Volvo XC40 (2021 year). Manual in english - page 23

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

393

The ECO gauge indicates how economical
current driving is:

•

A low reading in the green area of the
gauge indicates economical driving.

•

A high reading is shown when driving is
not economical, e.g. heavy braking or
rapid acceleration.

The ECO gauge also has an indicator showing
how a reference driver would drive in the same
driving situation. This is shown by the short
pointer in the gauge.

ECO Climate

In 

Eco

 mode, ECO climate is automatically

activated in the passenger compartment to
help reduce energy consumption.

NOTE

When the 

Eco

 drive mode is activated, set-

tings for certain climate system and elec-
tricity consuming functions are reduced.
Some of these settings can be reset man-
ually, but full functionality will only be
restored by switching off 

Eco

 mode or

adapting the 

Individual

*

 drive mode to full

climate system functionality.

If condensation forms on the windows, tap the
max defroster button, which will function nor-
mally.

Related information

•

Changing drive mode

*

 (p. 391)

•

Activating and deactivating Eco drive
mode using the function button (p. 393)

•

Drive modes

*

 (p. 389)

•

Economical driving (p. 402)

•

Start/Stop function (p. 394)

Activating and deactivating Eco

drive mode using the function

button

There is a function button for 

Eco

 drive mode

in the center display's Function view if the
vehicle is not equipped with a drive mode
button in the center console.

When the engine is switched off, 

Eco

 mode is

deactivated and must therefore be reactivated
each time the engine is started. 

ECO

 will be

displayed in the instrument panel when the
function is activated.

Selecting Eco drive mode in the center
display's Function view

–

Tap the 

Driving Mode ECO

 button to

activate or deactivate the function.

> An indicator light in the button will illu-

minate when the function is activated.

Related information

•

Eco drive mode (p. 391)

•

Changing drive mode

*

 (p. 391)

•

Drive modes

*

 (p. 389)

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

394

Start/Stop function

Start/Stop is a function that temporarily
switches off the engine when the vehicle has
stopped, e.g. at a traffic light or in heavy traf-
fic, and then starts it again automatically
when needed.

The Start/Stop function reduces fuel con-
sumption, which helps to reduce exhaust
emissions.

The system makes it possible to drive more
economically and climate-smart by letting the
engine auto-stop when appropriate.

Related information

•

Driving with the Start/Stop function
(p. 394)

•

Conditions for the Start/Stop function
(p. 396)

•

Drive modes

*

 (p. 389)

Driving with the Start/Stop

function

Start/stop is a function that temporarily turns
off the engine when the vehicle is stationary
and then automatically starts it when needed.

The Start/Stop function is available when the
ignition is started and can be activated if cer-
tain conditions are met.

The instrument panel indicates when the func-
tion is

•

Available

•

active

•

not available.

All of the vehicle's ordinary systems, such as
lighting, radio, etc. function normally when the
engine has been auto-stopped. Certain func-
tions may be temporarily reduced however
such as the climate system's blower speed or
extremely high audio system volume.

Auto-stop

To auto-stop the engine:

•

Stop the vehicle by applying the brakes
and keep the brake pedal depressed. The
engine will auto-stop.

In 

Comfort

 or 

Eco

 drive mode, the engine

may auto-stop before the vehicle has com-
pletely stopped.

With Adaptive Cruise Control or Pilot Assist
activated, the engine will auto-stop about
three seconds after the vehicle has stopped.

Auto-start

The following conditions must be met for the
engine to auto-start.

•

Release the brake pedal. The engine will
auto-start and the vehicle can be driven.
On an uphill gradient, Hill Start Assist
(HSA

10

) will activate to help prevent the

vehicle from rolling backward.

•

When the Auto-hold function is activated,
auto-start will be delayed until the acceler-
ator is pressed.

•

When Adaptive Cruise Control or Pilot
Assist are activated, the engine will auto-
start when the accelerator pedal is
depressed or the 

 button on the left-

side steering wheel keypad is pressed.

•

Maintain pressure on the brake pedal and
press the accelerator pedal. The engine
will auto-start.

•

On a downhill gradient: Release the brake
pedal slightly so that the vehicle begins to
roll. The engine will auto-start after a slight
increase in speed.

