VOLVO C70 2003 Owner's Guide

Batteries
Each remote transmitter is powered by a three-volt battery, type CR 2016. If the range of the transmitter is noticeably
reduced, this indicates that the battery is weak and should be replaced.
Replacement: Remove the battery cover on the back of the transmitter with a coin. Replace the battery. Reinstall the
cover, making sure it is secured tightly to help protect the transmitter.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to service or repair any components of the alarm system yourself. This should only be
done by an authorized Volvo retailer.
pg. 47 Front seats
Electrically operated seats with memory function
1 Lumbar support
2 Strap for controlling front seat for rear seat passengers
3 Backrest release control lever
4 Power seat control panel
Power seat control panel
A-seat front (raise/lower), B -forward/rearward, C-seat rear (raise/lower), D -backrest tilt
WARNING!
ProCarManuals.com

The power seats are operable with the ignition OFF. Therefore, children should never be left unattended in the car.
Do not adjust the seat while driving. The seat should be adjusted so that the brake pedal can be depressed fully. In
addition, position the seat as far rearward as comfort and control allow. The seat rails on the floor must not be
obstructed in any way when the seat is moved.
Make sure the seats are securely locked in position after they have been adjusted.
Memory programming buttons
Programming the seat's memory
Three seat positions can be programmed using the memory function. To program a seat position:
1 Adjust the seat to the desired position.
2 Depress the MEM button.
3 Press button 1 to program the current position of the seat.
Buttons 2 and 3 can be programmed in the same way.
Moving the seat to a programmed position
Depress button 1, 2 or 3 until the seat stops in the programmed position.
If the button is released before the seat has reached the programmed position, the seat will stop as a safety
precaution.
NOTE : The seat has an overload protector which engages if an object blocks the movement of the seat. If this
happens, remove the object and wait 20 seconds before operating the seat again.
Movement of the seat can be STOPPED at any time by pressing any button on the power seat control panel.
pg. 48 Front seats
Tilting the backrests - moving the seats
Tilting the backrest
The backrests are locked in the upright position and can be tilted forward to allow access to the rear seat.
ProCarManuals.com

1. Lift the control lever on the side of the front seat (A)
2. Tilt the backrest forward to reach objects in the rear seat.
Moving the seat forward
1. Lift and hold up the control lever on the side of the front seat (A).
2. Tilt the backrest forward (B) and release the lever.
Electrically operated seats: The seat will slide forward until it reaches the forward-most position.
Manually operated passenger's seat*: When the backrest has been tilted forward , the seat can be moved
forward/rearward without holding the control on the side of the seat .
To tilt up the backrest to its normal position:
1. Press the backrest slightly forward and pull the control lever up to release the backrest locking mechanism.
2. Tilt the backrest toward the rear of the car.
3. Electrically operated seats: Push up the control lever, move the backrest to the upright position and release the
lever. The seat will move to its previously programmed position.
Manually operated passenger's seat*: move the seat to the desired position.
To exit the rear seat:
Pull the strap on the lower inside corner of the seat (C) and push the backrest forward. Release the strap.
The seat will slide forward until it reaches its forward-most position (electrically operated seats). If the car is
equipped with a manually operated passenger's seat, push the seat forward.
*Please see the following page for information on adjusting the manually operated passenger's seat.
WARNING!
To stop a moving electrically operated seat; push the backrest slightly forward or backward.
pg. 49 Front seats
Manually operated passenger's seat (certain models)
1 Height adjustment
The front section of the seat can be adjusted to 7 different height settings (lever A) and the rear section can be adjusted
to 9 different height settings (lever B).
2 Forward-rearward seat adjustment
ProCarManuals.com

Pull the bar upward, then slide the seat forward or rearward to the desired position. Make sure that the seat is properly
secured when you release the bar.
3 Backrest tilt
Rotate the control counterclockwise to tilt the backrest rearward and clockwise to tilt the backrest forward.
4 Lumbar support
5 Strap for controlling front seat (for rear seat passengers)

Contents | Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com

2 0 0 3
VOLVO C70
Chapter 4 - Starting and driving
pg. 59 Starting and driving
Page
Fuel requirements, Refueling 60
Driving economy63
Starting the engine64
Manual transmission65
Automatic transmission66
Points to remember68
Trunk -mounted luggage racks70
Emergency towing71
Vehicle towing information72
Jump starting73
Brake/Stability systems74
Trailer towing76
Winter driving77
pg. 60 Fuel requirements
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 116-117.
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
help keep your car in good running order.
Manual transmission
ProCarManuals.com

