05 During your trip
Driving recommendations
05
194
the ignition switched off, which drains the
battery.
•The optional 12 volt socket in the cargo
area provides electrical current even with
the ignition switched off, which drains the
battery.
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) improvescold-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 276 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 251.
•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
06 Maintenance and specifications
Engine oil
06
218
Checking the engine oil
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.
•See page 276 for oil specifications.
•Refer to the Warranty and Service Records
Information booklet for information on the
oil change intervals.
Volvo recommends Castrol oil products.
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.
•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 consump-
tion.
Checking and adding oil
G021734
Location of the filler cap and dipstick
NOTE
Before checking the oil:
•The car should be parked on a level sur-
face 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.
G021737
The oil level must be between the MIN and MAX
marks on the dipstick
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. 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 nec-
essary until the level is near the MAX mark.
06 Maintenance and specifications
Engine oil
06
219
WARNING
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 inter-
vals except at owner request and at addi-
tional charge. Please consult your Volvo
retailer.
06 Maintenance and specifications
Fluids
06
220
Coolant
Location of the 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.
See page 277 for information on cooling sys-
tem capacities.
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.
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
Location of the brake fluid reservoir
Checking the levelThe fluid reservoir is concealed under the
round cover at the rear of the engine compart-
ment. The round cover must be removed first
before the reservoir cap can be accessed.
06 Maintenance and specifications
Specifications
06
276
Engine oil
Engine oil must meet the minimum ILSAC
specification GF-4, API SL, or ACEA A1/B1.
Lower quality oils may not offer the same fuel
economy, engine performance, or engine pro-
tection.
Volvo recommends Castrol.
Depending on your driving habits, premium or
synthetic oils may provide superior fuel econ-
omy and engine protection. Consult your Volvo
retailer for recommendations on premium or
synthetic oils.
Oil additives must not be used.
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is
changed at the normal maintenance services.
This oil is only used at customer request, at
additional charge. Please consult your Volvo
retailer.
Oil viscosityIncorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life
under normal use. SAE 5W-30 will providegood fuel economy and engine protection. See
the viscosity chart.
G023491
Viscosity chart
Extreme engine operationSynthetic oils meeting SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40
and complying with oil quality requirements are
recommended for driving in areas of sustained
temperature extremes (hot or cold), when tow-
ing a trailer over long distances, and for pro-
longed driving in mountainous areas.
American Petroleum Institute (API)
symbol
G022917
The API Service Symbol "donut" is divided into
three parts:
•The upper section describes the oil's per-
formance level.
•The center identifies the oil's viscosity.
•The lower section indicates whether the oil
has demonstrated energy-conserving
properties in a standard test in comparison
to a reference oil.
07 Index
07
280
1, 2, 3 ...
12-volt sockets........................................ 189
A
ABS (anti-lock brake system).................. 110
Accessory installation warning.................. 10
Active chassis system.............................156
Active yaw control................................... 154
Adaptive cruise control.................... 165, 167
Airbags
disconnecting the front passenger’s
side.................................................24, 25
front...................................................... 20
inflatable curtain................................... 30
side impact........................................... 28
Air conditioning........................................ 127
Air distribution.......................................... 125
Air distribution table................................. 130
Air vents................................................... 125
All Wheel Drive......................................... 109
Anti-freeze.......................................194, 220Anti-lock brake system............................ 110
warning light......................................... 72
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................. 110
Approach lighting................................54, 90
Audio system
audio functions................................... 132
CD player/changer.............................. 142
HD digital radio................................... 136
overview.............................................. 131
radio functions.................................... 133
Sirius satellite radio............................139
sound settings.................................... 132
steering wheel keypad........................ 131
USB/iPod Ÿ connector........................ 134
Auto-dim rearview mirror........................... 97
Automatic locking retractor....................... 35
Automatic transmission
Geartronic........................................... 108
general description.....................107, 108
oil........................................................ 277
shiftlock override................................ 108
Axle weight.............................................. 249
B
Battery
changing............................................. 232
maintenance...............................231, 232
remote key, replacing........................... 57
specifications...................................... 278
warning symbols................................. 231
Black box.............................................9, 214
Blind Spot Information System
(BLIS)....................................... 183, 184, 185
Bluetooth cell phone connection............. 145
Booster cushion, integrated...................... 46
Booster cushions....................................... 42
Brake lights................................................ 87
Brake system
checking fluid level............................. 220
emergency brake assistance.............. 111
fluid..................................................... 277
general information............................. 110
Hill Descent Control............................ 112
warning light......................................... 74
Bulbs
cargo area lighting.............................. 227
footwell lighting................................... 227
headlights...........................222, 223, 224