VOLVO S40 2008 Owners Manual

Each time the car is refueled:
Check the engine oil level
Clean the windshield, windshield wipers, headlights, and taillights
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 a trained and qualified Volvo service technician 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
.
202 09 Maintenance and servicing
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 ?
ProCarManuals.com

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.
203 09 Maintenance and servicing
Hood
Opening the hood
To open the hood:
1. Pull the lever located under the left side of the dash to release the hood lock.
2. Lift the hood slightly.
3. Press up the release control located under the front edge of the hood (at the center) up to the right, and lift the hood.
WARNING
Check that the hood locks engage properly when closed.
204 09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine compartment
ProCarManuals.com

1. Cooling system expansion tank
2. Power steering fluid reservoir (concealed behind the headlight)
3. Dipstick - engine oil
4. Radiator
5. Cooling fan
6. Washer fluid reservoir
7. Engine oil filler cap
8. Brake/clutch fluid reservoir
9. Battery
10. Relay/fuse box
11. Air cleaner
WARNING
The cooling fan may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine has been switched off.
205 09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil
Changing engine oil and oil filter
See page 253
for oil specifications. Refer to the Warranty and Service Records Information booklet for information on
the oil change intervals.
Volvo recommends Castrol.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of oil additives.
ProCarManuals.com

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 a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Checking and adding 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
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.
3. Add oil if necessary. If the level is close to the MIN mark, add approximately 1 US quart (1 liter) of oil.
4. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
5. Switch off the engine and wait for at least 10-15 minutes and recheck the oil level. If necessary, add oil until the
level is near the MAX mark.
NOTE
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.
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.
ProCarManuals.com

206 09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids
WARNING
Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into contact with hot exhaust pipe surfaces
NOTE
Volvo uses different systems to indicate a low oil level or pressure. Some models have an oil pressure sensor, in
which case a warning symbol (see page 54
) is used to indicate low oil pressure. Other models have an oil level
sensor, in which case the driver is alerted by the warning symbol in the center of the instrument panel and a text in
the information display. Some models use both systems. Contact an authorized Volvo retailer for more information.
Washer fluid
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and holds approximately 6.8 US qts (6.5 liters).
During cold weather, the reservoir should be filled with windshield washer solvent containing antifreeze.
Coolant
Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be drained, consult a trained and qualified
ProCarManuals.com

Volvo service technician.
NOTE
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).
207 09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids
CAUTION
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.
Brake fluid
The brake fluid should always be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side 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 your Volvo retailer. Always entrust brake fluid changing to a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician.
Power steering fluid
The fluid level is checked at each service interval.
ProCarManuals.com

Fluid type: Volvo power steering fluid or equivalent.
Replace: No fluid change required.
WARNING
If a problem should occur in the power steering system or if the vehicle has no electrical current and must be towed,
it is still possible to steer the vehicle. However, keep in mind that greater effort will be required to turn the steering
wheel.
208 09 Maintenance and servicing
Wiper blades
Replacing windshield wiper blades
ProCarManuals.com

1. Fold out the wiper arm.
2. Press the button on the wiper blade attachment and pull straight out (1), parallel with the wiper arm.
3. Press a new wiper blade (2) until it clicks into place.
4. Ensure the blade is securely attached (3).
5. Fold in the wiper arm.
NOTE
The wiper blades are different lengths. The blade on the driver's side is longer than the one on the passenger's side.
Keeping the windshield and wiper blades clean helps improve visibility and prolongs the service life of the wiper
blades. See page 192
for washing instructions.
209 09 Maintenance and servicing
Battery
Battery maintenance
ProCarManuals.com

Driving habits and conditions, climate, the number of starts, etc., all affect the service life and function of the battery.
In order for your battery to perform satisfactorily, keep the following in mind:
Check the fluid level in each cell in the battery every 24 months or every 15,0001 miles (24,000 km), whichever is
sooner. The fluid should be at the level shown in the illustrations above (A). Do not overfill.
1More frequently in warm climates.
Use a screw driver to open the caps or cover and a flashlight to inspect the level.
If necessary, add distilled water. The level should never be above the indicator (A).
The fluid level should be checked if the battery has been recharged.
After inspection, be sure the cap over each battery cell or the cover is securely in place.
Check that the battery cables are correctly connected and properly tightened.
Never disconnect the battery when the engine is running, or when the key is in the ignition. This could damage the
vehicle's electrical system.
The battery should be disconnected from the vehicle when a battery charger is used directly on the battery.
WARNING
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the state of
California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
210 09 Maintenance and servicing
ProCarManuals.com

Battery
Battery symbols
Battery replacement
Removing the battery
1. Switch off the ignition and remove the key.
2. Wait at least 5 minutes after switching off the ignition before disconnecting the battery so that all information in the
vehicle's electrical system can be stored in the control modules.
3. Remove the cover over the battery.
4. Disconnect the battery negative (ground) cable.
5. Disconnect the positive cable.
6. Remove the front side of the battery box with a screwdriver.
7. Release the clamp holding the battery.
8. Lift out the battery.
Installing a new battery
1. Put the battery in place in the engine compartment.
2. Install the battery's retaining clamp.
3. Reinstall the front side of the battery box.
ProCarManuals.com