2009 VOLVO XC70 warning light

05 During your tripDriving recommendations
05196
Before a long distance tripIt is always worthwhile to have your vehicle
checked by a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician before driving long distances.
Your retailer will also be able to supply you with
bulbs, fuses, spark plugs and wiper blades for
your use in the event that problems occur.
As a minimum, the following items should be
checked before any long trip:•
Check that engine runs smoothly and that
fuel consumption is normal.
•
Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage
•
Have the transmission oil level checked.
•
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 techni-
cian 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 precautionsIf 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" anti-
freeze 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 condensa-
tion 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 decreas-
ing fuel consumption while the engine is
warming up. For winter use, 5W-30 oil, par-
ticularly the synthetic type, is recom-
mended. Be sure to use good quality oil but
do not use cold-weather oil for hard driving
or in warm weather, see page 272 for more
information on engine oil.
NOTE
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is
changed at the normal maintenance inter-
vals except at owner request and at addi-
tional charge.•
The load placed on the battery is greater
during the winter since the windshield wip-
ers, lighting, etc. are used more often.
Moreover, the capacity of the battery
decreases as the temperature drops. In
very cold weather, a poorly charged bat-
tery can freeze and be damaged. It is there-
fore 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
page 253.
•
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): 1 part
washer solvent and 3 parts water Down to
0 °F (–18 °C): 1 part washer solvent and

05 During your tripLoading
05202
IntroductionThe 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.
To increase loading space, the rear seat backr-
ests can be folded down, See page 81.
When loading the cargo area, keep the follow-
ing in mind:•
Load objects in the cargo area against the
backrest whenever possible.
•
Unstable loads can be secured to the load
anchoring eyelets with straps or web lash-
ings to help keep them from shifting.
•
Stop the engine and apply the parking
brake when loading or unloading long
objects. The gear selector can be knocked
out of position by long loads, which could
set the vehicle in motion.
WARNING
•
Stop the engine, put the gear selector in
P, and apply the parking brake when
loading or unloading long objects.
•
The vehicle's driving characteristics
may change depending on the weight
and distribution of the load.
•
A 44-pound (20 kg) object produces a
force of 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) in a
headon collision at 30 mph (50 km/h).
•
The cargo area and rear seat should not
be loaded to a level higher than 2 in.
(5 cm) below the upper edge of the rear
side windows. Objects placed higher
than this level could impede the func-
tion of the Volvo Inflatable Curtain.
Power tailgate (option)
G017876
Power tailgate closing buttonAutomatic openingThe power tailgate can be opened automati-
cally in the three ways:•
By pressing and holding the
but-
ton on the lighting panel, (see page 64) until
the tailgate begins to open.
•
By pressing and holding the
button
on the remote key (see page 64) until the
tailgate begins to open.
•
By pulling the outer handle on the tailgate.
The taillights illuminate automatically when the
automatic open function is used.

05 During your trip
Loading
05``203
CAUTION
Be sure that there is adequate space above
and behind the vehicle before opening the
tailgate automatically.
NOTE
If the tailgate has been opened and closed
continuously for more than 90 seconds, the
automatic function will be deactivated to
avoid overloading the electrical system. The
automatic function can be used again after
approximately 10 minutes.Automatic closingThe power tailgate can be closed by pressing
the
button on the tailgate (see the illus-
tration) or by pressing it down.
NOTE
If the tailgate is pressed down e.g., by the
weight of snow or strong wind, it will close
automatically.
WARNING
Be sure that no one is near the tailgate when
it is opened or closed automatically. The
tailgate should never be obstructed in any
way when it is operated.
Interrupting automatic opening/closingAutomatic opening or closing the tailgate can
be interrupted in four ways:•
By pressing the
button on the
lighting panel.
•
By pressing the
button on the
remote key for several seconds.
•
By pressing the button on the lower edge
of the tailgate.
•
By pulling the outer handle on the tailgate
a second time.
If one of these actions is taken:
•
While the tailgate is being opened, the
electrical function will be switched off and
the tailgate will be released from the elec-
trical system.
•
While the tailgate is being closed, it will
return to the fully open position.
Pinch protectionIf the tailgate is obstructed while it is being
operated, the pinch protection function is acti-
vated.•
If the tailgate is being opened, the electri-
cal function will be switched off and the
tailgate will be released from the electrical
system.
•
If the tailgate is being closed, it will move
in the opposite direction.
Operating the tailgate manuallyThe power tailgate can be disconnected from
the vehicle’s electrical system by quickly pull-
ing the outer handle twice. The tailgate can
then be opened/closed manually.Load anchoring eyelets
G000000G017741
The load anchoring eyelets on both sides of the
vehicle are used to fasten straps, etc., to help
anchor items in the cargo area.