The following speeds should not be exceeded during the breakin period:Up to 600 miles
(1000 km) 600 1,200 miles
(1000 2000 km)
1st gear 20 mph (30 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h)
2nd gear 30 mph (50 km/h) 40 mph (70 km/h)
3rd gear 45 mph (80 km/h) 65 mph (100 km/h)
4th gear 70 mph (110 km/h) 80 mph (130 km/h)
5th gear 80 mph (130 km/h) 95 mph (150 km/h)
Posted speed limits should not be exceeded.
Deposit control (detergent) gasoline
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gasoline to control engine deposits. Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping
injectors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit control gasolines will help ensure good driveability and
fuel economy. If you are not sure whether the gasoline contains deposit control additives, check with the service
station operator.
Unleaded fuel
Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and Canadian regulations
require that pumps delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit
your car's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled "unleaded gasoline only". Leaded
gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of leaded
gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of the emission control system and could result in loss of emission warranty
coverage. State and local vehicle inspection programs will make detection of misfueling easier, possibly resulting in
emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.
NOTE : Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive called methly-cyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission Control System performance may be affected,
and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp located on your instrument panel may light. If this occurs, please return your
vehicle to an authorized Volvo retailer for service.
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).
pg. 61 Fuel requirements
Fuel Formulations
ProCarManuals.com

Do not use gasoline that contains lead as a knock inhibitor, and do not use lead additives. Besides damaging the
exhaust emission control systems on your car, 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
wear neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
Use of Additives
With the exception of gas line antifreeze during winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or other store -bought
additives to your car'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.
Carbon Monoxide - Important 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 your retailer for correction.
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 alcohols 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 standards, some areas require the use of "oxygenated"
fuel.
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.
pg. 62 Fuel requirements, Refueling
ProCarManuals.com

Fuel filler door control on driver's door
Refueling
The fuel tank holds approximately 17.9 US gal. (68 liters) with sufficient volume left over to accommodate possible
expansion of the fuel in hot weather. Be aware that the "usable" tank capacity 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 filler door
The fuel filler door (on the right rear fender) is locked and must be popped open using the control on the driver's door.
Open fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather 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.
After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place *.
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 gasolines 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 Limited Warranty.
* 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. 63 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
ProCarManuals.com

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 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 trunk-mounted luggage racks increase air resistance and thereby fuel consumption.
Avoid using automatic transmission kickdown 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:
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.
pg. 64 Starting the Engine
Starting and stopping
1. Fasten the seat belt.
WARNING!
Before starting, check that the seat, steering wheel and mirrors are adjusted properly. Make sure the brake pedal can
be depressed completely. Move the seat closer if necessary. Refer to section "front seats".
2. Apply the parking brake, if not already set. The gear selector (automatic transmission) is locked in the (P)ark
position (SHIFT LOCK).
Manual transmission: the clutch must be fully depressed.
3. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to the starting position*. Allow the starter to operate
for up to 10 seconds. Release the key as soon as the engine starts. If the engine fails to start, repeat step 3.
For cold starts at altitudes above 6000 ft (1800 meters), depress the accelerator pedal halfway and turn the key to the
starting position. Release the pedal slowly when the engine starts.
4. To release the gear selector from the (P)ark position (automatic transmission), the ignition key must be in position II
ProCarManuals.com

and the brake pedal must be depressed. See page 101 for instructions on manually releasing the SHIFTLOCK
system.
Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubrication points fast enough to
prevent engine damage.
NOTE: (Automatic transmission only)
Your car is equipped with a KEYLOCK system. When the engine is switched off, the gear selector must be in the
( P )ark position before the starting key can be removed from the ignition switch.
5. Select the desired gear. The gear engages after a slight delay (automatic transmission) which is especially noticeable
when selecting R.
CAUTION : (Automatic transmission only)
The engine should be idling; never accelerate until after you feel the gear engage! Too rapid acceleration immediately
after selecting a gear will cause harsh engagement and premature transmission wear.
NOTE : Selecting P or N (automatic transmission) when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help
prevent overheating of transmission oil.
WARNING!
Always place the gear selector (automatic transmission) in Park and apply the parking brake before leaving the
vehicle. Never leave the car unattended with the engine running.
Always open the garage doors fully before starting the engine inside a garage to ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless but very poisonous.
CAUTION:
Never race the engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubricating points fast enough to
prevent engine damage.
Do not race the engine just prior to switching off!
* If the key is left in the Drive position (position II) for more than 30 seconds, it must be turned to position 0 and then
turned to the Start position (position III) again in order to start the car. See page 21
for ignition key positions.
pg. 65 Manual transmission
Shift positions
ProCarManuals.com