2010 VOLVO XC90 check engine light

06 Starting and driving
Before a long distance trip
06
159
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle
checked by a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician before driving long distances.
Your retailer or service technician 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.
•Check transmission oil level1.
•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 your Volvo retailer 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.
1To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your vehicle’s transmission fluid yourself. Have your vehicle’s transmission fluid level inspected by a qualified Volvo service technician.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Maintaining your vehicle09

203 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 vehicle is refueled
•Check the engine oil level
•Clean the windshield, windshield wipers,
headlights, and tail lights
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 vehicle, including the undercar-
riage, 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.
•Complete service information for qualified
technicians is available online for purchase
or subscription at www.volvote-
chinfo.com.
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.
How do states use OBD II for emission
inspections?
Many states connect a computer directly to a
vehicle's OBD II system. The inspector can
then read "faults." In some states, this type ofinspection has replaced the tailpipe emission
test.
How can my vehicle fail OBD II emission
inspection?
Your vehicle can fail OBD II emission inspec-
tion for any of the following reasons.
•If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit, your
vehicle may fail inspection.
•If your vehicle's Check Engine light was lit,
but went out without any action on your
part, OBD II will still have a recorded fault.
Your vehicle may pass or fail, depending
on the inspection practices in your area.
•If you had recent service that required dis-
connecting the battery, OBD II diagnostic
information may be incomplete and "not
ready" for inspection. A vehicle that is not
ready may fail inspection.
How can I prepare for my next OBD II
emission inspection?
•If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit – or
was lit but went out without service, have
your vehicle diagnosed and, if necessary,
serviced by a qualified Volvo technician.
•If you recently had service for a lit Check
Engine light, or if you had service that
required disconnecting the battery, a
period of driving is necessary to bring the
OBD II system to "ready" for inspection. A
half-hour trip of mixed stop-and-go/high-

09 Maintenance and servicing
Battery 09
214
Battery maintenance
The battery in your vehicle is located under the
floor of the cargo compartment.
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:
•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.
•To help keep the battery in good condition,
the vehicle should be driven for at least 15minutes a week or connected to a charger
with an automatic charging function.
•If the battery is fully discharged a number
of times, this may shorten its service life.
Keeping the battery fully charged helps
prolong its service life.
•The service life of a battery is affected by
factors such as driving conditions and cli-
mate. Extreme cold may also further
decrease the battery’s starting capacity.
•Because the battery’s starting capacity
decreases with time, it may be necessary
to recharge it if the vehicle is not driven for
an extended period of time or if the vehicle
is usually only driven short distances.
•
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.
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.
NOTE
Used batteries should be properly disposed
of at a recycling station or similar facility, or
taken to your Volvo retailer.

12 Index
12
280
1, 2, 3 ...
12-volt sockets.......................................... 75
A
A/C (air conditioning)...........................94, 95
ABS.......................................................... 145
Airbag system............................................ 20
Air cleaner................................................ 207
Air conditioning.......................................... 90
Air distribution...................................... 92, 95
Air quality sensor....................................... 94
Air vents..................................................... 92
Alarm........................................................ 127
All Wheel Drive......................................... 144
All Wheel Drive – towing.......................... 152
Anti-lock brake system
warning light......................................... 56
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................. 145
Ashtray..................................................... 110
Audio
system introduction............................ 238Audio system
HD digital radio................................... 246
Rear seat entertainment..................... 259
AUTO (climate control)......................... 95, 96
Automatic transmission........................... 140
Autostart..........................................135, 137
AUX (audio system).................................253
Average speed........................................... 71
AWD......................................................... 144
B
Bass......................................................... 241
Battery..................................................... 205
maintenance....................................... 214
specifications...................................... 275
Battery – replacing................................... 215
Belt check................................................ 206
Black box................................................... 11
Black Box (Vehicle Event Data)............... 202
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)..... 160
Blower (fan)................................................ 96Booster cushion
accessory............................................. 42
integrated.............................................. 47
Brake fluid................................................ 212
Brake system........................................... 145
Bulbs........................................................ 217
Bulbs, replacing....................................... 217
C
Capacities, fluids..................................... 270
Capacity weight....................................... 176
Cargo area cover..................................... 117
Cargo grid................................................ 116
Cargo net................................................. 114
Catalytic converter, three-way................. 277
CD Pause................................................. 255
Center console buttons............................. 60
Central locking system - remote key....... 121
Changing a wheel.................................... 182
Changing coolant....................................206
Charge air cooler..................................... 274
Check Engine warning light....................... 57