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.
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Check condition of drive belts.
Check state of the battery's charge.
Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those that are worn. Check tire pressures.
The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician only.
Check all lights, including high beams.
Reflective warning triangles are legally required in some states/provinces.
Have a word with a trained and qualified Volvo service technician if you intend to drive in countries where it may
be difficult to obtain the correct fuel.
Consider your destination. If you will be driving through an area where snow or ice are likely to occur, consider
snow tires.
Cold weather precautions
If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the following advice is worth noting:
Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture will reduce freeze protection.
This gives protection against freezing down to - 31°F (-35°C). The use of "recycled" antifreeze is not approved by
Volvo. Different types of antifreeze must not be mixed.
Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this helps prevent the formation of condensation in the tank. In addition, in
extremely cold weather conditions it is worthwhile to add fuel line de -icer before refueling.
The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weather starting as
well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine is warming up. For winter use, 5W -30 oil, particularly the
synthetic type, is recommended. Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use cold-weather oil for hard driving or in
warm weather. See page 276
for more information on engine oil.
NOTE
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at
additional charge.
The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the windshield wipers, lighting, etc. are used more
often. Moreover, the capacity of the battery decreases as the temperature drops. In very cold weather, a poorly charged
battery can freeze and be damaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state of charge more frequently and spray an
anti-rust oil on the battery posts.
Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving. See the information on page 259.
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze. This is important
since dirt is often splashed on the windshield during winter driving, requiring the frequent use of the washers and
wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent should be diluted as follows: Down to 14° F (-10° C): 1 part washer solvent and 4 parts
water Down to 5° F (-15° C):
195 05 During your trip
Driving recommendations
1 part washer solvent and 3 parts water Down to 0° F (-18° C): 1 part washer solvent and 2 parts water Down to -18°
F (-28° C): 1 part washer solvent and 1 part water.
Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
Avoid using de -icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
196 05 During your trip
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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
.
222 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?
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Volvo does not recommend the use of oil additives.
Always add oil of the same type and viscosity as already used.
Never fill oil above the MAX mark. This could cause an increase in oil consumption.
Checking and adding oil
NOTE
Before checking the oil:
The car should be parked on a level surface when the oil is checked.
If the engine is warm , wait for at least 10-15 minutes after the engine has been switched off before checking the
oil.
Checking the oil
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint-free rag.
2. Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check the oil level. The level must be between the MIN and MAX marks.
3. Add oil if necessary. If the level is close to the MIN mark, add approximately 0.5 US quarts (0.5 liters) of oil.
4. Recheck the level and add more oil if necessary until the level is near the MAX mark.
225 06 Maintenance and specifications
Engine oil
WARNING
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Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into contact with hot exhaust pipe surfaces.
NOTE
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at
additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.
226 06 Maintenance and specifications
Fluids
Coolant
Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be drained, consult a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician.
See page 279
for information on cooling system capacities.
CAUTION
Do not top off with water only. This reduces the rust-protective and antifreeze qualities of the coolant and has a
lower boiling point. It can also cause damage to the cooling system if it should freeze. Top off with Volvo Genuine
Coolant/Antifreeze only (a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze).
The cooling system must always be kept filled to the correct level, and the level must be between the MIN and
MAX marks. If it is not kept filled, there can be high local temperatures in the engine which could result in damage.
Different types of antifreeze/coolant may not be mixed. Check coolant regularly.
WARNING
Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is warm. Wait until the vehicle cools.
If it is necessary to top off the coolant when the engine is warm, unscrew the expansion tank cap slowly so that
the overpressure dissipates.
227 06 Maintenance and specifications
Fluids
Brake fluid
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Checking the level
The fluid reservoir is concealed under the round cover at the rear of the engine compartment. The round cover must be
removed first before the reservoir cap can be accessed.
The brake fluid should always be between the MIN and MAX marks on the inside of the reservoir. Check, without
removing the cap, that there is sufficient fluid in the reservoir.
Fluid type: DOT 4+ boiling point >536°F (280°C), P/N 9437433
Replace: The fluid should be replaced according to the intervals specified in the Warranty and Service Records
Information booklet.
When driving under extremely hard conditions (mountain driving, etc), it may be necessary to replace the fluid more
often. Consult a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Always entrust brake fluid changing to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a brake-related message is shown in the information
display: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the car towed to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician and have the brake
system inspected.
Filling
Turn and open the cover.
Unscrew the reservoir cap and fill the fluid. The level must be between the MIN and MAX marks.
Power steering fluid
Check the level frequently. The fluid does not require changing. The fluid level must be between the MIN and MAX
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VOLVO V70
245 06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
Introduction
Your vehicle is equipped with tires according to the vehicle's tire information placard on the B-pillar (the structural
member at the side of the vehicle, at the rear of the driver's door opening).
The tires have good road holding characteristics and offer good handling on dry and wet surfaces. It should be noted
however that the tires have been developed to give these features on snow/ice-free surfaces.
Certain models are equipped with "all-season" tires, which provide a somewhat higher degree of road holding on
slippery surfaces than tires without the "all-season" rating. However, for optimum road holding on icy or snow-
covered roads, we recommend suitable winter tires on all four wheels.
When replacing tires, be sure that the new tires are the same size designation, type (radial) and preferably from the
same manufacturer, on all four wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of altering the car's roadholding and handling
characteristics.
Storing wheels and tires
When storing complete wheels (tires mounted on rims), they should be suspended off the floor or placed on their sides
on the floor.
Tires not mounted on rims should be stored on their sides or standing upright, but should not be suspended.
CAUTION
Tires should preferably be stored in a cool, dry, dark place, and should never be stored in close proximity to
solvents, gasoline, oils, etc.
Tread wear indicator
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