06 During your journey
Recommendations during driving
06
266
General
Economical drivingDriving economically means driving smoothly
while thinking ahead and adjusting your driving
style and speed to the prevailing conditions.
•Drive in the highest gear possible, adapted
to the current traffic situation and road -
lower engine speeds result in lower fuel
consumption.
•Avoid driving with open windows.
•Avoid sudden unnecessary acceleration
and heavy braking.
•Remove unnecessary items from the car -
the greater the load the higher the fuel con-
sumption.
•Use engine braking to slow down, when it
can take place without risk to other road
users.
•A roof load and ski box increase air resis-
tance, leading to higher fuel consumption
- remove the load carriers when not in use.
•Do not run the engine to operating tem-
perature at idling speed, but rather drive
with a light load as soon as possible - a
cold engine consumes more fuel than a
warm one.
•Cars with the D5 engine and 6-speed man-
ual transmission are started in 2nd gear
under normal conditions on level ground.For more information and further advice, see
the pages 12 and 355.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while moving,
such as downhill, this deactivates important
systems such as the power steering and
brake servo.
Driving in waterThe car can be driven through water at a maxi-
mum depth of 25 cm at a maximum speed of
10 km/h. Extra caution should be exercised
when passing through flowing water.
During driving in water, maintain a low speed
and do not stop the car. When the water has
been passed, depress the brake pedal lightly
and check that full brake function is achieved.
Water and mud for example can make the
brake linings wet resulting in delayed brake
function.
•Clean the electric contacts of the electric
engine block heater and trailer coupling
after driving in water and mud.
•Do not let the car stand with water over the
sills for any long period of time - this could
cause electrical malfunctions.
IMPORTANT
Engine damage can occur if water enters
the air filter.
In depths greater than 25 cm, water could
enter the transmission. This reduces the
lubricating ability of the oils and shortens
the service life of these systems.
In the event of the engine stalling in water,
do not try restart - tow the car from the water
to a workshop - an authorised Volvo work-
shop is recommended. Risk of engine
breakdown.
Engine, gearbox and cooling systemUnder special conditions, for example hard
driving in hilly terrain and hot climate, there is
a risk that the engine and drive system may
overheat - in particular with a heavy load.
For information about overheating when driv-
ing with a trailer, see page 278.
•Remove any auxiliary lamps from in front
of the grille when driving in hot climates.
•If the temperature in the engine's cooling
system is too high the instrument panel's
warning symbol is illuminated and there is
a text message displayed there
High
engine temp Stop safely - stop the car in
a safe way and allow the engine to run at
idling speed for several minutes to cool
down.
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06 During your journey
Recommendations during driving
06
267
•If the text message High engine temp
Stop engine or Coolant level low, Stop
engine is shown then the engine must be
switched off after stopping the car.
•In the event of overheating in the gearbox
a built-in protection function is activated
which, amongst other things, illuminates
the instrument panel's warning symbol and
there is a text message displayed there
Transmission hot Reduce speed orTransmission hot Stop safely - follow
the recommendation given and lower the
speed and stop the car in a safe way and
allow the engine to run at idling speed for
a few minutes to allow the gearbox to cool
down.
•If the car overheats, the air conditioning
may be switched off temporarily.
•Do not turn the engine off immediately you
stop after a hard drive.
NOTE
It is normal for the engine's cooling fan to
operate for a while after the engine has been
switched off.
Open tailgate
WARNING
Do not drive with the tailgate open. Toxic
exhaust fumes could be drawn into the car
through the cargo area.
Do not overload the batteryThe electrical functions in the car load the bat-
tery to varying degrees. Avoid using the key
position II when the engine is switched off.
Instead use the I mode - which uses less
power.
Also, be aware of different accessories that
load the electrical system. Do not use functions
which use a lot of power when the engine is
switched off. Examples of such functions are:
•ventilation fan
•windscreen wiper
•audio system (high volume)
•headlamps.
If the battery voltage is low the information dis-
play shows the text
Low battery Power save
mode. The energy-saving function then shuts
down certain functions or reduces certain
functions such as the ventilation fan and/or
audio system.