10

Hill Start Assist

STARTING AND DRIVING

395

Symbols in the instrument panel

 White – Displayed in the tachometer

when the function is available.

 Green – Shown in the tachometer

when the function is active and the engine is
auto-stopped.

 Gray – When the symbol is grayed-

out with a line through it, the function is not
available.

If no symbol is shown, the function is
switched off.

The function is active and the engine has auto-stop-

ped.

Related information

•

Deactivating the Start/Stop function
(p. 395)

•

Conditions for the Start/Stop function
(p. 396)

•

Start/Stop function (p. 394)

•

Hill Start Assist (p. 382)

•

Auto-hold brakes (p. 381)

Deactivating the Start/Stop

function

In certain situations, it may be advisable to
turn the Start/Stop function off.

To turn off Start/Stop, tap the

Start/Stop

 function button

in the center display's Func-
tion view. The indicator light
in the button will go out
when the function has been
turned off.

The function will remain turned off until:

•

it is reactivated

•

the drive mode is changed to 

Eco

.

Related information

•

Driving with the Start/Stop function
(p. 394)

•

Conditions for the Start/Stop function
(p. 396)

STARTING AND DRIVING

396

Conditions for the Start/Stop

function

Certain conditions must be met for Start/
Stop to function.

If any condition is not met, this will be indi-
cated in the instrument panel.

The engine does not auto-stop

The engine will not auto-stop if:

•

The vehicle has not reached a speed of
ca 10 km/h (6 mph) after starting.

•

After several auto-stops, the speed must
again exceed approximately ca 10 km/h
(6 mph) before the next auto-stop.

•

The driver has not fastened the seatbelt.

•

The engine is not running at its normal
operating temperature.

•

The ambient temperature is under
approximately -5 °C (23 °F) or over
approximately 37 °C (98 °F).

•

Windshield heating is activated.

•

The climate system settings and the
actual climate in the passenger compart-
ment differ.

•

The vehicle is in reverse.

•

The driver is making large steering wheel
movements.

•

The road gradient is very steep.

•

The hood is open.

•

Driving at high altitude and the engine has
not reached its normal operating tempera-
ture.

•

ABS has been activated.

•

Hard braking (even if the ABS system has
not been activated).

•

Many starts during a short period of time
have triggered the starter motor's over-
heating protection.

•

The exhaust system's particulate filter is
full.

•

A trailer is connected to the vehicle's elec-
trical system.

•

The transmission is not running at its nor-
mal operating temperature.

•

The gear selector is in mode 

M

 (

±

).

•

If traffic conditions allow it (for example in
a traffic jam).

The engine does not auto-start

The engine will not auto-start after an auto-
stop if:

•

The driver is not wearing a seat belt, the
gear selector is in the 

P

 position and the

driver's door is open. The engine must be
started normally.

The engine auto-starts while the brake
pedal is depressed

In the following situations, the engine will
auto-start even if the brake pedal is
depressed:

•

High levels of condensation on the inside
of the windows.

•

The climate system settings and the
actual climate in the passenger compart-
ment differ.

•

The brake pedal is pumped repeatedly.

•

The hood is open.

•

The vehicle begins to roll or increases
speed slightly if the engine auto-stopped
before the vehicle was at a standstill.

•

The driver's seat belt is unbuckled with the
gear selector in the 

D

 or 

N

 positions.

•

The gear selector is moved from 

D

 to 

R

 or

M

 (

±

).

•

The driver's door is opened with the gear
selector in 

D

. An audible signal and a text

message informs the driver that the igni-
tion is on.

WARNING

Do not open the hood if the engine has

auto-stopped. Turn off the engine by

switching off the ignition before lifting the

hood.

STARTING AND DRIVING

397

Related information

•

Start/Stop function (p. 394)

•

Driving with the Start/Stop function
(p. 394)

•

Deactivating the Start/Stop function
(p. 395)

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

398

Leveling control

*

 and suspension

Self-leveling and suspension functions are
controlled automatically.

