
reading could occur in the fuel gauge.
 Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Do not press the handle on the filler  nozzle more than one  extra time. Too much
fuel in the tank in hot weather conditions can cause the fuel to overflow. Overfilling  could also cause damage to the
emission control systems.
1If the fuel  filler  cap  is not closed  tightly or if the engine is running when  the vehicle is refueled, the Check  Engine Light  (malfunction  indicator
lamp)  may indicate  a fault.  However, your vehicle's performance will  not be  affected.  Use  only  Volvo original or approved fuel  filler  caps.
Emission controls
Three-way catalytic converter
 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.
 Remember that tampering or unauthorized modifications to the engine, the Engine Control Module, or the vehicle
may be  illegal and  can cause three-way catalytic converter or exhaust system overheating. This includes: altering fuel
injection settings
197 05 During  your  trip
Refueling
or components, altering emission system components or location or removing components, and/or repeated  use of
leaded fuel.
 NOTE 
Unleaded fuel is required for vehicles with three-way catalytic converters.
Heated oxygen sensors
The heated oxygen  sensors  monitor the oxygen  content  of the exhaust gases. Readings are fed into a  control module
that continuously monitors engine functions and  controls fuel injection. The ratio of fuel to air into the engine is
continuously adjusted for efficient combustion to help reduce harmful emissions.
198 05 During  your  trip
Loading
Introduction
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is determined by factors such as the number of passengers, the amount of
cargo, the weight of any  accessories that may be  installed, etc.
 NOTE  

Fold the right backrest forward.
Release the hatch in the rear seat backrest by sliding the catch up while folding the hatch forward.
Return the backrest to the upright position with the hatch open.
Use the seat belt to prevent the load from  moving.
 WARNING 
 Always secure the load to help prevent it from  moving in the event of sudden.
 Switch off the engine, apply the parking brake and  put the gear selector in P  when loading and  unloading the
vehicle.
 NOTE 
If the vehicle is equipped with the optional integrated booster  cushion, fold it out first.
200 05 During  your  trip
Loading
The cover on the rear seat armrest/child seat has no hinge. The cover must  be  removed before the ski hatch is used.
Removal:
Open the cover 30 degrees and  lift straight up.
Installation:
Insert the cover in the grooves behind the upholstery and  close the cover.
Roof loads
Using  load carriers
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. 

201 05 During  your  trip
Towing a trailer
Introduction
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehicle.
 NOTE 
See  page 270
 for the maximum trailer and  tongue weights recommended by Volvo.
 Observe the legal  requirements of the state/province in which  the vehicles are
 All Volvo models are equipped with energy- absorbing  shock-mounted bumpers.  Trailer hitch installation  should
not interfere  with the proper operation of this  bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any  particular problems, but take into consideration:
 Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See  the tire inflation tables on pages 240 and  241.
 When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).
 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 authorized Volvo retailer 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.
202 05 During  your  trip
Towing a trailer
 NOTE  

1On vehicles with  the optional keyless  drive, the remote  key must  be  in  the passenger  compartment.
 CAUTION 
 Please check with state and  local  authorities before attempting this  type of towing, as vehicles being towed  are
subject to regulations  regarding maximum towing speed, length and  type of towing device, lighting, etc.
 If the vehicle's battery is dead, do not attempt to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it as this  will damage the
three-way catalytic converter(s). The engine must  be  jump started using an  auxiliary battery (see page 109
).
 If the vehicle is being towed  on a  flat bed  truck, the towing eyelets must  not be  used to secure the vehicle on the
flat bed.  Consult the tow truck operator.
205 05 During  your  trip
Emergency towing
Towing vehicles with front wheel  drive/All Wheel Drive
Volvo recommends the use of flat bed  equipment.
 If wheel lift equipment must  be  used, please use extreme caution  to help avoid damage to the vehicle. In  this case,
the vehicle  should be towed with the rear wheels on the ground if at all possible .
 If it is absolutely necessary  to tow the vehicle with the front  wheels on the ground, please refer  to the towing
information on the page 204
.
 CAUTION 
 Sling-type equipment applied  at the front  will damage radiator and  air conditioning lines.
 It is equally  important not to use sling -type equipment at the rear or apply lifting  equipment inside the rear
wheels; serious damage to the rear axle may result.
 If the vehicle is being towed  on a  flat bed  truck, the towing eyelets must  not be  used to secure the vehicle on the
flat bed.  Consult the tow truck operator.
   
