2008 VOLVO V70 service

High beam and turn signal indicators
Function check
All indicator and warning symbols light up in ignition mode II or when the engine is started. When the engine has
started, all the symbols should go out except the parking brake symbol, which only goes out when the brake is
disengaged.
If the engine does not start or if the function check is carried out in ignition mode II , all symbols go out after 5
seconds except the
75 03 Your driving environment
Instruments and controls
symbol for faults in the vehicle's emissions system and the symbol for low oil pressure.
Certain symbols may not have their functions illustrated, depending on the vehicle's equipment.
Indicator and warning symbols
Trailer turn signal indicator
If you are towing a trailer, this light will flash simultaneously with the trailer's turn signals. If the light does not flash,
or if they flash faster than usual when signaling a turn, the turn signals on the trailer or on the vehicle are not
functioning properly.
Malfunction Indicator Light
As you drive, a computer called On-Board Diagnostics II (OBDII) monitors your vehicle's engine, transmission,
electrical and emission systems.
The malfunction indicator (CHECK ENGINE) light will illuminate if the computer senses a condition that potentially
may need correcting. When this happens, please have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician as soon as possible.
ProCarManuals.com

A malfunction indicator (CHECK ENGINE) light may have many causes. Sometimes, you may not notice a change in
your car's behavior. Even so, an uncorrected condition could hurt fuel economy, emission controls, and drivability.
Extended driving without correcting the cause could even damage other components in your vehicle.
Canadian models are equipped with this symbol:
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning light
If the warning light comes on, there may be a malfunction in the ABS system (the standard braking system will still
function). Check the system by:
1. Stopping in a safe place and switching off the ignition.
76 03 Your driving environment
Instruments and controls
2. Restart the engine.
3. If the warning light goes off, no further action is required.
If the warning light remains on, the vehicle should be driven to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for
inspection. See page 115
for additional information.
Canadian models are equipped with this symbol:
Rear fog light
This symbol indicates that the rear fog light (located in the driver's side tail light cluster) is on.
Stability system
This indicator symbol flashes when the DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system) is actively working to
stabilize the vehicle. See page 153
for more detailed information.
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) - option
This symbol illuminates to indicate that tire pressure in one or more tires is low. See page 252
for detailed information.
Low fuel level
When this light comes on, there are approximately 2.1 US gallons (8 liters) of fuel remaining in the tank.
Information symbol
The information symbol illuminates and a text message is displayed if a fault is detected in one of the vehicle's
systems. The message can be erased and the symbol can be turned off by pressing the READ button (see page 126
for
information) or this will take place automatically after a short time (the length of time varies, depending on the
function affected).
The information symbol may also illuminate together with other symbols.
High beam indicator
This symbol illuminates when the high beam headlights are on, or if the high beam flash function is used.
ProCarManuals.com

Left turn signal indicator
Right turn signal indicator
NOTE
Both turn signal indicators will flash when the hazard warning flashers are used.
If either of these indicators flash faster than normal, the direction indicators are not functioning properly.
Indicator and warning symbols
Low oil pressure
If the light comes on while driving, stop the vehicle, stop the engine immediately, and check the engine oil level. If the
oil level is normal and the light stays on after restart, have the vehicle towed to the nearest trained and qualified Volvo
service technician. This is normal, provided it goes off when the engine speed is increased.
Parking brake applied
This symbol illuminates when the parking brake is applied. On models
77 03 Your driving environment
Instruments and controls
equipped with the electric parking brake, this symbol flashes while the brake is being applied and then glows steadily.
A flashing symbol means that a fault has been detected. See the message in the information display.
Canadian models are equipped with this symbol:
NOTE
This symbol also comes on when the mechanical parking brake is only slightly applied.
Airbags - SRS
ProCarManuals.com

If this light comes on while the vehicle is being driven, or remains on for longer than approximately 10 seconds after
the vehicle has been started, the SRS system's diagnostic functions have detected a fault in a seat belt lock or
pretensioner, a front airbag, side impact airbag, and/or an inflatable curtain. Have the system(s) inspected by a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician as soon as possible.
Seat belt reminder
This symbol comes on for approximately 6 seconds if the driver has not fastened his or her seat belt.
Generator not charging
This symbol comes on during driving if a fault has occurred in the electrical system. Contact an authorized Volvo
workshop.
Engine temperature
Engine overheating can result from low oil or coolant levels, towing or hard driving at high heat and altitude, or
mechanical malfunction. Engine overheating will be signaled with text and a red warning triangle in the middle of the
instrument display. The exact text will depend on the degree of overheating. It may range from " HIGH ENGINE
TEMP - SLOW DOWN " to "HIGH ENGINE TEMP - STOP ENGINE ." If appropriate, other messages, such as
" COOLANT LEVEL LOW " will also be displayed. If your engine does overheat so that you must stop the engine,
always allow the engine to cool before attempting to check oil and coolant levels.
Fault in brake system
If this symbol lights, the brake fluid level may be too low. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and check the level in the
brake fluid reservoir, see page 223
. If the level in the reservoir is below MIN , the vehicle should be transported to an
authorized Volvo workshop to have the brake system checked.
If the brake and ABS symbols come on at the same time, there may be a fault in the brake force distribution system.
1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
If both symbols extinguish, continue driving.
If the symbols remain on, check the level in the brake fluid reservoir. See page 223. If the brake fluid level is
normal but the symbols are still lit, the vehicle can be driven, with great care, to an authorized Volvo workshop to
have the brake system checked.
If the level in the reservoir is below MIN , the vehicle should be transported to an authorized Volvo workshop to
have the brake system checked.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a warning message is displayed in the text window:
DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to an authorized Volvo retailer and have the brake system inspected.
If the ABS and Brake system lights are on at the same time, there is a risk of reduced vehicle stability.
78 03 Your driving environment
Instruments and controls
Warning symbol
The red warning symbol comes on when a fault has been indicated which could affect the safety and/or drivability of
the vehicle. An explanatory text is shown on the information display at the same time. The symbol remains visible
ProCarManuals.com

