check engine VOLVO XC90 2012 Owner´s Manual

06 Starting and driving
Before a long distance trip
06
165
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle
checked by a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician before driving long distances.
Your retailer or service technician 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.
•Check transmission oil level1.
•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 your Volvo retailer 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.
1To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your vehicle’s transmission fluid yourself. Have your vehicle’s transmission fluid level inspected by a qualified Volvo service technician.

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System
07
189
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.
7. Check the tire’s inflation pressure on the
gauge. Switch off the compressor briefly to
get a clear reading from the pressure
gauge.
8. Refer to the tire inflation tables for the cor-
rect inflation pressure. If the tire needs to
be inflated, start the tire sealing system’s
compressor (press the on/off switch to
position I). If necessary, release air from the
tire by turning the air release knob coun-
terclockwise.
CAUTION
The compressor should not be used for
more than 10 minutes at a time to avoid
overheating.
9. Turn off the compressor (press the on/off
switch to position 0) when the correct infla-
tion pressure has been reached.
10. Unscrew the hose from the tire’s inflation
valve and reinstall the valve cap.
11. Disconnect the electrical wire from the 12-
volt socket.

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
07

195
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires
and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.
NOTE
TPMS indicates low tire pressure but does
not replace normal tire maintenance. For
information on correct tire pressure, please
refer to the tire inflation pressure table in this
chapter or consult your Volvo retailer.
Erasing warning messagesWhen a low tire pressure warning message has
been displayed, and the tire pressure warning
light has come on:
1. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the
inflation pressure of all four tires.
2. Re-inflate the tire(s) to the correct pressure
(consult the tire pressure placard or the
table see page 177).
3. Drive the vehicle for several minutes at a
speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster.
> This will erase the warning text and the
warning light will go out.
WARNING
Incorrect inflation pressure could lead to tire
failure, resulting in a loss of control of the
vehicle.
Changing wheels with TPMSPlease note the following when changing or
replacing the factory installed TPMS wheels/
tires on the vehicle:
•Only the factory-mounted wheels are
equipped with TPMS sensors in the valves.
•If the vehicle is equipped with a temporary
spare tire, this tire does not have a TPMS
sensor.
•If wheels without TPMS sensors are moun-
ted on the vehicle, TIRE PRESS SYST
SERVICE REQUIRED will be displayed
each time the vehicle is driven above
25 mph (40 km/h) for 10 minutes or more.
•Once TPMS sensors are properly installed,
the warning message should not reappear.
•Volvo recommends that TPMS sensors be
fitted on all wheels used on the vehicle.
Volvo does not recommend moving sen-
sors back and forth between sets of
wheels.
NOTE
If a tire is changed or if the TPMS sensor is
moved to another wheel, the sensor’s seal,
nut and valve core should be replaced.
CAUTION
When inflating tires with TPMS valves, press
the pump's mouthpiece straight onto the
valve to help avoid bending or otherwise
damaging the valve.
Recalibrating TPMS (Canadian models
only)
In certain cases, it may be necessary to reca-
librate TPMS to conform to Volvo's recom-
mended tire inflation pressures (see the infla-
tion pressure table on page 177), for example,
if higher inflation pressure is necessary when
transporting heavy loads, etc.
To recalibrate:
1. Switch off the engine.
2. Inflate the tires to the desired pressure and
turn the ignition key to position I or II (see
page 141 for additional information).
3. Turn the thumb wheel on the left-side
steering wheel lever until
Tire pressure
Calibration appears in the display.
4.
Press and hold the Reset button on the
left-side steering wheel lever until
TIRE
PRESSURE CALIBRATED is displayed.

08 Car care
Paint touch up
08
204
Model plate with paint color code (1).1
Paint damage requires immediate attention to
avoid rusting. Make it a habit to check the finish
regularly – when washing the vehicle for
instance. Touch-up if necessary.
Paint repairs require special equipment and
skill. Contact a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician for any extensive damage.
Minor scratches can be repaired by using
Volvo touch-up paint.
Color code
Make sure you have the right color. The color
code number is on the model plate in the
engine compartment.
Minor stone chips and scratchesMaterial:
•Primer – can
•Paint – touch-up pen
•Brush
•Masking tape
•If the stone chip has not gone down to the
bare metal and an undamaged color coat
remains, you can add paint immediately
after removing dirt.
NOTE
When touching up the vehicle, it should be
clean and dry. The surface temperature
should be above 60° F (15° C).
Minor scratches on the surfaceIf the stone chip has not penetrated down to
the metal and an undamaged layer of paint
remains, the touch-up paint can be applied as
soon as the spot has been cleaned.
G020345
Deep scratches
•Place a strip of masking tape over the dam-
aged surface. Pull the tape off so that any
loose flakes of paint adhere to it.
•Thoroughly mix the primer and apply it with
a small brush. When the primer surface is
dry, the paint can be applied using a brush.
Mix the paint thoroughly; apply several thin
paint coats and let dry after each applica-
tion.
If there is a longer scratch, you may want to
protect surrounding paint by masking it off.
1The model plate is located on the passenger's side center door pillar.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Maintaining your vehicle09

209 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 vehicle 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 cor-
rosion. Corrosion may indicate a loose ter-
minal connector, or a battery near the end
of its useful service life. Consult a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician for
additional information.
As needed
•Wash the vehicle, including the undercar-
riage, 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.
•Complete service information for qualified
technicians is available online for purchase
or subscription at www.volvote-
chinfo.com.
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 ofinspection 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-

