engine VOLVO V70 1999 Owners Manual
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VOLVO 
S70 & V70  1 9 9 9 
VOLVO
This manual  deals with the operation and  care of your Volvo.
Welcome to the world-wide  family of Volvo owners. We trust that you will enjoy many years of safe driving in your
Volvo, an  automobile designed with your safety and  comfort in mind. To help ensure your satisfaction with this
vehicle, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the equipment descriptions, operating instructions and
maintenance requirements/recommendations in this  manual.  We also urge you and  your passengers to wear  seat belts
at all times in this  (or any  other) automobile. And, of course, please do not operate  a  vehicle if you may be  affected by
alcohol,  medication  or any  impairment that could hinder your ability to drive.
Your Volvo is designed to meet  all applicable safety and  emission standards, as evidenced by the certification labels
attached to the driver's door opening and  on the left wheel housing in the engine compartment.
Volvo and  the environment
Volvo is committed to the well being of our customers. As a  natural part of this  commitment, we care about the
environment in which  we all live. Caring for the environment means an  everyday involvement in reducing our
environmental impact.
Volvo's  environmental activities are based on a  holistic  view,  which  means we consider the overall environmental
impact of a  product throughout its  complete life cycle. In this  context,  design, production, product use, and  recycling
are all important considerations.
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In production, Volvo has partly or completely  phased out several chemicals including freons, lead chromates,
naphtanates, asbestos, mercury and  cadmium; and  reduced the amount of chemicals used in our plants 50% since 1991.
In use, Volvo was the first in the world to introduce into production a  three-way catalytic converter with a  Lambda
sond, now called oxygen  sensor, in 1976. The current version  of this  highly efficient system reduces emissions  of
harmful substances (CO, HC, NOx) from  the exhaust pipe by approximately 95% and  the search to eliminate the
remaining emissions  continues. Volvo is the only automobile manufacturer to offer  CFC-free retrofit kits  for the air
conditioning system for all models back to the M/Y 1975 240. Advanced electronic  engine controls, refined
purification systems and  cleaner  fuels  are bringing us closer to our goal.
After Volvo cars and  parts  have fulfilled their use, recycling is the next critical step in completing the life cycle. The
metal content  is about 75% of the total weight of the car, which  makes the car among the most  recycled  industrial
products.  In order to have efficient and  well controlled recycling, many Volvo variants have printed dismantling
manuals indication the weight and  material of individual components. For Volvo, all homogeneous plastic parts
weighing more than 1.7 oz.  (50 grams)are marked with international symbols that indicate how the component  is to be
sorted  for recycling.
In addition to continuous environmental refinement of conventional gasoline-powered  internal combustion engines,
Volvo is actively looking at advanced technology  alternative-fuel vehicles.
When you drive a  Volvo, you become our partner in the work to lessen  the car's impact on the environment. To reduce
your vehicle's environmental impact, you can:
Maintain proper air pressure in your tires. Tests have shown decreased  fuel economy with improperly  inflated
tires Follow the recommended maintenance schedule
Drive at a  constant speed
See  an  authorized Volvo retailer as soon as possible for inspection if the check engine (malfunction indicator)
lamp illuminates,  or stays on after the vehicle has started
Properly  dispose of any  vehicle related waste such as used motor oil, used batteries, brake pads, etc.
When cleaning your car, use Volvo's  own car care products,  all of which  have systematically been adapted to
the environment.
Contents
Table  of Contents
Page  No.
Chapter and  Subject
pg. 1Chapter 1 - Occupant safety
pg. 16
Chapter 2 - Instruments and  controls
pg. 41
Chapter 3 - Body and  interior
pg. 65
Chapter 4 - Starting and  driving
pg. 85
Chapter 5 - Wheels and  tires
pg. 91
Chapter 6 - In case of emergency
pg. 109
Chapter 7 - Car  care
pg. 115
Chapter 8 - Volvo Service
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8 Tachometer
Reads  thousands of engine rpm.
  
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Turn  the key  once to unlock the driver's door only. 
Turn  the key  again (within 10 seconds) to unlock all doors, trunk/tailgate.
One turn with the key  towards lock in the drivers door locks all doors, trunk/tailgate. 
Use the switch on the front  door armrests to lock/unlock the car from  the inside.
