06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
06
158
General information
•Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the
vehicle.
Maximum trailer weights recommended by
Volvo are:
•Trailers without brakes: 1,540 lbs
(700 kg).
•Trailers with brakes: 2,000 lbs (900 kg)
Observe the legal requirements of the
state/province in which the vehicles are
registered.
•The maximum recommended hitch
tongue load is 165 lbs (75 kg).
•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 chapter "Wheels and tires."
•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 watched
when 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 information display.
•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's
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 trained
and qualified Volvo service technician
for correct installation.
•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.
09 Maintenance and servicing
Maintaining your car 09
210
Owner maintenance
Periodic maintenance requirements and inter-
vals are described in your vehicle's Warranty
and Service Records Information booklet.
The following points can be carried out
between the normally scheduled maintenance
services.
Each time the car is refueled:
•Check the engine oil level.
•Clean the windshield, windshield wipers,
headlights, and taillights.
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 cor-
rosion. Corrosion may indicate a loose ter-
minal connector, or a battery near the end
of its useful service life. Consult a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician 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.
Hoisting the vehicle
If a garage jack is used to lift the vehicle, the
two jack attachments points should be used.
They are specially reinforced to bear the weight
of the vehicle. A garage jack can also be placed
under the front of the engine support frame.
Take care not to damage the splash guard
under the engine. Ensure that the jack is posi-
tioned so that the vehicle cannot slide off it.
Always use axle stands or similar structures.
If a two-post hoist is used to lift the vehicle, the
front and rear lift arm pads should be centered
under the reinforced lift plates on the inboard
edge of the sill rail (see illustration).
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 diagnos-
tic 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.
09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil 09
214
Changing engine oil and oil filter
See page 271 for oil specifications. Refer to
the Warranty and Service Records Information
booklet for information on the oil change inter-
vals.
Volvo recommends Castrol.
NOTE
•Volvo does not recommend the use of
oil additives.
•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 a
trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician.
Checking and adding oilThe 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 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.
G020338
Location of dipstick and oil filler cap
Checking the oil1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint-
free rag.
2. Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check
the oil level.
3. Add oil if necessary. If the level is close to
the MIN mark, add approximately
1 US quart (1 liter) of oil.
4. Run the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
5. 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
MAX mark.
G020336
CAUTION
•Not checking the oil level regularly can
result in serious engine damage if the oil
level becomes too low.
•Oil that is lower than the specified qual-
ity can damage the engine.
•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 consump-
tion.
09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids 09
216
Washer fluid
G026425
Washer fluid reservoir
The 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 reservoir
Normally, 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
Fluids09
217
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 reservoir
The 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.
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.
•Dot 4+ should never be mixed with any
other type of brake fluid.
Power steering fluid
The 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.
12 Index
12
280
Electrical system...................................... 274
Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD)........................................................ 151
Electronic Climate Control
air distribution table.............................. 88
Electronic Climate Control (ECC)............... 85
Emergency brake....................................... 70
Emergency locking retractor...................... 34
Emergency starting.................................. 157
Emergency towing................................... 154
Emission inspection readiness................ 210
Engine
specifications...................................... 272
starting................................................ 143
starting with keyless drive.................. 145
Engine compartment overview................213
Engine oil................................................. 214
changing............................................. 214
checking............................................. 214
specifications...................................... 271
volumes.............................................. 269
Equalizer, audio system........................... 241
Eyelets for anchoring loads..................... 114F
Federal Clean Air Act............................... 208
Flat tires
changing............................................. 188
repairing with tire sealing system....... 190
Fluids and oils.......................................... 269
FM1/FM2 menu....................................... 243
Fog lights
front...................................................... 59
rear........................................................ 60
Front airbags.............................................. 22
disconnecting passenger’s side airbag 26
Front fog lights........................................... 59
Front park assist...................................... 166
Front seats................................................. 92
accessing the rear seat........................ 92
adjusting the head restraints................ 98
manually operated................................ 92
power.................................................... 96
Fuel filler door
opening manually................................. 60
unlocking.............................................. 60
Fuel gauge................................................. 49
Fuel requirements.................................... 139Fuel tank volume.....................................269
Fuses, replacing......................................228
G
Gasoline requirements............................. 139
Geartronic................................................ 148
Glossary of tire terminology..................... 181
Glove compartment................................. 109
