steering VOLVO XC70 2011 Owner´s Manual

05 During your trip
Driving recommendations
05
202
General information
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 tem-
perature 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 vehicle
for driving short distances. This does not
allow the engine to reach normal operating
temperature.
•Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration
and hard braking.
•Use the transmission's Drive (D) position
as often as possible and avoid using kick-
down.
•Do not exceed posted speed limits.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra
load) in the vehicle.
•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 con-
sumption.
•At highway driving speeds, fuel consump-
tion 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
intervals.
WARNING
Driving with the tailgate open: Driving with
the tailgate open could lead to poisonous
exhaust gases entering the passenger com-
partment. 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 win-
dows and the blower control to its high-
est setting.
Weight distribution affects handlingAt the specified curb weight your vehicle 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 in the cargo area, the less
the tendency to understeer.
Handling, roadholdingVehicle 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 the
"Tire pressure" section. Loads should be dis-
tributed so that capacity weight or maximum
permissible axle loads are not exceeded.

05 During your trip
Driving recommendations
05
204
the ignition switched off, which drains the
battery.
Before a long distance tripIt is always worthwhile to have your vehicle
checked by a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice 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.
•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 techni-
cian 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 precautionsIf 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" anti-
freeze 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 condensa-
tion 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 decreas-
ing fuel consumption while the engine is
warming up. For winter use, 5W-30 oil, par-
ticularly the synthetic type, is recom-mended. Be sure to use good quality oil but
do not use cold-weather oil for hard driving
or in warm weather, see page 298 for more
information on engine oil.
NOTE
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is
changed at the normal maintenance inter-
vals except at owner request and at addi-
tional charge.
•The load placed on the battery is greater
during the winter since the windshield wip-
ers, lighting, etc. are used more often.
Moreover, the capacity of the battery
decreases as the temperature drops. In
very cold weather, a poorly charged bat-
tery can freeze and be damaged. It is there-
fore 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
page 239.
•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

05 During your trip
Emergency towing
05
222
Towing eyelet
G017464
Location of the towing eyelet
Attaching the towing eyelet
Attaching the towing eyeletThe 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).
There are two different types of covers over
the openings for the towing eyelet and they
have to be opened differently.
•If the cover has a notch, insert a coin,
etc., into the notch and pry open the
edge of the cover. Open the cover com-
pletely and remove it.
•If the cover has a mark along one edge
or in a corner, press the mark while pry-
ing out the opposite side/corner using a
coin, etc. Open the cover and remove it.
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.
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.
CAUTION
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed
truck, the towing eyelets must not be used
to pull the vehicle up onto the flat bed.
WARNING
•Remember that the power brakes and
power steering will not function when
engine is not running. The braking and
steering systems will function but con-
siderably higher pressure will be
required on the brake pedal and greater
steering effort must be exerted.
•The towing eyelets must not be used for
pulling the vehicle out of a ditch or for
any similar purpose involving severe
strain. Do not use the towing eyelets to
pull the vehicle up onto a flat bed tow
truck.
Precautions when the vehicle is in tow
•Attach jumper cables (see page 109) 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.

05 During your trip
Emergency towing
05
223
•Maximum distance with front wheels on
ground: 50 miles (80 km).
•While the vehicle is being towed, try to
keep the tow rope taut at all times.
•The vehicle should only be towed in the
forward direction.
WARNING
The ignition key should always be fully
inserted in the ignition slot when the vehicle
is being towed to help prevent the steering
wheel from locking.
On vehicles with the optional keyless drive,
the remote key must be in the passenger
compartment and the driver's door must be
closed.
NOTE
During towing, ignition mode II should be
used so that the lighting can be switched on.
CAUTION
Vehicles with AWD (All Wheel Drive) with the
front wheels off the ground should not be
towed at speeds above 50 mph (70 km/h) or
for distances longer than 30 miles (50 km).
CAUTION
•Please check with state and local
authorities before attempting this type
of towing, as vehicles being towed are
subject to regulations regarding maxi-
mum 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 109).
•If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed
truck, the towing eyelets must not be
used to pull the vehicle up onto the flat
bed or 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 equip-
ment.
•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 vehi-
cle with the front wheels on the ground,please refer to the towing information on
page 222.
CAUTION
•Sling-type equipment applied at the
front will damage radiator and air con-
ditioning lines.
•It is equally important not to use sling-
type equipment at the rear or apply lift-
ing 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.

