trailer VOLVO S40 2008 User Guide

Loading the vehicle
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle design performance.
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining your vehicle's weight
ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle's Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(FMVSS/CMVSS) label, and the vehicle's tire information placard:
Curb weight
The weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers,
cargo, or optional equipment.
Capacity weight
All weight added to the curb weight, including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer hitch tongue load
is also part of cargo weight.
NOTE
For trailer towing information, please refer to the section "Towing a trailer" on page 154
.
Permissible axle weight
The maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). These numbers are shown on the
Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label. The total load on each axle must never
exceed its maximum permissible weight.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)
The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passengers.
NOTE
The location of the various labels in your vehicle can be found on page 249.
A table listing important weight limits for your vehicle can be found on page 251.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
(1) Locate the statement ''the combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds'' on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the ''XXX''
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual
1 to determine
1See "Towing a trailer" on page 154.
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1FWD = Front Wheel Drive
2AWD = All Wheel Drive
3Models equipped with the B5244S7 engine (engine code 39, which is the 6th and 7th digits from the left in your vehicle's VIN number, see page
249 for the location of the VIN plate), may not be used to tow trailers or vehicles of any kind. This could cause damage to the vehicle's emission
control systems.
252 11 Specifications
Dimensions and weights
Specifications and capacities
NOTE
The transmission oil does not normally need to be changed during the service life of the vehicle. However, it may be
necessary to replace the oil if the vehicle is often driven in areas of sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold),
when towing a trailer over long distances, for prolonged driving in mountainous areas, or if the vehicle is often
driven short distances in temperatures under 40°F (5°C).
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253 11 Specifications
Engine oil
Oil specifications
Engine oil must meet the minimum ILSAC specification GF-3, API SL, or ACEA A1/B1. Lower quality oils may not
offer the same fuel economy, engine performance, or engine protection.
Volume: 6.1 US qts (5.8 liters).
Volume between the MIN and Max marks on the dipstick: approximately 1.4 US qts (1.3 liters).
Volvo recommends Castrol.
Depending on your driving habits, premium or synthetic oils may provide superior fuel economy and engine
protection. Consult your Volvo retailer or a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for recommendations on
premium or synthetic oils.
Oil additives must not be used.
NOTE
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal service intervals. This oil is only used at customer
request, at additional charge. Please consult a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Oil viscosity (stable ambient temperatures)
Operation in hot climates
When temperatures exceed 104° F (40° C) in your area, Volvo recommends, for the protection of your engine, that you
use a heavier weight oil, such as such as SAE 5W -40 or 0W -40. See the viscosity chart.
Operation in temperate climates
Incorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life. Under normal use when temperatures do not exceed 104° F (40° C),
SAE 5W -30 will provide good fuel economy and engine protection. See the viscosity chart.
Extreme engine operation
Synthetic oils meeting SAE 0W -30 or 0W -40 and complying with oil quality requirements are recommended for
driving in areas of sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold), when towing a trailer over long distances, and for
prolonged driving in mountainous areas.
254 11 Specifications
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Snow chains180
Sound control, automatic234
Speedometer49
SRS warning light54
Stability and Traction Control (STC)149
Stability system149
Stability system (STC/DSTC)53
Start inhibitor (immobilizer)112
Starting the vehicle136
Steering wheel lock135
Storage compartments103, 105
Sunroof (moonroof)75
T
Tachometer49
Taillight bulb holder, removing217
Technician certification259
Temperature gauge50
Temporary spare181
Three-way catalytic converter258
Tire designations174
Tire inflation pressure
Canadian models173
US models172
Tire pressure monitoring system187
Tires
general information168
tire pressure monitoring system187, 188
tire rotation183
Traction control - TC149
Trailer hitch, detachable156
Transmission, automatic141
Tread wear indicator168, 169
Trip odometer50
Trunk109
opening from the inside122
Turn signal bulb, replacing215
Turn signals62
U
Unlocking fuel filler door60
USB connector (audio system)232
V
Valet locking116, 117
Vanity mirror lighting, replacing219
Vehicle dimensions250
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