09 Maintenance and servicing
Working on your vehicle 09
212
Belt check
Check the belt regularly to make sure it is in
good condition and is clean. A worn or dirty belt
can cause poor cooling and low alternator out-
put as well as impair the operation of the power
steering and the air conditioning unit.
NOTE
The drive belt is equipped with a self-ten-
sioning mechanism and requires no adjust-
ment between changes.
WARNING
The engine must not be running when this
check is performed.
Check coolant level
The cooling system must be filled with coolant
and not leak to operate at maximum efficiency.
Check the coolant level regularly. The level
should be between the MAX and MIN marks
on the expansion tank. The check should be
made with particular thoroughness when the
engine is new or when the cooling system has
been drained.
Do not remove the filler cap other than for top-
ping up with coolant. Frequent removal may
prevent coolant circulation between the engineand the expansion tank during engine warm up
and cooling.
Changing coolant
Normally, the coolant does not need to be
changed. If the system must be drained, con-
sult a trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician.
Do not top off with water only. This reduces the
rust-protective and antifreeze qualities of the
coolant and has a lower boiling point. It can
also cause damage to the cooling system if it
should freeze. Top off with Volvo Genuine
Coolant/Antifreeze only (a 50/50 mix of water
and antifreeze.
CAUTION
The cooling system must always be kept
filled to the correct level. If it is not kept filled,
there can be high local temperatures in the
engine which could result in damage. Dif-
ferent types of antifreeze/coolant may not
be mixed.
WARNING
•Never remove the expansion tank cap
while the engine is warm. Wait until the
engine cools.
•If it is necessary to top off the coolant
when the engine is warm, unscrew the
expansion tank cap slowly so that the
overpressure dissipates.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil09

215
NOTE
Volvo uses different systems to indicate a
low oil level or pressure. Some models have
an oil pressure sensor, in which case a
warning symbol (see page 60) is used to
indicate low oil pressure. Other models have
an oil level sensor, in which case the driver
is alerted by the warning symbol in the cen-
ter of the instrument panel and a text in the
information display. Some models use both
systems. Contact a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for more informa-
tion.
Changing engine oil and oil filter
See page 214 for oil specifications and page
287 for oil volumes. Refer to the Warranty and
Service Records Information booklet for infor-
mation on the oil change intervals.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of oil
additives.
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. Please consult a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician.
Checking and adding oil
G030880
Location of dipstick (1) and oil filler cap (2)
The oil level should be checked at regular inter-
vals, particularly during the period up to the
first scheduled maintenance service.
•The vehicle should be parked on a level
surface when the oil is checked.
•If the engine is warm, wait for at least
10-15 minutes after the engine has been
switched off before checking the oil.
Volvo recommends Castrol oil products
Checking the oil
•Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint-
free rag.
•Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check
the oil level.
•Add oil if necessary. If the level is close to
the MIN mark, add approximately
0.5 US quarts (0.5 liters) of oil.
•Recheck the level and add more oil if nec-
essary until the level is near the MAX mark.
•Oil level should be between the
MIN and
MAX marks on the dipstick.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil 09
216
G030881
CAUTION
Not checking the oil level regularly can result
in serious engine damage if the oil level
becomes too low.
•Never fill oil above the MAX mark. This
could cause an increase in oil consump-
tion.
•Not checking the oil level regularly can
result in serious engine damage if the oil
level becomes too low.
•Always add oil of the same type and
viscosity as already used.
WARNING
Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into
contact with hot exhaust pipe surfaces.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids09

217 Washer fluid reservoir
G027097
Washer fluid reservoir
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment and holds approx.
6.8 US qts (6.5 liters).
When there is less than approximately 1 US qt
(1 liter) remaining in the reservoir, the washer
fluid spray will be directed to the windshield
only.
During cold weather, the reservoir should be
filled with windshield washer solvent contain-
ing antifreeze.
Changing coolant
G027087
Coolant reservoir
Normally, the coolant does not need to be
changed. If the system must be drained, con-
sult a trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician.
CAUTION
•If necessary, top up the cooling system
with Volvo Genuine Coolant/Antifreeze
only (a 50/50 mix of water and anti-
freeze).
•Different types of antifreeze/coolant
may not be mixed.
•If the cooling system is drained, it
should be flushed with clean water or
premixed anti-freeze before it is refilled
with the correct mixture of water/anti-
freeze.
•The cooling system must always be
kept filled to the correct level, and the
level must be between the MIN and
MAX marks. If it is not kept filled, there
can be high local temperatures in the
engine which could result in damage.
Check coolant regularly!
•Do not top up with water only. This
reduces the rust-protective and anti-
freeze qualities of the coolant and has a
lower boiling point. It can also cause
damage to the cooling system if it
should freeze.
•Do not use chlorinated tap water in the
vehicle's cooling system.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids 09
218
WARNING
•Never remove the expansion tank cap
while the engine is warm. Wait until the
vehicle cools.
•If it is necessary to top up the coolant
when the engine is warm, unscrew the
expansion tank cap slowly so that the
overpressure dissipates.
Brake fluid reservoir
G000000
The brake fluid should always be above the
MIN mark on the side of the reservoir. Check,
without removing the cap, that there is suffi-
cient fluid in the reservoir.Fluid type: DOT 4+ boiling point >536 °F
(>280 °C), P/N 9437433.
Replace: Every second year or 30,000 miles
(48,000 km). The fluid should be replaced once
a year or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) when
driving under extremely hard conditions
(mountain driving, etc.).
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.
Power steering fluid reservoir
FULL
ADD
G026991
The fluid level should always be between the
ADD and FULL marks.
Fluid type: Volvo synthetic power steering fluid
(Pentosin CHF 11S) P/N 1161529 or equiva-
lent.
Replace: No fluid change required.
If a problem should occur in the power steering
system or if the vehicle has no electrical 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.