Shock absorbers (Four-C)

On vehicles equipped with Four-C, the shock
absorbers are adapted to the selected drive

mode and the current vehicle speed. The
shock absorbers are normally set to help opti-
mize comfort and are adjusted continuously
according to the road surface and the vehicle's
acceleration, braking and cornering.

Symbols and messages

If a problem occurs with the leveling control, a
message will be displayed in the instrument
panel.

Symbol

Message

Meaning

Suspension

Service required

A fault has occurred. Visit a workshop

A

 as soon as possible.

A

An authorized Volvo workshop is recommended.

Related information

•

Drive modes

*

 (p. 389)

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

* Option/accessory.

399

Low Speed Control

*

The low-speed function (LSC

11

) facilitates and

improves control and traction on rough roads
and slippery surfaces, e.g. when towing a
trailer on grass or up boat ramps.

In vehicles equipped with drive mode but-
ton

*

, the function is included in the 

Off Road

drive mode.

Low Speed Control is designed for driving on
rough roads and when towing trailers at low
speeds, up to approximately 40 km/h (25
mph).

Low Speed Control prioritizes low gear posi-
tions and traction. If the vehicle is all-wheel
drive, power is automatically distributed
evenly to provide as much traction as possible
on all wheels and reduce the risk of wheel
spin. The accelerator pedal will be less respon-
sive to improve traction and speed control at
low speeds.

The function is activated together with Hill
Descent Control (HDC

12

), which makes it pos-

sible to control speed going down steep hills
using the accelerator pedal and reduces the
need to use the brake pedal. The system
makes it possible to maintain a low and uni-
form speed when driving down steep hills.

NOTE

When LSC with HDC is activated, the feel
of the accelerator pedal and engine
response will change.

NOTE

This drive mode is not designed to be used
for normal street driving.

NOTE

The function is deactivated when driving at
high speeds and must be reactivated at
lower speeds if so desired.

Related information

•

Activating and deactivating Low Speed
Control

*

 using the function button

(p. 399)

•

Changing drive mode

*

 (p. 391)

•

Hill Descent Control

*

 (p. 400)

•

All Wheel Drive (AWD)

*

 (p. 388)

Activating and deactivating Low

Speed Control

*

 using the function

button

There is a function button for driving at low
speeds with 

Hill Descent Control

 in the cen-

ter display's Function view if the vehicle is
not equipped with a drive mode button in the
center console.

Selecting Low Speed Control in the
center display's Function view

–

Tap the 

Hill Descent Control

 button to

activate or deactivate the function.

> An indicator light in the button will illu-

minate when the function is activated.

When the engine is switched off, the function
will be automatically deactivated.

NOTE

The function is deactivated when driving at
high speeds and must be reactivated at
lower speeds if so desired.

11

Low Speed Control

12

Hill Descent Control

||

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

400

Related information

•

Low Speed Control

*

 (p. 399)

•

Changing drive mode

*

 (p. 391)

Hill Descent Control

*

The function for assisting when driving down-
hill (HDC

13

) is a low-speed function with

increased engine braking. The function
makes it possible to increase or decrease the
vehicle's speed on steep downhill gradients
by only using the accelerator pedal, without
applying the brakes.

In vehicles equipped with drive mode but-
ton

*

, the function is included in the 

Off Road

drive mode.

HDC is designed for driving on rough roads at
low speeds and downhill gradients with slip-
pery or otherwise difficult road surfaces. The
driver does not need to use the brake pedal
but can instead focus on steering.

WARNING

HDC is only intended to be a supplemen-

tary braking aid and it does not function in

all situations.
The driver is always ultimately responsible

for operating the vehicle in a safe manner.

Function

Hill Descent Control allows the vehicle to
move forward or backward at very low speeds
assisted by the brake system. The driver can
increase the speed by pressing the accelerator

pedal. When the accelerator pedal is released,
the vehicle will return to very low speed
regardless of how steep the hill is and without
the brakes needing to be applied. The brake
lights will illuminate when the function is acti-
vated.

The driver can brake to stop or slow the vehi-
cle at any time by depressing the brake pedal.

HDC is activated along with Low Speed Con-
trol (LSC

14

), which facilitates and improves

traction and control on rough and slippery sur-
faces. The system is intended to be used at
low speeds, up to approximately 40 km/h (25
mph).

