03 Your driving environment
Instruments and controls
03
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.79
SymbolDescription
High beam indicator
Left turn signal indicator
Right turn signal indicator
The stability system's Sport
mode is activated.
AOption in Canada
Fault in the Active Bending Light
(ABL) system
This symbol will illuminate if the there is a fault
in the ABL system. See page 96 for more
information about this system.
Malfunction Indicator Light
As you drive, a computer called On-Board
Diagnostics II (OBDII) monitors your vehicle's
engine, transmission, electrical and emission
systems.
The malfunction indicator (CHECK ENGINE)
light will illuminate if the computer senses a
condition that potentially may need correcting.
When this happens, please have your vehicle
checked by a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician as soon as possible.A malfunction indicator (CHECK ENGINE) light
may have many causes. Sometimes, you may
not notice a change in your car's behavior.
Even so, an uncorrected condition could hurt
fuel economy, emission controls, and drivabil-
ity. Extended driving without correcting the
cause could even damage other components
in your vehicle.
This light may illuminate if the fuel filler cap is
not closed tightly or if the engine was running
while the vehicle was refueled.
Canadian models are equipped with this
symbol for the Malfunction Indicator Light.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
warning light
If the warning light comes on, there may be a
malfunction in the ABS system (the standard
braking system will still function). Check the
system by:
1. Stopping in a safe place and switching off
the ignition.
2. Restart the engine.
3. If the warning light goes off, no further
action is required.
If the warning light remains on, the vehicle
should be driven to a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for inspection, see
page 121 for additional information.
Canadian models are equipped with this
symbol.
Rear fog light
This symbol indicates that the rear fog light
(located in the driver's side tail light cluster) is
on.
Stability system
This indicator symbol flashes when the DSTC
(Dynamic Stability and Traction Control sys-
tem) is actively working to stabilize the vehicle,
see page 130 for more detailed information.
Tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS)*
This symbol illuminates to indicate that tire
pressure in one or more tires is low, see
page 298 for detailed information.
Low fuel level
When this light comes on, the vehicle should
be refueled as soon as possible. See page
257 for information about fuel and refueling.
Information symbol
The information symbol lights up and a text
message is displayed to provide the driver with
necessary information about one of the vehi-
cle's systems. The message can be erased and
the symbol can be turned off by pressing the
OK button (see page 187 for information) or
this will take place automatically after a short
07 During your trip
Driving recommendations
07
256
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. 0W-30 oil is recommended for
driving in areas with sustained low temper-
atures.
•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 286.
•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
4 parts water Down to 5 °F (–15 °C): 1 part
washer solvent and 3 parts water Down to
0 °F (–18 °C): 1 part washer solvent 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.
•Avoid using de-icing sprays as they can
cause damage to the locks.
07 During your trip
Refueling
07
258
Octane rating
Minimum octane
G028920
Typical pump octane label
Volvo recommends premium fuel for best per-
formance, but using 87 octane1 or above will
not affect engine reliability.
Demanding drivingIn demanding driving conditions, such as oper-
ating the vehicle in hot weather, towing a trailer,
or driving for extended periods at higher alti-
tudes than normal, it may be advisable to
switch to higher octane fuel (91 or higher) or to
change gasoline brands to fully utilize your
engine's capacity, and for the smoothest pos-
sible operation.
NOTE
When switching to higher octane fuel or
changing gasoline brands, it may be neces-
sary to fill the tank more than once before a
difference in engine operation is noticeable.
Fuel FormulationsDo not use gasoline that contains lead as a
knock inhibitor, and do not use lead additives.
Besides damaging the exhaust emission con-
trol systems on your vehicle, lead has been
strongly linked to certain forms of cancer.
Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent.
Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to
certain forms of cancer. If you live in an area
where you must fill your own gas tank, take
precautions. These may include:
•standing upwind away from the filler nozzle
while refueling
•refueling only at gas stations with vapor
recovery systems that fully seal the mouth
of the filler neck during refueling
•wearing neoprene gloves while handling a
fuel filler nozzle.
Use of AdditivesWith the exception of gas line antifreeze during
winter months, do not add solvents, thicken-ers, or other store-bought additives to your
vehicle's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems.
Overuse may damage your engine, and some
of these additives contain organically volatile
chemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourself
to these chemicals.
WARNING
Never carry a cell phone that is switched
on while refueling your vehicle. If the phone
rings, this may cause a spark that could
ignite gasoline fumes, resulting in fire and
injury.
