2011 VOLVO XC90 tow

09 Maintenance and servicing
Maintaining your vehicle09

209 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
Engine oil 09
214
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.
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 maintenance serv-
ices. This oil is only used at customer
request, at additional charge. Please con-
sult 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
American Petroleum Institute (API) symbol
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.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids 09
218
WARNING
•Never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is warm. Wait until the vehicle
cools.
•If it is necessary to top up the coolant
when the engine is warm, unscrew the
expansion tank cap slowly so that the
overpressure dissipates.
Brake fluid reservoir
G000000
The brake fluid should always be above the
MIN mark on the side of the reservoir. Check,
without removing the cap, that there is suffi-
cient fluid in the reservoir.Fluid type: DOT 4+ boiling point >536 °F
(>280 °C), P/N 9437433.
Replace: Every second year or 30,000 miles
(48,000 km). The fluid should be replaced once
a year or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) when
driving under extremely hard conditions
(mountain driving, etc.).
Always entrust brake fluid changing to a
trained and qualified Volvo service 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 reservoir
FULL
ADD
G026991
The fluid level should always be between the
ADD and FULL marks.
Fluid type: Volvo synthetic power steering fluid
(Pentosin CHF 11S) P/N 1161529 or equiva-
lent.
Replace: No fluid change required.
If a problem should occur in the power steering
system or if the vehicle has no electrical 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.

11 Specifications
Fluids
11
283
CategorySpecification
Washer fluid reservoirUse washer fluid solvent in cold weather conditions 6.9 US quarts (6.5 lit-
ers)
Air conditioning systemRefrigerant – R134aB
AThe 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 mountainous areas, or if the vehicle is often driven short distances in temperatures under 40 °F
(5 °C).
BSee page 94 for volumes

12 Index
12
294
1, 2, 3 ...
12-volt sockets.......................................... 79
A
A/C (air conditioning)...........................98, 99
ABS.......................................................... 149
Accessory installation warning.................. 15
Airbag system............................................ 23
Air cleaner................................................ 213
Air conditioning.......................................... 94
Air distribution...................................... 96, 99
Air quality sensor....................................... 98
Air vents..................................................... 96
Alarm........................................................ 131
All Wheel Drive......................................... 148
All Wheel Drive – towing.......................... 157
Anti-lock brake system
warning light......................................... 60
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................. 149
Ashtray..................................................... 114Audio
system introduction............................ 244
Audio system
HD digital radio................................... 251
Rear seat entertainment..................... 270
Sirius satellite radio............................255
AUTO (climate control)....................... 99, 100
Automatic transmission........................... 144
Autostart..........................................139, 141
AUX (audio system).................................259
Average speed........................................... 75
AWD......................................................... 148
B
Bass......................................................... 247
Battery..................................................... 211
maintenance....................................... 220
specifications...................................... 287
Battery – replacing................................... 221
Belt check................................................ 212
Black box................................................... 13
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)..... 165
Blower (fan).............................................. 100Bluetooth cell phone connection............. 265
Booster cushion
accessory............................................. 46
integrated.............................................. 51
Brake fluid................................................ 218
Brake system........................................... 149
Bulbs........................................................ 223
Bulbs, replacing....................................... 223
C
Capacities, fluids..................................... 282
Capacity weight....................................... 182
Cargo area cover..................................... 121
Cargo grid................................................ 120
Cargo net................................................. 118
Catalytic converter, three-way................. 289
CD Pause................................................. 261
Cell phone, hands-free connection......... 265
Center console buttons............................. 64
Central locking system - remote key....... 125
Changing a wheel.................................... 193
Changing coolant....................................212

12 Index
12
299
inflation pressure tables..................... 177
load ratings......................................... 176
rotation............................................... 173
spare................................................... 185
speed ratings...................................... 176
storing................................................. 173
tire sealing system.............................. 186
tread wear indicator............................ 174
Tire sealing system.................................. 186
Towing a trailer........................................ 158
V8-engine........................................... 160
Towing - cars with All Wheel Drive.......... 157
Towing the vehicle................................... 156
Trailer hitch - detachable......................... 161
Trailer towing...................................158, 160
Transmission, automatic.......................... 144
Tread wear indicator................................ 174
Treble....................................................... 247
Trip computer............................................ 75
Trip odometer............................................ 58
Turn signals............................................... 70U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading...................183
Unlocking fuel filler door............................ 68
Unlocking the car..................................... 128
Unpaved roads, driving on...................... 143
V
V8 engine and trailer towing....................160
Vanity mirror............................................ 112
Vehicle dimensions.................................. 278
Vehicle Event Data..................................... 13
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)......... 277
Vehicle loading........................................ 182
Vehicle maintenance................................ 208
Vehicle weights........................................ 280
Ventilated seats......................................... 97
Volvo and the environment........................ 14
Volvo maintenance.................................. 208
Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance........ 292
W
Warning symbol......................................... 58
Warning symbol in center of dashboard.... 58
Warranties................................................ 208
Washer fluid reservoir......................213, 217
Washing the vehicle................................. 200
Water, driving through............................. 143
Waxing..................................................... 201
Weights.................................................... 280
Wheels.....................................................172
storing................................................. 173
Windshield
IR coating............................................. 73
Windshield washer fluid reservoir............217
Windshield wipers.................................... 219
Winter/Wet driving mode......................... 163
Wipers...................................................... 219
W – Winter............................................... 145