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VOLVO
C70 Coupe & Convertible

Chapter 4 - Starting and driving


pg. 63 Starting and driving



Page
Fuel requirements, Refueling 64
Driving economy 67
Starting the engine 68
Manual transmission 69
Automatic transmission 70
Points to remember 72
Roof/trunk-mounted luggage racks 74
Emergency towing 75
Vehicle towing information 76
Jump starting 77
Brake/Stability systems 78-79
Trailer towing 80
Winter driving 81


pg. 64 Fuel requirements



NOTE ENGINE OIL:

Although some oil consumption occurs during normal engine operation, more oil is consumed when the engine is new as the internal parts generate higher friction while wearingin 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 120.

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 refueled 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 breakin period:
Up to 600 miles
(1000 km)
600 1,200 miles
(1000 2000 km)
1st gear 20 mph (30 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h)
2nd gear 30 mph (50 km/h) 40 mph (70 km/h)
3rd gear 45 mph (80 km/h) 65 mph (100 km/h)
4th gear 70 mph (110 km/h) 80 mph (130 km/h)
5th gear 80 mph (130 km/h) 95 mph (150 km/h)

Posted speed limits should not be exceeded.

Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)

Volvo recommends the use of gasoline containing deposit control additives. These additives have shown to be effective 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. 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.

NOTE: Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive called methly-cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission Control System performance may be affected, and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp located on your instrument panel may light. If this occurs, please return your vehicle to an authorized Volvo retailer for service.

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).

pg. 65 Fuel requirements



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 car, lead has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer.
Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent. Unburned benzene 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:
  • standing upwind away from the filler nozzle while refueling
  • refueling only at gas stations with vapor recovery systems that fully seal the mouth of the filler neck during refueling
  • wear neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.

    Use of Additives


    With the exception of gas line antifreeze during winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or other store-bought additives to your car's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse may damage your engine, and some of these additives contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.

    Carbon Monoxide - Important Warning


    Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust gases. If you ever smell exhaust fumes inside the vehicle, make sure the passenger compartment is ventilated, and immediately return the vehicle to your retailer for correction.

    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 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 operator.

    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 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.

    pg. 66 Fuel requirements, Refueling




    Fuel filler door control on driver's door

    Refueling

    The fuel tank holds approximately 17.9 US gal. (68 liters) with sufficient volume left over to accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. Be aware that 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 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.

    Fuel filler door

    The fuel filler door (on the right rear fender) is locked and must be popped open using the control on the driver's door.
    Open fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather conditions

    CAUTION:
    · Do not refuel with the engine running. Turn the ignition off or to position 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 until it clicks into place *.
    · Allow for fuel expansion by not overfilling the tank. Overfilling could also cause damage to the emission control systems.
    · Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. 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 alcohol). This practice can result in vehicle performance deterioration and can damage critical parts in the 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 running when the car is refueled, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps.


    pg. 67 Driving economy



    Economical driving conserves natural resources
    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:
  • Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by driving with a light foot on the accelerator pedal for the first few minutes of operation. A cold engine uses more fuel and is subject to increased wear.
  • Whenever possible, avoid using the car for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature.
  • Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
  • Do not exceed speed limit.
  • Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the car.
  • Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (check when tires are cold).
  • Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
  • Note that trunk-mounted luggage racks increase air resistance and thereby fuel consumption.
  • Avoid using automatic transmission kickdown feature unless necessary.
  • Avoid using the air conditioning when it is not required. When engaged, the air conditioner's compressor places an additional load on the engine. However, please note that fuel consumption is lower with the air conditioning on than it is when driving with the air conditioning switched off and the windows down.
  • If your car is equipped with the optional Trip Computer, utilizing the fuel consumption modes can help you "learn" how to drive more economically.

    Other factors which decrease gas mileage are:

  • Dirty air cleaner
  • Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
  • Dragging brakes
  • 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. 68 Starting the Engine



    Starting and stopping

    1. Fasten the seat belt.

    WARNING!
    Before starting, check that the seat, steering wheel and mirrors 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).

    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 step 3.

    For cold starts at altitudes above 6000 ft (1800 meters), depress the accelerator pedal halfway and turn the key to the starting position. Release the 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 105 for instructions on manually releasing the SHIFTLOCK system.

    Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubrication 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 the 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! Toorapid 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.

    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!


    * If the key is left in the Drive position (position II) for more than 30 seconds, it must be turned to position 0 and then turned to the Start position (position III) again in order to start the car. See page 23 for ignition key positions.


    pg. 69 Manual transmission




    Shift positions

    Depress the clutch pedal completely when changing gears*.

    Remove your foot from the clutch pedal while driving.

    Overdrive (5th gear) should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy. This gear can be engaged at speeds above approx. 50 mph (80 km/h).

    CAUTION: Follow the shift pattern indicated on the gear shift knob when shifting up (e.g., do not shift directly from 2nd to 5th gear) to help avoid excessive wear on the transmission.




    Engaging reverse gear

    The gear lever must first be moved to neutral in order to engage reverse gear.

    CAUTION: Be careful that you do not inadvertently engage reverse while moving forward.

    * Clutch interlock (manual transmission only)

    The clutch must be fully depressed before you can start your car. If the clutch is not depressed, it will not be possible to start the engine.

    pg. 70 Automatic transmission




    P (Park)

    Use this position when starting the engine or parking the car.

    Never use P while the car is in motion.

    The parking brake should be set whenever the car is parked.

    The gear selector is mechanically locked in the P position (SHIFTLOCK). To release the gear selector from this position, the engine must be running (or the ignition key must be in position II) and the brake pedal must be depressed.

    WARNING! Never leave the car unattended when the engine is running. If, by mistake, the gear selector is moved from P, the car may start moving.

    R (Reverse)

    Never engage R while the car is moving forward.

    N (Neutral)

    Neutral - no gear engaged. Use the parking brake.

    D (Drive)

    D is the normal driving position and should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy. The car should not be moving when shifting from R to the D position.

    4 (Intermediate gear)

    The transmission will shift automatically between gears 4, 3, 2 or 1 from this position. The transmission cannot shift up to (D) from fourth gear.

    3 (Intermediate gear)

    The transmission will shift automatically between gears 3, 2 and 1 from this position. The transmission cannot shift up to fourth gear of (D)rive from third gear.

    L (Low gear)

    The transmission is locked in gears 1 and 2 when the selector is in this position.

    NOTE:

  • Gears 4, 3, or 1 can be used if you are driving in a mountainous area, towing a trailer or to increase engine braking effect.
  • The transmission has a built-in limiter designed to help prevent excessive engine speeds (high rpm) when gears 4, 3 or L are selected.

    Automatic transmission - adaptive control system

    The automatic transmission is controlled by an adaptive guidance system that constantly monitors the way in which the transmission functions. It senses and adapts each gear shift for optimal performance. The system also monitors your particular driving style and adapts gear shifting accordingly.



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