WARNING
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless,
and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust
gases. If you ever smell exhaust fumes
inside the vehicle, make sure the passenger
compartment is ventilated, and immediately
return the vehicle to a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for correction.
1AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of the Research Octane Number (RON) and the Motor Octane Number (MON), MON+RON/2.
07 During your trip
Refueling
07
259
Opening/closing the fuel filler door
The fuel filler door is located on the right rear
fender (indicated by an arrow beside the fuel
tank symbol on the information display
)
With the ignition switched off, press and
release the button on the lighting panel to
unlock the fuel filler door. Please note that the
fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the
vehicle begins to move forward. An audible
click will be heard when the fuel filler door
relocks.
•If you intend to leave your vehicle while it
is being refueled, this feature enables you
to lock the doors/trunk while leaving the
fuel filler door unlocked.
•You can also keep the vehicle locked if you
remain inside it during refueling. The cen-tral locking button does not lock the fuel
filler door.
•Be sure the fuel filler door is not obstructed
and is completely closed after refueling.
•Open the fuel filler cap slowly during hot
weather.
Close the fuel filler door by pressing it; a click
indicates that it is closed.
CAUTION
•Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling.
In addition to causing damage to the
environment, gasolines containing
alcohol can cause damage to painted
surfaces, which may not be covered
under the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
Manually opening the fuel filler door
If necessary, the fuel filler door can be opened
manually:
1. Open the side hatch in the trunk (on the
same side as the fuel filler door).
2. Grasp the green cord with a handle.
3. Gently pull the cord straight rearward until
the fuel filler door clicks open.
07 During your trip
Refueling
07
260
Opening/closing the fuel cap
Fuel vapor expands in hot weather. Open the
filler cap slowly.
After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turn-
ing it clockwise until it clicks into place.
CAUTION
•Do not refuel with the engine running2.
Turn the ignition off or to position I. If the
ignition is on, an incorrect reading could
occur in the fuel gauge.
•Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Do not
press the handle on the filler nozzle
more than one extra time. Too much fuel
in the tank in hot weather conditions can
cause the fuel to overflow. Overfilling
could also cause damage to the emis-
sion control systems.
Emission controls
Three-way catalytic converter
•Keep your engine properly tuned. Certain
engine malfunctions, particularly involving
the electrical, fuel or distributor ignition
systems, may cause unusually high three-
way catalytic converter temperatures. Do
not continue to operate your vehicle if you
detect engine misfire, noticeable loss of
power or other unusual operating condi-
tions, such as engine overheating or back-
firing. A properly tuned engine will helpavoid malfunctions that could damage the
three-way catalytic converter.
•Do not park your vehicle over combustible
materials, such as grass or leaves, which
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system and cause such materials to ignite
under certain wind and weather condi-
tions.
•Excessive starter cranking (in excess of
one minute), or an intermittently firing or
flooded engine can cause three-way cata-
lytic converter or exhaust system over-
heating.
•Remember that tampering or unauthorized
modifications to the engine, the Engine
Control Module, or the vehicle may be ille-
gal and can cause three-way catalytic con-
verter or exhaust system overheating. This
includes: altering fuel injection settings or
components, altering emission system
components or location or removing com-
ponents, and/or repeated use of leaded
fuel.
NOTE
Unleaded fuel is required for vehicles with
three-way catalytic converters.
2If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the vehicle is refueled, the Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator lamp) may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's
performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps.
08 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
08
283 Loads
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maxi-
mum return of vehicle design performance.
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself
with the following terms for determining your
vehicle's weight ratings, with or without a
trailer, from the vehicle's Federal/Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/
CMVSS) label, and the vehicle's tire informa-
tion placard:
Curb weightThe weight of the vehicle including a full tank
of fuel and all standard equipment. It does not
include passengers, cargo, or optional equip-
ment.
Capacity weightAll weight added to the curb weight, including
cargo and optional equipment. When towing,
trailer hitch tongue load is also part of cargo
weight.
NOTE
For trailer towing information, please refer to
the section "Towing a trailer" on page 265.
Permissible axle weightThe maximum allowable weight that can be
carried by a single axle (front or rear). These
numbers are shown on the Federal/Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/
CMVSS) label. The total load on each axle must
never exceed its maximum permissible weight.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passen-
gers.
NOTE
•The location of the various labels in your
vehicle can be found on page 340.
•A table listing important weight limits for
your vehicle can be found on page
344.
Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit
1. Locate the statement "the combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX pounds" on your vehi-
cle's placard.2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or
XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 – 750
(5 × 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual1 to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
1See page 265.
