battery VOLVO XC70 2012 Owner´s Manual

06 During your trip
Driving recommendations
06

263
tributed so that capacity weight or maximum
permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
Driving through water
•The vehicle can be driven through water up
to a depth of approximately 10 in. (25 cm),
at a maximum speed of 6 mph (10 km/h).
•Take particular care when driving through
flowing water.
•Clean the electrical connections for trailer
wiring after driving in mud or water.
•When driving through water, maintain low
speed and do not stop in the water.
WARNING
After driving through water, press lightly on
the brake pedal to ensure that the brakes
are functioning normally. 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 10 in (25 cm), water may
enter the differential and the transmis-
sion. 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 systemUnder 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 fol-
lows 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 con-
ditions.
•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 currentKeep the following in mind to help minimize
battery drain:
•When the engine is not running, avoid
using ignition mode II. Many electrical sys-
tems (the audio system, the optional navi-
gation 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 run-
ning could result in the battery being com-
pletely drained. Driving or having the
engine running for approximately
15 minutes will help keep the battery
charged.
•The optional 12 volt socket in the cargo
area provides electrical current even with

06 During your trip
Driving recommendations
06
264
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 357 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 300.
•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

06 During your trip
Loading
06
272
CAUTION
Be sure that there is adequate space above
and behind the vehicle before opening the
tailgate automatically.
The vehicle should not be driven or moved
with the tailgate in the open position. How-
ever, if the vehicle is moved with the tailgate
in the open position, the automatic closing
function will be inoperative until one of the
following occurs:
•The tailgate is closed manually
•The ignition is switched off and the key
is removed for approximately 10
minutes (the tailgate will function again
after restart).
NOTE
If the tailgate has been opened and closed
continuously too long, the automatic func-
tion will be deactivated to avoid overloading
the electrical system. The automatic func-
tion can be used again after approximately
2 minutes.
If the vehicle's battery has been discharged
or disconnected, the tailgate must be
opened and closed once manually to reset
the system.
Programming the tailgate opening angleThe tailgate's maximum opening angle can be
programmed, which can be useful, for exam-
ple, if the tailgate has to be opened in a garage
with a low ceiling.
To do so:
•Open the tailgate manually, hold it at the
desired maximum opening angle and
press the tailgate's closing button for at
least 3 seconds. When the tailgate is
released, programming is complete.
•To remove this programming, open the tail-
gate manually to a higher opening angle.
Automatic closingThe power tailgate can be closed by pressing
the
button on the tailgate (see the illus-
tration) 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/closingAutomatic opening or closing the tailgate can
be interrupted in four ways:
•By pressing the button on the
lighting panel.
•By pressing the button on the
remote key.
•By pressing the button on the lower edge
of the tailgate.
•By pressing the rubber-covered button
under the outer handle on the tailgate.
If one of these actions is taken, the tailgate will
stop moving.
Pinch protectionIf the tailgate is obstructed while it is being
operated, the pinch protection function is acti-
vated.
•If the tailgate is being opened, the electri-
cal function will be switched off and the
tailgate will be released from the electrical
system.
•If the tailgate is being closed, it will stop
and move slightly in the opposite direction.
Operating the tailgate manuallyThe power tailgate can be disconnected from
the vehicle’s electrical system by quickly pull-

06 During your trip
Emergency towing
06

283 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 being
towed
•Attach jumper cables (see page 113) to
provide current for releasing the electric
parking brake and to move the gear selec-
tor from the P position to N.
•Be sure that the steering wheel lock is
released (see page 90).
•While the vehicle is being towed, set the
ignition in mode II if the battery is not

06 During your trip
Emergency towing
06
284
drained so that the headlights/taillights can
be switched on. See page 82 for informa-
tion on the ignition modes.
•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).
•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.
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 113).
•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 283.
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.

