tow VOLVO V70 2003 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: VOLVO, Model Year: 2003, Model line: V70, Model: VOLVO V70 2003Pages: 117, PDF Size: 2.56 MB
Page 53 of 117

2 0 0 3
VOLVO V70
Chapter 6 - Starting and driving
pg. 83 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements84
Fuel Formulations85
Refueling86
Starting the engine87
Manual transmission89
Automatic transmission (AW5)90
Automatic transmission (Geartronic)92
All Wheel Drive94
Driving economy95
Points to remember96
Roof racks/load carriers97
Emergency towing99
Vehicle towing information100
Towing a trailer101
Detachable trailer hitch102
Jump starting103
Winter driving104
Long distance trips105
Three-way catalytic converter106
pg. 84 Fuel requirements
Fuel requirements
Octane rating : Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
ProCarManuals.com
Page 59 of 117

P (Park)
Use this position when starting the engine or parking the car.
Never use P while the car is in motion.
The parking brake should be set whenever the car is parked.
The gear selector is mechanically locked in the P position (SHIFTLOCK). To release the gear selector from this
position, the engine must be running (or the ignition key must be in position II) and the brake pedal must be
depressed.
WARNING!
Never leave the car unattended when the engine is running. If, by mistake, the gear selector is moved from P, the car
may start moving.
R (Reverse)
Never engage R while the car is moving forward.
N (Neutral)
Neutral - no gear engaged. Use the parking brake.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position and should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy. The car should
not be moving when shifting from R to the D position.
4 (Intermediate gear)
The transmission will shift automatically between gears 4, 3, 2 or 1 from this position. The transmission cannot shift
up to (D)rive from fourth gear.
3 (Intermediate gear)
The transmission will shift automatically between gears 3, 2 and 1 from this position. The transmission cannot shift up
to fourth gear or (D)rive from third gear.
L (Low gears)
The transmission is locked in gears 1 and 2 when the selector is in this position.
NOTE:
Gears 4, 3, or L can be used if you are driving in a mountainous area, towing a trailer or to increase engine braking
effect.
The transmission has a built-in limiter designed to help prevent excessive engine speeds (high rpm) when gears 4, 3
or L are selected.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 62 of 117

Kickdown
Automatic shift to a lower gear (kickdown) is achieved by depressing the accelerator pedal fully and briskly. An
upshift will occur when approaching the top speed for a particular gear or by releasing the accelerator pedal slightly.
Kickdown can be used for maximum acceleration or when passing at highway speeds. Kickdown does not function
when the transmission is in the manual shift (geartronic) mode (see next page).
Automatic transmission - adaptive system
The automatic transmission is controlled by an adaptive control system that constantly monitors the way in which the
transmission functions. It senses and adapts each gear shift for optimal performance. The system also monitors your
particular driving style and adapts gear shifting accordingly.
Automatic transmission - shift gate positions
You can move the gear selector freely between the (MAN)ual and (D)rive positions while driving.
Depress the button on the front of the gear selector knob to move between the R, N, D, and P positions.
Please see the following page for information on using the Geartronic manual shift mode.
pg. 93 Automatic transmission (Geartronic)
Manual shifting - Geartronic
You can move the gear selector freely between the (MAN)ual and (D)rive positions while driving. Gears 2, 3, and 4
have a "lock -up" function which reduces engine speed and helps save fuel. The currently selected gear will be
displayed in the instrument panel (see page 27
).
To access the (MAN)ual shifting position from (D)rive, pull the gear selector back slightly from D and move it to
the left to MAN.
To return to the (D)rive position from MAN, move the gear selector to the right and push it forward to the (D)rive
position.
While driving
If you select the (MAN)ual position while driving, the gear that was being used in the (D)rive position will also
initially be selected in (MAN)ual position.
Move the gear selector forward (toward "+") to shift to a higher gear or rearward (toward "-") to shift to a lower
gear.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 63 of 117