In which case, charge the battery by star-
ting the engine and then running it for atleast 15 minutes - battery charging is more
effective during driving than running the
engine at idling speed while stationary.
Before a long journey
•Check that the engine is working normally
and that fuel consumption is normal.
•Make sure that there are no leaks (fuel, oil
or other fluid).
•Check all bulbs and tyre tread depths.
•Carrying a warning triangle is a legal
requirement in certain countries.
Winter drivingCheck the following in particular before the
cold season:
•The engine coolant must contain at least
50% glycol. This mixture protects the
engine against frost erosion down to
approximately –35 °C. To achieve optimum
antifreeze protection, different types of gly-
col must not be mixed.
•The fuel tank must be kept filled to prevent
condensation.
•Engine oil viscosity is important. Oils with
lower viscosity (thinner oils) facilitate star-
ting in cold weather and also reduce fuel
consumption while the engine is cold. For
more information on suitable oils, see
page 351.
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06 During your journey
Fuel
06
271
IMPORTANT
•Always refuel with unleaded petrol so as
not to damage the catalytic converter.
•Do not use additives not recommended
by Volvo.
Diesel
Diesel must fulfil the EN 590 or JIS K2204
standards. Diesel engines are sensitive to con-
taminants, such as excessively high volumes
of sulphur particles for example. Only use die-
sel fuel from well-known producers. Never use
diesel of dubious quality.
At low temperatures (-6 °C to -40 °C), a paraffin
precipitate may form in the diesel fuel, which
may lead to ignition problems. Special diesel
fuel designed for low temperatures around
freezing point is available from the major oil
companies. This fuel is less viscous at low tem-
peratures and reduces the risk of paraffin pre-
cipitate.
The risk of condensation in the fuel tank is
reduced if the tank is kept well filled. When
refuelling, check that the area around the fuel
filler pipe is clean. Avoid spilling fuel onto the
paintwork. Wash off any spillage with deter-
gent and water.
IMPORTANT
Only ever use fuel that fulfils the European
diesel standard.
The sulphur content must be a maximum of
50 ppm.
IMPORTANT
Diesel type fuels which must not be used:
•Special additives
•Marine Diesel Fuel
•Fuel oil
•RME1 (Rape Methyl Ester) and vegeta-
ble oil.
These fuels do not fulfil the requirements in
accordance with Volvo recommendations
and generate increased wear and engine
damage that is not covered by the Volvo
warranty.
Empty tankThe design of the fuel system in a diesel engine
means that if the vehicle runs out of fuel, the
tank may need to be vented in the workshop in
order to restart the engine after fuelling.
Once the engine has stopped due to fuel star-
vation, the fuel system needs a few momentsto carry out a check. Do this before starting the
engine, once the fuel tank has been filled with
diesel:
1. Insert the remote control key in the ignition
switch and push it in to the end position
(see page 81).
2.
Press the START button without depress-
ing the brake and/or clutch pedal.
3. Wait approx. 1 minute.
4. To start the engine: Depress the brake and/
or clutch pedal and then press the
START button again.
Draining condensation from the fuel filterThe fuel filter separates condensation from the
fuel. Condensation can disrupt engine opera-
tion.
The fuel filter must be drained at the intervals
specified in the Service and Warranty Booklet
or if you suspect that the car has been filled
with contaminated fuel.
IMPORTANT
Certain special additives remove the water
separation in the fuel filter.
1Diesel fuel may contain a certain amount of RME, but further amounts must not be added.
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06 During your journey
Driving with a trailer
06
278* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
General
Payload depends on the car's kerb weight. The
total of the weight of the passengers and all
accessories, e.g. towbar, reduces the car's
payload by a corresponding weight. For more
detailed information on weights, see
page 347.
If the towing bracket is mounted by Volvo, then
the car is delivered with the necessary equip-
ment for driving with a trailer.
•The car's towing bracket must be of an
approved type.