Check the action  of the buttons  on the other doors to verify their correct function (lock/unlock).WARNING! The doors should not be  locked while driving. In case of an  accident, this  may hinder rapid access to
the occupants of the vehicle. (Also see information on "Child  safety locks".)
 
Central locking  button (on both front  doors)
Central locking  button
The central locking buttons  on both front  door armrests can be  used to lock or unlock all doors and  trunk/tailgate and
set the alram if your car is so equipped. This switch functions even if a  door/trunk/tailgate  is open.
Lock: Press the left side of the button 
Unlock: Press the right side of the button
NOTE:  To help prevent accidentally locking the keys in the car, the central locking system is designed to unlock the
driver's door immediately if the key  is left in the ignition switch and  the car is locked using the lock button on the
door. A sound from  the lock will be  audible  at this  time. 
Please note that this  function will  not unlock the doors if the engine is running. pg. 44 Remote keyless  entry system
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Chapter 4 - Starting and  driving
pg. 65 Starting and  driving
Starting and  driving
This section on starting and  driving contains items such as starting the engine, operating the gear selector, towing,
trailers, etc. Page  No.
Subject
pg. 66Break-in period
pg. 66-67
Fuel requirements, Refueling
pg. 68
Driving economy
pg. 69
Starting the engine
pg. 70
Manual transmission
pg. 70-73
Automatic transmission, All Wheel Drive (AWD)
pg. 74-75
Points  to remember
pg. 76
Emergency towing
pg. 77
Vehicle towing information
pg. 78
Jump starting
pg. 79
Three-way catalytic converter
pg. 80
Brake system, ABS
pg. 81
TRACS/STC
pg. 82
Winter driving
pg. 83
Long distance trips
pg. 84
Trailer towing
pg. 66 Break-in period, Fuel requirements
A new car should be  broken-in
Refrain from  utilizing your car's full driving potential during the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) including the "kick -
down"  function (automatic transmission).
NOTE - ENGINE OIL:  
Although some oil consumption occurs during normal engine operation, more oil is consumed when the engine is new
as the internal parts  generate  higher friction  while wearing-in to each other. From the time the engine is new until the
first service is performed, the oil consumption could be  higher than normal. For this  reason, it is especially important
to check the oil every time you refuel your car during this  period. See  page 124
. 
In general,  the rate of oil consumption depends on such factors as: engine temperature, length of trip, driving
conditions, oil viscosity and  quality, engine speed and  acceleration/deceleration. 
Checking your engine oil level  each time the car is refueled is one  of the most  important items you can perform to
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Octane Rating
Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium gasoline with an  octane rating. AKI of 91,
or above. AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX)  is an  average of the Research Octane Number, RON, and  the Motor Octane
Number, MON, (RON  +  MON/ 2). 
The minimum octane requirement is AKI 87 (RON  91).
Gasoline containing alcohol  and  ethers
"Oxygenated fuels" 
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates"  which  are usually alcohols or ethers. In some areas, state or
local  laws require that the service pump be  marked indicating use of alcohol  or ethers. However, there are areas in
which  the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol  or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. 
To meet  seasonal air quality restrictions,  some states require the use of "oxygenated" fuel in certain areas. 
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated fuels; however,  the octane ratings listed on this  page must  still  be
met. 
Alcohol — Ethanol 
Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol  by volume may be  used. 
Ethanol may also be  referred to as Ethyl alcohol,  or "Gasohol". 
Ethers — MTBE 
Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be  used.
Refueling
The fuel tank is designed to hold approximately:
18.4 US gal. (68 liters) - Front Wheel Drive
17.4 US gal. (66 liters) - All Wheel Drive
with sufficient volume left over to accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. Be aware  that the
"usable" tank will be  somewhat less than the specified maximum. When the fuel level  is low, such factors as ambient
temperature, the fuel's "Reid vapor pressure" characteristics, and  terrain can affect the fuel pumps' ability to supply the
engine with an  adequate supply of fuel. Therefore,  it is advisable to refuel as soon as possible when the needle nears
the red zone, or when the fuel warning light comes on.
Fuel tank cover
The fuel tank cover (on the fight rear fender)  is locked and  must  be  popped  open  using the control on the driver's door.
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Open fuel filler cap slowly during hot eather conditions.
CAUTION:
 Do not refuel with the engine running. Turn  the ignition off or to position I. If the ignition is on, an  incorrect
reading could occur in the fuel gauge.
