fuel VOLVO C70 2008 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: VOLVO, Model Year: 2008, Model line: C70, Model: VOLVO C70 2008Pages: 246, PDF Size: 5.14 MB
Page 53 of 246

The trip computer stores information gathered from several systems in your car and has four menus (five on Canadian
models) that can be shown in the information display.
MILES TO EMPTY TANK
AVERAGE (average fuel consumption)
INSTANTANEOUS (current fuel consumption)
AVERAGE SPEED
DSTC (see page 149 for detailed information.
ACTUAL SPEED (current speed in m.p.h., Canadian models only)
NOTE
Warning messages from the car's monitoring systems will override the trip computer function.
If a warning message is shown in the information display while you are using the trip computer:
1. You must acknowledge the message by pressing the READ button (A).
2. Press button A again to return to the trip computer function.
Controls
The trip computer functions can be accessed by twisting INFO (B) one step at a time in either direction. Twisting a
final time returns you to the original function.
Resetting
AVERAGE (average fuel consumption) and AVERAGE SPEED can be reset.
1. Select one of these functions.
2. Press RESET (C).
Holding RESET for at least five seconds resets both functions at the same time.
MILES TO EMPTY TANK
This function shows the approximate distance that can be driven on the fuel remaining in the tank. This calculation is
based on average fuel consumption during the last 20 miles (30 km) of driving and the amount of fuel remaining in the
tank when the reading was taken. When the driving distance on current fuel reserve is less than 12 miles (20 km), "----
" will be displayed in the information display.
AVERAGE
This value indicates fuel consumption since the last time the trip computer was reset (by pressing RESET, button C).
When the engine is switched off, information on fuel consumption is stored and remains in system memory until the
ProCarManuals.com
Page 54 of 246

RESET (button C) is pressed again.
INSTANTANEOUS
This value indicates the current fuel consumption, based on readings taken once per second. When the car is not
moving, "----" will be displayed.
AVERAGE SPEED
This value indicates average speed since the last time the trip computer was reset (by pressing RESET, button C).
When the engine is switched off, information on average
59 02 Instruments and controls
Trip computer
speed is stored and remains in system memory until the RESET (button C) is pressed again.
ACTUAL SPEED (Canadian models only)
This function provides the driver with an instantaneous conversion of the car's current speed from km/h to m.p.h.
NOTE
Trip computer readings may vary slightly depending on the circumference of the tires on the car, tire inflation, or
driving style.
60 02 Instruments and controls
Right-side steering wheel lever
Windshield wipers
A. Windshield/headlight washers
B. Rain sensor (option) - on/off
C. Thumb wheel
Windshield wipers off
ProCarManuals.com
Page 94 of 246

5. Cup holders
6. Storage compartment in center console (for e.g. CDs)
7. Cup holders
8. Storage compartments in rear side panels
9. Storage compartment on rear side of front seat backrests.
WARNING
Anchor any heavy objects to prevent them from moving during sudden stops.
Packages on the rear parcel shelf can obscure vision and may become dangerous projectiles in the event of a
sudden stop or an accident.
Glove compartment
The owners manual and maps can be stored here. There are also holders for coins, pens and fuel cards. The glove
compartment can only be locked and unlocked using the detachable key blade from the central locking system's remote
control. See page 115
for information on removing the key blade from the remote control, and page 124 for
information on locking the glove compartment
Compartment in door panel
Open the compartment by lifting the front lower section of the lid.
Close by pressing the upper edge of the lid.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 119 of 246

2 0 0 8
VOLVO C70
130 06 Starting and driving
General information 132
Fuel requirements136
Ignition switch/Steering wheel lock139
Starting the vehicle140
Starting the car with keyless drive (option)142
Manual transmission143
Automatic transmission144
Shiftlock override146
Brake system147
Stability system149
Towing151
Jump starting154
Towing a trailer155
Detachable trailer hitch157
Transporting loads158
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)-option159
Park assist (Option/accessory)163
131 06 Starting and driving
132 06 Starting and driving
General information
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.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 120 of 246

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 vehicle for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach
normal operating temperature.
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
Use the transmission's Drive ( D) position as often as possible and avoid using kickdown.
Do not exceed posted speed limits.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the vehicle.
Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (when tires are cold).
Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
At highway driving speeds, fuel consumption will be lower with the air conditioning on and the windows closed
than with the air conditioning off and the windows open.
Using the onboard trip computer's fuel consumption modes can help you learn how to drive more economically.
Other factors that 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 intervals.
Avoid overheating the engine
Do not drive at engine speeds above 4,500 rpm if you tow a trailer in hilly areas. This could cause the engine oil to
overheat.
WARNING
Driving with the trunk open : Driving with the trunk open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the
passenger compartment. If the trunk must be kept open for any reason, proceed as follows:
Close the windows
Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side windows and the blower control to its
highest setting.
Weight distribution affects handling
At the specified curb weight your vehicle has a tendency to understeer, which means that the steering wheel has to be
turned more than might seem appropriate for the curvature of a bend. This ensures good stability and reduces the risk
of rear wheel skid. Remember that these properties can alter with the vehicle load. The heavier the load in the cargo
area, the less the tendency to understeer.
Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore,
133 06 Starting and driving
General information
check that the tires are inflated to the recommended pressure according to the vehicle load. See the "Tire pressure"
ProCarManuals.com
Page 121 of 246

