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Before starting, check that the seat, steering wheel and mirrors are adjusted properly. Make sure the brake pedal can
be depressed completely. Adjust the seat if necessary. See pages 92 and 94
.
2. Apply the parking brake (hand brake) if not already set. The gear selector (automatic transmission) is locked in the
( P )ark position ( SHIFTLOCK ). Manual transmission: the clutch must be fully depressed.
3. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key
1 to the starting position. Allow the starter to operate for
up to 10 seconds. Release the key as soon as the engine starts. If the engine fails to start, repeat this step.
1If two of the keys to your vehicle are close together, e.g. on the same key ring, when you try to start the vehicle, this could cause interference in
the immobilizer system and result in the vehicle not starting. If this should occur, remove one of the keys from the key ring before trying to start
the vehicle again.
NOTE
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.
After a cold start, idle speed may be noticeably higher than normal for a short period. This is done to help bring
components in the emission control system to their normal operating temperature as quickly as possible, which
enables them to control emissions and help reduce the vehicle's impact on the environment.
To release the gear selector from the P position, the engine must be running (or the ignition key must be in
position II) and the brake pedal must be depressed.
Select the desired gear. The gear engages after a very slight delay which is especially noticeable when selecting R.
NOTE
Your vehicle is equipped with a KEYLOCK system (automatic transmission). When the engine is switched off, the
gear selector must be in the P position before the key can be removed from the ignition switch.
When starting in cold weather, the transmission may shift up at slightly higher engine speeds than normal until the
automatic transmission fluid reaches normal operating temperature.
WARNING
An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause the accelerator pedal to catch. Check that the movement of the
accelerator pedal is not impeded. No more than one protective floor covering may be used at one time.
WARNING
Always place the gear selector in Park or in reverse on models with a manual transmission, and apply the parking
brake before leaving the vehicle. Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Always open garage doors fully before starting the engine inside a garage to ensure adequate ventilation. The exhaust
gases contain carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless but very poisonous
128 06 Starting and driving
Starting the vehicle
CAUTION
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6-speed manual transmission (option on certain models)
Depress the clutch pedal completely when changing gears1.
Remove your foot from the clutch pedal while driving. The shift pattern should be followed.
Fifth and sixth gears should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy.
1Clutch interlock
The clutch must be fully depressed before you can start your vehicle. If the clutch is not depressed, it will not be possible to start the engine.
WARNING
An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause the accelerator pedal and/or the clutch pedal to catch. Check that the
movement of these pedals is not impeded. Not more than one protective floor covering may be used at one time.
Engaging reverse gear
Never engage R while the vehicle is moving.
CAUTION
Be careful to avoid inadvertently engaging reverse while moving forward.
132 06 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission (option)
P (Park)
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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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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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