2012 VOLVO XC90 Owner´s Manual

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
Maintaining your vehicle 09
210
way driving is typically needed to allow
OBD II to reach readiness. Your Volvo
retailer can provide you with more infor-
mation on planning a trip.
•Maintain your vehicle in accordance with
your vehicle's maintenance schedule.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Working on your vehicle09

211
Note the following before you begin working
on your vehicle:
Battery
•Ensure that the battery cables are correctly
connected and tightened.
•Never disconnect the battery when the
engine is running (e.g., when replacing the
battery).
•Never use a fast charger to charge the bat-
tery. The battery cables should be discon-
nected when recharging.
•The battery contains acid that is both cor-
rosive and poisonous. It is important that
the battery is handled in an environmen-
tally friendly way. See page 220 for more
information on handling the battery.
Hoisting the vehicle
G027001
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 (see the illustration). A garage
jack can also be placed under the front of the
engine support frame. Take care not to dam-
age the splash guard under the engine. Ensure
that the jack is positioned so that the vehicle
cannot slide off it. Always use axle stands or
similar structures. The vehicle's gross vehicle
weight is between 5770 lbs (2630 kg) and
6080 lbs (2760 kg). Use a jack and stands rated
for this weight.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).
WARNING
The ignition system has very high voltage!
The voltage in the ignition system is dan-
gerous!
Do not touch spark plugs, ignition cables or
the ignition coil when the engine is running
or the ignition is switched on!
The ignition should be switched off when:
•Conducting engine tests.
•Replacing parts in the ignition system,
such as spark plugs, ignition coil, dis-
tributor, ignition cables, etc.
WARNING
Never try to repair any part of the SRS/
SIPS/WHIPS/IC systems yourself. Any
interference in the system could cause mal-
function and serious injury. Any work should
only be performed by an authorized Volvo
workshop.

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 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.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine compartment09
213
G000000
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
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.
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
Engine oil09

215
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 60) 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 a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for more informa-
tion.
Changing engine oil and oil filter
See page 214 for oil specifications and page
287 for oil volumes. Refer to the Warranty and
Service Records Information booklet for infor-
mation on the oil change intervals.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of oil
additives.
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. Please consult a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician.
Checking and adding oil
G030880
Location of dipstick (1) and oil filler cap (2)
The oil level should be checked at regular inter-
vals, particularly during the period up to the
first scheduled maintenance service.
•The vehicle 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.
Volvo recommends Castrol oil products
Checking the oil
•Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint-
free rag.
•Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check
the oil level.
•Add oil if necessary. If the level is close to
the MIN mark, add approximately
0.5 US quarts (0.5 liters) of oil.
•Recheck the level and add more oil if nec-
essary until the level is near the MAX mark.
•Oil level should be between the
MIN and
MAX marks on the dipstick.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil 09
216
G030881
CAUTION
Not checking the oil level regularly can result
in serious engine damage if the oil level
becomes too low.
•Never fill oil above the MAX mark. This
could cause an increase in oil consump-
tion.
•Not checking the oil level regularly can
result in serious engine damage if the oil
level becomes too low.
•Always add oil of the same type and
viscosity as already used.
WARNING
Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into
contact with hot exhaust pipe surfaces.