pg. 4:12 Emergency towing (pulling of vehicle)


Front eyelet     Rear eyelet

Precautionary steps to observe when car is in tow

  • Steering must be unlocked.
  • Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this type of towing, as vehicles being towed are subject to regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length and type of towing device, lighting, etc.
  • Remember that power brake and power steering assists will not be available when engine is inoperative. Brake pedal pressure required is 3 - 4 times above normal and greater steering effort must be exerted.
    Automatic transmission
  • Gear selector in position N. Check transmission oil level (see section titled "Transmission oil").
  • Maximum speed: 20 mph (30 km/h).
  • Maximum distance with rear wheels on ground: 20 miles (30 km).
  • If the battery is dead, it is not possible to release the gear selector by pressing the brake pedal. Release the gear selector manually, see page 6:18.

    Cars equipped with automatic transmission/three-way catalytic converters cannot be started by pushing or pulling the car.


    CAUTION: The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling another vehicle out of a ditch or any similar purpose involving severe strain.

    pg. 4:13 Vehicle towing information

    Only use wheel lift or flat bed equipment.


    CAUTION:
    Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air conditioning lines.
    It is equally important not to use slingtype equipment at the rear or apply lifting equipment inside the rear wheels: serious damage to the rear axle may result.



    pg. 4:14 Jump starting


    CAUTION:
    Improper hook-up of jumper cables or use of other than 12-volt batteries could result in damage to equipment and/or battery.


    Check that cars are not touching to prevent premature completion of negative circuit. Note the position of the battery terminals and using jumper cables:

  • First connect booster battery positive (+) terminal (1) to car battery positive (+) terminal (2).
  • Then connect booster battery negative (-) terminal (3) to a stationary solid metal part on the engine at a point away from the battery (4).

    Do not connect booster cable to any part of fuel system or any moving parts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.

  • After engine has started, remove first the negative (-) terminal jumper cable. Then remove the positive (+) terminal jumper cable.


    WARNING!
    To reduce the possibility of explosion, never expose battery to open flame or electric spark. Do not smoke near battery. Batteries generate hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, fabrics or painted surfaces. If contact occurs, flush affected area immediately with water.
    Obtain medical attention immediately if eyes are affected.

    WARNING!
    Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to personal injury.
    pg. 4:15 Winter driving

    Cold weather precautions

  • If you wish to check your car before the approach of cold weather, the following advice is worth noting:
    Make sure that the engine coolant contains at least 50 percent antifreeze: that is, 5.3 qts. (5 liters) Volvo Genuine Coolant/Antifreeze. This gives protection against freezing down to -31°F (-35°C). See section "Coolant".
    The use of "recycled" antifreeze is not approved by Volvo.
    Different types of antifreeze may not be mixed.
  • Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this prevents the formation of condensation in the tank.
    In addition in extremely cold weather conditions it is worthwhile to add fuel line de-icer before refueling.
  • Use the correct grade of engine oil to avoid difficulties when starting. See section "Engine oil".
  • The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the heater, windshield wipers, lighting etc. are used more often. Moreover, the capacity of the battery decreases as the temperature drops. In very cold weather, a poorly charged battery can freeze and be damaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state of charge more frequently and spray an anti-rust oil on the battery posts.
  • The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weather starting as well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine is warming up. for winter use, 5W-30 oil, particularly the synthetic type, is recommended.
    Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use this cold-weather oil for hard driving or in warm weather.
    See section "Engine oil" for more information.
  • Use lock spray or grease in the locks.
  • To prevent the washer reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze. This is important since the dirt is often splashed on the windshield during winter driving, thus requiring frequent use of the washers and wipers. The Volvo Washer Solvent should be diluted as follows:
    Down to 14°F (-10°C): 1 part anti-freeze and 4 parts water
    Down to 5°F (-15°C): 1 part anti-freeze and 3 parts water
    Down to 0°F (-18°C): 1 part anti-freeze and 2 parts water
    Down to -18°F (-28°): 1 part anti-freeze and 1 part water


    NOTE: Avoid the use of de-icing spray as they can cause damage to the locks.

    Automatic differential lock

    The differential automatically locks at speed between 3 - 25 mph (5 - 40 km/h) if either of the drive wheels begins to lose traction. The differential lock improves power distribution to the drive wheels in slippery conditions, shifting power to the wheel with best traction. It also functions when the transmission is in reverse.

    pg. 4:16 Towing a trailer

    When preparing for trailer hauling, observe the following:

  • Use a trailer hitch which meets Federal Safety Standards for rear end collisions (FMVSS 301-75) for trailer weights exceeding 2000 lbs. (908 kg), use only a trailer hitch offered as a Genuine Volvo Accessory. Since the automatic transmission is subject to increased load and temperature, certain vehicles are equipped with an extra oil cooler as standard equipment. Consult your Volvo dealer for additional information.
  • Maximum trailer weight recommended by
    Volvo is:
    Trailers without brakes : 1540 lbs (700kg)
    Trailers with brakes: 2" ball - 3300 lbs (1500 kg), 1 7/8" ball - 2000 lbs (908 kg).
    Observe legal requirements of the state in which the vehicles are registered.

    All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailer hitch installation should not interfere with the proper operation of this bumper system.


    WARNING! Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle brake system, nor a trailer's lighting system directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult your nearest authorized Volvo dealer for correct installation.

    WARNING! Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safety chains be attached to the bumper. Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.

    Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but take into consideration:

  • Increase tire pressure to recommended full-load pressure. See section "Wheels and tires".
  • Recommended hitch tongue load is 165 (75 kgs) for trailer weights above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kgs) and 110 lbs (50 kgs) for trailer weights below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kgs).
  • for trailer weights between 2,650-3,300 lbs (1,200-1,500 kgs) a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) should never be exceeded.
  • Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant temperature should be closely watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use lower gear and turn off air conditioner if temperature gauge pointer enters the red range.
  • Disengage the overdrive on models with automatic transmission
  • Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
  • Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
  • It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop. Check and observe State/Local regulations.
  • More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
  • Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
  • Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer over long distances or in mountainous areas.
  • The trailer hitch tongue load (110/165 lbs - 50/75 kg) is part of the vehicle's capacity weight. It may be necessary to reduce the trunk/cargo area load when towing a trailer to ensure that the max. permissible axle load or gross vehicle weight are not exceeded.


    NOTE: Refer to section "Automatic transmission" for additional trailer hauling tips.
    pg. 4:17 Brake system


    If one of the brake circuits should malfunction, the red warning light will come on. (see page 1:4)

    The pedal stroke increases slightly, the pedal feels softer and extra pressure is required for normal braking.
    If the light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.


    WARNING!
    If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in either section of the reservoir: DO NOT DRIVE. Tow the car to a Volvo dealer and have the brake system checked and any leakage repaired.

    Moisture on brake discs and brake pads affects braking.

    Driving in rain and slush or passing through an automatic car wash can cause water to collect on the brake discs and pads. This will cause a delay in braking effect when the pedal is depressed. To avoid such a delay when the brakes are needed, depress the pedal occasionally when driving through rain, slush etc. This will remove the water from the brakes. Check that brake application feels normal. This should also be done after washing or starting in very damp weather.

    Severe strain on the brake system

    The brakes will be subject to severe strain when driving in mountains or hilly areas. The speed is usually low which means that the cooling of the brakes is less efficient than when driving on level roads.
    To reduce the strain on the brakes it is advisable not to use the brakes excessively.
    Instead, shift into a lower gear and let the engine help with the braking. A good rule is to use the same gear downhill as would be used ascending the same grade. for vehicles with automatic transmission use position 2 or, in some cases, 1.
    Do not forget that, if you are towing a trailer, the brakes will be subjected to greater load than is normal.

    Breaking-in parking brake (hand brake)

    To obtain the best parking brake performance, the brake linings should be broken-in.
    Stop 5-7 times from 30 mph (50 km/h). transmission in neutral, applying the parking brake with the release button pressed in during the stop.
    The force must not lock the rear wheels. If this happens, rotate the brake enough to let the wheels rotate. Drive a mile between each stop to cool the brakes. Check for proper parking brake operation.

    WARNING!
    The brake lights are not illuminated when applying the parking brake. To warn traffic from behind it is therefore advisable to depress the brake pedal slightly to illuminate the brake lights.

    If the brake power-assist does not function

    The power assist to the brakes functions only when the engine is running. When the car is moving without the engine running the brake pedal pressure required to stop the car is increased by 3-4 times.
    The brake pedal feels stiff and hard.

    pg. 4:18 Long distance trip

    Before a long distance trip

    It is always worthwhile to have your car checked at a Volvo dealer before driving long distances. Your dealer will also be able to supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark plugs and wiper blades for your use in the event that problems occur.

    If you prefer to check the car yourself, please note the following:
    Check that the engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.

  • Check engine oil, coolant levels, and for possible fuel leakage.
  • Check transmission oil level and rear axle for leakage.
  • Check condition of drive belts.
  • Check state of charge of battery.
  • 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 your Volvo dealer only.
  • Check all lights, including high beams.
  • Reflective warning triangles are legal requirement in some countries.
  • Have a word with your Volvo dealer concerning engine adjustments if you intend to drive in countries where it may be difficult to obtain correct fuel.

    City driving

    City driving can be a severe driving condition. Low operating speeds, long periods of idling combined with high operating temperatures, air conditioning usage etc. will make necessary more frequent servicing (at least every third month).

    pg. 4:19 Vehicle storage
    If you do not intend to use your car for a long time

    The following points may be of use if you do not intend to use your car for a long time (e.g. because of a long holiday, winter, etc.)

  • Fill fuel tank to prevent water from condensing inside the tank.
  • Wash the car carefully and wax it to protect the paint - don't forget the chromed parts.
  • The vehicle should be left in a dry, well ventilated garage.
  • Do not apply the hand brake. Block the wheels instead.
  • Disconnect the battery's negative (-) cable.
  • Lift the wiper arms away from the windshield.
  • Increase tire pressure to maximum allowed, i.e. 36 psi.
  • Open one of the window's slightly for ventilation.
  • Ensure that the coolant contains sufficient anti-freeze to provide protection down to -22°F (-30°C). Volvo Genuine Coolant/Anti-freeze also provides resistance against corrosion.
  • Remove all valuables and lock the car.
    Keep the battery fully charged.

    pg. 4:20 ABS


    Anti-lock Brake System - ABS

    If the warning lamp lights up there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system will however function) and the vehicle should be driven to a Volvo dealer for inspection. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and steering) during severe braking conditions by limiting brake lock-up. When the system "senses" impending lock-up, braking pressure is automatically modulated in order to help prevent lockup, which could lead to a skid. The system performs a self-diagnostic test when the vehicle is started and at 4 mph (6 km/h). The driver may detect one pulsation of the brake pedal. This is normal.
    To obtain optimal effect from the ABS system, constant pressure should be kept on the brake pedal while the system is modulating the brakes.
    The switching of the ABS modulator will be audible at this time.
    Please be aware that ABS does not increase the absolute braking potential of the vehicle. While control will be enhanced, ABS will not shorten stopping distances on slippery surfaces.



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