warning VOLVO S80 2008 Owners Manual

201 05 During your trip
Towing a trailer
Introduction
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehicle.
NOTE
See page 270
for the maximum trailer and tongue weights recommended by Volvo.
Observe the legal requirements of the state/province in which the vehicles are
All Volvo models are equipped with energy- absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailer hitch installation should
not interfere with the proper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but take into consideration:
Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See the tire inflation tables on pages 240 and 241.
When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).
Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 mph (80 km/h).
Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant temperature should be closely
watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use a lower gear and turn off the air conditioner if the
temperature gauge needle enters the red range.
If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be displayed in the text window.
Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop (check and observe
state/local regulations).
Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brake system.
More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer over long distances or in mountainous
areas.
WARNING
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safety chains be attached to the bumper.
Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.
Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle brake system, nor a trailer's lighting system
directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult your nearest authorized Volvo retailer for correct installation.
When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety wire must be correctly fastened to the hole or hook provided in the
trailer hitch on the vehicle. The safety wire should never be fastened to or wound around the drawbar ball.
202 05 During your trip
Towing a trailer
NOTE

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.
211 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

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.
212 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 272 for oil specifications.
Refer to the Warranty and Service Records Information booklet for information on the oil change intervals.
Volvo recommends Castrol.
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.

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.
213 06 Maintenance and specifications
Engine oil
WARNING

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.
214 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 275
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.
215 06 Maintenance and specifications
Fluids
Brake fluid

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

marks. For capacities and recommended fluid grade, see page 275.
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.
CAUTION
Keep the area around the power steering fluid reservoir clean when checking.
216 06 Maintenance and specifications
Replacing bulbs
Introduction
All bulb specifications are listed on page 223
. The following bulbs should only be replaced by a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician:
Dome lighting
Reading lights
Glove compartment lighting
Turn signals in the door mirror
Approach lighting in the door mirror
Brake lights
Active Bi -Xenon® and LED bulbs
WARNING
Active Bi -Xenon® headlights (option) - due to the high voltage used by these headlights, these bulbs should only
be replaced by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Turn off the lights and remove the remote key from the ignition before changing any bulbs.
Headlight housing

The windshield and headlight washers share a common reservoir.
The washer fluid reservoir is located on the driver's side of the engine compartment. During cold weather, the reservoir
should be filled with windshield washer solvent containing antifreeze. For capacities, see page 275
.
226 06 Maintenance and specifications
Battery
Warning symbols on the battery
NOTE
A used battery should be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. Consult your Volvo retailer or take
the battery to a recycling station.
Handling
Check that the battery cables are correctly connected and tightened.
Never disconnect the battery when the engine is running (for example, when replacing the battery).

The service life and function of the battery is influenced by factors such as the number of starts, discharging, driving
style, driving conditions, climatic conditions etc.
Never use a quick charger to charge the battery.
WARNING
Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
Do not smoke near the battery.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, fabrics or painted surfaces. If
contact occurs, flush the affected area immediately with water. Obtain medical help immediately if eyes are affected.
NOTE
The life of the battery is shortened if it becomes discharged repeatedly.
227 06 Maintenance and specifications
Battery
Maintenance
Regularly check that the electrolyte level is correct and never fill above the level mark.
Check all cells. Use a large screwdriver or a coin to remove the cell caps. Each cell has its own maximum and
minimum level mark.
If necessary, top up with distilled water to the battery's maximum mark.
Tighten the cell caps thoroughly.
CAUTION
Always use distilled or deionized water (battery water).
Never fill above the level mark in the cell.
228 06 Maintenance and specifications
Battery
Changing

WARNING
Connect and disconnect the positive and negative cables in the correct sequence.
Removal
Switch off the ignition and wait at least 5 minutes before disconnecting the battery so that all information in the
vehicle's electrical system can be stored in the control modules.
Open the clips on the front cover and remove the cover.
Release the rubber moulding so that the rear cover is free.
Remove the rear cover by pulling it away.