If you hold the gear selector toward "-", the transmission will downshift, one gear at a time, and will utilize the
braking power of the engine. If the current speed is too high for using a lower gear, the downshift will not occur until
the speed has decreased enough to allow the lower gear to be used.
If you slow down to a very low speed, the transmission will automatically shift down.
When starting in the (MAN)ual position, 3rd gear is the highest gear that may be selected.
NOTE: Kickdown (see previous page) does not function when the transmission is in the manual shift (geartronic)
mode. The gear selector must be in the D (Drive) position.
W Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction
Mode W will function only if the gear selector is in the (D)rive position.
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode (see illustration).
An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and this will also be displayed in the instrument
panel (see page 27
).
This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
pg. 94 All Wheel Drive - option
All Wheel Drive (AWD) - general information
Your Volvo can be equipped with permanent All Wheel Drive, which means that power is distributed automatically
between the front and rear wheels. Under normal driving conditions, most of the engine's power is directed to the front
wheels. However, if there is any tendency for the front wheels to spin, an electronically controlled coupling distributes
power to the wheels that have the best traction.
Tire dimensions
Volvo recommends that you always drive on tires of the same brand, size, construction (radial), tread pattern, load-,
speed-, traction-, temperature-, and treadwear rating. Never drive on mixed tires, except for brief periods when the
temporary spare tire is in use.
Always use properly inflated tires of correct dimensions. Tire size and inflation pressures are shown on the tire
pressure label located inside the fuel filler door.
Tire Rotation
Volvo recommends rotating the tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). Tires should be rotated front -to-back/back-to-
front only. Tires must maintain the same direction of rotation throughout their lifetime, and should never be rotated
from one side of the vehicle to the other.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 64 of 117

Temporary Spare
The temporary spare tire is for temporary, low-speed, short-distance use only. Replace it with a full-sized tire as soon
as possible, in accordance with "Tire Rotation" above. Do not drive on the temporary spare at speeds above 50 m.p.h.
(80km/h) or for distances greater than 50 miles (80 km).
Never install snow chains on a temporary spare.
pg. 95 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
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 posted speed limits.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the car.
Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (when tires are cold).
Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc., increase air resistance and also fuel consumption.
Avoid using automatic transmission kickdown feature unless necessary.
Avoid using the air conditioning when it is not required. When engaged, the conditioner's compressor places an
additional load on the engine. However, at higher 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 Service intervals.
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions should use (D)rive as often as possible and avoid using
"kick -down" to help improve fuel economy. Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions should use fifth gear at
highway speeds. At other times, choose the highest gear that still allows smooth acceleration.
Weight distribution affects handling
At the specified curb weight your car 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 on the rear of
the vehicle (e.g., heavily loaded (max. 220 lbs, 100 kg) cargo area or when towing a trailer, the less the tendency to
understeer.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 65 of 117

Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore, check that the tires are inflated to
the recommended pressure according to the vehicle load. See "Tire pressure" section. Loads should be distributed so
that capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
pg. 96 Points to remember
Cooling system
The risk for engine overheating is greatest, especially in hot weather, when:
Towing a trailer up steep inclines for prolonged periods at wide open throttle and low engine rpm.
Stopping the engine suddenly after high speed driving (so-called "after-boiling" can occur).
To avoid overheating, the following rules should be followed: Do not drive for prolonged periods at engine speeds
above 4500 rpm if you are towing a trailer in hilly terrain.
Reduce speed when towing a trailer up long, steep inclines. The risk of overheating can be reduced by switching off
the air conditioning system for a short time.
Do not let the engine idle unnecessarily for prolonged periods.
Do not mount auxiliary lamps in front of the grill.
When the risk of overheating is imminent, or in the event of overheating (the temperature gauge goes repeatedly into,
or stays continually in, the red section), the following precautions should be taken:
Switch off the air conditioning system.
Pull off the road, away from traffic, stop the car and put the gear selector into neutral.
Switch the heater to full (maximum) position. Increase the engine speed to approx. 2000 rpm (twice idling speed)
until the temperature begins to drop.
WARNING!
Do not remove coolant expansion tank cap. The coolant will be extremely hot.
If necessary, see page 129
and 132 for information on checking and topping-up the coolant level.
CAUTION: Drive slowly and carefully if going through standing water (i.e. flooded roadways, etc.). Damage to the
engine could result if excess water is drawn in through the air intake system. Never drive the vehicle in water deeper
than 1 foot (300 mm). See the flood warning on page 7
.
WARNING!
Driving with the tailgate open : Driving with the tailgate open could mean that poisonous exhaust gases enter the
passenger compartment.
If the tailgate 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 blower control to its
highest setting.
Floor mats : An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause the accelerator pedal to catch. Check that the movement
of the accelerator pedal is not impeded. Not more than one protective floor covering may be used at one time.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 87 of 117

