06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
06
164
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
215 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
Engine oil09
219 Changing engine oil and oil filter
See page 277 for oil specifications. Refer to
the Warranty and Service Records Information
booklet for information on the oil change inter-
vals.
NOTE
•Volvo does not recommend the use of
oil additives.
•Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is
changed at the normal maintenance
intervals except at owner request and at
additional charge. Please consult a
trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician.
Checking and adding oilThe oil level should be checked at regular inter-
vals, particularly during the period up to the
first scheduled maintenance service.
•The car should be parked on a level surface
when the oil is checked.
•If the engine is warm, wait for at least
10–15 minutes after the engine has been
switched off before checking the oil.
G020338
Location of dipstick and oil filler cap
Volvo recommends Castrol oil products
Checking the oil1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint-
free rag.
2. Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check
the oil level.
3. Add oil if necessary. If the level is close to
the MIN mark, add approximately
0.5 US quarts (0.5 liters) of oil.
4. Recheck the level and add more oil if nec-
essary until the level is near the MAX mark.
G020336
09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil 09
220
CAUTION
•Not checking the oil level regularly can
result in serious engine damage if the oil
level becomes too low.
•Oil that is lower than the specified qual-
ity can damage the engine.
•Always add oil of the same type and
viscosity as already used.
•Never fill oil above the MAX mark. This
could cause an increase in oil consump-
tion.
WARNING
Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into
contact with hot exhaust pipe surfaces
NOTE
Volvo uses different systems to indicate a
low oil level or pressure. Some models have
an oil pressure sensor, in which case a
warning symbol (see page 58) is used to
indicate low oil pressure. Other models have
an oil level sensor, in which case the driver
is alerted by the warning symbol in the cen-
ter of the instrument panel and a text in the
information display. Some models use both
systems. Contact an authorized Volvo
retailer for more information.
09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids09
221 Washer fluid
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
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
222
WARNING
•Never remove the expansion tank cap
while the engine is warm. Wait until the
engine 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
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.
12 Index
12
288
Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD)........................................................ 155
Electronic Climate Control......................... 89
air distribution table.............................. 95
Electronic Climate Control (ECC)............... 91
Emergency brake..................................... 157
Emergency locking retractor...................... 40
Emergency starting.................................. 163
Emergency towing................................... 160
Emission inspection readiness................ 215
Engine
specifications...................................... 278
starting................................................ 147
starting with keyless drive.................. 149
Engine compartment overview................218
Engine oil................................................. 219
changing............................................. 219
checking............................................. 219
specifications...................................... 277
volumes.............................................. 275
Environment............................................... 14
Equalizer, audio system........................... 249
Eyelets for anchoring loads..................... 118F
Federal Clean Air Act............................... 214
Flat tires
changing..................................... 196, 199
repairing with tire sealing system....... 189
Floor mats
cleaning.............................................. 209
placing correctly.........................147, 149
Fluids and oils.......................................... 275
FM1/FM2 menu....................................... 251
Fog lights
front...................................................... 66
rear........................................................ 66
Front airbags.............................................. 25
disconnecting passenger’s side airbag 29
Front fog lights........................................... 66
Front seats................................................. 98
accessing the rear seat........................ 98
adjusting the head restraints.............. 104
manually operated................................ 98
power.................................................. 102
Fuel filler door
opening manually................................. 67
unlocking.............................................. 66
Fuel gauge................................................. 54Fuel requirements.................................... 143
Fuel tank volume.....................................275
Fuses, replacing......................................234
G
Garage door opener
HomeLink® Wireless Control System. . . 83
Gasoline requirements............................. 143
Geartronic................................................ 152
Glossary of tire terminology..................... 184
Glove compartment................................. 114
locking................................................ 134
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)............185, 273
H
Hand brake (parking brake)..................... 157
Hazard warning flashers............................ 76
HD digital radio........................................ 253
Headlights.................................................. 64
Active Bending Lights........................... 64
changing bulbs................................... 226
12 Index
12
290
M
Maintenance............................................ 214
hoisting the vehicle............................. 215
performed by the owner.....................215
Mirrors....................................................... 78
Model plate.............................................. 271
Motor oil........................................... 219, 277
checking............................................. 219
O
Occupant safety........................................ 18
Occupant weight sensor............................ 29
Octane recommendations.......................143
Oil............................................................. 219
changing............................................. 219
checking............................................. 219
On Call Roadside Assistance.................. 284
Opening the hood.................................... 217
Opening the trunk from the inside........... 133
Owner maintenance................................. 215
P
Panel lighting, instrument.......................... 66
Park assist............................................... 172
Parking brake........................................... 157
Parking lights............................................. 66
Passenger’s side front airbag, disabling. . . 29
Periodic owner-performed maintenance. 215
Permissible axle weight........................... 185
Personal settings....................................... 81
Power door mirrors.................................... 79
Power front seat...................................... 102
memory function................................. 103
Power retractable hard top
introduction......................................... 106
messages........................................... 108
operating............................................. 108
trunk divider........................................ 107
wind blocker....................................... 110
Power steering fluid................................. 222
Power windows......................................... 77
Pregnancy, using seat belts during........... 22
Private locking......................................... 126
R
Radio
Sirius satellite radio............................255
Radio functions........................................ 251
HD digital radio................................... 253
Rain sensor - windshield wipers................ 75
Rear fog light............................................. 66
Rear park assist....................................... 172
Rearview mirror.......................................... 78
auto-dim function................................. 78
Rearview mirror with compass.................. 78
Recalls, child restraints.............................. 40
Recirculation (climate system)................... 92
Refrigerant (A/C system).................... 88, 275
Refueling.................................................. 145
fuel tank volume.................................275
Registering child restraints........................ 40
Remote key.............................................. 122
battery replacement............................ 124
functions............................................. 123
key blade............................................ 124
Replacing fuses....................................... 234