Starting and driving

This section on starting and driving contains items such as starting the engine, operating gear selector, towing, trailers.

pg. 47	Fuel requirements, Refueling
pg. 48	Starting the engine
pg. 50	Transmission
pg. 54	Points to remember
pg. 56	Driving economy
pg. 57	Emergency towing
pg. 58	Vehicle towing information
pg. 59	Jump starting
pg. 60	Catalytic Converter
pg. 61	Brakes
pg. 62	Towing a trailer
pg. 63	Cold weather precautions
pg. 64	Before a long distance trip
pg. 65	Vehicle storage

A new car should be broken-in!

Refrain from utilizing your car's full driving potential during the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km).

Automatic transmission

Do not use "kick-down" during the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km).

Manual transmission

Do not exceed following speeds:*

* These are the maximum speeds recommended by the factory. Note that legislation in different countries and states can stipulate maximum speeds other than those given here.

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 labeled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit your car's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labeled "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 recommends the use of unleaded gasoline with an (R+M)/2 octane rating (also called the Anti-Knock Index, or AKI) of 91 or higher. This is generally equivalent to a Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 or higher.
The minimum octane requirement is AKI 87 (RON 91).
Turbo models should be run on RON 95 fuel only.

Gasoline Containing Alcohol

Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing alcohol without advertising the presence of alcohol. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol in the gasoline you buy, check with the service station operator.
Blends of unleaded gasoline and ethanol (ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol), sometimes called "gasohol", are available in some areas. Gasohol, if used, must contain no more than 10 percent ethanol and must have an (R+M)/2 ratings of 87 or higher. If you experience problems with starting, driveability, or fuel economy with gasohol, you should discontinue its use.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refueling. Gasolines containing alcohol can cause damage to painted surfaces, which may not be covered under the New Vehicle Warranty.

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.
After filling the tank, install the cap and turn until a "click" is heard.
The fuel tank is designed to hold approximately 15.8 US gal (60 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 15.8 US gallons (60 liters) 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.

Detergent or Injector Cleaning Gasoline

The use of specially formulated gasoline which contains so called "detergent injector cleaning" additives is allowed and recommended by Volvo. The use of these detergent additives in gasoline has been shown to be effective in reducing the build up of certain injector deposits.

To start the engine:

1 Fasten the seat belt.

2 Apply the parking brake, if not already set.
3 Depress the brake pedal firmly.
4 Place the gear selector lever in park (position P) on cars with automatic transmission).
5 Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to the starting position. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.

Avoid short attempts to start (fuel is injected every time the starter is engaged when engine is cold). Allow the starter to operate for a longer time (but no more than 15-20 seconds).

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

Engine warm-up - initial driving procedure

Experience shows that engines in vehicles driven short distances are subject to abnormally-rapid wear because the engine never reaches normal operating temperature. It is therefore beneficial to reach normal operating temperature as soon as possible. This is best achieved by driving with a light foot on the accelerator pedal for a few minutes after starting, rather than prolonged idling.

Turbo caution
Never race the engine immediately after starting . Oil flow may not reach some lubricating points fast enough to prevent engine damage.
Before switching off the engine, let it operate at idle for a short time to allow the spinning of the turbo-compressor's turbine vanes to slow. After hard driving, this idle time should last a couple of minutes, during which the vanes will slow and the compressor will cool down while still receiving lubrication. If the turbine vanes are spinning at high speeds when the engine is switched off, there is a great risk of heat damage and/or turbine seizure due to lack of lubrication.
Do not race the engine just prior to switching off!