VOLVO V70 2008 Owners Manual

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 vehicle is in water, do not attempt to restart it. Have the vehicle towed
out of the water.
Engine and cooling system
Under special conditions, for example when driving in hilly terrain, extreme heat or with heavy loads, there is a risk
that the engine and cooling system will overheat. Proceed as follows to avoid overheating the engine.
Maintain a low speed when driving with a trailer up long, steep hills.
Do not turn the engine off immediately when stopping after a hard drive.
WARNING
The cooling fan may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine has been switched off.
Remove any auxiliary lights from in front of the grille when driving in hot weather conditions.
Do not exceed engine speeds of 4500 rpm if driving with a trailer in hilly terrain. The oil temperature could become
too high.
Conserving electrical current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize battery drain:
When the engine is not running, avoid using ignition mode II . Many electrical systems (the audio system, the
optional navigation system, power windows, etc) will function in ignition modes 0 and I . These modes reduce 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.
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Driving recommendations
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 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 checked.
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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
technician only.
Check all lights, including high beams.
Reflective warning triangles are legally required in some states/provinces.
Have a word with a trained and qualified Volvo service technician 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.
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). 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.
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this helps prevent 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, 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 276
for more information on engine oil.
NOTE
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at
additional charge.
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 charge more frequently and spray an
anti-rust oil on the battery posts.
Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving. See the information on page 259.
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze. 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):
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Driving recommendations
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.
Avoid using de -icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
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Refueling
Fuel requirements
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 external fuel injector cleaning systems.
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
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 light) located on your instrument panel may light. If this occurs, please
return your vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for service.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers, "Oxygenated fuels"
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 page 197
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.
Methanol
Do not use gasolines containing methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice can result in vehicle
performance deterioration and can damage critical parts in the fuel system. Such damage may not be covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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Refueling
Octane ratingMINIMUM
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.RECOMMENDED
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 fuel (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.
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
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refueling
wearing neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
Use of Additives
With the exception of gas 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.
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Refueling
WARNING
Never carry a cell phone that is switched on while refueling your vehicle. If the phone rings, this may cause a spark
that could ignite gasoline fumes, resulting in fire and injury.
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.
Opening/closing the fuel filler door
The fuel filler door is located on the right rear fender (indicated by an arrow beside the fuel tank symbol on the
information display
)
With the ignition switched off, press the button on the lighting panel 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.
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.
Close the fuel filler door by pressing it a click indicates that it is closed.
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CAUTION
Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. In addition to causing damage to the environment, gasolines containing
alcohol can cause damage to painted surfaces, which may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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Refueling
Manually opening the fuel filler door
If necessary, the fuel filler door can be opened manually.
Open the side hatch in the cargo area (on the same side as the fuel filler door).
Grasp the green cord with a handle.
Pull the cord straight rearward until the fuel filler door clicks open
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Refueling
Opening/closing the fuel cap
Fuel vapor expands in hot weather. Open the filler cap slowly.
After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place.
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CAUTION
Do not refuel with the engine running1. Turn the ignition off or to position I. If the ignition is on, an incorrect
reading could occur in the fuel gauge.
Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Do not press the handle on the filler nozzle more than one extra time. Too much
fuel in the tank in hot weather conditions can cause the fuel to overflow. Overfilling could also cause damage to the
emission control systems.
1If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the vehicle is refueled, the Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator
lamp) may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps.
Emission controls
Three-way catalytic converter
Keep your engine properly tuned. Certain engine malfunctions, particularly involving the electrical, fuel or
distributor ignition systems, may cause unusually high three-way catalytic converter temperatures. Do not continue to
operate your vehicle if you detect engine misfire, noticeable loss of power or other unusual operating conditions, such
as engine overheating or backfiring. A properly tuned engine will help avoid malfunctions that could damage the three-
way catalytic converter.
Do not park your vehicle over combustible materials, such as grass or leaves, which can come into contact with the
hot exhaust system and cause such materials to ignite under certain wind and weather conditions.
Excessive starter cranking (in excess of one minute), or an intermittently firing or flooded engine can cause three-
way catalytic converter or exhaust system overheating.
Remember that tampering or unauthorized modifications to the engine, the Engine Control Module, or the vehicle
may be illegal and can cause three-way catalytic converter or exhaust system overheating. This includes: altering fuel
injection settings
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Refueling
or components, altering emission system components or location or removing components, and/or repeated use of
leaded fuel.