section. Loads should be distributed so that capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
Driving through water
The vehicle can be driven through water up to a depth of approximately 9 in. (25 cm), at a maximum speed of 6 mph
(10 km/h).
Take particular care when driving through flowing water.
Clean the electrical connections for trailer wiring after driving in mud or water
When driving through water, maintain low speed and do not stop in the water.
WARNING
After driving through water, press lightly on the brake pedal to ensure that the brakes are functioning normally.
Water or mud can make the brake linings slippery, resulting in delayed braking effect.
CAUTION
Engine damage will occur if water is drawn into the air cleaner.
If the vehicle is driven through water deeper than 9 in (25 cm), water may enter the differential and the
transmission. This reduces the oil's lubricating capacity and may shorten the service life of these components.
Do not allow the vehicle to stand in water up to the door sills longer than absolutely necessary. This could result
in electrical malfunctions.
If the engine has been stopped while the car is in water, do not attempt to restart the engine. Have the car towed
out of the water.
Cold weather precautions
If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the following advice is worth noting:
Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture will reduce freeze protection.
This gives protection against freezing down to - 31°F (-35°C). See section "Coolant". The use of "recycled" antifreeze
is not approved by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze must not be mixed.
Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator. Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty
of Volvo engine coolant to help protect your vehicle during cold weather.
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this prevents the formation of condensation in the tank. In addition, in
extremely cold weather conditions it is worthwhile to add fuel line de -icer before refueling.
The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weather starting as
well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine is warming up. For winter use, 5W -30 oil, particularly the
synthetic type
1, is recommended. Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use cold-weather oil for hard driving or in
warm weather. See page 257
for more information.
The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the windshield wipers, lighting, etc. are used more
often. Moreover, the capacity of the battery decreases as the temperature drops. In very cold weather, a poorly charged
battery can freeze and be damaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state of
1Synthetic 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.
134 06 Starting and driving
General information
ProCarManuals.com
Page 122 of 246

charge more frequently and spray an antirust oil on the battery posts.
Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving - see the chapter "Wheels and tires."
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze (see page 211 for the
location of the washer fluid reservoir). This is important since dirt is often splashed on the windshield during winter
driving, requiring the frequent use of the washers and wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent 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 using de -icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
Conserving electrical current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize battery drain:
When the engine is not running, avoid turning the ignition key to position II. Many electrical systems (the audio
system, the optional navigation system, power windows, etc) will function with the ignition key in position I. This
position reduces drain on the battery.
Please keep in mind that using systems, accessories, etc that consume a great deal of current when the engine is not
running could result in the battery being completely drained.
The optional 12 volt socket in the cargo area provides electrical current even with the ignition switched off, which
drains the battery.
NOTE
If the ignition is switched on, a warning message will be displayed in the text window in the instrument panel
when the battery charge is low.
An energy conserving function designed into the vehicle's electrical system will switch off certain functions or
reduce the load on the battery by, e.g., reducing the audio system's volume.
135 06 Starting and driving
General information
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician before
driving long distances. Your retailer or service technician will also be able to supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark plugs
and wiper blades for your use in the event that problems occur.
As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip:
Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage
Have the transmission oil level checked1.
Check condition of drive belts.
Check state of the battery's charge.
Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those that are worn. Check tire pressures.
The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service
ProCarManuals.com
Page 123 of 246

technician only.
Check all lights, including high beams.
Reflective warning triangles are legally required in some states/provinces.
Have a word with your Volvo retailer if you intend to drive in countries where it may be difficult to obtain the
correct fuel.
Consider your destination. If you will be driving through an area where snow or ice are likely to occur, consider
snow tires.
1To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your vehicle's transmission fluid yourself. Have your vehicle's transmission fluid
level inspected by a qualified Volvo service technician.
136 06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
Octane rating
MINIMUM
Volvo recommends premium for best performance, but using 87 octane or above will not affect engine reliability.
Volvo engines are designed to achieve rated horsepower, torque, and fuel economy performance using premium 91
octane fuel.
In demanding driving conditions, such as operating the vehicle in hot weather, towing a trailer, or driving for extended
periods at higher altitudes than normal, it may be advisable to switch to higher octane fuelRECOMMENDED
ProCarManuals.com
Page 124 of 246

(91 or higher) or to change gasoline brands to fully utilize your engine's capacity, and for the smoothest possible
operation.
NOTE
When switching to higher octane fuel or changing gasoline brands, it may be necessary to fill the tank more than
once before a difference in engine operation is noticeable.
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
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 drivability and fuel
economy. If you are not sure whether the gasoline contains deposit control additives, check with the service station
operator.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of store -bought fuel injector cleaning additives.
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 vehicle'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
137 06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
resulting in emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.
NOTE
Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive called methyl-cyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission Control System performance may be affected, and the
Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator lamp) located on your instrument panel may light. If this occurs, please
return your vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for maintenance.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers
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.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 125 of 246

Fuel Formulations
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 vehicle, 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
wearing neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
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 a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for correction.
Use of Additives
With the exception of fuel line antifreeze during winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or other store -bought
additives to your vehicle'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.
Fuel filler door
Press the button on the light switch panel (see the illustration on page 55
) with the ignition switched off to unlock the
fuel filler door. Please note that the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the vehicle begins to move forward. An
audible click will be heard when the fuel filler door relocks.
138 06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
If you intend to leave your vehicle while it is being refueled, this feature enables you to lock the doors/trunk while
leaving the fuel filler door unlocked.
You can also keep the vehicle locked if you remain inside it during refueling. The central locking button does not lock
the fuel filler door.
Be sure the fuel filler door is not obstructed and is completely closed after refueling.
Open the fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather .
Refueling
The fuel tank is designed to accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. See page 256
for fuel tank
volume. 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 pump's 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.
ProCarManuals.com