2009 VOLVO V50 Owner´s Manual

09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil
09
217
WARNING
Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into
contact with hot exhaust pipe surfaces
NOTE
Volvo uses different systems to indicate a
low oil level or pressure. Some models have
an oil pressure sensor, in which case a
warning symbol (see page 55) is used to
indicate low oil pressure. Other models have
an oil level sensor, in which case the driver
is alerted by the warning symbol in the cen-
ter of the instrument panel and a text in the
information display. Some models use both
systems. Contact an authorized Volvo
retailer for more information.

09 Maintenance and servicingFluids
09218
Washer fluid
G026425
Washer fluid reservoirThe washer fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment and holds approximately
6.8 US qts (6.5 liters). During cold weather, the
reservoir should be filled with windshield
washer solvent containing antifreeze.
Coolant
G020334
Coolant reservoirNormally, the coolant does not need to be
changed. If the system must be drained, con-
sult a trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician.
CAUTION
•
If necessary, top up the cooling system
with Volvo Genuine Coolant/Antifreeze
only (a 50/50 mix of water and anti-
freeze).
•
Different types of antifreeze/coolant
may not be mixed.
•
If the cooling system is drained, it
should be flushed with clean water or
premixed anti-freeze before it is refilled
with the correct mixture of water/anti-
freeze.
•
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.
Check coolant regularly!
•
Do not top up with water only. This
reduces the rust-protective and anti-
freeze qualities of the coolant and has a
lower boiling point. It can also cause
damage to the cooling system if it
should freeze.
•
Do not use chlorinated tap water in the
vehicles cooling system.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids
09
219
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.Brake fluid
G020333
Brake fluid reservoirThe brake fluid should always be between the
MIN and MAX marks on the side of the reser-
voir. 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 accord-
ing 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 your
Volvo retailer. Always entrust brake fluid
changing to a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician.
Power steering fluidThe fluid level is checked at each service inter-
val.
Fluid type: Volvo power steering fluid or equiv-
alent.
Replace: No fluid change required.
WARNING
If a problem should occur in the power
steering system or if the vehicle has no elec-
trical current and must be towed, it is still
possible to steer the vehicle. However, keep
in mind that greater effort will be required to
turn the steering wheel.

09 Maintenance and servicingWiper blades
09220
Replacing windshield wiper blades
G020330
1. Fold out the wiper arm.
2. Press the button on the wiper blade attach-
ment and pull straight out (1), parallel with
the wiper arm.
3. Press a new wiper blade (2) until it clicks
into place.
4. Ensure the blade is securely attached (3).
5. Fold in the wiper arm.
The wiper blades are different lengths. The
blade on the driver's side is longer than the one
on the passenger's side.
G020329
Tailgate wiper blade
G014732
1. Fold out the wiper arm.
2. Pull off the wiper blade from the attach-
ment, toward the window.
3. Press the new wiper blade securely into
place.
Fold in the wiper arm.
Keeping the windshield/tailgate window and
wiper blades clean helps improve visibility and
prolongs the service life of the wiper blades.
See page 202 for washing instructions.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Battery
09``221 Battery maintenance
Driving habits and conditions, climate, the
number of starts, etc., all affect the service life
and function of the battery. In order for your
battery to perform satisfactorily, keep the fol-
lowing in mind:
Check the fluid level in each cell in the battery
every 24 months or every 15,000
1 miles
(24,000 km), whichever is sooner.
•
Use a screw driver to open the caps or
cover and a flashlight to inspect the level.
•
If necessary, add distilled water. The level
should never be above the indicator.
•
The fluid level should be checked if the
battery has been recharged.
•
After inspection, be sure the cap over each
battery cell or the cover is securely in
place.
•
Check that the battery cables are correctly
connected and properly tightened.
•
Never disconnect the battery when the
engine is running, or when the key is in the
ignition. This could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
•
The battery should be disconnected from
the vehicle when a battery charger is used
directly on the battery.
WARNING
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the state of California
to cause cancer and reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.Battery symbols:
Wear protection gogglesSee owner's manual for
detailsKeep away from children
CorrosiveNo smoking, no open flames,
no sparksExplosion
Battery replacementRemoving the battery1. Switch off the ignition and remove the key.
2. Wait at least 5 minutes after switching off
the ignition before disconnecting the bat-
tery so that all information in the vehicle's
electrical system can be stored in the con-
trol modules.
1More frequently in warm climates.

