
06 Starting and driving
General information
06
142
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
the chapter "Wheels and tires."
•To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from
freezing, add washer solvents containing
antifreeze (see page 216 for the location of
the washer fluid reservoir). This is impor-
tant since dirt is often splashed on the
windshield during winter driving, requiring
the frequent use of the washers and wip-
ers. Volvo Washer Solvent should be dilu-
ted 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 solvent 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 using de-icing sprays as they can
cause damage to the locks.
Conserving electrical current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize
battery drain:
•When the engine is not running, avoid turn-
ing the ignition key to position II. Many
electrical systems (the audio system, the
optional navigation system, power win-
dows, etc) will function with the ignition key
in position I. This position reduces drain on
the battery.
•Please keep in mind that using systems,
accessories, etc that consume a great deal
of current when the engine is not running
could result in the battery being completely
drained. Driving or having the engine run-
ning for approximately 15 minutes will help
keep the battery charged.
•The optional 12 volt socket in the cargo
area (certain models only) provides electri-
cal current even with the ignition switched
off, which drains the battery.
NOTE
•If the ignition is switched on, a warning
message will be displayed in the text
window in the instrument panel when
the battery charge is low.
•An energy conserving function
designed into the vehicle's electrical
system will switch off certain functions
or reduce the load on the battery by,
e.g., reducing the audio system's vol-
ume.
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle
checked at a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician before driving long distances.
Your trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician 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 checked2.
•Check condition of drive belts.
2To 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.

06 Starting and driving
Starting the vehicle
06
148
To start the engine
WARNING
Before starting, check that the seat, steering
wheel and mirrors are adjusted properly.
Make sure the brake pedal can be
depressed completely. Adjust the seat if
necessary.
1. Fasten the seat belt.
2. Apply the parking brake if not already set.
The gear selector should be locked in the
Park (P) position (Shiftlock). See also page
154.
Manual transmission: The clutch must be
fully depressed.
NOTE
After a cold start, idle speed may be notice-
ably higher than normal for a short period.
This is done to help bring components in the
emission control system to their normal
operating temperature as quickly as possi-
ble, which enables them to control emis-
sions and help reduce the vehicle's impact
on the environment.
3. The vehicle is equipped with an autostart
feature. Without touching the throttle
pedal, turn the key to position III and
release it. The starter motor will then oper-
ate automatically (for up to ten seconds)
until the engine starts. If the engine fails to
start, repeat this step.
4. To release the gear selector from the Park
(P) position, the engine must be running (or
the ignition key must be in position II) and
the brake pedal must be depressed.
5. Select the desired gear. On models with an
automatic transmission, the gear engages
after a very slight delay, which is especially
noticeable when selecting R.NOTE
•Immobilizer: If two of the keys to your
vehicle are close together, e.g., on the
same key ring when you try to start the
vehicle, this could cause interference in
the immobilizer system and result in the
vehicle not starting. If this should occur,
remove one of the keys from the key
ring before trying to start the vehicle
again.
•Keylock: Models equipped an auto-
matic transmission have a keylock sys-
tem. When the engine is switched off,
the gear selector must be in the Park
(P) position before the key can be
removed from the ignition switch
1.
•When starting in cold weather, an auto-
matic transmission may shift up at
slightly higher engine speeds than nor-
mal until the automatic transmission
fluid reaches normal operating tem-
perature.
•Do not race a cold engine immediately
after starting. Oil flow may not reach
some lubrication points fast enough to
prevent engine damage.
1The optional keyless drive start control does not need to be removed from the ignition switch.