locking................................................ 129
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)............182, 267
H
Hand brake (parking brake)....................... 70
Hazard warning flashers............................ 69
HD digital radio........................................ 245
Headlights.................................................. 59
changing bulbs................................... 221
high and low beams............................. 61
high beam flash.................................... 61
Headlight washers..................................... 67
High beam flash......................................... 61
12 Index
12
281
High beams................................................ 61
Hoisting the vehicle.................................210
Home safe lighting............................... 61, 76
Hood, opening......................................... 212
I
Ignition switch.......................................... 142
Immobilizer.............................................. 143
Immobilizer (start inhibitor)...................... 118
Indicator and warning symbols............ 49, 51
Inflatable Curtain........................................ 30
Inflation pressure..................................... 175
Inflation pressure, checking..................... 176
Inflation pressure table
Canadian models................................ 178
US models.......................................... 177
Information display..............................49, 56
messages in.......................................... 56
Information symbol.................................... 51
Inspection, preparing for......................... 210
Inspection readiness................................ 210
Instrument overview.................................. 46Instrument panel.................................. 46, 49
Instrument panel lighting........................... 60
Interior lighting......................................... 106
iPod Ÿ connector (audio system)............. 239
ISOFIX/LATCH anchors............................. 42J
Jacket hanger.......................................... 109
Jump starting........................................... 157
K
Key (ignition switch) positions................. 142
Key blade.........................................120, 125
Keyless drive
location of antennas (pacemaker warn-
ing)...................................................... 126
locking and unlocking the vehicle...... 124
power seat memory............................ 125
starting the engine.............................. 145
Keylock.................................................... 143
Kickdown.................................................148
L
Label information..................................... 264
LATCH (ISOFIX) anchors........................... 42
Lighting panel............................................ 59
Load anchoring eyelets...........................114
Locking
from the inside.................................... 128
glove compartment............................. 129
Locking the vehicle.................................. 124
Long distance trips.................................. 138
Long loads, ski hatch............................... 115
Lug nuts (wheel nuts)............................... 187
M
Maintenance............................................ 208
hoisting the vehicle............................. 210
performed by the owner.....................210
Manual transmission................................ 146
Mirrors....................................................... 72
Model plate.............................................. 265
Motor oil........................................... 214, 271
checking............................................. 214
12 Index
12
282
O
Occupant safety........................................ 16
Occupant weight sensor............................ 26
Octane recommendations.......................139
Oil............................................................. 214
changing............................................. 214
checking............................................. 214
On Call Roadside Assistance.................. 277
Opening the hood.................................... 212
Opening the trunk from the inside........... 129
Owner maintenance................................. 210
P
Panel lighting, instrument.......................... 60
Park assist............................................... 166
Parking brake............................................. 70
Parking lights............................................. 59
Passenger’s side front airbag, disabling. . . 26
Periodic owner-performed maintenance. 210
Permissible axle weight........................... 182
Personal settings....................................... 75Power door mirrors.................................... 73
Power front seat........................................ 96
memory function................................... 97
Power retractable hard top
cover................................................... 104
introduction......................................... 100
messages........................................... 102
operating............................................. 102
trunk divider........................................ 101
wind blocker....................................... 104
Power steering fluid................................. 217
Power windows......................................... 71
Pregnancy, using seat belts during........... 19
Private locking......................................... 122R
Radio
Sirius satellite radio............................247
Radio functions........................................ 243
HD digital radio................................... 245
Rain sensor - windshield wipers................ 68
Rear fog light............................................. 60
Rear park assist....................................... 166Rearview mirror.......................................... 72
auto-dim function................................. 72
Rearview mirror with compass.................. 72
Recalls, child restraints.............................. 43
Refrigerant (A/C system).................... 82, 269
Refueling.................................................. 141
fuel tank volume.................................269
Registering child restraints........................ 43
Remote key.............................................. 118
battery replacement............................ 119
functions............................................. 118
key blade............................................ 120
Replacing fuses....................................... 228
Reporting safety defects
Canada................................................. 17
USA....................................................... 16
Roll-over protection system (ROPS).......... 31
S
Safety, occupant........................................ 16
Safety defects, reporting
Canada................................................. 17
USA....................................................... 16