2011 VOLVO V50 engine coolant

Introduction
Important information
12
Bullet listsBullets are used to differentiate a number of
components/functions/points of information
that can be listed in random order.
For example:
•Coolant
•Engine oil
Continued
 This symbol can be found at the lower right
corner of an odd-numbered (right-hand) page
to indicate that the current topic is continued
on the following page.
Options and accessoriesOptional or accessory equipment described in
this manual is indicated by an asterisk.
Optional or accessory equipment may not be
available in all countries or markets. Please
note that some vehicles may be equipped dif-
ferently, depending on special legal require-
ments.
Contact your Volvo retailer for additional infor-
mation.
NOTE
•All information, illustrations and specifi-
cations contained in this manual are
based on the latest product information
available at the time of publication.
•Volvo reserves the right to make model
changes at any time, or to change spec-
ifications or design without notice and
without incurring obligation.
•Do not export your Volvo to another
country before investigating that coun-
try's applicable safety and emission
control requirements. In some cases it
may be difficult or impossible to comply
with these requirements. Modifications
to the emission control system(s) may
render your Volvo not certifiable for
legal operation in the U.S., Canada and
other countries.
WARNING
If your vehicle is involved in an accident,
unseen damage may affect its drivability
and safety.
WARNING
CALIFORNIA proposition 65
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
and certain vehicle components contain or
emit chemicals known to the state of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer, and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. In addition, certain
fluids contained in vehicles and certain
products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer, and birth defects or
other reproductive harm.
WARNING
Certain components of this vehicle such as
air bag modules, seat belt pretensioners,
adaptive steering columns, and button cell
batteries may contain Perchlorate material.
Special handling may apply for service or
vehicle end of life disposal.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.

06 Starting and driving
General information
06

139 Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure
all affect vehicle handling. Therefore, check
that the tires are inflated to the recommended
pressure according to the vehicle load. See the
"Tire pressure" section. Loads should be dis-
tributed so that capacity weight or maximum
permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
Driving through water
The vehicle can be driven through water up to
a depth of approximately 9 in. (25 cm), at a
maximum speed of 6 mph (10 km/h).
•Take particular care when driving through
flowing water.
•Clean the electrical connections for trailer
wiring after driving in mud or water
•When driving through water, maintain low
speed and do not stop in the water.
WARNING
After driving through water, press lightly on
the brake pedal to ensure that the brakes
are functioning normally. Water or mud can
make the brake linings slippery, resulting in
delayed braking effect.
CAUTION
•Engine damage will occur if water is
drawn into the air cleaner.
•If the vehicle is driven through water
deeper than 9 in. (25 cm), water may
enter the differential and the transmis-
sion. This reduces the oil's lubricating
capacity and may shorten the service
life of these components.
•Do not allow the vehicle to stand in
water up to the door sills longer than
absolutely necessary. This could result
in electrical malfunctions.
•If the engine has been stopped while the
car is in water, do not attempt to restart
the engine. Have the car towed out of
the water.
Cold weather precautions
If 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). See section "Coolant". The use of
"recycled" antifreeze is not approved byVolvo. Different types of antifreeze must
not be mixed.
•Volvo recommends using only genuine
Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.
Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty of Volvo
engine coolant to help protect your vehicle
during cold weather.
•Try to keep the fuel tank well filled – this
prevents the formation of condensation 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) improves
cold-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
1, 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 272 for more
information.
•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
1Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.

06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
06

161 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 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
Fluids09

219 Washer fluid
G026425
Washer fluid reservoir
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment and holds approximately
4.2 US qts (4 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
vehicle's cooling system.

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
Fuses09

233
Fuses in the engine compartment
G020250
1.Coolant fan (radiator)50A
2.Power steering80A
3.Feed to passenger com-
partment fuse box60A
4.Feed to passenger com-
partment fuse box60A
5.Element, climate unit80A
6.Not in use
7.ABS pump30A
8.ABS valves20A
9.Engine functions30A
10.Climate system blower40A
11.Headlight washers20A
12.Feed to heated rear window30A
13.Starter motor relay30A
14.Trailer connector (acces-
sory)40A
15.Not in use
16.Feed to audio system30A
17.Windshield wipers30A
18.Feed to passenger com-
partment fuse box40A
19.Not in use
20.Horn15A
21.Not in use
22.Not in use
23.Engine control module
(ECM)/transmission control
module (TCM)10A

11 Specifications
Fuel, oils, and fluids
11

271 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)
CoolantVolvo original coolant/antifreeze (50/50 mix-
ture of water and anti-freeze)10.5 US quarts (10 liters) – models with automatic
transmission
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)