VOLVO V70 2008 Owners Manual
Page 201 of 274
The towing eyelet is located under the floor of the cargo area, with the spare tire. This eyelet must be screwed into the
positions provided on the right sides of either the front or rear bumper (see illustration).
NOTE
On certain models equipped with a trailer hitch, the towing eyelet cannot be screwed into the hole in the rear
bumper. The towing rope should be attached to the trailer hitch instead. For this reason, the detachable section of the
trailer hitch should be safely stowed in the vehicle at all times.
Attaching the towing eyelet
V70
1. Press the marked edge of the cover in the bumper and release it.
2. Fold away the cover and screw the towing eyelet in place, first by hand and then using the tire iron until it is
securely in place.
XC70
1. Use a coin to pry open the lower edge of the cover.
2. Screw the towing eyelet in place, first by hand and then using the tire iron until it is securely in place.
After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet should be removed and returned to its storage location.
Press the cover for the attachment point back into position.
Precautions when the vehicle is in tow
The steering wheel must be unlocked. The remote key must be in the ignition slot1.
Attach jumper cables (see page 111) to provide current for releasing the optional electric parking brake and to move
the gear selector from the P position.
The gear selector must be in position N .
Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not exceed the maximum allowable towing speed.
Maximum distance with front wheels on ground: 50 miles (80 km).
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While the vehicle is being towed, try to keep the tow rope taut at all times.
1On vehicles with the optional keyless drive, the remote key must be in the passenger compartment.
217 05 During your trip
Emergency towing
The vehicle should only be towed in the forward direction.
CAUTION
Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this type of towing, as vehicles being towed are
subject to regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length and type of towing device, lighting, etc.
If the vehicle's battery is dead, do not attempt to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it as this will damage the
three-way catalytic converter(s). The engine must be jump started using an auxiliary battery (see page 111
).
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the vehicle on the
flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive/All Wheel Drive
Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equipment.
If wheel lift equipment must be used, please use extreme caution to help avoid damage to the vehicle. In this case,
the vehicle should be towed with the rear wheels on the ground if at all possible.
If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, please refer to the towing
information on the page 216
.
CAUTION
Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air conditioning lines.
It is equally important not to use sling -type equipment at the rear or apply lifting equipment inside the rear
wheels; serious damage to the rear axle may result.
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the vehicle on the
flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
Contents | Top of Page
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2 0 0 8
VOLVO V70
218 06 Maintenance and specifications
Volvo maintenance 220
Maintaining your car221
Hood and engine compartment223
Engine oil224
Fluids226
Replacing bulbs228
Wiper blades and washer fluid235
Battery237
Fuses240
Wheels and tires245
Vehicle care265
Label information270
Specifications272
Volvo programs281
219 06 Maintenance and specifications
220 06 Maintenance and specifications
Volvo maintenance
Introduction
Volvo advises you to follow the maintenance program outlined in the Warranty and Service Records Information
booklet. This maintenance program contains inspections and services necessary for the proper function of your vehicle.
The maintenance services contain several checks that require special tools and training, and therefore must be
performed by a qualified technician. To keep your Volvo in top condition, specify time-tested and proven Genuine
Volvo Parts and Accessories.
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The Federal Clean Air Act - U.S.
The Federal Clean Air Act requires vehicle manufacturers to furnish written instructions to the ultimate purchaser to
assure the proper servicing and function of the components that control emissions. These services, which are listed in
the "Warranty and Service Records Information" booklet, are not covered by the warranty. You will be required to pay
for labor and material used.
Maintenance
Your Volvo passed several major inspections before it was delivered to you, in accordance with Volvo specifications.
The maintenance procedures outlined in the Warranty and Service Records Information booklet, many of which will
positively affect your vehicle's emissions, should be performed as indicated. It is recommended that receipts for
vehicle emission maintenance be retained in case questions arise concerning maintenance. Inspection and maintenance
should also be performed anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
Applicable warranties - U.S./Canada
In accordance with applicable U.S. and Canadian regulations, the following list of warranties is provided.
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty
Corrosion Protection Limited Warranty
Seat Belt and Supplemental Restraint Systems Limited Warranty
Emission Design and Defect Warranty
Emission Performance Warranty
These are the federal warranties; other warranties are provided as required by state/provincial law. Refer to your
separate Warranty and Service Records Information booklet for detailed information concerning each of the warranties.
Periodic maintenance helps minimize emissions
Periodic maintenance will help keep your vehicle running well. Your Warranty and Service Records Information
booklet provides a comprehensive periodic maintenance schedule up to 150,000 miles (240,000 km) of vehicle
maintenance. The schedule includes components that affect vehicle emissions. This page describes some of the
emission-related components.