Installing a new bulb
To install a new low beam bulb (H7):
Insert the new bulb, without touching the glass, with the guide lug upward (1). The bulb will only seat properly in
this position.
Move the retaining spring up and push it slightly to the left until it seats properly (2).
Press the connector into place on the bulb (3).
Reinstall the plastic cover and turn it clockwise until it is correctly in place (4). "TOP" must be upward.
NOTE: If the vertical aim of your headlights needs to be adjusted for any reason (e.g., towing a trailer for extended
periods), this should be done by an authorized Volvo retailer.
pg. 121 Replacing bulbs
To remove and install a high beam bulb (HB3):
Switch off all lights and turn the ignition switch to position 0.
Open the hood.
Remove the cover by twisting it counterclockwise.
Twist the bulb holder counterclockwise, pull it out and fit a new bulb. Note its position.
Refit the bulb holder. It can only be fitted in one way.
Screw the cover back on. The word TOP should be upwards.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 94 of 117

CAUTION:
During high pressure washing, the spray mouthpiece must never be closer to the vehicle than 13" (30 cm). Do not
spray into the locks.
Special sun roof cautions:
- Always close the sun roof and sun shade before washing your vehicle.
- Never use abrasive cleaning agents on the sun roof.
- Never use wax on the rubber seals around the sun roof.
When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying water or steam directly on the electrical components or
toward the rear side of the engine.
After cleaning the engine, the spark plug wells should be inspected for water and blown dry if necessary.
Suitable detergents: Special car washing detergents should be used. Mix according to manufacturer's instructions.
Bumpers: The bumpers are painted. Wash the bumpers with the same cleaning agent used on the rest of the car.
Never clean the bumpers with gasoline or paint thinner. Difficult spots can be removed with denatured alcohol. To
avoid scratches, do not dry the bumpers with paper.
WARNING!
When the car is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes several times in order to remove any
moisture from the brake linings.
Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine is warm. This constitutes a fire risk.
pg. 128 Washing the car, Cleaning the upholstery
Automatic washing - simple and quick
We do NOT recommend washing your car in an automatic wash during the first six months (because the
paint will not have hardened sufficiently).
An automatic wash is a simple and quick way to clean your car, but it is worth remembering that it may not be as
thorough as when you yourself go over the car with sponge and water. Keeping the underbody clean is most important,
especially in the winter. Some automatic washers do not have facilities for washing the underbody.
Before driving into an automatic wash, make sure that side view mirrors, auxiliary lamps, etc, are secure, otherwise
there is risk of the machine dislodging them.
Polishing and waxing
Normally, polishing is not required during the first year after delivery. However, waxing may be beneficial.
Before applying polish or wax the car must be washed and dried. Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar
remover. Difficult spots may require a fine rubbing compound.
After polishing, use liquid or paste wax.
Several commercially available products contain both polish and wax.
Waxing alone does not substitute for polishing of a dull surface.
A wide range of polymer-based car waxes can be purchased today. These waxes are easy to use and produce a long-
lasting, high-gloss finish that protects the bodywork against oxidation, road dirt and fading.
Do not polish or wax your car in direct sunlight (the surface of the car should not be warmer than 113° F (45° C).
ProCarManuals.com
Page 95 of 117

