Although some oil consumption during normal engine operation, more oil is consumed when the engine is new as the internal parts generate higher friction while wearing-in to each other. From the time the engine is new until the first service is performed, the oil consumption could be higher than normal. For this reason, it is especially important to check the oil every time you refuel your car during this period. See page 8:10.
In general, the rate of oil consumption depends on such factors as: engine temperature, length of trip, driving conditions, oil viscosity and quality, engine speed and acceleration/deceleration.
Checking your engine oil level each time the car is refuelled is one of the most important items you can perform to help keep your car in good running order.

Manual transmission

The following speeds should not be exceeded during the break-in period:

Posted speed limits should not be exceeded.

Deposit control gasoline

Volvo recommends the use of gasoline containing deposit control additives. These additives have shown to be efficient in keeping injectors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit control gasolines will help ensure good driveability and fuel economy. If you are not sure whether the gasoline contains deposit control additives, check with the service station operator.

Unleaded Fuel

Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline (as specified on the instrument panel and by a label near the filler inlet). U.S. and Canadian regulations require that pumps delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit your car's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled "unleaded gasoline only". Leaded gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of leaded gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of the emission control system and could result in loss of emission warranty coverage. State and local vehicle inspection programs will make detection of misfueling easier, possibly resulting in emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.

Octane Rating

Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating, AKI 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).

Gasoline Containing Alcohol and Ethers

"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or ethers. In some areas, state or local laws require that the service pump be marked indicating use of alcohol 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 operator. To meet seasonal air quality restrictions, some states require the use of "oxygenated" fuel in certain areas.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated fuels"; however, the octane ratings listed on this page must still be met.

Alcohol -- Ethanol

Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be used.
Ethanol may also be referred to as Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol".
Ethers -- MTBE
Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.

Refueling

The fuel tank filler cap is located behind the door on the left rear fender. Open cap slowly during hot weather conditions.
When filling, position the cap in the special bracket on the door.

NOTE: Turn the ignition off or to position I when refueling. If the ignition is on, an incorrect reading could occur in the fuel gauge (low fuel will be indicated).

After filling the tank, install the cap and turn until a "click" is heard.
The fuel tank is designed to hold approximately 19.3 US gals (73 liters) with sufficient volume left over to accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. 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 "vapor pressure" characteristics, and terrain can affect the fuel pumps' 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.

NOTE: if the filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp may indicate a fault. Use only Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps.

Economical driving does not necessarily mean driving slowly

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:

Incorrect front end alignment

Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard Maintenance Service intervals.

NOTE: ( D )rive or 5th gear (manual transmissions) should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy.

pg. 4:5 Starting the engine

Starting and stopping

1. Fasten the seat belt.

WARNING! Before starting, check that the seat and steering wheel are adjusted properly. Make sure the brake pedal can be depressed completely. Move the seat closer if necessary. Refer to section "front seats".

2. Apply the parking brake, if not already set. The gear selector ( automatic transmission ) is locked in the ( P )ark position ( SHIFT LOCK ).

3. Without touching the accelerator pedal , turn the ignition key to the starting position. Allow the starter to operate for 5-10 seconds (turbo: 10 seconds). Release the key as soon as the engine starts. If the engine fails to start, repeat step 3.
For cold starts at altitudes above 6000 ft (1800 m), depress the accelerator pedal halfway and turn the key to the starting position. Release the accelerator pedal slowly when the engine starts.

4. To release the gear selector from the (P)ark position (automatic transmission), the ignition key must be in position II and the brake pedal must be depressed. See page 6:18 for instructions on manually overriding the SHIFTLOCK system.

Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubricating points fast enough to prevent engine damage.

NOTE: (Automatic transmission only)
Your car is equipped with a KEYLOCK system. When the engine is switched off, the gear selector must be in the ( P )ark position before the starting key can be removed from the ignition switch.

5. Select desired gear. The gear engages after a slight delay (automatic transmission) which is especially noticeable when selecting R.

CAUTION: (Automatic transmission only) The engine should be idling; never accelerate until after you feel the gear engage! Too rapid acceleration immediately after selecting a gear will cause harsh engagement and premature transmission wear.

NOTE: Selecting P or N (automatic transmission) when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help prevent overheating of transmission oil.

WARNING! Always place the gear selector (automatic transmission) in Park and apply the parking brake before leaving the vehicle. Never leave the car unattended with the engine running. Always open the garage doors fully before starting the engine inside a garage to ensure adequate ventilation. The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless but very poisonous.

TURBO CAUTION: Never race the engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubricating points fast enough to prevent engine damage. Do not race the engine just prior to switching off!

Hydraulic valve lifters

This engine features hydraulic valve lifters which means that valve clearance is adjusted automatically. It is possible that the valve lifters will produce a ticking sound for the first few seconds after the engine is started, while the oil pressure is increasing.
If the car has not been used for a long period of time, this ticking sound may last for up to 15 minutes. This is entirely normal.
Do not exceed 300 rpm until the ticking sound disappears.

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