2011 VOLVO V50 tow

08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the car
08
206
Upholstery care
FabricClean with soapy water or a detergent. For
more difficult spots caused by oil, ice cream,
shoe polish, grease, etc., use a clothing/fabric
stain remover. Consult your Volvo retailer.
Interior plastic componentsCleaning interior plastic components should
be done with a cleaning agent specially
designed for this purpose. Consult your Volvo
retailer.
Alcantera™ suede-like materialSuede-like upholstery can be cleaned with a
soft cloth and mild soap solution.
Leather careVolvo's leather upholstery is manufactured
with a protectant to repel soiling. Over time,
sunlight, grease and dirt can break down the
protection. Staining, cracking, scuffing, and
fading can result.
Volvo offers an easy-to-use, non-greasy
leather care kit formulated to clean and beau-
tify your vehicle's leather, and to renew the
protective qualities of its finish. The cleaner
removes dirt and oil buildup. The light cream
protectant restores a barrier against soil and
sunlight.Volvo also offers a special leather softener that
should be applied after the cleaner and pro-
tectant. It leaves leather soft and smooth, and
reduces friction between leather and other fin-
ishes in the vehicle.
Volvo recommends cleaning, protecting and
conditioning your vehicle's leather two to four
times a year. Ask your Volvo retailer about
Leather Care Kit 951 0251 and Leather Soft-
ener 943 7429.
Cleaning leather upholstery1. Pour leather cleaner on a damp sponge
and squeeze it until the cleaner foams.
2. Apply the foam to the stain by moving the
sponge with circular movements.
3. Dampen the stain thoroughly with the
sponge. Let the sponge absorb the stain,
do not rub.
4. Dry the stain with soft paper towels or a
towel, and allow the leather to dry com-
pletely.
Protecting leather upholstery1. Put a small amount of protectant cream on
a cloth and apply a thin coating of cream
to the upholstery with light circular move-
ments.
2. Allow the leather to dry for 20 minutes.This will help the leather resist staining and
protect against sunlight's harmful UV rays.
CAUTION
•Under no circumstances should gaso-
line, naphtha or similar cleaning agents
be used on the plastic or the leather
since these can cause damage.
•Take extra care when removing stains
such as ink or lipstick since the coloring
can spread.
•Use solvents sparingly. Too much sol-
vent can damage the seat padding.
•Start from the outside of the stain and
work toward the center.
•Sharp objects (e.g. pencils or pens in a
pocket) or Velcro fasteners on clothing
may damage the textile upholstery.
•Clothing that is not colorfast, such as
new jeans or suede garments, may stain
the upholstery.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Maintaining your car09

213 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
Fluids 09
220
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.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Wiper blades09
221 Replacing windshield wiper blades
G020330
1. Fold out the wiper arm.
2. Press the button on the wiper blade attach-
ment and pull straight out (1), parallel with
the wiper arm.
3. Press a new wiper blade (2) until it clicks
into place.
4. Ensure the blade is securely attached (3).
5. Fold in the wiper arm.
The wiper blades are different lengths. The
blade on the driver's side is longer than the one
on the passenger's side.
G020329
Tailgate wiper blade
G014732
1. Fold out the wiper arm.
2. Pull off the wiper blade from the attach-
ment, toward the window.
3. Press the new wiper blade securely into
place.
Fold in the wiper arm.
Keeping the windshield/tailgate window and
wiper blades clean helps improve visibility and
prolongs the service life of the wiper blades.
See page 204 for washing instructions.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Fuses09

235 Fuse box in the passenger compartment
G020601
The fuse box in the passenger compartment is
located under the glove compartment.
To access the fuses:
1. Remove the upholstery covering the fuse
box by first pressing in the center pins in
the mounting clips approximately 0.5 in
(1 cm) with a small screwdriver and then
pulling the pins out.
2. Turn both retaining screws (2) counter-
clockwise until they release.
3. Fold down the fuse box (3) half way. Pull it
toward the seat until it stops. Fold it down
completely. The fuse box can be unhooked
completely.
4. Replace the blown fuse.
5. Close the fuse box in reverse order.6. Pull the center pins fully out of the mount-
ing clips, secure the upholstery with the
mounting clips and press the pins into the
mounting clips again. The mounting clips
then expand, holding the upholstery in
position.

