VOLVO XC90 2003 Owners Manual

2003 VOLVO XC90
Alarm
Alarm
The alarm is automatically armed whenever you lock your vehicle.
When armed, the alarm continuously monitors a number of points on the ve\
hicle. The following
conditions will set off the alarm:
l The hood is forced open.
l The tailgate is forced open.
l A door is forced open.
l The ignition switch is tampered with.
l If there is movement in the passenger compartment (if the vehicle is eq\
uipped with the optional
movement sensor).
l The vehicle is lifted or towed (if the vehicle is equipped with the opt\
ional inclination sensor).
l The battery is disconnected (while the alarm is armed).
l The siren is disconnected when the alarm is disarmed.
Arming the alarm
Press the LOCK button on the remote control, lock the vehicle using the \
key in the driver's door or press
the central lock button on one of the front doors with the door open. On\
e long flash of the turn signals
will confirm that the alarm is armed.
Disarming the alarm
Press the UNLOCK button on the remote control or unlock the doors with t\
he key.
Turning off (stopping) the alarm
If the alarm is sounding, it can be stopped by pressing the UNLOCK butto\
n on the remote control or by
unlocking the driver's door with the key.
Audible/visual alarm signal
An audible alarm signal is given by a battery powered siren. The alarm c\
ycle lasts for 25 seconds.
The visual alarm signal is given by flashing all turn signals and turnin\
g on the interior lighting for
approximately 5 minutes.
"Panic" button
In an emergency situation, this feature can be used to attract attention\
.
Activate the "panic" button by pressing the red button on the remote con\
trol (see illustration on
page 75)
for at least 3 seconds or by pressing this button twice within 3 seconds\
. The turn signals will flash, the
interior lights will go on and the vehicle's horn will sound.
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2003 VOLVO XC90
The function can be turned off by pressing any of the buttons on the rem\
ote control or will stop
automatically after 25 seconds. When a button is pressed, there is a 5 s\
econd delay before the panic
alarm is deactivated.
NOTE: This button will NOT unlock the vehicle.
pg. 81 Locks and Alarm
Temporarily turning off the alarm sensor(s) - option
This button will only be found in vehicles equipped with the accessory i\
nclination and/or movement
sensors.
In certain situations it may be desirable to turn off the accessory incl\
ination and movement alarm
sensors if, for example, you drive your vehicle onto a ferry where the r\
ocking of the boat could trigger
the alarm or if a pet is left in the vehicle with the doors locked.
To temporarily turn off the inclination and movement alarm sensors from \
the alarm system:
From the time the ignition key is turned from the Drive position (posit\
ion II) until you lock the vehicle,
you can press the button in the center console*. The LED in the switch w\
ill light up and a message will
be displayed in the text window to indicate that the sensors are disconn\
ected.
The vehicle can then be locked in the usual way to set the alarm.
NOTE: The optional sensors are automatically reconnected to the alarm system t\
he next time the
vehicle is unlocked and then locked again. LED alarm status signals The \
status of the alarm system is
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2003 VOLVO XC90
indicated by the red LED at the top of the dash:
l LED off - the alarm is not armed
l LED flashes once per second - the alarm is armed
l LED flashes rapidly before the ignition is switched on - the alarm has b\
een triggered
l Fault in the alarm system: If a fault has been detected in the alarm system, a message will be
displayed in the text window. Contact your Volvo retailer.
Automatic re-lock/re-arm system
If the vehicle is unlocked with the remote, the vehicle will re-lock and\
the alarm will re-arm after 2
minutes unless a door or the tailgate has been opened.