09 Maintenance and specifications
Vehicle care 09
332
Washing the car
The following points should be kept in mind
when washing and cleaning the car:
•The car should be washed at regular inter-
vals since dirt, dust, insects and tar spots
adhere to the paint and may cause dam-
age. To help prevent corrosion, it is partic-
ularly important to wash the car frequently
in the wintertime.
•Avoid washing your car in direct sunlight.
Doing so may cause detergents and wax
to dry out and become abrasive. To avoid
scratching, use lukewarm water to soften
the dirt before you wash with a soft
sponge, and plenty of sudsy water.
•Bird droppings: Remove from paintwork
as soon as possible. Otherwise the finish
may be permanently damaged.
•A detergent can be used to facilitate the
softening of dirt and oil.
•Dry the car with a clean chamois and
remember to clean the drain holes in the
doors and rocker panels.
•Tar spots can be removed with tar remover
after the car has been washed.
•A stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm soapy
water can be used to clean the wiper
blades. Frequent cleaning of the wind-
shield and wiper blades improves visibilityconsiderably and also helps prolong the
service life of the wiper blades.
•Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheel
housings, fenders, etc).
•In areas of high industrial fallout, more fre-
quent washing is recommended.
NOTE
When washing the car, remember to remove
dirt from the drain holes in the doors and
sills.
CAUTION
•During high pressure washing, the
spray mouthpiece must never be closer
to the vehicle than 13" (30 cm). Do not
spray into the locks.
•Dirt, snow, etc., on the headlights can
reduce lighting capacity considerably.
Clean the headlights regularly, for
example when refueling.
Special moonroof cautions:
•Always close the moonroof and sun
shade before washing your vehicle.
•Never use abrasive cleaning agents on
the moonroof.
•Never use wax on the rubber seals
around the moonroof.
Exterior componentsVolvo recommends the use of special cleaning
products, available at your Volvo retailer, for
cleaning colored plastic, rubber, or ornamental
components such as chromed strips on the
exterior of your vehicle. The instructions for
using these products should be followed care-
fully. Solvents or stain removers should not be
used.
CAUTION
•Avoid waxing or polishing plastic or rub-
ber components
•Polishing chromed strips can wear
away or damage the surface
•Polishes containing abrasive sub-
stances should not be used
Automatic car wash
•We do NOT recommend washing your car
in an automatic wash during the first few
months (because the paint will not have
hardened sufficiently).
•An automatic wash is a simple and quick
way to clean your car, but it is worth
remembering that it may not be as thor-
ough as when you yourself go over the car
with sponge and water. Keeping the under-
body clean is most important, especially in
the winter. Some automatic washers do
11 Index
11
356
E
ECC.................................................200, 201
Economical driving.................................. 254
Electric parking brake.............................. 124
Electronic Climate Control.......198, 200, 201
air distribution table............................ 202
Interior Air Quality System.................. 201
Emergency locking retractor...................... 38
Emergency starting.................................. 116
Emergency towing................................... 268
Emission inspection readiness................ 305
Engine
overheating........................................... 81
specifications...................................... 345
starting................................................ 113
switching off....................................... 116
Engine compartment overview................307
Engine Drag Control (EDC)......................130
Engine oil................................................. 346
checking............................................. 308
low pressure warning light.............. 79, 80
volumes.............................................. 346
Engine remote start (ERS)........................ 115
Environment............................................... 12Eyelets for anchoring loads..................... 262
F
Federal Clean Air Act............................... 304
Flat tires
repairing with tire sealing system....... 288
Floor mats
cleaning.............................................. 335
placing correctly................................. 113
Fluid specifications.................................. 347
Fog lights
front/rear............................................... 97
Four C (active chassis system)................205
Front airbags.............................................. 23
disconnecting passenger’s side air-
bag.................................................. 27, 28
Front park assist..............................171, 173
Front seats...........................................86, 88
Fuel filler cap........................................... 260
Fuel filler door, opening........................... 259
Fuel level warning light.............................. 79
Fuel requirements............................ 257, 258
Fuel tank volume.....................................347Fuses...............................324, 325, 328, 331
G
Garage door opener
HomeLink® Wireless Control System. 110
Gasoline requirements............................. 258
Gas tank volume...................................... 347
Gauges...................................................... 77
Geartronic................................................ 119
Geartronic automatic transmission.......... 119
Generator warning light............................. 80
Glossary of tire terminology..................... 282
Grocery bag holder.................................. 263
Gross vehicle weight...............................283
H
Hazard warning flashers............................ 98
HD digital radio........................................ 224
Headlights
Active Bending Lights........................... 96
active high beams................................. 95