06 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System
06

* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.241 Location
IntroductionCertain models are equipped with a tire sealing
system* that enables you to temporarily seal a
hole in the tread surface and re-inflate a flat tire,
or to adjust a tire’s inflation pressure.
The system consists of an air compressor, a
container for the sealing compound, wiring to
connect the system to the vehicle’s electrical
system via one of the 12-volt sockets, and a
hose used to connect the system to the tire’s
inflation valve.
The 12-volt sockets are located in the front
tunnel console, on the rear side of the center
console in the rear seat and in the cargo
area*, see page 198.
Accessing the tire sealing systemThe tire sealing system is stowed under the
floor of the cargo area. To access it:
1. Lift the floor hatch in the cargo area.
2. Lift out the tire sealing system.
NOTE
•The tire sealing system is only intended
to seal holes on the tire’s tread area, not
the sidewall.
•Tires with large holes or tears cannot be
repaired with the tire sealing system.
•After use, stow the tire sealing system
properly to help prevent rattling.
WARNING
•After using the tire sealing system, the
vehicle should not be driven farther than
approximately 120 miles (200 km).
•Have the tire inspected by a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician as
soon as possible to determine if it can
be permanently repaired or must be
replaced.
•The vehicle should not be driven faster
than 50 mph (80 km/h) while using a tire
that has been temporarily repaired with
the tire sealing system.
•After using the tire sealing system, drive
carefully and avoid abrupt steering
maneuvers and sudden stops.

06 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System
06

243
•Stage 1: The hole is sealed by pumping
sealing compound into the tire. The car is
then driven a short distance to distribute
the sealing compound in the tire.
NOTE
Do not remove any foreign objects (nails,
etc.) from the tire before using the sealing
system.
•Stage 2: The tire’s inflation pressure is
checked and adjusted if necessary.
WARNING
•Never leave the tire sealing system
unattended when it is operating.
•Keep the tire sealing system away from
children.
•Be sure the vehicle is parked safely off
the road and away from moving traffic.
•Apply the parking brake.
Stage 1: Sealing the hole1. Open the cover on the tire sealing kit.
2. Peel off the speed limit sticker and affix it
to the steering wheel hub where it will be
clearly visible to the driver.3. Ensure that the on/off switch is in posi-
tion 0 (the 0 side of the switch should be
pressed down).
WARNING
Contact with the sealing compound may
cause skin irritation. If contact occurs, wash
the affected area immediately with soap and
water.
4. Unscrew the orange cover over the bottle
holder and unscrew the cap on the bottle
of sealing compound.
NOTE
Do not break the seal on the bottle. This
occurs automatically when the bottle is
screwed into the holder.
5. Screw the bottle into the bottle holder.
WARNING
The bottle is equipped with a catch to keep
it securely in place and help prevent sealing
compound leakage. Once in place, the bot-
tle cannot be unscrewed. This must be done
by a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician.
6. Remove the valve cap from the tire’s infla-
tion valve and screw the tire sealing sys-
tem’s hose connector onto the valve as
tightly as possible by hand.
7. Connect the electrical wire to the nearest
12-volt socket in the vehicle.
8. Start the vehicle’s engine.
WARNING
The vehicle´s engine should be running
when the tire sealing system is used to avoid
battery drain. Therefore, be sure the vehicle
is parked in a well ventilated place, or out-
doors, before using the system.
9. Start the tire sealing system’s compressor
by pressing the on/off switch to position I.