•If the towbar is retrofitted, check with your
Volvo dealer that the car is fully equipped
for driving with a trailer.
•Distribute the load on the trailer so that the
weight on the towing bracket complies
with the specified maximum towball load.
•Increase the tyre pressure to the recom-
mended pressure for a full load. For tyre
pressure label location, see page 295.
•The engine is loaded more heavily than
usual when driving with a trailer.
•Do not tow a heavy trailer when the car is
brand new. Wait until it has been driven at
least 1000 km.
•The brakes are loaded much more than
usual on long and steep downhill slopes.
Downshift to a lower gear and adjust your
speed.
•For safety reasons, the maximum permit-
ted speed for the car when coupled with a
trailer should not be exceeded. Follow the
regulations in force for the permitted
speeds and weights.
•Maintain a low speed when driving with a
trailer up long, steep ascents.
•Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of
more than 12%.
Trailer cableAn adapter is required if the car's towing
bracket has 13 pin electrics and the trailer has
7 pin electrics. Use an adapter cable approved
by Volvo. Make sure the cable does not drag
on the ground.
Direction indicators and brake lights on
the trailer
If any of the trailer's lamps for direction indica-
tors are broken, then the combined instrument
panel's symbol for direction indicators flashes
faster than normal and the display shows the
text
Bulb fail - Ind. signal trailer.
If any of the trailer's lamps for the brake light
are broken then the
Bulb fail - Stop lamp
trailer text is shown.
Level control*The rear shock absorbers maintain a constant
height irrespective of the car's load (up to the
maximum permissible weight). When the car isstationary the rear of the car lowers slightly,
which is normal.
Trailer weightsFor information on Volvo's permitted trailer
weights, see page 348.
NOTE
The stated maximum permitted trailer
weights are those permitted by Volvo.
National vehicle regulations can further limit
trailer weights and speeds. Towbars can be
certified for higher towing weights than the
car can actually tow.
WARNING
Follow the stated recommendations for
trailer weights. Otherwise, the car and trailer
may be difficult to control in the event of
sudden movement and braking.
Manual gearbox
OverheatingWhen driving with a trailer in hilly terrain in a hot
climate there may be a risk of overheating.
•Do not run the engine at higher revolutions
than 4500 rpm (diesel engines: 3500 rpm)
- otherwise the oil temperature may
become too high.
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08 Maintenance and service
Engine compartment
08
306
General
Volvo service programmeTo keep the car as safe and reliable as possi-
ble, follow the Volvo service programme as
specified in the Service and Warranty Booklet.
Volvo recommends engaging an authorised
Volvo workshop to perform the service and
maintenance work. Volvo workshops have the
personnel, special tools and service literature
to guarantee the highest quality of service.
IMPORTANT
For the Volvo warranty to apply, check and
follow the instructions in the Service and
Warranty Booklet.
Check regularlyCheck the following oils and fluids at regular
intervals, e.g. when refuelling:
•Coolant
•Engine oil
•Power steering fluid
•Washer fluid
WARNING
Bear in mind that the radiator fan may start
automatically some time after the engine
has been switched off.
Always have the engine cleaned by a work-
shop. There is a risk of fire if the engine is
hot.
Raising the car
NOTE
Volvo recommends only using the jack that
belongs to the car model in question. If a
jack is selected other than the one recom-
mended by Volvo, follow the instructions for
use supplied with the equipment
If the car is raised with a workshop jack; posi-
tion the jack against the front edge on the
engine's subframe.
Do not damage the splashguard under the
engine. Ensure that the workshop jack is posi-
tioned so that the car cannot slide off the jack.
Always use axle stands or similar.
If you raise the car using a two-pillar workshop
lift, ensure that the front and rear lift arms are
fixed under the lifting points. See preceding
illustration.
Opening and closing the bonnet
The handle for bonnet opening is always on the
left-hand side.
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08 Maintenance and service
Engine compartment
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307
Turn the handle about 20-25 degrees
clockwise. You will hear when the catch
releases.
Move the catch to the left and open the
bonnet. (The catch hook is located
between the headlamp and grille, see illus-
tration.)