* The position of this button may vary, depending on the specifications \
of your vehicle.
pg. 82 Locks and Alarm
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Contents | Top of Page
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2003 VOLVO XC90
2 0 0 3
VOLVO XC90
Starting and driving

pg. 83 Starting and driving
Refueling84
Starting the vehicle87
General information89
Automatic transmission with Geartronic91
All Wheel Drive94
Brake system95
Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)97
Rear Parking Assistance99
Towing 100
Jump starting 102
Towing a trailer 103
Detachable trailer hitch - installing/
removing 105
Load carriers 106
Cold weather precautions 107
Before a long distance trip108
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2003 VOLVO XC90
pg. 84 Starting and driving
ENGINE OIL
Although some oil consumption occurs during normal engine operation, mor\
e oil is consumed when the
engine is new as the internal parts generate higher friction while weari\
ng-in to each other. From the time
the engine is new until the first maintenance is performed, the oil cons\
umption could be higher than
normal. For this reason, it is especially important to check the oil eve\
ry time you refuel your vehicle
during this period. See
page 130.
Fuel requirements
Octane rating
Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium g\
asoline with an AKI
octane rating of 91 or above. AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of \
the Research Octane
Number, RON, and the Motor Octane Number, MON. ((RON + MON)/2). The \
minimum octane
requirement is AKI 87 (RON 91).
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gasoline to control engine deposit\
s. Detergent gasoline is
effective in keeping injectors and intake valves clean. Consistent use o\
f deposit control gasolines will
help ensure good driveability and fuel economy. If you are not sure whet\
her the gasoline contains
deposit control additives, check with the service station operator.
NOTE: Volvo does not recommend the use of external fuel injector cleaning syst\
ems.
Unleaded fuel
Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleade\
d 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 t\
hree-way catalytic converter
and the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of leaded gasoline wil\
l lessen the effectiveness of
the emission control system and could result in loss of emission warrant\
y coverage. State and local
vehicle inspection programs will make detection of misfueling easier, po\
ssibly resulting in emission test
failure for misfueled vehicles.
NOTE: Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive ca\
lled methyl-
cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, \
your Emission Control System
performance may be affected, and the Check Engine Light (malfunction in\
dicator lamp) located on your
instrument panel may light. If this occurs, please return your vehicle t\
o an authorized Volvo retailer for
maintenance.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers
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2003 VOLVO XC90
"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usua\
lly alcohols or ethers. In some
areas, state or local laws require that the service pump be marked indic\
ating 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 operat\
or. 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 o\
ctane ratings listed on this page
must still be met.
Alcohol - Ethanol: Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be u\
sed. Ethanol may also be
referred to as Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol".
Ethers - MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
pg. 85 Starting and driving
Carbon Monoxide - Important Warning
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. It is prese\
nt in all exhaust gases. If you
ever smell exhaust fumes inside the vehicle, make sure the passenger com\
partment is ventilated, and
immediately return the vehicle to your retailer for correction.
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 benze\
ne 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:
l standing upwind away from the filler nozzle while refueling
l refueling only at gas stations with vapor recovery systems that fully se\
al the mouth of the filler neck
during refueling
l wearing neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
Use of Additives
With the exception of gas line antifreeze during winter months, do not a\
dd solvents, thickeners, or other
store-bought additives to your vehicle's fuel, cooling, or lubricating s\
ystems. Overuse may damage your
engine, and some of these additives contain organically volatile chemica\
ls. Do not needlessly expose
yourself to these chemicals.
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2003 VOLVO XC90
pg. 86 Starting and driving
Fuel filler door
Press the button on the light switch panel (see illustration on
page 31) when the vehicle is at a standstill
to unlock the fuel filler door. Please note that the fuel filler door wi\
ll remain unlocked until the vehicle
begins to move forward. An audible click will be heard when the fuel fil\
ler door relocks.
If you intend to leave your vehicle while it is being refueled, this fea\
ture enables you to lock the doors/
tailgate while leaving the fuel filler door unlocked.
You can also keep the vehicle locked if you remain inside it during refu\
eling. 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.
NOTE: During a transitional period, a small number of service stations may st\
ill have fuel nozzles that
are not compatible with the fuel filler neck on vehicles equipped with t\
he evaporative control system.
