2011 VOLVO XC90 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.

02 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel
02
58
Instrument panel
G027133
Turn signal indicators – right/left
Text window – The text window displays
information and warning messages.
Temperature gauge – The pointer should
be approximately midway on the gauge
when driving. Do not drive the vehicle if
the warning light is on. The text window
will provide you with additional informa-
tion. If the engine temperature remains
high, check coolant level – see page 217.
Trip odometer – The trip odometers are
used for measuring shorter distances. The
right-hand digit gives tenth of a mile/kilo-
meter. Press the button for more than
2 seconds to reset. Change between tripodometers 1 and 2 using one short press
on the button. – The display presents infor-
mation and warning messages, the ambi-
ent temperature, and the clock, etc. When
the ambient temperature is between 23°
and 36 °F (–5° and +2 °C), a snowflake
symbol is shown in the display. This sym-
bol serves as a warning for possible slip-
pery road surfaces. Please note that this
symbol does not indicate a fault with your
car. At low speeds, or when the car is not
moving, the temperature readings may be
slightly higher than the actual ambient tem-
perature.
Odometer
Speedometer
Warning symbol
High beam indicator
Tachometer – The tachometer shows
engine speed in thousands of revolutions
per minute (rpm). Do not drive continuously
with the needle in the red area of the dial,
which indicates maximum allowable
engine rpm range. Instead, shift to a higher
gear or slow the vehicle down. The engine
management system will automatically
prevent excessively high engines speeds.
This will be noticeable as a pronounced
unevenness in engine speed.

06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
06

159
Points to keep in mind when towing a
trailer
•When towing trailers without brakes, the
maximum permissible trailer weight is
1,700 lbs (750 kg).
•If necessary, redistribute the weight of any
cargo in the trailer to avoid excessive
weight on the trailer hitch.
•The maximum trailer weight listed in the
table for All Wheel Drive models, 5,000 lbs
(2250 kg) is only applicable when there are
not more than two occupants in the vehi-
cle, in the front seats, with a combined
weight of 300 lbs (135 kg), with no other
cargo in the vehicle.
•The maximum weight listed for Front
Wheel Drive models, 4,000 lbs (1800 kg) is
only applicable when there are not more
than four occupants in the vehicle, in the
front seats and second row of seats, with
a combined weight of 600 lbs (270 kg), with
no other cargo in the vehicle.
•Vehicles used for towing a trailer on a reg-
ular basis, or for long-distance highway
towing should be equipped with an auto-
matic transmission oil cooler and Volvo's
automatic self-leveling system for the rear
suspension. Consult your Volvo retailer.
•Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the
vehicle.
•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.
•Increase tire pressure to recommended full
inflation pressure. See chapter "Wheels
and tires."
•When your vehicle is new, avoid towing
heavy trailers during the first 620 miles
(1,000 km).
•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 text window.
•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.
•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.
NOTE
•When parking the vehicle with a trailer
on a hill, apply the parking brake before
putting the gear selector in P. When
starting on a hill, put the gear selector in
D before releasing the parking brake.
Always follow the trailer manufacturer's
recommendations for wheel chocking.
•If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift
positions while towing a trailer, make
sure the gear you select does not put
too much strain on the engine (using too
high a gear).

06 Starting and driving
Cold weather precautions
06
163
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 by Volvo. 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 protect your vehicle dur-
ing 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 drivingor in warm weather. See section "Engine
oil" 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
more frequently and spray an antirust oil on
the battery posts.
•Volvo recommends the use of snow tires
on all four wheels for winter driving – see
section "Wheels and tires."
•To prevent the washer fluid reservoir
from freezing, add washer solvents con-
taining antifreeze (see page 217 for the
location of the washer fluid reservoir). This
is important since dirt is often splashed on
the windshield during winter driving,
requiring the frequent use of the washers
and wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent should
be diluted 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 sol-
vent 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 the use of de-icing sprays as they can
cause damage to the locks.
W – Winter/Wet driving mode – enhanced
vehicle traction
•Mode W will only function if the gear selec-
tor is in the (D)rive position.
•Press the button at the base of the gear
selector to engage/disengage this driving
mode.
•An LED in the button will light up to indicate
that W is engaged and this will also be dis-
played in the instrument panel (see
page 58).
•This mode may be selected for starting/
moving off on slippery roads.
1Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance service intervals except at owner request and at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.

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
Working on your vehicle 09
212
Belt check
Check the belt regularly to make sure it is in
good condition and is clean. A worn or dirty belt
can cause poor cooling and low alternator out-
put as well as impair the operation of the power
steering and the air conditioning unit.
NOTE
The drive belt is equipped with a self-ten-
sioning mechanism and requires no adjust-
ment between changes.
WARNING
The engine must not be running when this
check is performed.
Check coolant level
The cooling system must be filled with coolant
and not leak to operate at maximum efficiency.
Check the coolant level regularly. The level
should be between the MAX and MIN marks
on the expansion tank. The check should be
made with particular thoroughness when the
engine is new or when the cooling system has
been drained.
Do not remove the filler cap other than for top-
ping up with coolant. Frequent removal may
prevent coolant circulation between the engineand the expansion tank during engine warm up
and cooling.
Changing coolant
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.
Do not top off with water only. This reduces the
rust-protective and antifreeze qualities of the
coolant and has a lower boiling point. It can
also cause damage to the cooling system if it
should freeze. Top off with Volvo Genuine
Coolant/Antifreeze only (a 50/50 mix of water
and antifreeze.
CAUTION
The cooling system must always be kept
filled to the correct level. If it is not kept filled,
there can be high local temperatures in the
engine which could result in damage. Dif-
ferent types of antifreeze/coolant may not
be mixed.
WARNING
Never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is warm. Wait until the vehicle cools.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine compartment09
213
G027074
Brake fluid reservoir
Relay/fuse box
Air cleaner
Radiator
Dipstick-engine oil
Filler cap-engine oil
Washer fluid reservoir
Power steering fluid reservoir
Expansion tank-coolant
Data plate
Battery (under floor in rear cargo area)
WARNING
The cooling fan (located behind the radiator)
may start or continue to operate (for up to
6 minutes) after the engine has been
switched off.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids09

217 Washer fluid reservoir
G027097
Washer fluid reservoir
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment and holds approx.
6.8 US qts (6.5 liters).
When there is less than approximately 1 US qt
(1 liter) remaining in the reservoir, the washer
fluid spray will be directed to the windshield
only.
During cold weather, the reservoir should be
filled with windshield washer solvent contain-
ing antifreeze.
Changing coolant
G027087
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.