
Fuel requirements
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gasoline to control engine deposits. Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping
injectors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit control gasolines will help ensure good drivability and fuel
economy. If you are not sure whether the gasoline contains deposit control additives, check with the service station
operator.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of external fuel injector cleaning systems.
Unleaded fuel
Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and Canadian regulations
require that pumps delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit
your vehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled "unleaded gasoline only".
Leaded gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of
leaded gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of the emission control system and could result in loss of emission
warranty coverage. State and local vehicle inspection programs will make detection of misfueling easier, possibly
resulting in emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.
NOTE
Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive called methyl-cyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission Control System performance may be affected, and the
Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator light) located on your instrument panel may light. If this occurs, please
return your vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for service.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers, "Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or ethers. In some areas, state or
local laws require that the service pump be marked indicating use of alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas in
which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet seasonal air quality standards, some areas require the use of "oxygenated"
fuel.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed on page 193
must still be
met.
Alcohol - Ethanol
Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be used. Ethanol may also be referred to as Ethyl alcohol, or
"Gasohol".
Ethers - MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
Methanol
Do not use gasolines containing methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice can result in vehicle
performance deterioration and can damage critical parts in the fuel system. Such damage may not be covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
193 05 During your trip
Refueling

MINIMUM
Volvo recommends premium for best performance, but using 87 octane or above will not affect engine reliability.
Volvo engines are designed to achieve rated horsepower, torque, and fuel economy performance using premium 91
octane fuel.RECOMMENDED
In demanding driving conditions, such as operating the vehicle in hot weather, towing a trailer, or driving for extended
periods at higher altitudes than normal, it may be advisable to switch to higher octane fuel (91 or higher) or to change
gasoline brands to fully utilize your engine's capacity, and for the smoothest possible operation.
NOTE
When switching to higher octane fuel or changing gasoline brands, it may be necessary to fill the tank more than
once before a difference in engine operation is noticeable.
Fuel Formulations
Do not use gasoline that contains lead as a knock inhibitor, and do not use lead additives. Besides damaging the
exhaust emission control systems on your vehicle, lead has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer.
Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent. Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer. If you
live in an area where you must fill your own gas tank, take precautions. These may include:
standing upwind away from the filler nozzle while refueling
refueling only at gas stations with vapor recovery systems that fully seal the mouth of the filler neck during
refueling
wearing neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
Use of Additives

With the exception of gas line antifreeze during winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or other store -bought
additives to your vehicle's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse may damage your engine, and some of these
additives contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.
194 05 During your trip
Refueling
WARNING
Never carry a cell phone that is switched on while refueling your vehicle. If the phone rings, this may cause a spark
that could ignite gasoline fumes, resulting in fire and injury.
WARNING
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust gases. If you ever smell
exhaust fumes inside the vehicle, make sure the passenger compartment is ventilated, and immediately return the
vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for correction.
Opening/closing the fuel filler door
The fuel filler door is located on the right rear fender (indicated by an arrow beside the fuel tank symbol on the
information display
)
With the ignition switched off, press the button on the lighting panel to unlock the fuel filler door. Please note that the
fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the vehicle begins to move forward. An audible click will be heard when the
fuel filler door relocks.
If you intend to leave your vehicle while it is being refueled, this feature enables you to lock the doors/trunk while
leaving the fuel filler door unlocked.
You can also keep the vehicle locked if you remain inside it during refueling. The central locking button does not
lock the fuel filler door.
Be sure the fuel filler door is not obstructed and is completely closed after refueling.
Open the fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather.
Close the fuel filler door by pressing it a click indicates that it is closed.
CAUTION
Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. In addition to causing damage to the environment, gasolines containing

alcohol can cause damage to painted surfaces, which may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
195 05 During your trip
Refueling
Manually opening the fuel filler door
If necessary, the fuel filler door can be opened manually.
Open the side hatch in the trunk (on the same side as the fuel filler door).
Grasp the green cord with a handle.
Pull the cord straight rearward until the fuel filler door clicks open.
196 05 During your trip
Refueling
Opening/closing the fuel cap
Fuel vapor expands in hot weather. Open the filler cap slowly.
After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place.
CAUTION
Do not refuel with the engine running1. Turn the ignition off or to position I. If the ignition is on, an incorrect

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.

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?

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.