114 03 Your driving environment
Transmission
Insert the key blade into the opening as far as possible. Press the key blade down and keep it held down. Move the
gear selector from the P position. For information on the key blade, see page 52
.
All Wheel Drive - AWD
1
Your Volvo can be equipped with permanent All Wheel Drive, which means that power is distributed automatically
between the front and rear wheels. Under normal driving conditions, most of the engine's power is directed to the front
wheels. However, if there is any tendency for the front wheels to spin, an electronically controlled coupling distributes
power to the wheels that have the best traction.
NOTE
The message AWD disabled Service required will be appear in the information display if an electrical fault should
occur in the AWD system. A warning light will also illuminate in the instrument panel. If this occurs, have the
system checked by a trained and authorized Volvo service technician.
1Standard on certain models.
115 03 Your driving environment
Brakes
Brake system
The brake system is a hydraulic system consisting of two separate brake circuits. If a problem should occur in one of
these circuits, it is still possible to stop the vehicle with the other brake circuit.
If the brake pedal must be depressed farther than normal and requires greater foot pressure, the stopping distance will
be longer.
A warning light in the instrument panel will light up to warn the driver that a fault has occurred.
If this light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
NOTE
Press the brake pedal hard and maintain pressure on the pedal - do not pump the brakes.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a brake system message is shown in the information
display: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician and have the
brake system inspected.
Power brakes function only when the engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure which is only created when the engine is running. Never let the vehicle roll
ProCarManuals.com

When the vehicle has been parked for some time, the brake pedal may sink more than usual when the engine is
started. This is normal and the pedal will return to its usual position when it is released.
Symbols in the instrument panel
WARNING
If
and come on at the same time and the brake level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a
brake system-related message is shown in the information display: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to a
trained and qualified Volvo service technician and have the brake system inspected.
117 03 Your driving environment
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Introduction1
Normally, when the accelerator pedal is released while driving down hills, the vehicle's speed slows as the engine runs
at lower rpm (the normal engine braking effect). However, if the downhill gradient becomes steeper and if the vehicle
is carrying a load, speed increases despite the engine braking effect. In this situation, the brakes must be applied to
reduce the vehicle's speed.
HDC is a type of automatic engine brake and makes it possible to increase or decrease the vehicle's speed on downhill
gradients using only the accelerator pedal, without applying the brakes. The brake system functions automatically to
maintain a low and steady speed.
HDC is particularly useful when driving down steep hills with rough surfaces, and where the road may have slippery
patches.
WARNING
HDC does not function in all situations, and is a supplementary braking aid. The driver has full responsibility for
driving in a safe manner.
1HDC is only available on the XC70, on which it is standard equipment.
Function
ProCarManuals.com

Symbols
Messages
Parking brake not fully released - A fault is preventing the parking brake from being released. Contact an authorized
Volvo workshop.
121 03 Your driving environment
Electric parking brake
If you drive off with this error message showing, a warning signal sounds.
Parking brake not applied - A fault is preventing the parking brake from being applied. Try to apply and release.
Contact a Volvo workshop if the message remains.
Parking brake Service required - A fault has arisen. Contact a Volvo workshop if the fault remains.
WARNING
If the vehicle must be parked before the fault has been corrected, always put the gear selector in P and turn the
wheels so that they point away from the curb if the vehicle is pointing uphill or toward the curb if it is pointing
downhill.

Contents | Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com

Sensor location
The sunlight sensor is located on the top side of the dashboard.
NOTE
The sunlight sensor monitors which side of the car that is most exposed to sunlight. This can mean that the
temperature may differ between the right and left-side air vents, even if the temperatures set for both sides of the
passenger compartment are the same.
The temperature sensor for the passenger compartment is located below the climate control panel.
The outside temperature sensor is located on the door mirror.
The humidity sensor (option) is located in the interior rearview mirror.
NOTE
Do not cover or block the sensors with clothing or other objects.
Side windows and moonroof
To ensure that the air conditioning works optimally, the side windows, and the optional moonroof should be closed.
Fog on the inside of the windows
The defroster function should be used to remove fog or mist from the inside of the windows. Keeping the windows
clean with a commercially available window washing spray will also help prevent fogging or misting.
Vents in the parcel shelf
NOTE
The air vents at the rear of the parcel shelf should never be obstructed.
Temporary shut-off of the air conditioning
The air conditioning is momentarily disengaged during full-throttle acceleration or when driving uphill with a trailer.
This may result in a temporary increase in cabin temperature.
Ice and snow
Always keep the air intake grille at the base of the windshield free of snow.
Climate system maintenance
Special tools and equipment are required to maintain and carry out repairs on the climate system. Work of this type
should only be done by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Refrigerant
Volvo cares about the environment. The air conditioning system in your car contains a CFC-free refrigerant - R134a.
This substance
129 04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Climate system
will not deplete the ozone layer. The air conditioning system contains 1.8 lbs (800 g) of R134a. The systems uses PAG
oil.
ProCarManuals.com