To keep in mind when using HDC

•

If the function is switched off while driving
on a steep downhill gradient, braking
effect will be gradually reduced.

•

HDC can be used in gear positions 

D

 and

R

, and in manual gears 1 or 2.

•

It is not possible to manually shift to third
gear or higher when HDC is active.

13

Hill Descent Control

14

Low Speed Control

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

401

NOTE

When LSC with HDC is activated, the feel
of the accelerator pedal and engine
response will change.

NOTE

This drive mode is not designed to be used
for normal street driving.

NOTE

The function is deactivated when driving at
high speeds and must be reactivated at
lower speeds if so desired.

Related information

•

Activating and deactivating Hill Descent
Control

*

 using the function button

(p. 401)

•

Changing drive mode

*

 (p. 391)

•

Low Speed Control

*

 (p. 399)

•

All Wheel Drive (AWD)

*

 (p. 388)

Activating and deactivating Hill

Descent Control

*

 using the

function button

There is a function button for assistance on
steep gradients with 

Hill Descent Control

 in

the center display's Function view if the vehi-
cle is not equipped with a drive mode button
in the center console.

Selecting Hill Descent Control in the
center display's Function view

HDC only works at low speeds.

–

Tap the 

Hill Descent Control

 button to

activate or deactivate the function.

> An indicator light in the button will illu-

minate when the function is activated.

When the engine is switched off, the function
will be automatically deactivated.

NOTE

The function is deactivated when driving at
high speeds and must be reactivated at
lower speeds if so desired.

Related information

•

Hill Descent Control

*

 (p. 400)

•

Changing drive mode

*

 (p. 391)

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

402

Economical driving

A more economical driving style can help
lower fuel consumption.

Before driving

•

If possible, precondition the vehicle before
driving.

•

If preconditioning is not possible when it
is cold outside, use seat and steering
wheel heating first. Avoid heating the
entire passenger compartment to reduce
the amount of current being taken from
the start battery.

•

Avoid using idling to warm up the vehicle
before driving.

•

The type of tires and inflation pressure
used could affect energy consumption –
consult an authorized Volvo retailer for
advice on suitable tires.

•

Remove unnecessary items from the vehi-
cle - the heavier the load, the higher the
fuel consumption.

While driving

•

Activate 

Eco

 drive mode.

•

Use gear selector position 

D

 as often as

possible.

•

When using manual gear shifting, drive
using the highest possible gear. Use the
gear indicator

15

.

•

Maintain a steady speed and a generous
following distance to traffic ahead to mini-
mize braking. Use engine braking if possi-
ble.

•

Higher speeds increase energy consump-
tion because air resistance increases with
speed.

•

In a cold climate, reduce heating of the
windshield/rear window, mirrors, seats
and the steering wheel.

•

Avoid driving with the windows open.

•

Do not use the accelerator pedal to keep
the vehicle stationary on an uphill gradi-
ent. Instead, activate the auto-hold brake
function at a standstill.

•

Use trip data to see current fuel consump-
tion.

WARNING

Never turn off the engine while the vehicle

is moving, e.g. when driving downhill. This

deactivates certain important systems

such as power steering and brakes.

After driving

•

If possible, park in a climate-controlled
garage.

Related information

•

Eco drive mode (p. 391)

•

Starting and stopping preconditioning

*

(p. 213)

•

Checking tire pressure (p. 507)

•

Activating and deactivating Auto-hold at a
standstill (p. 382)

•

Start/Stop function (p. 394)

•

Trip computer (p. 87)

15

Only available in certain markets.

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

403

Preparing for a long trip

It is important to have the vehicle's systems
and equipment checked carefully before driv-
ing long distances.

Check that

•

the engine is running properly and that
fuel consumption is normal

•

there are no leaks (fuel, oil or other fluid)

•

the brake pedal is functioning properly

•

all lights work

•

tire tread depth and air pressure are at
correct levels. Change to snow tires when
driving in areas where there is a risk of
snowy or icy roads

•

the start battery is sufficiently charged

•

the wiper blades are in good condition

Related information

•

Checking tire pressure (p. 507)

•

Filling washer fluid (p. 606)

•

Winter driving (p. 403)

•

Economical driving (p. 402)

•

Vehicle modem settings (p. 482)

•

Loading recommendations (p. 537)

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 414)

•

Pilot Assist

*

 (p. 280)

•

Tire sealing system (p. 522)

Winter driving

It is important to check the vehicle before
driving in cold/snowy conditions to make
sure it can be driven safely.