Vehicle Event Data (Black Box)
Your vehicle's driving and safety systems employ computers that monitor, and share with each other, information
about your vehicle's operation. One or more of these computers may store what they monitor, either during normal
vehicle operation or in a crash or near-crash event. Stored information may be read and used by:
Volvo Car Corporation
service and repair facilities
law enforcement or government agencies
others who may assert a legal right to know, or who obtain your consent to know such information.
221 06 Maintenance and specifications
Maintaining your car
Owner maintenance
Periodic maintenance requirements and intervals 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.
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Each time the car 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 corrosion. Corrosion may indicate a loose terminal connector, or a battery near
the end of its useful service life. Consult your Volvo retailer for additional information.
As needed:
Wash the car, including the undercarriage, 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.
NOTE
Complete service information for qualified technicians is available online for purchase or subscription at
www.volvotechinfo.com
.
222 06 Maintenance and specifications
Maintaining your car
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 diagnostic 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 of inspection has replaced the tailpipe emission test.
How can my vehicle fail OBD II emission inspection?
Your vehicle can fail OBD II emission inspection 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 disconnecting 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?
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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/highway driving is typically needed to allow OBD II to reach readiness. Your Volvo retailer can provide you
with more information on planning a trip.
Maintain your vehicle in accordance with your vehicle's maintenance schedule.
223 06 Maintenance and specifications
Hood and engine compartment
Opening and closing the hood
Pull the lever located under the left side of the dash to release the hood lock.
Lift the hood slightly. Press the release control (located under the right front edge of the hood) to the left, and lift
the hood
WARNING
Check that the hood locks properly when closed.
Engine compartment, overview
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The appearance of the engine compartment may vary depending on engine model.
Coolant expansion tank
Power steering fluid reservoir
Engine oil dipstick
Radiator
Filler cap for engine oil
Cover over brake fluid reservoir
Battery
Relay and fuse box
Washer fluid reservoir
Air cleaner
WARNING
The cooling fan may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine has been switched off.
WARNING
The ignition should always be completely switched off before performing any operations in the engine compartment.
The distributor ignition system operates at very high voltages. Special safety precautions must be followed to prevent
injury. Always turn the ignition off when:
Replacing distributor ignition components e.g. plugs, coil, etc.
Do not touch any part of the distributor ignition system while the engine is running. This may result in unintended
movements and body injury.
224 06 Maintenance and specifications
Engine oil
Checking the engine oil
The oil level should be checked every time the vehicle is refueled. This is especially important during the period up to
the first scheduled maintenance service.
See page 276 for oil specifications.
Refer to the Warranty and Service Records Information booklet for information on the oil change intervals.
Volvo recommends Castrol oil products.
CAUTION
Not checking the oil level regularly can result in serious engine damage if the oil level becomes too low.
Oil that is lower than the specified quality can damage the engine.
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Volvo does not recommend the use of oil additives.
Always add oil of the same type and viscosity as already used.
Never fill oil above the MAX mark. This could cause an increase in oil consumption.
Checking and adding oil
NOTE
Before checking the oil:
The car 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.
Checking the oil
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint-free rag.
2. Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check the oil level. The level must be between the MIN and MAX marks.
3. Add oil if necessary. If the level is close to the MIN mark, add approximately 0.5 US quarts (0.5 liters) of oil.
4. Recheck the level and add more oil if necessary until the level is near the MAX mark.
225 06 Maintenance and specifications
Engine oil
WARNING
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Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into contact with hot exhaust pipe surfaces.
NOTE
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at
additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.
226 06 Maintenance and specifications
Fluids
Coolant
Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be drained, consult a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician.
See page 279
for information on cooling system capacities.
CAUTION
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).
The cooling system must always be kept filled to the correct level, and the level must be between the MIN and
MAX marks. If it is not kept filled, there can be high local temperatures in the engine which could result in damage.
Different types of antifreeze/coolant may not be mixed. Check coolant regularly.
WARNING
Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is warm. Wait until the vehicle 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.
227 06 Maintenance and specifications
Fluids
Brake fluid
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Checking the level
The fluid reservoir is concealed under the round cover at the rear of the engine compartment. The round cover must be
removed first before the reservoir cap can be accessed.
The brake fluid should always be between the MIN and MAX marks on the inside of the reservoir. Check, without
removing the cap, that there is sufficient fluid in the reservoir.
Fluid type: DOT 4+ boiling point >536°F (280°C), P/N 9437433
Replace: The fluid should be replaced according to the intervals specified in the Warranty and Service Records
Information booklet.
When driving under extremely hard conditions (mountain driving, etc), it may be necessary to replace the fluid more
often. Consult a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Always entrust brake fluid changing to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a brake-related message is shown in the information
display: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the car towed to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician and have the brake
system inspected.
Filling
Turn and open the cover.
Unscrew the reservoir cap and fill the fluid. The level must be between the MIN and MAX marks.
Power steering fluid
Check the level frequently. The fluid does not require changing. The fluid level must be between the MIN and MAX
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