tow VOLVO V70 2008 Owner's Guide

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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NOTE
In order to return a removed hook into a rail, it must be press down lightly.
Reinserting a hook
It is important to insert the hooks correctly in the rails. The hooks' openings should point away from each other.
The opening on the hook closest to the rear seat backrest should point toward the backrest.
The opening on the hook closest to the tailgate should point toward the tailgate.
WARNING
The hooks must be installed correctly in the rail. Incorrectly installed hooks will be folded down by the strap,
allowing them to move. The load will then no longer be securely anchored.
Straps for securing loads
Wrapping straps a full turn around the hooks helps keep them in place.
NOTE
The straps should preferably be approximately 1 in. (25 mm) in width.
207 05 During your trip
Loading
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NOTE
The steel cargo grid is easiest to install by two people, and should be folded down.
When installing the grid, the handle should be on the front side of the grid (see illustrations - ).
The rear seat backrests must be folded down when installing the steel cargo grid, see page 85.
Put the handle in the installation position, see the illustration. Press lightly on the handle in order to turn it to this
position, see the arrow.
Press in the piston toward the grid and press it into the attachment bracket near the ceiling.
Turn the handle 90° . Press lightly as shown in illustration if necessary. Attach the grid by moving the handle
90°
.
Do the same on the opposite side of the vehicle.
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Cargo area
Cargo area cover (option)
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Use
Pull the cover over the cargo and hook it into the holes in the rear cargo area pillars.
To retract (roll up) the cover, release it from the holes and guide it toward the rear seat backrest.
Installing the cover
1. Press the end piece on one side of the cargo area cover into the retaining bracket in the side panel of the cargo area
2. Do the same on the opposite side.
3. Press both sides of the cover until they click into place
. The red mark will no longer be visible.
4. Check that both ends of the cover are securely locked in place.
Removing the cover
1. Press one of the end pieces of the cover inward.
2. Pull the cover carefully upward and outward. The other end will release automatically from its retaining bracket.
Folding down the cargo area cover's rear flap
The cargo area cover's rear flap points horizontally when the cover is retracted (rolled up). To fold it down:
1. Pull the flap slightly rearward past its supports and fold it down.
NOTE
On models equipped with this cover, it should be removed before a child seat is attached to the child restraint
anchors. See page 43
for more information.
210 05 During your trip
Cargo area
Cargo net (option)
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Load carriers are available as Volvo accessories. Observe the following points when in use:
To avoid damaging your vehicle and to achieve maximum safety when driving, we recommend using the load
carriers that Volvo has developed especially for your vehicle.
Volvo-approved removable roof racks are designed to carry the maximum allowable roof load for this vehicle: 220
lbs (100 kg). For non-Volvo roof racks, check the manufacturer's weight limits for the rack.
Never exceed the rack manufacturer's weigh limits and never exceed the maximum rated roof load of 220 lbs (100
kg).
Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loads evenly.
Place heavier cargo at the bottom of the load.
Secure the cargo correctly with appropriate tie-down equipment.
Check periodically that the load carriers and load are properly secured.
Remember that the vehicle's center of gravity and handling change when you carry a load on the roof.
212 05 During your trip
Cargo area
The vehicle's wind resistance and fuel consumption will increase with the size of the load.
Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid starts, fast cornering and hard braking.
213 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 274
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 250 and 251.
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.
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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.
214 05 During your trip
Towing a trailer
NOTE
When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in P .
Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for wheel chocking.
When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in D before releasing the parking brake. See also page 120 for more
detailed information about starting off on a hill while towing a trailer.
If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, make sure the gear you select does not
put too much strain on the engine (using too high a gear).
The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may be rated for trailers heavier than the vehicle is designed to tow. Please
adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer weights.
Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of more than 15 %.
Trailer cable
An adapter is required if the vehicle's trailer hitch has a 13-pin connector and the trailer has 7 pins. Use an adapter
cable approved by Volvo. Make sure the cable does not drag on the ground.
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Towing a trailer
Detachable trailer hitch (accessory)
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Installing the ball holder
1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch assembly.
2. Slide the ball holder into the hitch assembly.
3. Align the hole in the ball holder with the one in the hitch assembly.
4. Slide the locking bolt through the hitch assembly/ball holder.
5. Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end of the locking bolt.
Removing the ball holder
1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the ball holder/hitch assembly.
2. Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assembly.
NOTE
A cover for the hitch assembly is also included in the kit.
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Emergency towing
Towing eyelet
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The towing eyelet is located under the floor of the cargo area, with the spare tire. This eyelet must be screwed into the
positions provided on the right sides of either the front or rear bumper (see illustration).
NOTE
On certain models equipped with a trailer hitch, the towing eyelet cannot be screwed into the hole in the rear
bumper. The towing rope should be attached to the trailer hitch instead. For this reason, the detachable section of the
trailer hitch should be safely stowed in the vehicle at all times.
Attaching the towing eyelet
V70
1. Press the marked edge of the cover in the bumper and release it.
2. Fold away the cover and screw the towing eyelet in place, first by hand and then using the tire iron until it is
securely in place.
XC70
1. Use a coin to pry open the lower edge of the cover.
2. Screw the towing eyelet in place, first by hand and then using the tire iron until it is securely in place.
After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet should be removed and returned to its storage location.
Press the cover for the attachment point back into position.
Precautions when the vehicle is in tow
The steering wheel must be unlocked. The remote key must be in the ignition slot1.
Attach jumper cables (see page 111) to provide current for releasing the optional electric parking brake and to move
the gear selector from the P position.
The gear selector must be in position N .
Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not exceed the maximum allowable towing speed.
Maximum distance with front wheels on ground: 50 miles (80 km).
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While the vehicle is being towed, try to keep the tow rope taut at all times.
1On vehicles with the optional keyless drive, the remote key must be in the passenger compartment.
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Emergency towing
The vehicle should only be towed in the forward direction.
CAUTION
Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this type of towing, as vehicles being towed are
subject to regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length and type of towing device, lighting, etc.
If the vehicle's battery is dead, do not attempt to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it as this will damage the
three-way catalytic converter(s). The engine must be jump started using an auxiliary battery (see page 111
).
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the vehicle on the
flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive/All Wheel Drive
Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equipment.
If wheel lift equipment must be used, please use extreme caution to help avoid damage to the vehicle. In this case,
the vehicle should be towed with the rear wheels on the ground if at all possible.
If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, please refer to the towing
information on the page 216
.
CAUTION
Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air conditioning lines.
It is equally important not to use sling -type equipment at the rear or apply lifting equipment inside the rear
wheels; serious damage to the rear axle may result.
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the vehicle on the
flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.

Contents | Top of Page
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Each time the car is refueled:
Check the engine oil level.
Clean the windshield, windshield wipers, headlights, and tail lights.
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 your Volvo retailer 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
.
222 06 Maintenance and specifications
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?
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