06 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System
06

245
WARNING
If heavy vibrations, unsteady steering
behavior, or noises should occur while driv-
ing, reduce speed and park the vehicle in a
safe place. Recheck the tire for bumps,
cracks, or other visible damage, and
recheck its inflation pressure. If the pressure
is below 19 psi (1.3 bar), do not continue
driving. Have the vehicle towed to a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician.
Stage 2: Checking inflation pressure1. Connect the tire sealing system as descri-
bed in stage 1.
2. Refer to the inflation pressure tablesfor the
correct inflation pressure. If the tire needs
to be inflated, start the tire sealing system’s
compressor. If necessary, release air from
the tire by turning the air release knob
counterclockwise.
CAUTION
The compressor should not be used for
more than 10 minutes at a time to avoid
overheating.
WARNING
If you interrupt your trip for more than 1
hour, check the inflation pressure in the
damaged tire again before continuing.
Replacing the sealing compound
container
The sealing compound container must be
replaced if:
•the tire sealing system has been used to
repair a tire
•the container’s expiration date has passed
(see the date on decal).
NOTE
•After use, the sealing compound bottle,
the hose, and certain other system
components must be replaced. Please
consult your Volvo retailer for replace-
ment parts.
•If the sealing compound bottle’s expi-
ration date has passed, please take it to
a Volvo retailer or a recycling station
that can properly dispose of harmful
substances.
Inflating tires
The tire sealing system can be used to inflate
the tires. To do so:
1. Park the car in a safe place.
2. The compressor should be switched off.
Ensure that the on/off switch is in position
0 (the 0 side of the switch should be
pressed down).
3. Take out the electrical wire and hose.
4. Remove the valve cap from the tire’s infla-
tion valve and screw the hose connector
onto the valve as tightly as possible by
hand.
5. Connect the electrical wire to the nearest
12-volt socket in the vehicle.
6. Start the vehicle’s engine.
WARNING
•The vehicle’s engine should be running
when the tire sealing system is used to
avoid battery drain. Therefore, be sure
the vehicle is parked in a well ventilated
place, or outdoors, before using the sys-
tem.
•Children should never be left unattended
in the vehicle when the engine is running.

07 Maintenance and specifications
Hood and engine compartment
07
259 Opening and closing the hood
G010951
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
G018945
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 opera-
tions in the engine compartment.
The distributor ignition system operates at
very high voltages. Special safety precau-
tions must be followed to prevent injury.
Always turn the ignition off when:
•Replacing distributor ignition compo-
nents e.g. plugs, coil, etc.
•Do not touch any part of the distributor
ignition system while the engine is run-
ning. This may result in unintended
movements and body injury.

07 Maintenance and specifications
Fluids
07
263
The brake fluid should always be between the
MIN and MAX marks on the inside of the res-
ervoir. 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 accord-
ing 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.
•Dot 4+ should never be mixed with any
other type of brake fluid.
Filling1. Turn and open the cover.2. 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 capaci-
ties and recommended fluid grade, see
page 299.
WARNING
If a problem should occur in the power
steering system or if the vehicle has no elec-
trical 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.

07 Maintenance and specifications
Wiper blades and washer fluid
07

271 Wiper blades
The windshield wiper blades are different
lengths. The blade on the driver’s side is longer
than the one on the passenger side.
Service position
Wiper blades in service position
The wiper blades must be in the service (verti-
cal) position for replacement or washing. To
put them in this position:
1.
Switch off the ignition (ignition mode 0, see
page 79) and keep the remote key in the
ignition slot
1.
2. Move the right steering wheel lever up and
hold it for at least 1 second. The wipers will
then move to the vertical position on the
windshield.
The wipers will return to the normal position
when the vehicle is started.
Replacing the windshield wiper blades
1Does not apply to vehicles with the optional keyless drive.