WARNING
Check that the bonnet locks properly when
closed.
Engine compartment, overview
The appearance of the engine compartment may
vary depending on engine variant.
Coolant expansion tank
Power steering fluid reservoir
Engine oil dipstick1
Radiator
Filler opening for engine oil
Brake and clutch fluid reservoir (left-hand
drive)
Battery
Relay and fuse box, engine compartment
Filling washer fluid
Air filter
WARNING
High voltage from the ignition system. The
voltage in the ignition system is highly dan-
gerous. The remote control key must always
be in 0 position when work is being done in
the engine compartment, see page 81.
Do not touch the spark plugs or ignition coil
when the remote control key is in II position
or when the engine is hot.
Checking the engine oil
Volvo recommends Castrol oil products.
1Engines with electronic oil level sensor have no dipstick (5-cyl. diesel).
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08 Maintenance and service
Engine compartment
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308
When driving under adverse conditions, see
page 350.
IMPORTANT
In order to fulfil the requirements for the
engine's service intervals all engines are
filled with a specially adapted synthetic
engine oil at the factory. The choice of oil
has been made very carefully with regard to
service life, starting characteristics, fuel
consumption and environmental impact.
An approved engine oil must be used in
order that the recommended service inter-
vals can be applied. Only use a prescribed
grade of oil for both filling and oil change,
otherwise you will risk affecting service life,
starting characteristics, fuel consumption
and environmental impact.
Volvo Car Corporation disclaims all war-
ranty liability if engine oil of the prescribed
grade and viscosity is not used.
Volvo uses different systems for warning of
low/high oil level or low/high oil pressure. Cer-
tain variants have an oil pressure sensor, and
then the lamp for oil pressure is used. Other
variants have an oil level sensor, and then the
driver is informed via the warning symbol in the
centre of the instrument unit as well as by dis-play texts. Certain models have both variants.
Contact a Volvo dealer for more information.
Change the engine oil in accordance with the
intervals specified in the Service and Warranty
Booklet.
Using oil of a higher than specified grade is
permitted. If the car is driven in adverse con-
ditions, Volvo recommends using an oil of a
higher grade than that specified on the decal,
see page 351.
For capacities, see page 351 and onwards.
Engine with oil dipstick2
G021734
Dipstick and filler pipe.
Checking the oil level in a new car is especially
important before the first scheduled oil change.Volvo recommends checking the oil level every
2 500 km. The most accurate measurements
are made on a cold engine before starting. The
measurement will be inaccurate if taken imme-
diately after the engine is switched off. The
dipstick will indicate that the level is too low
because the oil has not had time to flow down
into the oil sump.
G021737
The oil level must be between the MIN and MAX
marks.
Measurement and filling if required1. Ensure that the car is level. After switching
off the engine it is important to wait
5 minutes to allow the oil time to run back
to the sump.
2. Pull up and wipe the dipstick.
2Only applies to petrol and 4-cyl. diesel.
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08 Maintenance and service
Engine compartment
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309
3. Re-insert the dipstick.
4. Pull it out and check the level.
5.
If the level is close to MIN then 0.5 litres
should be added. If the level is significantly
below, then an additional amount is
required.
6. If required, check the level again, do it after
driving a short distance. Then repeat steps
1 - 4.
WARNING
Never fill above the MAX mark. The level
should never be above MAX or below MIN
as this could lead to engine damage.
WARNING
Do not spill oil onto the hot exhaust manifold
due to the risk of fire.
Engine with electronic oil level sensor3
Filler pipe.4
You do not need to take action with respect to
the engine oil level before a message is shown
in the display, see the illustration below.
Message and graph in the display.
Message
Engine oil level
WARNING
If the message Oil service required is
shown, visit a workshop. The oil level may
be too high.
IMPORTANT
In the event of the message Engine oil
level Fill with 0.5 l oil, only fill with 0.5 litres.
3Only applies to 5-cyl. diesel.4Engines with electronic oil level sensor have no dipstick (5-cyl. diesel).
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