2012 VOLVO XC70 wipers

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
City Safety™
04
168
Limitations
The sensor used by City Safety™ is designed
to detect cars and other larger motor vehicles
ahead of your vehicle in both daylight and dark-
ness.
However, there are certain limitations and the
laser sensor’s function may be reduced by, for
example, heavy rain or snowfall, or by dense
fog or thick, blowing dust or snow. Condensa-
tion, dirt, ice or snow on the windshield may
also interfere with the sensor’s function.
Objects such as warning flags hanging from
long objects on the roof or accessories such as
auxiliary lights or protective arches on the front
of the vehicle that are higher than the hood may
also impede the sensor’s function.
Braking distance to the vehicle ahead increa-
ses on slippery road surfaces, which may
reduce City Safety’s capacity to avoid a colli-
sion. In situations like this, the DSTC system
(see page 148) will help provide the best pos-
sible braking capacity and stability.
City Safety™ emits infrared light and measures
the way in which the light is reflected. There-
fore, vehicles or objects with low-reflective sur-
faces may not be detected. Normally, the
license plate and taillight reflectors give the
rear section of a vehicle ahead sufficient reflec-
tive surfaces to be detected.NOTE
•Keep the windshield in front of the laser
sensor free of ice, snow, dirt, etc. See
page 167.
•Snow or ice on the hood deeper than
2 inches (5 cm) may obstruct the sen-
sor. Keep the hood free of ice and snow.
•Do not mount or in any way attach any-
thing on the windshield that could
obstruct the laser sensor.
Troubleshooting
If Windscreen Sensors blocked appears in
the information display, this indicates that the
City Safety™ laser sensor is obstructed in
some way and cannot detect vehicles ahead of
you, which means that the system is not func-
tioning.
However, this message will not be displayed in
all situations in which the sensor is obstructed.
For this reason, the driver must ensure that the
area of the windshield in front of the sensor is
always kept clean.
The following table shows some of the situa-
tions that can cause the message to be dis-
played and suggested actions.
CauseAction
The area of the
windshield in front of
the sensor is dirty or
covered by ice or
snow.Clean the wind-
shield or remove the
ice/snow.
The laser sensor's
field of view is
obstructed.Remove the
obstruction.
CAUTION
If a crack, scratch or stone chip should
occur in the section of the windshield in
front the laser sensor and covers an area of
approximately 1/50 x 1/10 in. (0.5 x 3 mm)
or larger, contact a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician to repair or replace
the windshield (see the illustration showing
the location of the sensor on page 167).
Failing to do so may result in reduced City
Safety™ functionality.
To help prevent reduced functionality,
please also observe the following:
•If the windshield is replaced, use the
same type or a windshield approved by
Volvo.
•When replacing windshield wipers, use
the same type or ones approved by
Volvo.

06 During your trip
Driving recommendations
06
264
the ignition switched off, which drains the
battery.
Before a long distance tripIt is always worthwhile to have your vehicle
checked by a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician before driving long distances.
Your retailer will also be able to supply you with
bulbs, fuses, spark plugs and wiper blades for
your use in the event that problems occur.
As a minimum, the following items should be
checked before any long trip:
•Check that engine runs smoothly and that
fuel consumption is normal.
•Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
•Have the transmission oil level checked.
•Check condition of drive belts.
•Check state of the battery's charge.
•Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as
well), and replace those that are worn.
Check tire pressures.
•The brakes, front wheel alignment, and
steering gear should be checked by a
trained and qualified Volvo service techni-
cian only.
•Check all lights, including high beams.
•Reflective warning triangles are legally
required in some states/provinces.
•Have a word with a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician if you intend to
drive in countries where it may be difficult
to obtain the correct fuel.
•Consider your destination. If you will be
driving through an area where snow or ice
are likely to occur, consider snow tires.
Cold weather precautionsIf 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). The use of "recycled" anti-
freeze 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.
•Try to keep the fuel tank well filled – this
helps prevent the formation of condensa-
tion 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, is recom-mended. Be sure to use good quality oil but
do not use cold-weather oil for hard driving
or in warm weather, see page 357 for more
information on engine oil.
NOTE
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is
changed at the normal maintenance inter-
vals except at owner request and at addi-
tional charge.
•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 anti-rust oil
on the battery posts.
•Volvo recommends the use of snow tires
on all four wheels for winter driving, see
page 300.
•To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from
freezing, add washer solvents containing
antifreeze. 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