Before the cold season arrives:

•

Make sure the engine coolant contains
50% antifreeze. This mixture helps pro-
tect the engine from frost erosion down to
approx. –35 °C (–31 °F). Do not mix dif-
ferent types of antifreeze as this could
pose a health risk.

•

Keep the fuel tank well filled to prevent
condensation from forming.

•

Check the viscosity of the engine oil. Oil
with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves
cold-weather starting and reduces fuel
consumption when driving with a cold
engine.

•

Check the condition and charge level of
the start battery. Cold weather places
greater demands on the start battery and
reduces its capacity.

•

Use washer fluid containing antifreeze to
help prevent ice from forming in the
washer fluid reservoir.

See separate section for engine oil recommen-
dations.

Slippery driving conditions

To help optimize traction and roadholding,
Volvo recommends using snow tires on all
wheels whenever there is a risk of snow or ice
on the road.

NOTE

Certain countries require use of winter tires
by law. Not all countries permit the use of
studded tires.

Practice driving on slippery surfaces under
controlled conditions to learn how the vehicle
reacts.

Related information

•

Engine oil specifications (p. 618)

•

Snow tires (p. 520)

•

Snow chains (p. 521)

•

Braking on salted roads (p. 377)

•

Braking on wet roads (p. 376)

•

Filling washer fluid (p. 606)

•

Starter battery (p. 565)

•

Replacing windshield wiper blades
(p. 604)

•

Changing rear window wipers (p. 603)

•

Refilling coolant (p. 563)

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

404

Driving through standing water

It may be necessary to drive the vehicle
through standing water e.g. deep puddles or
flooding on the road. This must be done with
great caution.

The vehicle can be driven through water up to
a depth of 45 cm (17 in) at no more than walk-
ing speed. Be particularly careful when driving
through flowing water.

When driving through standing water, drive
slowly and do not stop the vehicle. When you
have passed the water, press lightly on the
brake pedal and check that the brakes are
functioning properly. Water, mud, slush, etc.
can make the brake linings slippery, resulting
in delayed braking effect.

•

If the vehicle is equipped with contacts for
an electric heater or trailer coupling, clean
these after driving in water or mud.

•

Do not allow the vehicle to stand in water
up to the sills any longer than absolutely
necessary. This could result in electrical
malfunctions.

CAUTION

•

Engine damage could occur if water
enters the air cleaner.

•

If water enters the transmission, the
lubricating ability of the oils is reduced
and the service life of these systems is
shortened.

•

Damage to any component, engine,
transmission, turbocharger, differential
or its internal components caused by
flooding, vapor lock or insufficient oil is
not covered under warranty.

•

If the engine stalls while the vehicle is
in water, do not attempt to restart it.
Have the vehicle towed out of the
water to a workshop. An authorized
Volvo workshop is recommended. Risk
of engine failure.

CAUTION

Because it can be difficult to determine the
water depth, Volvo recommends not driv-
ing through standing or running water. The
driver is always responsible for operating
the vehicle in a safe manner and adhering
to all applicable laws and regulations.

Related information

•

Recovery (p. 421)

•

Low Speed Control

*

 (p. 399)

Opening/closing the fuel filler door

The vehicle must be unlocked before the fuel
filler door can be opened

16

.

An arrow next to the fuel
pump symbol in the instru-
ment panel indicates the side
of the vehicle on which the
fuel filler door is located.

1. Open the fuel filler door by pressing lightly

on its rear edge.

2. After refueling, press the fuel filler door

lightly to close it.

Related information

•

Refueling (p. 405)

STARTING AND DRIVING

405

Refueling

The fuel tank is equipped with a fuel filling
system without a cover.

Refueling the vehicle at a service
station

It is important to insert the pump's nozzle past both

of the two flaps in the fuel filler pipe before beginning

fueling.

