2009 VOLVO XC90 service interval

02 Instruments and controls
Information display
0259
Message
Meaning
TIME FOR REGULAR SERVICE
This message will be displayed at 7,500 mile (12,000 km) intervals, after 750 hours of driving or after
12 months, whichever occurs first, to remind the driver that the service interval has been exceeded. The
message will be displayed for 2 minutes each time the vehicle is started until reset by a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician.
OIL LEVEL LOW – FILL OIL
A
Check the oil level and top up if necessary, see page 209.
OIL LEVEL LOW – STOP SAFELY
B
Stop as soon as possible and switch off the engine, check the oil level and top up if necessary, see
page 209.
OIL LEVEL LOW – STOP ENGINE
B
Stop as soon as possible and switch off the engine, check the oil level and top up if necessary, see
page 209.
OIL LEVEL LOW – SEE MANUAL
B
Stop as soon as possible and switch off the engine, check the oil level and top up if necessary, see
page 209.
DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF
The stability system's spin control function has been turned off, see page 145 for details.
AThe yellow warning symbol also lights up (see page 54).BThe red warning symbol also lights up (see page 54).

02 Instruments and controls
Left-side steering wheel lever
0267
time interval can be changed by a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician.

03 ClimateClimate control system – general information
0390
Condensation on the inside of the
windowsKeeping the insides of the windows clean will
help reduce the amount of condensation that
forms on the windows. Use a commercial win-
dow cleaning agent to clean the windows.Ice and snowAlways keep the air intake grille at the base of
the windshield free of snow.Cabin air filterReplace the cabin air filter with a new one at
the recommended intervals. Please refer to
your Warranty and Service Records Informa-
tion booklet, or consult a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for these intervals.
The filter should be replaced more often when
driving under dirty and dusty conditions. The
filter cannot be cleaned and therefore should
always be replaced with a new one.
SensorsThe sunlight sensor on the dashboard and pas-
senger compartment temperature sensor in
the ECC control panel should not be covered
in any way as this could cause incorrect infor-
mation to be sent to the ECC system.Parking the vehicle in warm weatherIf your vehicle has been parked in the sun in
warm weather, opening the windows and
moonroof (option) for several minutes before
driving will help release the warm air from the
passenger compartment. When the engine is
running, close the windows and moonroof and
use the recirculation function for several
minutes to enable the air conditioning to cool
the compartment as quickly as possible.Windows and optional moonroofThe ECC system will function best if the win-
dows and optional moonroof are closed. If you
drive with the moonroof open, we recommend
that you manually adjust the temperature and
blower control (the LED in the AUTO switch
should be off).
AccelerationThe air conditioning is momentarily disen-
gaged during full-throttle acceleration.Climate control maintenanceSpecial 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 tech-
nician.RefrigerantVolvo cares about the environment. The air
conditioning system in your vehicle contains a
CFC-free refrigerant – R134a (HFC134a). This
substance will not deplete the ozone layer. The
approximate amount of R134a contained in the
system is a follows:
6-cylinder engine
Single A/C system: 1.4 lbs (700 g)
Dual
1 A/C system: 2.2 lbs (1000 g)
8-cylinder engine
Single A/C system: 1.5 lbs (700 g)
Dual1 A/C system: 2.3 lbs (1050 g)
The system also uses PAG oil.
1Includes the optional rear A/C system

06 Starting and drivingEconomical driving
06136
Economical driving conserves natural
resourcesBetter driving economy may be obtained by
thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops
and adjusting the speed of your vehicle to
immediate traffic conditions. Observe the fol-
lowing rules:•
Bring the engine to normal operating tem-
perature as soon as possible by driving
with a light foot on the accelerator pedal for
the first few minutes of operation. A cold
engine uses more fuel and is subject to
increased wear.
•
Whenever possible, avoid using the vehicle
for driving short distances. This does not
allow the engine to reach normal operating
temperature.
•
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration
and hard braking.
•
Use the transmission's D (Drive) position
as often as possible and avoid using "kick-
down" to help improve fuel economy.
•
Do not exceed posted speed limits.
•
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra
load) in the vehicle.
•
Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire
pressure regularly (when tires are cold).
•
Remove snow tires when threat of snow or
ice has ended.
•
Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc,
increase air resistance and also fuel con-
sumption.
•
At highway driving speeds, fuel consump-
tion will be lower with the air conditioning
on and the windows closed than with the
air conditioning off and the windows open.
•
Using the onboard trip computer's fuel
consumption modes can help you learn
how to drive more economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage
are:
•
Dirty air cleaner
•
Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
•
Dragging brakes
•
Incorrect front end alignment.
Some of the above mentioned items and others
are checked at the standard Maintenance
Service intervals.CAUTION
Drive slowly and carefully if going through
standing water (i.e. flooded roadways, etc.).
Damage to the engine could result if excess
water is drawn in through the air intake sys-
tem. Never drive the vehicle in water deeper
than 18 inches (48 cm).