Cleaning the upholstery
The fabric can be cleaned with soapy water or a detergent. For more difficult spots caused by oil, ice cream, shoe
polish, grease, etc., use a clothing/fabric stain remover.
The plastic in the upholstery can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.
Leather upholstery/suede-like upholstery (alcanteraTM) can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.
For more difficult spots, Volvo offers a leather care kit.
Under no circumstances should gasoline, naphtha or similar cleaning agents be used on the plastic or the
leather since these can cause damage.
Cleaning the seat belts
Clean only with lukewarm water and mild soap solution.
Cleaning floor mats
The floor mats should be vacuumed or brushed clean regularly, especially during winter, when they should be taken
out for drying. Spots on textile mats can be removed with a mild detergent.
Stain removal
Take extra care when removing stains such as ink or lipstick since the coloring can spread.
Use solvents sparingly. Too much solvent can damage the seat padding.
Start from the outside of the stain and work toward the center.
pg. 129 Maintenance service, Warranty
Maintenance service
Volvo advises you to follow the service program outlined in the Warranty and Service Records Information booklet.
This maintenance program contains inspections and services necessary for the proper function of your car. The
maintenance services contain several checks which require special instruments and tools and therefore must be
performed by a qualified technician. To keep your Volvo in top condition, specify time-tested and proven Genuine
Volvo Parts and Accessories.
The Federal Clean Air Act - U.S.
The Federal Clean Air Act requires vehicle manufacturers to furnish written instructions to the ultimate purchaser to
assure the proper servicing and function of the components that control emissions. These services, which are listed in
the "Warranty and Service Records Information booklet," are not covered by the warranty. You will be required to pay
for labor and material used.
Maintenance services
Your Volvo passed several major inspections before it was delivered to you, in accordance with Volvo specifications.
The maintenance services outlined in the Warranty and Service Records Information booklet, many of which will
positively affect your vehicle's emissions, should be performed as indicated. It is recommended that receipts for
vehicle emission services be retained in case questions arise concerning maintenance.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 99 of 117

WARNING!
When adding accessories, equipment, luggage and other cargo to your vehicle, the total loaded weight capacity of
the vehicle must not be exceeded.
1) Rear seat backrest up, load height - upper edger of backrest
2) Rear seat backrest folded down, load height - upper edge of front seat backrests/lower edge of rear window
3) Rear seat backrest folded down, load height - headlining (ceiling)
Weights USA Canada
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)
V70 man. 4630 lbs 2100 kg
V70 aut. 4690 lbs 2130 kg
V70 Turbo man. 4670 lbs 2120 kg
V70 Turbo aut. 4730 lbs 2150 kg
V70 AWD 4890 lbs 2220 kg
XC70 4890 lbs 2220 kg
Capacity weight *** 930 lbs 420 kg
Curb weight
V70 3390-3585 lbs 1541-1632 kg
V70 AWD 3690-3725 lbs 1675-1695 kg
XC70 3765-3800 lbs 1710-1730 kg
Permissible axle weight, front
V70 man. 2290 lbs 1040 kg
V70 aut. 2330 lbs 1060 kg
V70 Turbo aut. 2400 lbs 1090 kg
V70 AWD 2400 lbs 1090 kg
XC70 2490 lbs 1130 kg
Permissible axle weight, rear
V70, V70 Turbo 2470 lbs 1120 kg
V70 AWD 2580 lbs 1170 kg
XC70 2620 lbs 1190 kg
* When driving for prolonged periods at temperatures above 86° F (30° C), the maximum recommended weight is
2000 lbs (900 kg).
**See also section "Trailer towing"
*** The max permissible axle loads or the gross vehicle weight must not be exceeded.
All specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
pg. 144 Engine specifications
Engine specifications
Designation: Volvo B 5234 T3
Output247 hp at 5200 rpm (184 kW/87 rps)
Max. torque 243 ft. lbs. at 2400-5200 rpm (330 Nm/42-87 rps)
ProCarManuals.com