05 During your tripLoading
05204
WARNING
•
Cover sharp edges on long loads to help
prevent injury to occupants. Secure the
load to help prevent shifting during sud-
den stops.
•
Always secure large and heavy objects
with a seat belt or cargo retaining
straps.
•
Always secure the load to help prevent
it from moving in the event of sudden
stops.
•
Switch off the engine, apply the parking
brake and put the gear selector in P
when loading and unloading the vehicle.
Cargo area floor rails and hooks
G018135
Load secured in upper and lower hooks
The floor of the cargo compartment has rails
on opposite sides of the vehicle equipped with
hooks for anchoring loads with straps, nets,
etc.Cleaning the railsDirt or other small objects that collect in the
rails can make moving, locking, unlocking, and
removing the hooks more difficult. Objects can
be removed from the rails with a vacuum
cleaner, and the rails can be cleaned with a
moist cloth.Moving the load anchoring hooks
G017742
To move a hook, fold it down in the direc-
tion in which its opening points.Press the hook down lightly and move it to
the desired position.
Fold up the hook. It will lock in place.NOTE
There should be at least 2 in. (50 cm)
between the hooks in the rail.
WARNING
Switch off the engine, apply the parking
brake and put the gear selector in P when
loading and unloading the vehicle.Removing a hook
G018134
The load-securing hooks can easily be
removed, for example, to clean the rail.
To remove a hook, fold it down in the direc-
tion in which its opening points.

05 During your trip
Loading
05``205
Press the hook down lightly and move the
it to an opening in the rail.Pull the hook straight up.
Replace a hook in the rail in the reverse order.NOTE
In order to return a removed hook into a rail,
it must be press down lightly.Reinserting a hook
G019581
Upper illustration: hooks correctly installed, Lower
illustration: hooks incorrectly installedIt is important to insert the hooks correctly in
the rails. The hooks' openings should point
away from each other.
•
The opening on the hook closest to the rear
seat backrest should point toward the
backrest.
•
The opening on the hook closest to the
tailgate should point toward the tailgate.WARNING
The hooks must be installed correctly in the
rail. Incorrectly installed hooks will be folded
down by the strap, allowing them to move.
The load will then no longer be securely
anchored.Straps for securing loads
G019397
Securing loads
Wrapping straps a full turn around the hooks
helps keep them in place.
NOTE
The straps should preferably be approxi-
mately 1 in. (25 mm) in width.Grocery bag holder
1 (option)
G017745
Grocery bag holder under the floor of the cargo
areaThe grocery bag holder holds shopping bags
in place.
1. Open the hatch in the floor of the cargo
area.
2. Secure the shopping bags with the strap.
1Available on certain markets only.

05 During your tripTowing a trailer
05210
IntroductionVolvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the vehi-
cle.
NOTE
See page 271 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 bump-
ers. 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 considera-
tion:
•
Increase tire pressure to recommended
full. See the tire inflation tables on pages
248 and 249.
•
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 watchedwhen driving in hot climates or hilly terrain.
Use a lower gear and turn off the air con-
ditioner 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 opera-
tion.
•
Hauling a trailer affects handling, durabil-
ity, 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 author-
ized Volvo retailer for correct installa-
tion.
•
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.

06 Maintenance and specifications
Hood and engine compartment
06
219 Opening and closing the hood
G021502G010951
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 hoodWARNING
Check that the hood locks properly when
closed.
Engine compartment, overview
G018945
The appearance of the engine compartment
may vary depending on engine model.
Coolant expansion tankPower steering fluid reservoirEngine oil dipstickRadiatorFiller cap for engine oilCover over brake fluid reservoirBatteryRelay and fuse boxWasher fluid reservoirAir 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 opera-
tions in the engine compartment.
The distributor ignition system operates at
very high voltages. Special safety precau-
tions must be followed to prevent injury.
Always turn the ignition off when:•
Replacing distributor ignition compo-
nents e.g. plugs, coil, etc.
•
Do not touch any part of the distributor
ignition system while the engine is run-
ning. This may result in unintended
movements and body injury.

06 Maintenance and specificationsReplacing bulbs
06224
IntroductionAll bulb specifications are listed on page 230.
The following bulbs should only be replaced by
a trained and qualified Volvo service techni-
cian:•
Dome lighting
•
Reading lights
•
Glove compartment lighting
•
Turn signals in the door mirror
•
Approach lighting in the door mirror
•
Brake/fog/taillights
•
Rear side parking lights
•
Active Bi-XenonŸ and LED bulbsNOTE
For information regarding any other bulbs
not mentioned in this section, please con-
tact your Volvo retailer or a trained and
authorized Volvo service technician.
WARNING
•
Active Bi-XenonŸ headlights (option) –
due to the high voltage used by these
headlights, these bulbs should only be
replaced by a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician.
•
Turn off the lights and remove the
remote key from the ignition before
changing any bulbs.
Headlight housing
G010479
G010325
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.
The entire headlight housing must be lifted out
when replacing all front bulbs (except for the
fog lights).