06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
06
139
Octane rating
Minimum octane
G028920
Typical pump octane labelVolvo recommends premium for best per- formance, but using 87 octane 1
or above will
not affect engine reliability.
Demanding drivingIn demanding driving conditions, such as operating the vehicle in hot weather, towing atrailer, or driving for extended periods athigher altitudes than normal, it may be advis-able to switch to higher octane fuel (91 orhigher) or to change gasoline brands to fullyutilize your engine's capacity, and for thesmoothest possible operation.
NOTE
When switching to higher octane fuel or changing gasoline brands, it may be nec-essary to fill the tank more than oncebefore a difference in engine operation isnoticeable.
Fuel FormulationsDo not use gasoline that contains lead as a knock inhibitor, and do not use lead addi-tives. Besides damaging the exhaust emis-sion control systems on your vehicle, leadhas been strongly linked to certain forms ofcancer. Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent. Unburned benzene has been strongly linkedto certain forms of cancer. If you live in anarea where you must fill your own gas tank,take precautions. These may include:
• standing upwind away from the filler noz- zle while refueling
• refueling only at gas stations with vaporrecovery systems that fully seal themouth of the filler neck during refueling
• wearing neoprene gloves while handling afuel filler nozzle.
Use of AdditivesWith the exception of gas line antifreeze dur- ing winter months, do not add solvents, thick-eners, or other store-bought additives to yourvehicle's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems.Overuse may damage your engine, and someof these additives contain organically volatilechemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourselfto these chemicals.
WARNING
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, color- less, and odorless gas. It is present in allexhaust gases. If you ever smell exhaustfumes inside the vehicle, make sure thepassenger compartment is ventilated, andimmediately return the vehicle to a trainedand qualified Volvo service technician forcorrection.
1
AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of the Research Octane Number (RON) and the Motor Octane Number (MON), MON+RON/2.
06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
06
140
WARNING
Driving with the tailgate open: Driving
with the tailgate open could lead to poi- sonous exhaust gases entering the pas-senger compartment.
• If the tailgate must be kept open for any reason, proceed as follows:
• Close the windows
• Set the ventilation system control to airflow to floor, windshield and side win-dows and blower control to its highestsetting.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers, "Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols orethers. In some areas, state or local lawsrequire that the service pump be marked indi-cating use of alcohols or ethers. However,there are areas in which the pumps areunmarked. If you are not sure whether there isalcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy,check with the service station operator. Tomeet seasonal air quality standards, someareas require the use of "oxygenated" fuel. Volvo allows the use of the following "oxy- genated" fuels; however, the octane ratingslisted on page 139 must still be met.
Alcohol – EthanolFuels containing up to 10% ethanol by vol- ume may be used. Ethanol may also be refer-red to as Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol". Ethers – MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
MethanolDo not use gasolines containing methanol(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practicecan result in vehicle performance deteriora-tion and can damage critical parts in the fuelsystem. Such damage may not be coveredunder the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Weight distribution affects handlingAt the specified curb weight your vehicle hasa tendency to understeer, which means thatthe steering wheel has to be turned morethan might seem appropriate for the curva-ture of a bend. This ensures good stability and reduces the risk of rear wheel skid. Remember that theseproperties can alter with the vehicle load. The heavier the load in the cargo area, the less the tendency to understeer.
Handling, roadholdingVehicle load, tire design and inflation pres-sure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore,check that the tires are inflated to the recom- mended pressure according to the vehicleload. See "Tire pressure" section. Loads should be distributed so that capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loadsare not exceeded.
Conserving electrical currentKeep the following in mind to help minimizebattery drain:
• When the engine is not running, avoid turning the ignition key to position
II (see
page 145). Many electrical systems (theaudio system, the optional infotainment/navigation systems, power windows, etc)will function with the ignition key in posi-tion I. This position reduces drain on the
battery.
• Please keep in mind that using systems,accessories, etc that consume a greatdeal of current when the engine is notrunning could result in the battery beingcompletely drained. Driving or having theengine running for approximately15 minutes will help keep the batterycharged.
NOTE
A warning message will be displayed in the text window in the instrument panel whenthe battery charge is low.
06 Starting and driving
Refueling
06
141
Fuel filler door
G027073
The fuel filler cap can be placed on the hook on the fuel filler door while refuelingPress the button on the light switch panel (see the illustration on page 67) when thevehicle is at a standstill to unlock the fuel fillerdoor. Please note that the fuel filler door willremain unlocked until the vehicle begins tomove forward. An audible click will be heardwhen the fuel filler door relocks. If you intend to leave your vehicle while it is being refueled, this feature enables you tolock the doors/tailgate while leaving the fuelfiller door unlocked. You can also keep the vehicle locked if youremain inside it during refueling. The centrallocking button does not lock the fuel fillerdoor. Be sure the fuel filler door is notobstructed and is completely closed afterrefueling. Open the fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather.