08 Maintenance and specifications
Maintaining your car
08

317 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 your Volvo
retailer 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 pla-
ces 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.
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 of

08 Maintenance and specifications
Wiper blades and washer fluid
08

331 Wiper blades
The windshield wiper blades are different
lengths. The blade on the driver’s side is longer
than the one on the passenger side.
Service position
Wiper blades in service position
The wiper blades must be in the vertical (serv-
ice) position for replacement, washing or to lift
them away from the windshield when e.g.,
removing ice or snow. To put them in this posi-
tion:
1.
Switch off the ignition (ignition mode 0, see
page 82) and keep the remote key in the
ignition slot
1.2. Move the right steering wheel lever up and
hold it for at least 1 second. The wipers will
then move to the vertical position on the
windshield.
The wipers can be returned to the normal posi-
tion by briefly switching on the ignition (or by
starting the engine).
Replacing the windshield wiper blades
With the wipers in the service position, fold
out the wiper arm from the windshield.
Press the button on the wiper blade attach-
ment and pull the wiper blade straight out,
parallel with the wiper arm.
Slide in the new wiper blade until it clicks
into place.
Check that the blade is securely in place.
CleaningKeeping the windshield and wiper blades clean
helps improve visibility and prolongs the serv-
ice life of the wiper blades. Clean the wiper
blades with a stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm
soap solution or car washing detergent.
1Does not apply to vehicles with the optional keyless drive.

08 Maintenance and specifications
Fuses
08
338* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Engine compartment, upper
Engine compartment, front
Engine compartment, lower
PositionsThese fuses are all located in the engine com-
partment box. Fuses in
are located under
.
NOTE
•Fuses 16 – 33 and 35 – 41 may be
changed at any time when necessary.
•Fuses 1 – 15, 34 and 42 – 44 are relays/
circuit breakers and should only be
removed or replaced by a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician.
•There is a special fuse removal tool on
the underside of the cover.
PosFunctionA
Circuit breaker50
Circuit breaker50
Circuit breaker60
Circuit breaker60
PosFunctionA
Circuit breaker60
–
–
Headlight washers*20
Windshield wipers30
–
Climate system blower40
–
ABS pump40
ABS valves20
–
Active Bending Lights-
headlight leveling*10
Central electrical module20
ABS5
Speed-dependent steering
force*5
PosFunctionA
Engine Control Module
(ECM), transmission, SRS10
Heated washer nozzles*10
-
Lighting panel5
-
-
-
Relay - engine compart-
ment box5
Auxiliary lights*20
Horn15
Engine Control Module
(ECM)10
Automatic transmission
control module15
A/C compressor15
Coils-A/C compressor5

08 Maintenance and specifications
Vehicle care
08

345
not have facilities for washing the under-
body.
CAUTION
•Before driving into an automatic car
wash, turn off the optional rain sensor to
avoid damaging the windshield wipers.
•Make sure that side view mirrors, auxil-
iary lamps, etc, are secure, and that any
antenna(s) are retracted or removed.
Otherwise there is risk of the machine
dislodging them.
•Chromed wheels: Clean chrome-
plated wheels using the same deter-
gents used for the body of the vehicle.
Aggressive wheel-cleaning agents can
permanently stain chrome-plated
wheels.
WARNING
•When the vehicle is driven immediately
after being washed, apply the brakes,
including the parking brake, several
times in order to remove any moisture
from the brake linings.
•Engine cleaning agents should not be
used when the engine is warm. This
constitutes a fire risk.
Exterior lightingCondensation may form temporarily on the
inside of the lenses of exterior lights such as
headlights, fog lights, or taillights. This is nor-
mal and the lights are designed to withstand
moisture. Normally, condensation will dissi-
pate after the lights have been on for a short
time.
Polishing and waxing
•Normally, polishing is not required during
the first year after delivery, however, wax-
ing may be beneficial.
•Before applying polish or wax the vehicle
must be washed and dried. Tar spots can
be removed with kerosene or tar remover.
Difficult spots may require a fine rubbing
compound.
•After polishing use liquid or paste wax.
•Several commercially available products
contain both polish and wax.
•Waxing alone does not substitute for pol-
ishing a dull surface.
•A wide range of polymer-based waxes can
be purchased today. These waxes are easy
to use and produce a long-lasting, high-
gloss finish that protects the bodywork
against oxidation, road dirt and fading.
•Do not polish or wax your vehicle in direct
sunlight (the surface of the vehicle should
not be warmer than 113 °F (45 °C).
CAUTION
Volvo does not recommend the use of long-
life or durable paint protection coatings,
some of which may claim to prevent pitting,
fading, oxidation, etc. These coatings have
not been tested by Volvo for compatibility
with your vehicle's clear coat. Some of them
may cause the clear coat to soften, crack,
or cloud. Damage caused by application of
paint protection coatings may not be cov-
ered under your vehicle's paint warranty.
Cleaning the interior
Only use cleaning agents and car care prod-
ucts recommended by Volvo. Clean regularly
and follow the instructions included with the
car care product.
Upholstery care
Fabric
Clean with soapy water or a detergent. For
more difficult spots caused by oil, ice cream,
shoe polish, grease, etc., use a clothing/fabric
stain remover. Consult your Volvo retailer.
AlcanteraTM suede-like materialSuede-like upholstery can be cleaned with a
soft cloth and mild soap solution.