06 Starting and driving
Starting the vehicle
06
149
WARNING
•Volvo's floor mats are specially manu-
factured for your car. They must be
firmly secured in the clips on the floor so
that they cannot slide and become trap-
ped under the pedals on the driver's
side.
•Always place the gear selector in Park
(P) (manual transmission: first or reverse
gear) and apply the parking brake
before leaving the vehicle.and apply the
parking brake before leaving the vehi-
cle. Never leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running.
•Always open garage doors fully before
starting the engine inside a garage to
ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monox-
ide, which is invisible and odorless but
very poisonous.
CAUTION
Automatic transmission: The engine
should be idling when you move the gear
selector. Never accelerate until after you
feel the transmission engage! Accelerating
immediately after selecting a gear will cause
harsh engagement and premature trans-
mission wear. Selecting P or N when idling
at a standstill for prolonged periods of time
will help prevent overheating of the auto-
matic transmission fluid.

11 Specifications
Fuel, oils, and fluids
11
270
Specifications and capacities
CategorySpecificationCapacity
Fuel tankOctane rating: unleaded gasoline, minimum
octane requirement AKI 87, recommended rat-
ing AKI 91 or above.15.9 US gallons (60 liters)
Engine oil (with filter replacement)See page 272 for information on engine oil
specifications.6.1 US quarts (5.8 liters)
Automatic transmission oilJWS 33098.14 US quarts (7.7 liters)
Manual transmission oilBOT 350 M36-speed: 2.0 US quarts (1.9 liters)
CoolantVolvo original coolant/antifreeze (50/50 mix-
ture of water and anti-freeze)10.5 US quarts (10 liters) – models with automatic
transmission
10 US quarts (9.5 liters) – models with manual trans-
mission
Brake fluidDOT 4+ boiling point >536 °F (280 °C), P/N
94374330.63 US quarts (0.6 liters)
Power steering fluidWSS M2C204-A or equivalent1.3 US quarts (1.2 liters) – system and reservoir com-
bined
Washer fluid reservoirUse washer fluid solvent in cold weather con-
ditions.4.2 US qts (4 liters)
Air conditioning systemRefrigerant – R134a1.2 lbs. (530 grams)

11 Specifications
Fuel, oils, and fluids
11
271
NOTE
The transmission oil does not normally need
to be changed during the service life of the
vehicle. However, it may be necessary to
replace the oil if the vehicle is often driven
in areas of sustained temperature extremes
(hot or cold), when towing a trailer over long
distances, for prolonged driving in moun-
tainous areas, or if the vehicle is often driven
short distances in temperatures under 40 °F
(5 °C).

12 Index
12
282
1, 2, 3 ...
12-volt sockets.......................................... 63
A
A/C (air conditioning)................................. 92
ABS (anti-lock brake system).................. 156
Accessory installation warning.................. 15
Adaptive brake lights............................... 155
Airbags
front...................................................... 24
inflatable curtain................................... 33
side impact........................................... 31
Airbag system............................................ 24
Air conditioning.......................................... 92
Air distribution table................................. 101
Air vents..................................................... 94
Alarm system........................................... 134
turning off sensors.............................. 135
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................. 156
Approach lighting...................................... 84
Audio files................................................ 254Audio system
audio functions................................... 241
automatic sound control..................... 245
AUX port............................................. 241
compact disc care.............................. 255
Dolby Surround Pro Logic II............... 244
equalizer............................................. 244
HD digital radio................................... 248
menu settings..................................... 257
radio functions.................................... 246
selecting a sound source.................... 241
Sirius satellite radio............................250
sound settings.................................... 244
steering wheel keypad........................ 242
storing radio stations.......................... 246
USB/iPod Ÿ connector........................ 242
Auto-dim rearview mirror........................... 78
Autolock..................................................... 83
Automatic locking retractor....................... 39
Automatic sound control.........................245
Automatic transmission........................... 152
kickdown............................................ 153
oil........................................................ 270
shiftlock override................................ 154
Automatic transmission - Geartronic....... 153
AUX port.................................................. 241Axle weight......................................184, 269
B
Backrest, rear seat, folding...................... 116
Bass......................................................... 244
Battery
maintenance....................................... 222
remote key, replacing......................... 126
specifications...................................... 275
warning symbols................................. 222
Battery – replacing................................... 223
Black box................................................... 13
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)..... 166
Bluetooth cell phone connection............. 258
Booster cushion
accessory............................................. 46
Brake fluid........................................ 220, 270
Brake lights........................................ 65, 155
Brake system
anti-lock brakes (ABS)........................ 156
emergency brake assistance.............. 156
fluid..................................................... 220
general information............................. 155