Contents | Top of Page 

2 0 0 8
VOLVO S80
206 06 Maintenance and specifications
Volvo maintenance 208
Maintaining your car209
Hood and  engine compartment211
Engine oil212
Fluids214
Replacing bulbs216
Wiper blades and  washer fluid224
Battery226
Fuses230
Wheels and  tires235
Vehicle care262
Label information267
Specifications269
Volvo programs277
207 06 Maintenance and specifications
208 06 Maintenance and specifications
Volvo maintenance
Introduction
Volvo advises  you to follow the maintenance program outlined in the Warranty and  Service Records Information
booklet. This maintenance program contains inspections and  services necessary  for the proper function of your vehicle.
The maintenance services contain  several checks that require special tools  and  training, and  therefore must  be
performed by a  qualified technician. To keep your Volvo in top condition, specify time-tested and  proven Genuine
Volvo Parts and  Accessories. 

Each time the car is refueled:
 Check the engine oil level.
 Clean the windshield, windshield wipers, headlights, and  tail lights.
Monthly:
 Check cold tire pressure in all tires. Inspect the tires for wear.
 Check that engine coolant  and  other fluid levels are between the indicated "min" and  "max" markings.
 Clean interior  glass surfaces with a  glass cleaner  and  soft paper towels.
 Wipe driver information displays with a  soft cloth.
 Visually inspect battery terminals for corrosion. Corrosion may indicate a  loose terminal connector,  or a  battery near
the end  of its  useful  service life. Consult your Volvo retailer for additional information.
As needed:
Wash the car, including the undercarriage, to reduce wear  that can be  caused by a  buildup of dirt, and  corrosion that
can be  caused by salt residues.
Clean leaves and  twigs from  air intake  vents at the base of the windshield, and  from  other places where  they may
collect.
 NOTE 
Complete service information for qualified technicians is available online for purchase or subscription at
www.volvotechinfo.com
.
210 06 Maintenance and specifications
Maintaining your car
Emission inspection readiness
What is an Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)?
OBD II is part of your vehicle's computerized  engine management system. It stores diagnostic information about your
vehicle's emission controls. It can light the Check Engine light (MIL) if it detects an  emission control "fault." A "fault"
is a  component  or system that is not performing within an  expected range. A fault may be  permanent or temporary.
OBD II will store  a  message about any  fault.
How do states use OBD II for emission inspections?
Many states connect a  computer directly to a  vehicle's OBD II system. The inspector can then read "faults." In some
states, this  type of inspection has replaced  the tailpipe emission test.
How can my vehicle  fail OBD II emission inspection?
Your vehicle can fail OBD II emission inspection for any  of the following reasons.
 If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit, your vehicle may fail inspection.
 If your vehicle's Check Engine light was lit, but went  out without any  action  on your part, OBD II will still  have a
recorded fault. Your vehicle may pass or fail, depending on the inspection practices in your area.
 If you had  recent  service that required disconnecting the battery, OBD II diagnostic information may be  incomplete
and  "not ready"  for inspection. A vehicle that is not ready may fail inspection.
How can I prepare for my next OBD II emission inspection? 

 If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit - or was lit but went  out without service, have your vehicle diagnosed and,  if
necessary,  serviced by a  qualified Volvo technician.
 If you recently had  service for a  lit Check Engine light, or if you had  service that required disconnecting the battery,
a  period of driving is necessary  to bring the OBD II system to "ready" for inspection. A half-hour trip of mixed stop-
and -go/highway driving is typically needed to allow OBD II to reach readiness. Your Volvo retailer can provide you
with more information on planning a  trip.
 Maintain your vehicle in accordance with your vehicle's maintenance schedule.
211 06 Maintenance and specifications
Hood and engine compartment
Opening and closing  the hood
Pull the lever located under the left side of the dash to release the hood lock.
Lift the hood slightly.  Press the release control (located under the right front  edge of the hood) to the left, and  lift
the hood
 WARNING 
Check that the hood locks properly when closed.
Engine  compartment, overview 

The appearance of the engine compartment may vary depending on engine model.
Coolant expansion tank
Power steering fluid reservoir
Engine oil dipstick
Radiator
Filler cap for engine oil
Cover  over brake fluid reservoir
Battery
Relay and  fuse box
Washer fluid reservoir
Air cleaner
 WARNING 
The cooling fan may start or continue  to operate  (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine has been switched off.
 WARNING 
The ignition should always be  completely  switched off before performing any  operations in the engine compartment.
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.
212 06 Maintenance and specifications
Engine  oil
Checking the engine 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.
 See  page 272 for oil specifications.
 Refer to the Warranty and  Service Records Information booklet for information on the oil change intervals.
Volvo recommends Castrol.
 CAUTION 
 Not checking the oil level  regularly can result in serious engine damage if the oil level  becomes too low.
 Oil that is lower than the specified quality can damage the engine.