pg. 105 Emergency towing



Front towing eyelet

Emergency towing
The towing eyelet is located in the tool bag, under the floor of the cargo area, with the spare tire. This eyelet must be screwed into the positions provided on the right sides of either the front or rear bumper (see illustration). To attach the towing eyelet:

  • Use a coin to pry open the lower edge of the cover (A).
  • Screw the towing eyelet in place, first by hand and then using the tire iron (B) until it is securely in place.

    After the car has been towed, the eyelet should be removed and returned to the tool bag. Press the cover back into position.


    Rear towing eyelet

    Precautions when the car is in tow

  • The steering wheel must be unlocked. Turn the ignition key to position I or II.
  • The gear selector must be in position N.
  • Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h)
  • Maximum distance with front wheels on ground: 50 miles (80 km).
  • While the car is being towed, try to keep the tow rope taut at all times.
  • Cars with an automatic transmission should only be towed in forward direction.

    CAUTION:

  • 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.
  • If the car's battery is dead, do not attempt to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it as this will damage the three-way catalytic converter(s). The engine must be jump started using an auxiliary battery (see page 109).
  • If the car is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the car on the flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.

    WARNING!

  • Remember that the power brakes and power steering will not function when engine is not running. The braking and steering systems will function but the brake pedal pressure required is 3 - 4 times above normal and greater steering effort must be exerted.
  • The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling another vehicle out of a ditch or for any similar purpose involving severe strain.
  • Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the car up onto a flat bed tow truck.



    • pg. 106 Vehicle towing information


    Towing cars with all wheel drive/front wheel drive
    Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equipment. If wheel lift equipment must be used, please use extreme caution to help avoid damage to the car. In this case, the car should be towed with the rear wheels on the ground if at all possible.

    If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, please refer to the towing information on the previous page.

    CAUTION:

  • The car must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions/specifications or with a spare tire other than the one that came with the car. The use of different size wheels can seriously damage your car's transmission.
  • Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air conditioning lines.
  • It is equally important not to use sling-type equipment at the rear or apply lifting equipment inside the rear wheels; serious damage to the rear axle may result.
  • If the car is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the car on the flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.

    WARNING!

  • Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the car up onto a flat bed tow truck.



    • pg. 107 Towing a trailer

    When preparing for trailer towing, observe the following:
    Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches which are specially designed for the car.

  • Maximum trailer weight recommended by Volvo is:
    Trailers without brakes: 1650 lbs (750 kg)
    Trailers with brakes: 3300 lbs* (1,500 kg),
    Observe the legal requirements of the state/province 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.

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

  • Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See section "Wheels and tires".
  • When your car is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1000 km).
  • Recommended hitch tongue load is:
    Trailer weights below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 110 lbs (50 kg)
    Trailer weights above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 165 lbs (75 kg)
  • Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 mph (80 km/h).
  • 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 a lower gear and turn off the air conditioner if the temperature gauge needle enters the red range.
  • If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be displayed in the text window.
  • 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).
  • Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brake system.
  • 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.

    WARNING!

  • Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvo's, nor should safety chains be attached to the bumper.
  • Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.
  • 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 retailer for correct installation.
  • When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety wire must be correctly fastened to the hole or hook provided in the trailer hitch on the car. The safety wire should never be fastened to or wound around the drawbar ball.

    • NOTE:

  • When parking the car with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in (P)ark. When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in (D)rive before releasing the parking brake.
  • If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, make sure the gear you select does not put too much strain on the engine (using too high a gear).
  • The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may be certified for trailers that are heavier than the car is designed to tow. Please adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer weights.

    * When driving for prolonged periods at temperatures above 86° F (30° C), the maximum recommended weight is 2000 lbs (900 kg).

    pg. 108 Detachable trailer hitch (accessory) - installing/removing



    A - ball holder, B - locking bolt, C - safety wire attachment, D- hitch assembly, E - cotter pin

    Installing the ball holder
    1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch assembly.
    2. Slide the ball holder into the hitch assembly.
    3. Align the hole in the ball holder with the one in the hitch assembly.
    4. Slide the locking bolt through the hitch assembly/ball holder.
    5. Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end of the locking bolt.

    Removing the ball holder
    1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the ball holder/hitch assembly.
    2. Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assembly.