12 Index
12
286
M
Maintenance............................................ 212
hoisting the vehicle............................. 213
performed by the owner.....................213
Manual climate control.............................. 95
Manual transmission................................ 151
Mirrors....................................................... 78
Model plate.............................................. 267
Moonroof................................................... 81
Motor oil........................................... 217, 272
checking............................................. 217
N
Net in cargo area..................................... 120
O
Occupant safety........................................ 18
Occupant weight sensor............................ 28
Octane recommendations.......................144Oil............................................................. 217
changing............................................. 217
checking............................................. 217
On Call Roadside Assistance.................. 280
Opening the hood.................................... 215
Owner maintenance................................. 213
P
Panel lighting, instrument.......................... 65
Park assist............................................... 170
Parking brake........................................... 158
Parking lights............................................. 64
Passenger’s side front airbag, disabling. . . 28
Periodic owner-performed maintenance. 213
Permissible axle weight........................... 184
Personal settings....................................... 83
Power door mirrors.................................... 79
Power front seat...................................... 108
memory function................................. 109
Power moonroof........................................ 81
Power steering fluid................................. 220
Power windows......................................... 77Pregnancy, using seat belts during........... 21
R
Radio
Sirius satellite radio............................250
Radio functions........................................ 246
HD digital radio................................... 248
Rain sensor - windshield wipers................ 74
Rear fog light............................................. 65
Rear park assist....................................... 170
Rear seat backrests, folding down.......... 116
Rearview mirror.......................................... 78
auto-dim function................................. 78
Rearview mirror with compass.................. 78
Recalls, child restraints.............................. 49
Refrigerant (A/C system).................... 92, 270
Refueling.................................................. 146
fuel tank volume.................................270
Registering child restraints........................ 49
Remote key.............................................. 124
battery replacement............................ 126
functions............................................. 125
key blade............................................ 126

12 Index
12
288
inflation pressure table, US models.... 179
load ratings......................................... 178
rotation............................................... 175
snow...................................................186
spare................................................... 187
spare tire (location)............................. 189
speed ratings...................................... 178
storing................................................. 175
studded............................................... 186
tire pressure monitoring system......... 199
tire sealing system.............................. 191
tread wear indicator............................ 176
uniform tire quality grading................. 185
winter driving...................................... 186
Tire sealing system.................................. 191
Top tether anchors (child restraint sys-
tems).......................................................... 48
Towing the vehicle................................... 161
Transmission
Geartronic........................................... 153
manual................................................151
shiftlock override................................ 154
Tread wear indicator................................ 176
Treble....................................................... 244
Trip computer............................................ 69
Trips, long distance................................. 142Turn signals............................................... 67
indicator lights...................................... 54
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading...................185
V
Vehicle dimensions.................................. 268
Vehicle Event Data..................................... 13
Vehicle loading........................................ 184
roof loads............................................ 165
Vehicle maintenance................................ 212
performed by the owner.....................213
Vehicle towing.........................................161
Vehicle weights........................................ 269
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)......... 267
Volvo and the environment........................ 14
Volvo maintenance.................................. 212
Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance........ 280
W
Warning flashers, hazard........................... 76
Warning symbol......................................... 56
Warranties................................................ 212
Washer fluid..................................... 219, 270
Washer fluid reservoir......................216, 219
Water, driving through............................. 141
Weights.................................................... 269
Wheel nuts............................................... 188
Wheels.....................................................174
changing............................................. 197
storing................................................. 175
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)....... 35
Windows
power.................................................... 77
Windshield washer fluid reservoir............216
Windshield wiper blades.......................... 221
Windshield wipers...................................... 73
rains sensor.......................................... 74
Winter tires............................................... 186
Wiper blades
replacing liftgate wiper....................... 221
replacing windshield wipers............... 221