09 Maintenance and servicingBattery
09222
3. Remove the cover over the battery.
4. Disconnect the battery negative (ground)
cable.
5. Disconnect the positive cable.
6. Remove the front side of the battery box
with a screwdriver.
7. Release the clamp holding the battery.
8. Lift out the battery.Installing a new battery1. Put the battery in place in the engine com-
partment.
2. Install the battery's retaining clamp.
3. Reinstall the front side of the battery box.
4. Connect the positive cable.
5. Connect the ground cable.
6. Reinstall the cover over the battery.
NOTE
Used batteries should be properly disposed
of at a recycling station or similar facility, or
taken to your Volvo retailer.
WARNING
•
Never expose the battery to open flame
or electric spark.
•
Do not smoke near the battery.
•
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do
not allow battery fluid to contact eyes,
skin, fabrics or painted surfaces. If con-
tact occurs, flush the affected area
immediately with water. Obtain medical
help immediately if eyes are affected.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Replacing bulbs
09``223 Introduction
Before replacing bulbs in your vehicle, please
keep the following points in mind:
NOTE
Never touch the glass of bulbs with your fin-
gers. Grease and oils from your fingers
vaporize in the heat and will leave a deposit
on the reflector, which will damage it.
The optional Bi-Xenon
Ÿ headlight bulbs
contain trace amounts of mercury. These
bulbs should always be disposed of by a
trained and qualified Volvo service techni-
cian.
Certain bulbs should only be replaced by a
trained and qualified Volvo service techni-
cian:
•
Courtesylighting
•
Reading lights
•
Glove compartment lights
•
Turn signals and courtesy lights in the
side door mirrors
•
Brake lights
•
Bi-Xenon
Ÿ headlights, Brake lights
Removing the headlight housing
WARNING
•
The engine should not be running when
changing bulbs.
•
When changing in the headlight hous-
ing, if the engine has been running just
prior to replacing bulbs, please be
aware that components in the engine
compartment will be hot.
G019599
The entire headlight housing must be lifted out
when replacing the high/low beam, parkinglight, turn signal, and side marker bulbs. To lift
out the housing:
1. Remove the key from the ignition and turn
the headlight switch to position 0.
2. Open the hood.
3. Pull up the headlight housing's retaining
pin.
4. Pull out the headlight housing.
G019600
5. Disconnect the wiring connector by press-
ing down the clip with your thumb while at
the same time pulling the connector with
your other hand.

09 Maintenance and servicingReplacing bulbs
09224
6. Lift out the headlight housing and place it
on a soft surface to avoid scratching the
lens.
CAUTION
When disconnecting the connector, pull on
the connector itself and not on the wiring.After the defective bulb has been replaced,
reinsert the housing in the reverse order. Check
that the retaining pin is correctly inserted.
WARNING
Bi-Xenon headlights (option) – due to the
high voltage used by these headlights,
these bulbs should only be replaced by a
trained and qualified Volvo service techni-
cian.
Low beam bulb
G019131
Cover with retaining clamps1. Open the hood and remove the headlight
housing (see page 223 for instructions).
2. Release the retaining clamps on the cover.
3. Release the bulb's retaining spring holding
the bulb in place by pressing it inward and
downward.
4. Pull out the bulb.
G019133
Low beam bulbInstalling a new bulb1. Insert the new bulb. It can only be installed
in one position.
2. Press the retaining spring inward and
upward and slightly to the right until it
snaps into place.
3. Press the wiring connector onto the bulb.
4. Put the plastic cover in place.
5. Press the retaining clamps back into place.
6. Reinstall the headlight housing (see
page 223).