07 During your journey
Recommendations during driving
07
285
•If the text message High engine temp
Stop engine or Coolant level low, Stop
engine is shown then the engine must be
switched off after stopping the car.
•In the event of overheating in the gearbox
a built-in protection function is activated
which, amongst other things, illuminates
the instrument panel's warning symbol and
there is a text message displayed there
Transmission hot Reduce speed orTransmission hot Stop safely - follow
the recommendation given and lower the
speed and stop the car in a safe way and
allow the engine to run at idling speed for
a few minutes to allow the gearbox to cool
down.
•If the car overheats, the air conditioning
may be switched off temporarily.
•Do not turn the engine off immediately you
stop after a hard drive.
NOTE
It is normal for the engine's cooling fan to
operate for a while after the engine has been
switched off.
Open tailgate
WARNING
Do not drive with the tailgate open. Toxic
exhaust fumes could be drawn into the car
through the cargo area.
Do not overload the batteryThe electrical functions in the car load the bat-
tery to varying degrees. Avoid using the key
position II when the engine is switched off.
Instead use the I mode - which uses less
power.
Also, be aware of different accessories that
load the electrical system. Do not use functions
which use a lot of power when the engine is
switched off. Examples of such functions are:
•ventilation fan
•headlamps
•windscreen wiper
•audio system (high volume).
If the battery voltage is low the information dis-
play shows the text
Low battery Power save
mode. The energy-saving function then shuts
down certain functions or reduces certain
functions such as the ventilation fan and/or
audio system.
–In which case, charge the battery by star-
ting the engine and then running it for atleast 15 minutes - battery charging is more
effective during driving than running the
engine at idling speed while stationary.
Before a long journey
•Check that the engine is working normally
and that fuel consumption is normal.
•Make sure that there are no leaks (fuel, oil
or other fluid).
•Check all bulbs and tyre tread depths.
•Carrying a warning triangle is a legal
requirement in certain countries.
Winter drivingCheck the following in particular before the
cold season:
•The engine coolant must contain at least
50% glycol. This mixture protects the
engine against frost erosion down to
approximately –35 °C. To achieve optimum
antifreeze protection, different types of gly-
col must not be mixed.
•The fuel tank must be kept filled to prevent
condensation.
•Engine oil viscosity is important. Oils with
lower viscosity (thinner oils) facilitate star-
ting in cold weather and also reduce fuel
consumption while the engine is cold. For
more information on suitable oils, see
page 379.
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07 During your journey
Fuel
07
289
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 118.
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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07 During your journey
Driving with a trailer
07
298* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
General
Payload depends on the car's kerb weight. The
total of the weight of the passengers and all
accessories, e.g. towbar, reduces the car's
payload by a corresponding weight. For more
detailed information on weights, see
page 373.
If the towing bracket is mounted by Volvo, then
the car is delivered with the necessary equip-
ment for driving with a trailer.
•The car's towing bracket must be of an
approved type.
•If the towbar is retrofitted, check with your
Volvo dealer that the car is fully equipped
for driving with a trailer.
•Distribute the load on the trailer so that the
weight on the towing bracket complies
with the specified maximum towball load.
•Increase the tyre pressure to the recom-
mended pressure for a full load. For tyre
pressure label location, see page 317.
•The engine is loaded more heavily than
usual when driving with a trailer.
•Do not tow a heavy trailer when the car is
brand new. Wait until it has been driven at
least 1000 km.
•The brakes are loaded much more than
usual on long and steep downhill slopes.
Downshift to a lower gear and adjust your
speed.
•For safety reasons, the maximum permit-
ted speed for the car when coupled with a
trailer should not be exceeded. Follow the
regulations in force for the permitted
speeds and weights.
•Maintain a low speed when driving with a
trailer up long, steep ascents.
•Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of
more than 12%.
Trailer cableAn adapter is required if the car's towing
bracket has 13 pin electrics and the trailer has
7 pin electrics. Use an adapter cable approved
by Volvo. Make sure the cable does not drag
on the ground.
Direction indicators and brake lights on
the trailer
If any of the trailer's lamps for direction indica-
tors are broken, then the combined instrument
panel's symbol for direction indicators flashes
faster than normal and the display shows the
text
Bulb fail - Ind. signal trailer.