Refueling
The fuel tank is designed to hold approximately 19 US gals (72 liters)\
, with sufficient volume left over
to accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. Be aware t\
hat the"usable" tank capacity
will be somewhat less than the specified maximum. When the fuel level is\
low, such factors as ambient
temperature, the fuel's "Reid vapor pressure" characteristics, and terra\
in can affect the fuel pump's
ability to supply the engine with an adequate supply of fuel. Therefore,\
it is advisable to refuel as soon
as possible when the needle nears the red zone, or when the fuel warning\
light comes on.
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2003 VOLVO XC90
CAUTION
- Do not refuel with the engine running *. Turn the ignition off or to p\
osition I. If the ignition is on,
an incorrect reading could occur in the fuel gauge
- After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise unt\
il it clicks into place*.
- Allow for fuel expansion by not overfilling the tank. Overfilling coul\
d also cause damage to the
emission control systems.
- Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. In addition to causing damag\
e to the environment,
gasolines containing alcohol can cause damage to painted surfaces, which\
may not be covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
- Do not use gasolines containing methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcoho\
l). This practice can result
in vehicle performance deterioration and can damage critical parts in th\
e fuel system. Such damage
may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
* If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is runni\
ng 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 fu\
el filler caps.
pg. 87 Starting and driving
Starting the engine
1. Fasten the seat belt.
WARNING!
Before starting, check that the seat, steering wheel and mirrors are adj\
usted properly. Make sure the
brake pedal can be depressed completely. Adjust the seat if necessary. S\
ee
pages 54, 56.
2. Apply the parking brake if not already set. The gear selector is lock\
ed in the (P)ark position
(Shiftlock).
Manual transmission: the clutch must be fully depressed.
3. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key* to the\
starting position. Allow the
starter to operate for up to 10 seconds. Release the key as soon as the \
engine starts. If the engine fails to
start, repeat this step.
NOTE:
- On certain models, when the vehicle is started, idle speed may be noti\
ceably higher than normal for a
short period, depending on the temperature of the engine.
This has been done to help bring components in the emission control syst\
em to their normal operating
temperature as quickly as possible, which enables them to function norma\
lly.
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2003 VOLVO XC90
- For cold starts at altitudes above 6000 ft (1800 meters), depress th\
e accelerator pedal halfway and turn
the key to the starting position. Release the pedal slowly when the engi\
ne starts.
4. To release the gear selector from the (P)ark position, the engine must be running (or the ignition key
must be in position II) and the brake pedal must be depressed.
5. Select the desired gear. The gear engages after a very slight delay w\
hich is especially noticeable when
selecting R.
NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with a Keylock system. When the engine is switc\
hed off, the gear
selector must be in the (P)ark position before the key can be removed \
from the ignition switch.
When starting in cold weather, the transmission may shift up at slightly\
higher engine speeds than
normal until the automatic transmission fluid reaches normal operating t\
emperature.
Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not r\
each some lubrication points fast
enough to prevent engine damage.
* If two of the keys to your vehicle are close together, e.g., on the sa\
me key ring, when you try to start
the vehicle, this could cause interference in the immobilizer system and\
result in the vehicle not starting.
If this should occur, remove one of the keys from the key ring before tr\
ying to start the vehicle again. CAUTION
Automatic transmission
The engine should be idling when you move the gear selector. Never accel\
erate until after you feel
the transmission engage! Accelerating immediately after selecting a gear\
will cause harsh engagement
and premature transmission wear.
Selecting P or N when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help pre\
vent
overheating of the automatic transmission fluid.
WARNING!
Always place the gear selector in Park and apply the parking brake befor\
e leaving the vehicle. Never
leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Always open garage doors fully before starting the engine inside a garag\
e to ensure adequate
ventilation. The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is invisib\
le and odorless but very
poisonous.
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2003 VOLVO XC90
pg. 88 Starting and driving
Steering wheel lock
The steering wheel lock might be under tension when the vehicle is parke\
d.
Turn the steering wheel slightly to free the ignition key.
In order to help reduce vehicle theft, make sure the steering wheel lock\
is engaged before leaving
the vehicle.
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