 Allow for fuel expansion by not overfilling the tank. Overfilling  could also cause damage to the emission control
systems.
 Avoid spilling  gasoline during refueling. Gasolines  containing alcohol  can cause damage to painted  surfaces,
which  may not be  covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
 Do not use gasoline containing methanol (methyl alcohol,  wood alcohol). This practice can result in vehicle
performance deterioration and  can damage critical parts  in the fuel system. Such damage may not be  covered under
the New Vehicle LimitedWarranty.
* If the fuel filler  cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the 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. pg. 68 Driving economy
Economical driving conserves  natural resources
Better  driving economy may be  obtained  by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and  stops and  adjusting the speed of
your vehicle to immediate traffic  conditions. Observe the following rules:
Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by driving with a  light foot on the accelerator
pedal for the first few minutes of operation. A cold engine uses more fuel and  is subject to increased wear.
Whenever possible, avoid using the car for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach normal
operating temperature.
 Drive carefully and  avoid rapid acceleration and  hard braking.
 Do not exceed posted speed limit.
 Avoid carrying unnecessary  items (extra load) in the car.
 Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (check when tires are cold).
 Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
 Note  that roof racks, ski racks, etc., increase air resistance  and  thereby fuel consumption.
 Avoid using automatic  transmission kick-down feature unless necessary.
 Avoid using the air conditioning when it is not required. When engaged, the air conditioner's compressor places an
additional load on the engine. However, please note that fuel consumption is lower with the air conditioning on than it
is when driving with the air conditioning switched off and  the windows down.
 If your car is equipped with the optional Trip Computer, utilizing the fuel consumption modes can help you "learn"
how to drive more economically.
Other factors which  decrease  gas mileage are:
Worn or dirty spark plugs
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Incorrect spark plug gap
Dirty air cleaner
Dirty engine oil and  clogged oil filter
Dragging brakes
Incorrect front  end  alignment
Some of the above mentioned items and  others  are checked at the standard Maintenance Service intervals.
NOTE:  ( D )rive or 5th gear (manual transmissions) should be  used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy.
  
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Chapter 7 - Car  care
pg. 109 Car  care
Car  care
Car  care includes not only maintaining the appearance of the car, but also protecting the car exterior from  the effects of
air pollution, rain, mud or road salt. The paintwork should also be  touched up immediately, if damaged, to preventrust
formation. Page  No. Subject
pg. 110-111
Paint touch-up
pg. 112
Washing
pg. 113
Automatic car washing, Polishing and  waxing
pg. 114
Cleaning the upholstery
pg. 110 Paint touch-up
Paint touch-up
Paint damage requires immediate attention to avoid rusting. Make it a  habit to check the finish regularly - when
washing the car for instance. Touch up if necessary.
Paint repairs require special equipment and  skill. Contact your Volvo retailer for any  extensive damage.
Minor scratches can be  repaired by using Volvo touch-up paint.
NOTE:  When ordering touch-up paint from  your Volvo retailer, use the paint code indicated on the model plate.  The
plate  is located in the engine compartment, on the inside of the left front  fender. 
Minor stone chips and  scratches
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Washing the car
 The car should be  washed at regular intervals  since dirt, dust, insects and  tar spots adhere to the paint and  may cause
damage.
NOTE:  It is particularly important to wash the car frequently in the wintertime to prevent corrosion, when salt has
been used on the roads.
 When washing the car, do not expose it to direct sunlight. Use lukewarm water to soften  the dirt before you wash
with a  sponge, and  plenty of water, to avoid scratching.
 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.
 A water-soluble grease solvent may be  used in cases of sticky dirt. However, use a  washplace equipped with a
drainage  separator.
 Dry the car with a  clean chamois and  remember to clean the drain holes in the doors and  rocker panels.
 The power radio antenna (sedans) must  be  dried after washing.
 Tar spots can be  removed with kerosene or 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 improves
visibility considerably.
 Wash off the dirt from  the underside (wheel housings fenders,  etc.).
 In areas of high industrial fallout, more frequent washing is recommended.
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.
 When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying  water or steam directly on the electrical components or
toward the rear side of the engine.
 After cleaning the engine, the spark plug wells should be  inspected for water and  blown dry if necessary.
Suitable detergents
Special  car 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) of warm water. After washing with a  detergent the car should be  well rinsed  with clean water. WARNING!
 When the car is driven immediately after being washed, apply the 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.
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