If any of the trailer's lamps for the brake light
are broken then the
Bulb fail - Stop lamp
trailer text is shown.
Level control*The rear shock absorbers maintain a constant
height irrespective of the car's load (up to the
maximum permissible weight). When the car isstationary the rear of the car lowers slightly,
which is normal.
Trailer weightsFor information on Volvo's permitted trailer
weights, see page 374.
NOTE
The stated maximum permitted trailer
weights are those permitted by Volvo.
National vehicle regulations can further limit
trailer weights and speeds. Towbars can be
certified for higher towing weights than the
car can actually tow.
WARNING
Follow the stated recommendations for
trailer weights. Otherwise, the car and trailer
may be difficult to control in the event of
sudden movement and braking.
Manual gearbox
OverheatingWhen driving with a trailer in hilly terrain in a hot
climate there may be a risk of overheating.
•Do not run the engine at higher revolutions
than 4500 rpm (diesel engines: 3500 rpm)
- otherwise the oil temperature may
become too high.
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09 Maintenance and service
Engine compartment 09
328
General
Volvo service programmeTo keep the car as safe and reliable as possi-
ble, follow the Volvo service programme as
specified in the Service and Warranty Booklet.
Volvo recommends engaging an authorised
Volvo workshop to perform the service and
maintenance work. Volvo workshops have the
personnel, special tools and service literature
to guarantee the highest quality of service.
IMPORTANT
For the Volvo warranty to apply, check and
follow the instructions in the Service and
Warranty Booklet.
Check regularlyCheck the following oils and fluids at regular
intervals, e.g. when refuelling:
•Coolant
•Engine oil
•Power steering fluid
•Washer fluid
WARNING
Remember that the radiator fan (located at
the front of the engine compartment, behind
the radiator) may start automatically some
after the engine has been switched off.
Always have the engine cleaned by a work-
shop. There is a risk of fire if the engine is
hot.
Raising the car
NOTE
Volvo recommends only using the jack that
belongs to the car model in question. If a
jack is selected other than the one recom-
mended by Volvo, follow the instructions for
use supplied with the equipment.
If the car is raised with a workshop jack; posi-
tion the jack against the front edge on the
engine's subframe.
Do not damage the splashguard under the
engine. Ensure that the workshop jack is posi-
tioned so that the car cannot slide off the jack.
Always use axle stands or similar.
If you raise the car using a two-pillar workshop
lift, ensure that the front and rear lift arms are
fixed under the lifting points. See preceding
illustration.
Opening and closing the bonnet
The handle for bonnet opening is always on the
left-hand side.
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09 Maintenance and service
Engine compartment09
329
Turn the handle about 20-25 degrees
clockwise. You will hear when the catch
releases.
Move the catch to the left and open the
bonnet. (The catch hook is located
between the headlamp and grille, see illus-
tration.)
WARNING
Check that the bonnet locks properly when
closed.
Engine compartment, overview
The appearance of the engine compartment may
vary depending on engine variant.
Coolant expansion tank
Power steering fluid reservoir
Engine oil dipstick1
Radiator
Filling engine oil
Reservoir for brake and clutch fluid
(located on the driver's side)
Battery
Relay and fuse box
Filling washer fluid
Air filter
WARNING
The ignition system has very high voltage
and output. The voltage in the ignition sys-
tem is highly dangerous. The remote control
key must always be in 0 position when work
is being done in the engine compartment,
see page 78.
Do not touch the spark plugs or ignition coil
when the remote control key is in II position
or when the engine is hot.
Checking the engine oil
1Engines with electronic oil level sensor have no dipstick (5-cyl. diesel).
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09 Maintenance and service
Engine compartment 09
330
Volvo recommends Castrol oil products.
When driving under adverse conditions, see
page 378.
IMPORTANT
In order to fulfil the requirements for the
engine's service intervals all engines are
filled with a specially adapted synthetic
engine oil at the factory. The choice of oil
has been made very carefully with regard to
service life, starting characteristics, fuel
consumption and environmental impact.
An approved engine oil must be used in
order that the recommended service inter-
vals can be applied. Only use a prescribed
grade of oil for both filling and oil change,
otherwise you will risk affecting service life,
starting characteristics, fuel consumption
and environmental impact.