    NOTE: A cover for the hitch assembly can be purchased from your Volvo retailer.

    pg. 109 Jump starting


    Jump starting
    Follow these instructions to jump start your car's dead battery or to jump start another car's dead battery using your car. Although your car's battery is located under the floor of the cargo area, jumper cables should be connected in the engine compartment, to the points shown in the illustrations.
    If the 12-volt auxiliary battery to be used is in another car, check that the cars are not touching to prevent premature completion of a negative circuit. Be sure to follow jump starting instructions provided for the other vehicle.

    To jump start your car:

  • Switch off the ignition.
  • First connect the auxiliary battery positive (+) terminal (1) to the positive (+) terminal in your car's engine compartment (2), located under a small black plastic cover attached to the fuse box cover, marked with a "+" sign. Remove the cover on the main fuse box if necessary to access this terminal. See page 131.
  • Then connect the auxiliary battery negative (-) terminal (3) to the ground point in your car's engine compartment (4).
    Start the engine in the assisting car, then start the engine in the car with the dead battery.
  • After the engine has started, first remove the negative (-) terminal jumper cable. Then remove the positive (+) terminal jumper cable.
    CAUTION:

    Improper hookup of jumper cables or use of other than 12-volt batteries could result in damage to equipment and/or the battery.

    WARNING!

  • Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any moving parts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.
  • Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
  • Do not smoke near the 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 the affected area immediately with water. Obtain medical help immediately if eyes are affected.

    Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to personal injury.

    • NOTE: Refer to pages 156 for information on properly maintaining the battery.

    PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!
    Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.



    pg. 110 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 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture will reduce freeze protection. 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 must not be mixed.
  • Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze in your car's radiator. Your local Volvo retailer stocks plenty of Volvo engine coolant to protect your car during cold weather.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the 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.
  • Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving - see section "Wheels and tires".
  • To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze (see page 151 for the location of the washer fluid reservoir). This is important since dirt is often splashed on the windshield during winter driving, requiring the frequent use of the washers and wipers. The Volvo Washer Solvent should be diluted as follows:
    Down to 14° F (-10° C): 1 part washer solvent and 4 parts water
    Down to 5° F (-15° C): 1 part washer solvent and 3 parts water
    Down to 0° F (-18° C): 1 part washer solvent and 2 parts water
    Down to -18° F (-28° C): 1 part washer solvent and 1 part water
  • Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.

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

    W Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction

  • Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D)rive position.
  • Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode (see illustration).
  • An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and this will also be displayed in the instrument panel (see page 29).
  • This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.

    *Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance service intervals.

    pg. 111 Long distance trips

    Before a long distance trip
    It is always worthwhile to have your car checked at a Volvo retailer before driving long distances. Your retailer 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 condition of accessory drive belts.
  • Check transmission oil level*.
  • 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 your Volvo retailer only.
  • Check all lights, including high beams.
  • Reflective warning triangles are legal requirement in some countries.
  • 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.

    * To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your car's transmission fluid yourself. Have your car's transmission fluid level inspected by a qualified Volvo service technician.

    pg. 112 Three-way catalytic converters



    Three-way catalytic converter cautions

  • Keep your engine properly tuned. Certain engine malfunctions, particularly involving the electrical, fuel or distributor ignition systems, may cause unusually high three-way catalytic converter temperatures. Do not continue to operate your vehicle if you detect engine misfire, noticeable loss of power or other unusual operating conditions, such as engine overheating or backfiring. A properly tuned engine will help avoid malfunctions that could damage the three-way catalytic converters.
  • Do not park your car over combustible materials, such as grass or leaves, which can come into contact with the hot exhaust system and cause such materials to ignite under certain wind and weather conditions.
  • Excessive starter cranking (in excess of one minute), with an intermittently firing or flooded engine, can cause three-way catalytic converter or exhaust system overheating.
  • Remember that tampering or unauthorized modifications to the engine or the vehicle may be illegal and can cause three-way catalytic converter or exhaust system overheating. This includes:
    - Altering fuel injection setting or components.
    - Altering emission system components or location or removing components.
    - Repeated use of leaded fuel.

    NOTE: Unleaded fuel is required for cars with three-way catalytic converters


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