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System
07

305
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.
WARNING
•Never stand next to the tire being inflated
when the compressor is in operation.
•If cracks, bubbles, etc. form on the tire,
switch off the compressor immediately.
•If there is visible damage to the sidewall
or the rim, the tire cannot be repaired.
The vehicle should not be driven if this
occurs. Contact a towing service or
Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance if
applicable.
NOTE
The air pressure gauge will temporarily
show an increase in pressure to approxi-
mately 88 psi (6 bar) while the sealing com-
pound is being pumped into the tire. The
pressure should return to a normal level
after approximately 30 seconds.
10. Within seven minutes, inflate the tire to
between 22—44 psi (1.8—3.0 bar). Switch
off the compressor briefly to get a clear
reading from the pressure gauge.
CAUTION
The compressor should not be used for
more than 10 minutes at a time to avoid
overheating.
WARNING
If the pressure remains below 22 psi
(1.8 bar) after approximately seven minutes,
turn off the compressor. In this case, the
hole is too large to be sealed and the vehicle
should not be driven.
11. Switch off the compressor and disconnect
the electrical wire from the 12-volt socket.12. Unscrew the hose from the tire’s inflation
valve and reinstall the valve cap.
13. Immediately drive the vehicle for approxi-
mately 2 miles (3 km) at a maximum speed
of 50 mph (80 km/h) to distribute the seal-
ing compound in the tire.
CAUTION
If your vehicle is equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), the
use of the sealing compound may lead to
incorrect tire pressure readings or in rare
cases, damage to the tire pressure sensor.
Use the tire sealing system to check and
adjust the damaged tire's inflation pressure.
NOTE
•Safely stow the tire sealing system in a
convenient place as it will soon be used
again to check the tire’s inflation pres-
sure.
•The empty bottle of sealing compound
cannot be removed from the bottle
holder. Consult a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician to have the
bottle removed and properly disposed
of.

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System
07
306
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 table in this
chapter for the correct inflation pressure. If
the tire needs to be inflated, start the tire
sealing system’s compressor. If neces-
sary, 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.

314
Volvo maintenance................................................................................ 316
Maintaining your car............................................................................. 317
Hood and engine compartment............................................................319
Engine oil............................................................................................... 320
Fluids..................................................................................................... 322
Replacing bulbs.................................................................................... 324
Wiper blades and washer fluid.............................................................. 331
Battery................................................................................................... 333
Fuses..................................................................................................... 336
Vehicle care........................................................................................... 344

08 Maintenance and specifications
Maintaining your car
08

317 Owner maintenance
Periodic maintenance requirements and inter-
vals are described in your vehicle's Warranty
and Service Records Information booklet.
The following points can be carried out
between the normally scheduled maintenance
services.
Each time the car is refueled:
•Check the engine oil level.
•Clean the windshield, windshield wipers,
headlights, and taillights.
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 cor-
rosion. Corrosion may indicate a loose ter-
minal 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 pla-
ces where they may collect.
NOTE
Complete service information for qualified
technicians is available online for purchase
or subscription at www.volvotechinfo.com.
Hoisting the vehicle
If a garage jack is used to lift the vehicle, the
two jack attachments points should be used.They are specially reinforced to bear the weight
of the vehicle. A garage jack can also be placed
under the front of the engine support frame.
Take care not to damage the splash guard
under the engine. Ensure that the jack is posi-
tioned so that the vehicle cannot slide off it.
Always use axle stands or similar structures.
If a two-post hoist is used to lift the vehicle, the
front and rear lift arm pads should be centered
under the reinforced lift plates on the inboard
edge of the sill rail (see illustration).
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 diagnos-
tic 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

08 Maintenance and specifications
Maintaining your car
08
318
inspection has replaced the tailpipe emission
test.
How can my vehicle fail OBD II emission
inspection?
Your vehicle can fail OBD II emission inspec-
tion 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 dis-
connecting 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?
•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/high-way driving is typically needed to allow
OBD II to reach readiness. Your Volvo
retailer can provide you with more infor-
mation on planning a trip.
•Maintain your vehicle in accordance with
your vehicle's maintenance schedule.