NOTE
During a transitional period, a small num- ber of service stations may still have fuelnozzles that are not compatible with thefuel filler neck on vehicles equipped withthe evaporative control system.
RefuelingThe fuel tank is designed to accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather.See page 288 for fuel tank volume. Be awarethat the "usable" tank capacity will be some-what less than the specified maximum. Whenthe fuel level is low, such factors as ambienttemperature, the fuel's "Reid vapor pressure"characteristics, and terrain can affect the fuelpump's ability to supply the engine with anadequate supply of fuel. Therefore, it is advis-able to refuel as soon as possible when the
needle nears the red zone, or when the fuelwarning light comes on.
WARNING
Never carry a cell phone that is switched on while refueling your vehicle. If thephone rings, this may cause a spark thatcould ignite gasoline fumes, resulting infire and injury.
06 Starting and driving
Refueling
06
142
CAUTION
•Do not refuel with the engine running 1
.
Turn the ignition off or to position I. If
the ignition is on, an incorrect reading could occur in the fuel gauge.
• After refueling, close the fuel filler capby turning it clockwise until it clicks into place 1
.
• Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Do not press the handle on the filler nozzlemore than one extra time. Too muchfuel in the tank in hot weather condi-tions can cause the fuel to overflow.Overfilling could also cause damage tothe emission control systems.
• Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling.In addition to causing damage to theenvironment, gasolines containingalcohol can cause damage to paintedsurfaces, which may not be coveredunder the New Vehicle Limited War-ranty.
• Do not use gasolines containing meth-anol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol).This practice can result in vehicle per-formance deterioration and can dam-age critical parts in the fuel system.Such damage may not be covered
under the New Vehicle Limited War- ranty.
1
If 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.
06 Starting and driving
Cold weather precautions
06
169
If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the followingadvice is worth noting:
• Make sure that the engine coolant con- tains 50 percent antifreeze. Any othermixture will reduce freeze protection. Thisgives protection against freezing down to–31 °F (–35 °C). See section "Coolant".
• The use of "recycled" antifreeze is notapproved by Volvo. Different types ofantifreeze must not be mixed.
• Volvo recommends using only genuineVolvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty of Volvoengine coolant to protect your vehicleduring cold weather.
• Try to keep the
fuel tank well filled – this
prevents the formation of condensation inthe tank. In addition, in extremely coldweather conditions it is worthwhile to addfuel line de-icer before refueling.
• The viscosity of the engine oil is impor-tant. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil)improves cold-weather starting as well asdecreasing fuel consumption while theengine is warming up. Full synthetic0W-30 oil is recommended for driving inareas with sustained low temperatures.
• The load placed on the
battery is greater
during the winter since the windshieldwipers, lighting, etc. are used more often. Moreover, the capacity of the batterydecreases as the temperature drops. Invery cold weather, a poorly charged bat-tery can freeze and be damaged. It istherefore advisable to check the state ofcharge 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 – seesection "Wheels and tires."
• To prevent the
washer fluid reservoir
from freezing, add washer solvents con-taining antifreeze (see page 224 for thelocation of the washer fluid reservoir).This is important since dirt is oftensplashed on the windshield during winterdriving, requiring the frequent use of thewashers and wipers. Volvo Washer Sol-vent 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.
NOTE
Avoid the use of de-icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
W – Winter/Wet driving mode – enhanced vehicle traction
•Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (
D)rive position.
• Press the button at the base of the gearselector to engage/disengage this drivingmode.
• An LED in the button will light up to indi-cate that W is engaged and this will alsobe displayed in the instrument panel (seepage 58).
• This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
07 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
07
187
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle design perform-ance. Before loading your vehicle, familiarize your- self with the following terms for determiningyour vehicle's weight ratings, with or withouta trailer, from the vehicle's Federal/ CanadianMotor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label, and the vehicle's tire informa-tion placard.
Curb weightThe weight of the vehicle including a full tankof fuel and all standard equipment. It doesnot include passengers, cargo, or optionalequipment.
Capacity weightAll weight added to the curb weight, includingcargo and optional equipment. When towing,trailer hitch tongue load is also part of cargoweight.
NOTE
For trailer towing information, please refer to the section "Towing a trailer."
