03 Your driving environment
Starting the engine – Flexifuel
03
114* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
General information about starting
with Flexifuel
The engine is started in the same way as in a
petrol-engined car.
In the event of starting difficulties
If the engine does not start at the first start
attempt:
•Make further attempts to start with the
START/STOP ENGINE button.
If the engine still does not startThe outside temperature is lower than +5 °C:
1. Connect the engine block heater for at
least 1 hour.
2. Make further attempts to start with the
START/STOP ENGINE button.
IMPORTANT
If the engine does not start despite repeated
start attempts, you are recommended to
contact an authorised Volvo workshop.
Engine block heater*
Electrical input to the engine block heater.
When the temperature is expected to be lower
than –10 °C and the car has been refuelled with
bioethanol E85, an engine block heater should
be used for about 2 hours to facilitate the quick
starting of the engine.
The lower the temperature, the longer the time
required with the engine block heater. At
-20 °C the heater should be used for approx. 3
hours.
Cars intended for E85 have an electric engine
block heater*. Starting and driving with a pre-
heated engine involves significantly lower
emissions and reduced fuel consumption. For
this reason you should aim to use the engine
block heater throughout the winter months.
WARNING
The engine block heater is powered by high
voltage. Fault tracing and repair of an elec-
tric engine block heater and its electrical
connections must only be carried out by a
workshop - an authorised Volvo workshop
is recommended.
NOTE
Points to remember for carrying reserve
fuel:
•In the event of stalling due to an empty
fuel tank, bioethanol E85 from a reserve
fuel can may make the engine difficult
to start in extreme cold. This is avoided
by filling the reserve fuel can with 95
octane petrol.
For more information on Flexifuel's bioethanol
E 85 fuel, see page 275 and 363.
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06 During your journey
Fuel
06
275
IMPORTANT
•Always refuel with unleaded petrol so as
not to damage the catalytic converter.
•Do not use additives not recommended
by Volvo.
Bioethanol E85
Do not modify the fuel system or its compo-
nents, and do not replace components with
parts that are not specifically designed for use
with bioethanol.
WARNING
Methanol must not be used. A decal on the
inside of the fuel filler flap shows the correct
alternative fuel.
The use of components not designed for
bioethanol engines could cause fire, injury
or engine damage.
Reserve fuel canThe reserve fuel can should be filled with petrol,
see the NOTE box, page 114.
IMPORTANT
Make sure the reserve fuel can is securely
fastened and that its cap is sealed.
WARNING
Ethanol is sensitive to sparks, and explosive
gases could form in the reserve fuel can if it
is refuelled with ethanol.
Diesel
Only use diesel fuel from well-known produc-
ers. Never use diesel of dubious quality. Diesel
should fulfil the EN 590 or JIS K2204 stand-
ards. Diesel engines are sensitive to contami-
nants in the fuel, such as excessively high vol-
umes of sulphur particles for example.
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. Whenrefuelling, 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 that must not be used:
•Special additives
•Marine diesel fuel
•Heating oil
•FAME1 (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) and
vegetable 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
1Diesel fuel may contain a certain amount of FAME, but further amounts must not be added.
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