ensure that the battery cables are correctly connected and tightened.
Never disconnect the battery when the engine is running (e.g. when replacing the battery).
Never use a fast charger to charge the battery. The battery cables should be disconnected when recharging.
The battery contains acid that is both corrosive and poisonous. It is important that the battery is handled in an
environmentally friendly way. Let your Volvo dealer assist you.
Hoisting the vehicle
If a garage jack is used to lift the vehicle, the two jack attachments points should be used. They are specially reinforced to
bear the weight of the vehicle. A garage jack can also be placed under the front of the engine support frame. Take care not
to damage the splash guard under the engine. Ensure that the jack is positioned so that the vehicle cannot slide off it.
Always use axle stands or similar structures.
If a two-post hoist is used to lift the vehicle, the front and rear lift arm pads should be centered under the reinforced lift
plates on the inboard edge of the sill rail (see illustration).
190 09 Maintenance and servicing
Working on your vehicle
WARNING
The vehicle ignition system has very high voltage!
The voltage in the ignition system is dangerous! Do not touch spark plugs, ignition cables or the ignition coil when the
engine is running or the ignition is switched on!
The ignition should be switched off when:
Conducting engine tests.
Replacing parts in the ignition system, such as spark plugs, ignition coil, distributor, ignition cables, etc.
Belt check
Check the belt regularly to make sure it is in good condition and is clean. A worn or dirty belt can cause poor cooling and
low alternator output as well as impair the operation of the power steering and the air conditioning unit.
NOTE
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The drive belt is equipped with a self -tensioning mechanism and requires no adjustment between changes.
WARNING
The engine must not be running when this check is performed.
Check coolant level
The cooling system must be filled with coolant and not leak to operate at maximum efficiency. Check the coolant level
regularly. The level should be between the "MAX" and "MIN" marks on the expansion tank. The check should be made
with particular thoroughness when the engine is new or when the cooling system has been drained.
Do not remove the filler cap other than for topping up with coolant. Frequent removal may prevent coolant circulation
between the engine and the expansion tank during engine warm up and cooling.
Changing coolant
Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be drained, consult a trained and qualified 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)
CAUTION
The cooling system must always be kept filled to the correct level. 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.
WARNING
Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is warm. Wait until the vehicle cools.
191 09 Maintenance and servicing
Hood and engine compartment
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Opening 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) and lift.
WARNING
Check that the hood locks properly when closed!
Engine compartment
1. Expansion tank - coolant
2. Power steering fluid reservoir
3. Washer fluid reservoir
4. Dipstick - engine oil
5. Radiator
6. Cooling fan
7. Oil filler cap - engine
8. Clutch/brake fluid reservoir
9. Relay/fuse box
10. Air cleaner
11. Battery (in trunk)
12. Data plate
WARNING
The cooling fan (6) may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine has been switched off.
192 09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil
Oil specifications
Engine oil must meet the minimum ILSAC specification GF-3, API SL, or ACEA A1/B1. Lower quality oils may not
offer the same fuel economy, engine performance, or engine protection.
Volvo recommends Castrol.
Depending on your driving habits, premium or synthetic oils may provide superior fuel economy and engine protection.
Consult your Volvo retailer or a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for recommendations on premium or
synthetic oils.
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Oil additives must not be used.
NOTE
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance services. This oil is only used at customer
request, at additional charge. Please consult a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Oil viscosity (stable ambient temperatures)
Operation in hot climates
When temperatures exceed 104° F (40° C) in your area, Volvo recommends, for the protection of your engine, that you
use a heavier weight oil, such as such as SAE 5W -40 or 0W -40. See the viscosity chart.
Operation in temperate climates
Incorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life. Under normal use when temperatures do not exceed 104° F (40° C), SAE
5W -30 will provide good fuel economy and engine protection. See the viscosity chart.
Extreme engine operation
Synthetic oils meeting SAE 0W -30 or 0W -40 and complying with oil quality requirements are recommended for driving
in areas of sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold), when towing a trailer over long distances, and for prolonged
driving in mountainous areas.
193 09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil
American Petroleum Institute (API) symbol
The API Service Symbol "donut" is divided into three parts:
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The upper section describes the oil's performance level.
The center identifies the oil's viscosity.
The lower section indicates whether the oil has demonstrated energy-conserving properties in a standard test in
comparison to a reference oil.
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 50
) 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 a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for more information.
Changing engine oil and oil filter
See the previous page for oil specifications and page 246
for oil volumes. Refer to the Warranty and Service Records
Information booklet for information on the oil change intervals.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of oil additives.
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at
additional charge. Please consult a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Checking and adding oil
The oil level should be checked every time the vehicle is refueled. This is especially important during the period up to the
first scheduled maintenance service.
The vehicle should be parked on a level surface when the oil is checked.
If the engine is warm , wait for at least 10- 15 minutes after the engine has been switched off before checking the oil.
Checking the oil
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint-free rag.
2. Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check the oil level.
3. Add oil if necessary. If the level is close to the MIN mark, add approximately 1 US quart (1 liter) of oil.
4. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
5. Switch off the engine and wait for at least 10-15 minutes and recheck the oil level. If necessary, add oil until the level
is near the mark.
194 09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil
CAUTION
Not checking the oil level regularly can result in serious engine damage if the oil level becomes too low.
Never fill oil above the MAX mark. This could cause an increase in oil consumption.
Not checking the oil level regularly can result in serious engine damage if the oil level becomes too low.
Always add oil of the same type and viscosity as already used.
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WARNING
Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into contact with hot exhaust pipe surfaces.
195 09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids
Washer fluid reservoir
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and holds approx. 6.8 US qts (6.4 liters).
During cold weather, the reservoir should be filled with windshield washer solvent containing antifreeze.
Changing coolant
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Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be drained, consult a trained and qualified 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)
CAUTION
The cooling system must always be kept filled to the correct level. 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 up the coolant when the engine is warm, unscrew the expansion tank cap slowly so that the
overpressure dissipates.
196 09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids
Clutch and brake fluid reservoir
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The clutch and brake fluid should always be above the MIN mark 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: Every second year or 30,000 miles (48,000 km). The fluid should be replaced once a year or every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km) when driving under extremely hard conditions (mountain driving, etc.).
Always entrust brake fluid changing to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Power steering fluid reservoir
The fluid level should always be between the ADD and FULL marks.
Fluid type: Volvo synthetic power steering fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S) P/N 1161529 or equivalent.
Replace: No fluid change required.
NOTE
If a problem should occur in the power steering system or if the vehicle has no electrical current and must be towed, it is
still possible to steer the vehicle. However, keep in mind that greater effort will be required to turn the steering wheel.
197 09 Maintenance and servicing
Wiper blades
Windshield wiper blades
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