Volvo Car Corporation disclaims all war-
ranty liability if engine oil of the prescribed
grade and viscosity is not used.
Volvo recommends that oil changes are car-
ried out at an authorised Volvo workshop.
Volvo uses different systems for warning of
low/high oil level or low/high oil pressure. Cer-
tain variants have an oil pressure sensor, and
then the lamp for oil pressure is used. Other
variants have an oil level sensor, and then thedriver is informed via the warning symbol in the
centre of the instrument unit as well as by dis-
play texts. Certain models have both variants.
Contact a Volvo dealer for more information.
Change the engine oil and oil filter in accord-
ance with the intervals specified in the Service
and Warranty Booklet.
Using oil of a higher than specified grade is
permitted. If the car is driven in adverse con-
ditions, Volvo recommends using an oil of a
higher grade, see page 378.
For capacities,see page 379 and onwards.
Engine with oil dipstick2
G021734
Dipstick and filler pipe.
Checking the oil level in a new car is especially
important before the first scheduled oil change.
Volvo recommends checking the oil level every
2 500 km. The most accurate measurements
are made on a cold engine before starting. The
measurement will be inaccurate if taken imme-
diately after the engine is switched off. The
dipstick will indicate that the level is too low
because the oil has not had time to flow down
into the oil sump.
G021737
The oil level must be between the MIN and MAX
marks.
Measurement and filling if required1. Ensure that the car is level. After switching
off the engine it is important to wait
2Only applies to petrol and 4-cyl. diesel.
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09 Maintenance and service
Engine compartment09
331
5 minutes to allow the oil time to run back
to the sump.
2. Pull up and wipe the dipstick.
3. Re-insert the dipstick.
4. Pull it out and check the level.
5.
If the level is close to MIN then 0.5 litres
should be added. If the level is significantly
below, then an additional amount is
required.
6. If required, check the level again, do it after
driving a short distance. Then repeat steps
1 - 4.
WARNING
Never fill above the MAX mark. The level
should never be above MAX or below MIN
as this could lead to engine damage.
WARNING
Do not spill oil onto the hot exhaust manifold
due to the risk of fire.
Engine with electronic oil level sensor3
Filler pipe.4
You do not need to take action with respect to
the engine oil level before a message is shown
in the display, see the illustration below.
Message and graph in the display.
Message
Engine oil level
The oil level is checked using the electronic oil
level gauge with the thumbwheel when the
engine is switched off,see page 200.
WARNING
If the message Oil service required is
shown, visit a workshop. The oil level may
be too high.
3Only applies to 5-cyl. diesel.4Engines with electronic oil level sensor have no dipstick (5-cyl. diesel).
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09 Maintenance and service
Engine compartment 09
332
IMPORTANT
In the event of the message Oil level low
Refill 0.5 Ltr, only fill with 0.5 litres.
NOTE
The oil level is only detected by the system
during driving. The system cannot directly
detect changes when the oil is filled or
drained. The car must be driven
about 30 km before the oil level display is
correct.
WARNING
Do not fill more oil if filling level (3) or (4)
appears as shown in the illustration below.
The level must never be above MAX or
below MIN, as this could lead to engine
damage.
WARNING
Do not spill oil onto the hot exhaust manifold
due to the risk of fire.
Measuring the oil levelIf the oil level needs to be checked then it
should be carried out in accordance with the
sequence below.
1.
Activate key position II, see page 78.
2. Rotate the thumbwheel on the left-hand
stalk switch to position
Engine oil level
Wait....
> You will then see information displayed
about the engine oil level.
The figures 1-4 represent filling level. Do not fill
more oil if filling level (3) or (4) is shown. Recom-
mended filling level is 4.
Coolant
Checking the level and topping up
When topping up the coolant, follow the
instructions on the packaging. It is important
that the mixture of coolant concentrate and
water is correct for the prevailing weather con-
ditions. Never top up with water only. The risk
of freezing increases with both too little and too
much coolant concentrate.
WARNING
Coolant can be very hot. If the coolant
requires topping up when the engine is at
operating temperature, unscrew the expan-
sion tank cap slowly to gently release the
overpressure.
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