10 Index
10
373
T
Tailgate
driving with it open.............................262
locking/unlocking.................................. 66
power operated.................................. 271
wiper/washer........................................ 99
Tailgate wipers......................................... 332
Taillights, changing bulbs........................ 328
Temporary spare tire............................... 301
Three-way catalytic converter................. 269
Tire designations.....................................294
Tire inflation pressure..............................293
Tire Pressure Monitoring System....311, 312
indicator light........................................ 77
Tires.........................................................288
age...................................................... 288
changing from summer to winter........ 289
glossary of terms................................ 296
improving economy............................ 288
inflation pressure................................ 291
inflation pressure table.......................293
load ratings......................................... 292
rotation............................................... 289
snow...................................................300
spare................................................... 301specifications...................................... 292
speed ratings...................................... 292
storing................................................. 289
studded............................................... 300
tire pressure monitoring system......... 311
tread wear indicator............................ 290
uniform tire quality grading................. 299
Top tether anchors (child restraint sys-
tems).......................................................... 47
Touching up paint.................................... 347
Towing a trailer................................280, 281
trailer hitch.......................................... 281
Towing the vehicle........................... 283, 284
Traction control........................................ 148
Trailer towing...................................280, 281
trailer hitch.......................................... 281
Transmission
general description.....................115, 116
oil........................................................ 359
shiftlock override................................ 116
Tread wear indicator................................ 290
Trip computer.......................................... 146
Trip odometers.......................................... 80
Trips, long distance................................. 264Turn signals............................................... 95
changing bulbs................................... 327
indicator lights...................................... 77
Two-stage booster cushion....................... 48
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading...................299
Unlocking the tailgate................................ 66
Unlocking the vehicle..........................56, 65
Upholstery care....................................... 345
V
Vanity mirror............................................ 199
changing bulbs................................... 329
Vehicle dimensions
XC70................................................... 354
Vehicle Event Data..................................... 11
Vehicle loading................................271, 297
roof loads............................................ 275
Vehicle maintenance................................ 316
performed by the owner.....................317
Vehicle weights........................................ 355

10 Index
10
374
Ventilated seats....................................... 140
Voice control
cell phones......................................... 241
Volvo and the environment........................ 12
Volvo maintenance.................................. 316
Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance........ 364
Volvo programs.......................................364
Volvo Sensus........................................... 128
W
Warning flashers, hazard........................... 95
Warning lights.......................... 75, 76, 77, 78
Warning symbol......................................... 79
Warning system, collision................171, 172
Warranties................................................ 316
Washer fluid..................................... 332, 359
Washers
headlight............................................... 99
windshield............................................. 98
Water, driving through............................. 263
Waxing..................................................... 345
Weights.................................................... 355Wheels.....................................................288
changing............................................. 308
storing................................................. 289
Whiplash Protection System..................... 33
Windows
power.................................................. 101
Windshield
IR coating........................................... 100
rain sensor............................................ 98
washers................................................ 99
wipers/washers..................................... 98
Windshield washer fluid................... 332, 359
Windshield wipers.................................... 331
Wiper blades
replacing tailgate wiper...................... 332
replacing windshield wipers............... 331