11 Specifications
Fuel, oils, and fluids
11
272
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).
Oil specifications
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.
Volume: 6.1 US qts (5.8 liters).
Volume between the MIN and MAX marks on
the dipstick: approximately 1.4 US qts (1.3 lit-
ers).
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 or a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician for recommendations on premium
or synthetic oils.
Oil additives must not be used.
NOTE
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is
changed at the normal service intervals.
This oil is only used at customer request, at
additional charge. Please consult a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician.
Oil viscosityIncorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life
under normal use. SAE 5W-30 will provide
good 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.

12 Index
12
284
DSTC, stability system............................ 156
E
Economical driving.................................. 138
Electrical current – conserving................ 140
Electrically operated moonroof.................. 82
Electrical system...................................... 275
Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD)........................................................ 153
Electronic Climate Control......................... 93
air distribution table............................ 101
Electronic Climate Control (ECC)............... 98
Emergency brake..................................... 155
Emergency locking retractor...................... 38
Emergency starting.................................. 160
Emergency towing................................... 158
Emission inspection readiness................ 213
Engine
specifications...................................... 273
starting................................................ 146
starting with keyless drive.................. 148
Engine compartment overview................216Engine oil................................................. 217
changing............................................. 217
checking............................................. 217
specifications...................................... 272
volumes.............................................. 271
Environment............................................... 14
Equalizer, audio system........................... 245
Eyelets for anchoring loads..................... 119
F
Federal Clean Air Act............................... 212
Flat tires
changing..................................... 190, 197
repairing with tire sealing system....... 192
Fluids and oils.......................................... 271
FM1/FM2 menu....................................... 246
Fog lights
front...................................................... 65
rear........................................................ 65
Front airbags.............................................. 24
disconnecting passenger’s side airbag 28
Front fog lights........................................... 65
Front seats............................................... 104
adjusting the head restraints.............. 107folding backrests................................ 104
manually operated.............................. 104
power.................................................. 105
Fuel filler door
unlocking.............................................. 66
Fuel gauge................................................. 54
Fuel requirements.................................... 142
Fuel tank volume.....................................271
Fuses, replacing......................................231G
Gasoline requirements............................. 142
Geartronic................................................ 150
Glossary of tire terminology..................... 183
Glove compartment................................. 112
locking................................................ 131
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)............184, 269
H
Hand brake (parking brake)..................... 155
Hazard warning flashers............................ 76

12 Index
12
288
changing from summer to winter........ 175
designations....................................... 181
glossary of terms................................ 183
improving economy............................ 174
inflation............................................... 177
inflation pressure, checking................ 177
inflation pressure table, Canadian mod-
els.......................................................180
inflation pressure table, US models.... 179
load ratings......................................... 178
rotation............................................... 175
snow...................................................187
spare................................................... 188
spare tire (location)............................. 190
speed ratings...................................... 178
storing................................................. 175
studded............................................... 187
tire pressure monitoring system......... 199
tire sealing system.............................. 192
tread wear indicator............................ 176
uniform tire quality grading................. 186
winter driving...................................... 187
Tire sealing system.................................. 192
Top tether anchors (child restraint sys-
tems).......................................................... 48
Towing a trailer........................................ 161
trailer hitch.......................................... 163Towing the vehicle................................... 158
Trailer hitch - detachable......................... 163
Trailer towing........................................... 161
Transmission
Geartronic........................................... 150
shiftlock override................................ 151
Tread wear indicator................................ 176
Treble....................................................... 244
Trip computer............................................ 69
Trips, long distance................................. 140
Turn signals............................................... 67
indicator lights...................................... 54
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading...................186
V
Vehicle dimensions.................................. 268
Vehicle Event Data..................................... 13
Vehicle loading........................................ 184
roof loads............................................ 164Vehicle maintenance................................ 212
performed by the owner.....................213
Vehicle towing.........................................158
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, 271
Washer fluid reservoir......................216, 219
Water, driving through............................. 139
Weights.................................................... 269
Wheel nuts............................................... 189
Wheels.....................................................174
changing............................................. 197
storing................................................. 175
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)....... 34