NOTE
Unleaded fuel is required for vehicles with three-way catalytic converters.
Heated oxygen sensors
The heated oxygen sensors monitor the oxygen content of the exhaust gases. Readings are fed into a control module
that continuously monitors engine functions and controls fuel injection. The ratio of fuel to air into the engine is
continuously adjusted for efficient combustion to help reduce harmful emissions.
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Loading
Introduction
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is determined by factors such as the number of passengers, the amount of
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cargo, the weight of any accessories that may be installed, etc.
When loading the cargo area, keep the following in mind:
Load objects in the cargo area against the backrest whenever possible.
Unstable loads can be secured to the load anchoring eyelets with straps or web lashings to help keep them from
shifting.
Stop the engine and apply the parking brake when loading or unloading long objects. The gear selector can be
knocked out of position by long loads, which could set the vehicle in motion.
NOTE
To increase loading space, the rear seat backrests can be folded down, see page 85
.
WARNING
Stop the engine, put the gear selector in P , and apply the parking brake when loading or unloading long objects.
The vehicle's driving characteristics may change depending on the weight and distribution of the load.
A 44-pound (20 kg) object produces a force of 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) in a head-on collision at 30 mph (50
km/h).
The cargo area and rear seat should not be loaded to a level higher than 2 in. (5 cm) below the upper edge of the
rear side windows. Objects placed higher than this level could impede the function of the Volvo Inflatable Curtain.
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Loading
Power tailgate (option)
Automatic opening
The power tailgate can be opened automatically in the three ways::
By pressing and holding thebutton on the lighting panel for several seconds (see page 65).
By pressing the button on the remote key and holding this button for several seconds (see page 65).
By pulling the outer handle on the tailgate.
The taillights illuminate automatically when the automatic open function is used.
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CAUTION
Be sure that there is adequate space above and behind the vehicle before opening the tailgate automatically.
NOTE
If the tailgate has been opened and closed continuously for more than 90 seconds, the automatic function will be
deactivated to avoid overloading the electrical system. The automatic function can be used again after approximately
10 minutes.
Automatic closing
The power tailgate can be closed by pressing the
button on the tailgate (see the illustration), or by pressing it
down.
NOTE
If the tailgate is pressed down e.g., by the weight of snow or strong wind, it will close automatically.
WARNING
Be sure that no one is near the tailgate when it is opened or closed automatically. The tailgate should never be
obstructed in any way when it is operated.
Interrupting automatic opening/closing
Automatic opening or closing the tailgate can be interrupted in four ways:
By pressing the button on the lighting panel (see page 65).
By pressing the remote key (see page 65) for several seconds.
By pressing the button on the lower edge of the tailgate.
By pulling the outer handle on the tailgate. If one of these actions is taken:
While the tailgate is being opened, the electrical function will be switched off and the tailgate will be released from
the electrical system.
While the tailgate is being closed, it will return to the fully open position.
Pinch protection
If the tailgate is obstructed while it is being operated, the pinch protection function is activated.
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Loading
If the tailgate is being opened , the electrical function will be switched off and the tailgate will be released from the
electrical system.
If the tailgate is being closed , it will move in the opposite direction.
Operating the tailgate manually
The power tailgate can be disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system by quickly pulling the outer handle twice.
The tailgate can then be opened/closed manually.
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Loading
Load anchoring eyelets
The load anchoring eyelets on both sides of the vehicle are used to fasten straps, etc., to help anchor items in the cargo
area.
WARNING
Cover sharp edges on long loads to help prevent injury to occupants. Secure the load to help prevent shifting
during sudden stops.
Always secure large and heavy objects with a seat belt or cargo retaining straps.
Always secure the load to help prevent it from moving in the event of sudden stops.
Switch off the engine, apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in P when loading and unloading the
vehicle.
Cargo area floor rails and hooks
The floor of the cargo compartment has rails on opposite sides of the vehicle equipped with hooks for anchoring loads
with straps, nets, etc.
Cleaning the rails
Dirt or other small objects that collect in the rails can make moving, locking, unlocking, and removing the hooks more
difficult. Objects can be removed from the rails with a vacuum cleaner, and the rails can be cleaned with a moist cloth.
Moving the load anchoring hooks
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