Automatic transmission
The engine should be idling when you move the gear selector. Never accelerate until after you feel the transmission
engage! Accelerating immediately after selecting a gear will cause harsh engagement and premature transmission
wear.
Selecting P or N when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help prevent overheating of the
automatic transmission fluid.
Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting.
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock
1The gear selector must be in the (P)ark position (automatic transmission).
2 Please be aware that leaving the key in this position will increase battery drain.
WARNING
Never turn the key to position O while driving or when the vehicle is being towed.
Steering wheel lock
The steering wheel lock might be under tension when the vehicle is parked.
Turn the steering wheel slightly to free the ignition key.
In order to help reduce vehicle theft, make sure the steering wheel lock is engaged before leaving the vehicle.
WARNING
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Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See section "Wheels and tires."
When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1000 km).
Recommended hitch tongue load is:
Trailer weights below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 110lbs (50kg)
Trailer weights above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 165lbs (75kg)
Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 mph (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 text window.
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.
WARNING
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safety chains be attached to the bumper.
Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.
Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle brake system, nor a trailer's lighting system
directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult your nearest trained and qualified Volvo service technician for correct
installation.
When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety wire must be correctly fastened to the hole or hook provided in the
trailer hitch on the vehicle. The safety wire should never be fastened to or wound around the drawbar ball.
NOTE
When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in P
(first/reverse gear on manual transmissions). Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
chocking.
When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in D before releasing the parking brake.
If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, make sure
145 06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
the gear you select does not put too much strain on the engine (using too high a gear).
The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may be rated for trailers heavier than the vehicle is designed to tow. Please
adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer weights.
Leveling
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Gap: 0.028-0.032 in. (0.7-0.8 mm)
Tightening torque: 22 ft. lbs. (30 Nm)
Firing order: 1-2-4-5-3.
Battery
1Models equipped with the High Performance audio system
2 Models equipped with the Premium Sound audio system or the Volvo Navigation System
If the battery must be replaced, replace it with one with the same cold start capacity and reserve capacity as the original
(see the decal on the battery).
WARNING
The distributor ignition system operates at very high voltages. Special safety precautions must be followed to prevent
injury. Always turn the ignition off when:
Replacing distributor ignition components e.g. plugs, coil, etc.
Do not touch any part of the distributor ignition system while the engine is running. This may result in unintended
movements and body injury.
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.
250 11 Specifications
Three-way catalytic converter
Three-way catalytic converter - general information
Keep your engine properly tuned. Certain engine malfunctions, particularly involving the electrical, fuel or distributor
ignition systems, may cause unusually high three-way catalytic converter temperatures. Do not continue to operate your
vehicle if you detect engine misfire, noticeable loss of power or other unusual operating conditions, such as engine
overheating or backfiring. A properly tuned engine will help avoid malfunctions that could damage the three-way
catalytic converter.
Do not park your vehicle over combustible materials, such as grass or leaves, which can come into contact with the
hot exhaust system and cause such materials to ignite under certain wind and weather conditions.
Excessive starter cranking (in excess of one minute), or an intermittently firing or flooded engine can cause three-way
catalytic converter or exhaust system overheating.
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Remember that tampering or unauthorized modifications to the engine, the Electronic Control Module, or the vehicle
may be illegal and can cause three-way catalytic converter or exhaust system overheating.
This includes:
- Altering fuel injection setting or components.
- Altering emission system components or location or removing components.
- Repeated use of leaded fuel.
NOTE
Unleaded fuel is required for vehicles with three-way catalytic converters.
251 11 Specifications
Suspension
Rear suspension
Individual rear wheel suspension with longitudinal support arms, double link arms and track rods.
Front suspension
Spring strut suspension with integrated shock absorbers and control arms linked to the support frame. Power-assisted
rack and pinion steering. Safety type steering column.
252 11 Specifications
Volvo programs
Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance
Your new Volvo comes with a four year ON CALL roadside assistance. Additional information, features, and benefits are
described in a separate information package in your glove compartment.
If you have misplaced your package, dial:
In the U.S.A.:
1-800-638-6586 (1-800-63-VOLVO)
In Canada:
1-800-263-0475
Technician certification
In addition to Volvo factory training, Volvo supports certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service
Excellence (A.S.E.). Certified technicians have demonstrated a high degree of competence in specific areas. Besides
passing exams, each technician must also have worked in the field for two or more years before a certificate is issued.
These professional technicians are best able to analyze vehicle problems and perform the necessary service procedures to
keep your Volvo at peak operating condition.
253 11 Specifications
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