
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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Vehicle loading
WARNING
Exceeding the permissible axle weight, gross vehicle weight, or any other weight rating limits can cause tire
overheating resulting in permanent deformation or catastrophic failure.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the tires that were original equipment on the
vehicle because this will lower the vehicle's GVW rating. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the vehicle's GVW rating limitations.
168 07 Wheels and tires
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN
ADDITION TO THESE GRADES
Quality grades can be found, where applicable, on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one half (1 1/2) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and many depart significantly from the norm due to variation in driving habits,
maintenance practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
TRACTION
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C, as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and is not a measure of
cornering (turning) traction.
TEMPERATURE
The temperature grades are AA (the highest), A, B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a minimum level of performance that all
passenger vehicle tires must meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING
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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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