06 Starting and driving
Cold weather precautions
06
157
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). See section "Coolant".
•
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.
Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty of Volvo
engine coolant to protect your vehicle dur-
ing cold weather.
•
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled – this
prevents 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 decreas-
ing fuel consumption while the engine is
warming up. For winter use, 5W-30 oil, par-
ticularly the synthetic type
1, is recom-
mended. Be sure to use good quality oil but
do not use cold-weather oil for hard drivingor in warm weather. See section "Engine
oil" for more information.
•
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 antirust oil on
the battery posts.
•
Volvo recommends the use of snow tires
on all four wheels for winter driving – see
section "Wheels and tires."
•
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir
from freezing, add washer solvents con-
taining antifreeze (see page 211 for the
location of the washer fluid reservoir). 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 sol-
vent and 3 parts water
•
Down to 0 ° F (–18 ° C):1 part washer sol-
vent 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.NOTE
Avoid the use of de-icing sprays as they can
cause damage to the locks.W – Winter/Wet driving mode – enhanced
vehicle traction•
Mode W will only function if the gear selec-
tor is in the (D)rive position.
•
Press the button at the base of the gear
selector to engage/disengage this driving
mode.
•
An LED in the button will light up to indicate
that W is engaged and this will also be dis-
played in the instrument panel (see
page 54).
•
This mode may be selected for starting/
moving off on slippery roads.
1Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance service intervals except at owner request and at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.

08 Car careWashing and cleaning the vehicle
08194
Washing•
The vehicle should be washed at regular
intervals since dirt, dust, insects and tar
spots adhere to the paint and may cause
damage. It is particularly important to wash
the vehicle frequently in the wintertime to
prevent corrosion, when salt has been
used on the roads.
•
When washing the vehicle, do not expose
it to direct sunlight. Use lukewarm water to
soften the dirt before you wash with a
sponge, and plenty of water, to avoid
scratching.
•
Bird droppings: Remove from paintwork as
soon as possible. Otherwise the finish may
be permanently damaged.
•
A detergent can be used to facilitate the
softening of dirt and oil.
•
A water-soluble grease solvent may be
used in cases of sticky dirt. However, use
a wash place equipped with a drainage
separator.CAUTION
Chromed wheels: Clean chrome-plated
wheels using the same detergents used for
the body of the vehicle. Aggressive wheel
cleaning agents can permanently stain
chrome-plated wheels.
•
Dry the vehicle with a clean chamois and
remember to clean the drain holes in the
doors and rocker panels.
•
Tar spots can be removed with kerosene
or tar remover after the vehicle has been
washed.
•
A stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm soapy
water can be used to clean the wiper
blades. Frequent cleaning of the wind-
shield and wiper blades improves visibility
considerably and also helps prolong the
service life of the wiper blades.
•
Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheel
housings, fenders, etc.).
•
In areas of high industrial fallout, more fre-
quent washing is recommended.
•
After cleaning the engine, the spark plug
wells should be inspected for water and
blown dry if necessary.
Suitable detergentsSpecial vehicle washing detergents should be
used. A suitable mixture is about 2.5 fl. oz.
(8.5 cl) of detergent to 2.6 US gal. (10 liters) of
warm water. After washing with a detergent the
vehicle should be well rinsed with clean water.
CAUTION
•
When washing or steam cleaning the
engine, avoid spraying water or steam
directly on the electrical components or
toward the rear side of the engine.
•
Dirt, snow, etc., on the headlights can
reduce lighting capacity considerably.
Clean the headlights regularly, for
example when refueling.
•
During high pressure washing, the
spray mouthpiece must never be closer
to the vehicle than 13 " (30 cm). Do not
spray into the locks.
Special moonroof cautions:
•
Always close the moonroof and sun
shade before washing your vehicle.
•
Never use abrasive cleaning agents on
the moonroof.
•
Never use wax on the rubber seals
around the moonroof.
Exterior componentsVolvo recommends the use of special cleaning
products, available at your Volvo retailer, for
cleaning colored plastic, rubber, or ornamental
components such as chromed strips on the
exterior of your vehicle. The instructions for
using these products should be followed care-

09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil
09``209
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 56) 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 a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for more informa-
tion.Changing engine oil and oil filterSee page 208 for oil specifications and page
268 for oil volumes. Refer to the Warranty and
Service Records Information booklet for infor-
mation on the oil change intervals.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of oil
additives.
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. Please consult a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician.
Checking and adding oil
G030880
Location of dipstick (1) and oil filler cap (2)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.•
The vehicle 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•
Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint-
free rag.
•
Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check
the oil level.
•
Add oil if necessary. If the level is close to
theMIN mark, add approximately
1 US quart (1 liter) of oil.
•
Run the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•
Switch off the engine and wait for at least
10-15 minutes and recheck the oil level. If
necessary, add oil until the level is near the
mark.
•
Oil level should be between the MIN and
MAX marks on the dipstick.