Permissible axle weightThe maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). Thesenumbers are shown on the Federal/CanadianMotor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label. The total load on each axlemust never exceed its maximum permissibleweight.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passen-gers. A table listing important weight limits for your vehicle, is in chapter "Dimension andweights". For the location of the various labels in your vehicle, see page 282
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
•
Locate the statement "the combined weight of occupants and cargo shouldnever exceed XXX pounds" on your vehi-cle's placard.
• Determine the combined weight of thedriver and passengers that will be ridingin your vehicle. •
Subtract the combined weight of thedriver and passengers from XXX kilo-grams or XXX pounds.
• The resulting figure equals the availableamount of cargo and luggage loadcapacity. For example, if the "XXX"amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will befive 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle,the amount of available cargo and lug-gage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750(5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
• Determine the combined weight of lug-gage and cargo being loaded on the vehi-cle. That weight may not safely exceedthe available cargo and luggage loadcapacity calculated in Step 4.
• If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, loadfrom your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual 1
to deter-
mine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of yourvehicle.
1 For "Towing a trailer" see page 164.
08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the vehicle
08
208
Washing
•The vehicle should be washed at regular intervals since dirt, dust, insects and tarspots adhere to the paint and may causedamage. It is particularly important towash the vehicle frequently in the winter-time to prevent corrosion, when salt hasbeen used on the roads.
• When washing the vehicle, do not exposeit to direct sunlight. Use lukewarm waterto soften the dirt before you wash with asponge, and plenty of water, to avoidscratching.
• Bird droppings: Remove from paintworkas soon as possible. Otherwise the finishmay be permanently damaged.
• A detergent can be used to facilitate thesoftening of dirt and oil.
CAUTION
Chromed wheels
: Clean chrome-plated
wheels using the same detergents used for the body of the vehicle. Aggressive wheelcleaning agents can permanently stainchrome-plated wheels.
• Dry the vehicle with a clean chamois and remember to clean the drain holes in thedoors and rocker panels.
• Tar spots can be removed with tarremover after the vehicle has beenwashed.
• A stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm soapywater can be used to clean the wiperblades. Frequent cleaning of the wind-shield and wiper blades improves visibilityconsiderably and also helps prolong theservice life of the wiper blades.
• Wash off the dirt from the underside(wheel housings, fenders, etc.).
• In areas of high industrial fallout, morefrequent washing is recommended.
Suitable detergentsSpecial vehicle washing detergents should be used. A suitable mixture is about 2.5 fl. oz.(8.5 cl) of detergent to 2.6 US gal. (10 liters) ofwarm water. After washing with a detergentthe vehicle should be well rinsed with cleanwater.
CAUTION
•Avoid waxing or polishing plastic or rubber components
• Polishing chromed strips can wearaway or damage the surface
• Polishes containing abrasive sub-stances should not be used
CAUTION
•Dirt, snow, etc., on the headlights can reduce lighting capacity considerably.Clean the headlights regularly, forexample when refueling.
• During high pressure washing, thespray mouthpiece must never becloser to the vehicle than 13 " (30 cm).Do not spray into the locks.
Special moonroof cautions:
• Always close the moonroof and sunshade before washing your vehicle.
• Never use abrasive cleaning agents onthe moonroof.
• Never use wax on the rubber sealsaround the moonroof.
09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil 09
222
Oil specifications
Full synthetic engine oil meeting the minimum ACEA A5/B5 must be used. Lower quality oilsmay not offer the same fuel economy, engineperformance, or engine protection. Refer to the Warranty and Service Records information booklet for information on oilchange intervals and oil type requirements.
NOTE
This vehicle comes from the factory with synthetic oil.
Oil additives must not be used.
Oil viscosityIncorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life under normal use. SAE 5W-30 will providegood fuel economy and engine protection.See the viscosity chart.
Viscosity chart
Extreme engine operationSAE 0W-30 oil meeting ACEA A5/B5 require- ments is recommended for driving in areaswith sustained low temperatures.
NOTE
Volvo uses different systems to indicate a low oil level or pressure. Some modelshave an oil pressure sensor, in which casea warning symbol (see page 60) is used toindicate low oil pressure. Other modelshave an oil level sensor, in which case thedriver is alerted by the warning symbol inthe center of the instrument panel and atext in the information display. Some mod-els use both systems. Contact a trainedand qualified Volvo service technician formore information.
Changing engine oil and oil filter
See page 290 for oil volumes. Refer to the Warranty and Service Records Informationbooklet for information on the oil changeintervals.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of oil additives.
Checking and adding oil
G030880
Location of dipstick (1) and oil filler cap (2)
The oil level should be checked at regular intervals, particularly during the period up tothe first scheduled maintenance service.