Instructions for fueling:

1. Turn off the engine and open the fuel filler

door.

2. Select a fuel approved for use in the vehi-

cle. For more information on approved
fuels, see the section on “Fuel”.

3. Insert the pump's nozzle into the fuel filler

pipe's opening. There are two flaps just
inside the fuel filler pipe and the pump's
nozzle must push both of these flaps open
before fuel can be added.

4. Avoid overfilling the tank. Do not press the

handle on the filler nozzle again after it has
initially stopped pumping.
> The fuel tank is now filled.

NOTE

An over-full tank may overflow in hot
weather.

CAUTION

Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. In
addition to causing damage to the environ-
ment, gasolines containing alcohol can
cause damage to painted surfaces, which
may not be covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.

Refueling from a fuel container

When filling from a fuel container, use the fun-
nel provided in a foam block under the floor
hatch in the cargo compartment.

1. Open the fuel filler door.

2. Insert the funnel into the fuel filler pipe's

opening. There are two flaps just inside
the fuel filler pipe and the tube section of
the funnel must push both of these flaps
open before fuel can be added.

WARNING

California Proposition 65

Operating, servicing and maintaining a pas-

senger vehicle can expose you to chemi-

cals including engine exhaust, carbon mon-

oxide, phthalates, and lead, which are

known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other reproduc-

tive harm. To minimize exposure, avoid

breathing exhaust, do not idle the engine

except as necessary, service your vehicle in

a well ventilated area and wear gloves or

wash your hands frequently when servicing

your vehicle. For more information go to

Related information

•

Opening/closing the fuel filler door
(p. 404)

•

Fuel (p. 406)

16

Only locking and unlocking using the remote key, Passive Entry

*

 or Volvo On Call will affect the status of the fuel filler door.

STARTING AND DRIVING

406

Fuel

Volvo recommends the use of detergent gas-
oline to control engine deposits.

Deposit control gasoline (gasoline
with detergent additives)

Detergent gasoline is 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 serv-
ice station operator.

NOTE

Volvo recommends not using external fuel
injector cleaning systems, e.g. do not add
detergent additives to gasoline before or
after refueling.

Unleaded fuel

All Volvo vehicles have a three-way catalytic
converter and must only use unleaded gaso-
line. US and Canadian regulations require that
pumps delivering unleaded gasoline are
labeled "UNLEADED". Only the nozzles of
these pumps will fit in your vehicle's fuel filler
inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into
a vehicle labeled "unleaded gasoline only".
Leaded gasoline damages the three-way cata-
lytic converter and the heated oxygen sensor

system. Repeated use of leaded gasoline will
lessen the effectiveness of the emission con-
trol 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 emis-
sion test failure for misfueled vehicles.

NOTE

Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain
an octane enhancing additive called
methyl-cyclopentadienyl manganese tricar-
bonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your
Emission Control System performance
may be affected, and the Check Engine
Light (malfunction indicator light) located
on your instrument panel may light. If this
occurs, please return your vehicle to a
trained and qualified Volvo service techni-
cian for service.

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 indi-
cating 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 permits the use of the following "oxy-
genated" fuels. However, the specified octane
ratings 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/ETBE: Fuels containing up to
22% MTBE/ETBE by volume may be used.

Methanol

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 sys-
tem. Such damage may not be covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Related information

•

Octane rating (p. 407)

•

Opening/closing the fuel filler door
(p. 404)

•

Refueling (p. 405)

•

Emission controls (p. 408)

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

407

Octane rating

Volvo requires premium fuel (91 octane

17

 or

higher) for all T5, T6 and T8 engines, and rec-
ommends AKI 93 for optimal performance
and fuel economy. See decal examples in
illustrations 1 and 2.

For optimal performance, Volvo recommends
premium fuel (91

17

 octane and higher) for T4

engines. However, engine reliability should
not be affected as long as 87 octane

17

 or

higher is used. See decal example in illustra-
tion 3.

Minimum octane

Decals

Illustration 1: Sample fuel pump octane label

17

.

Illustration 2: Decal on the inside of the fuel filler flap
on vehicles that require premium fuel

18

.

Illustration 3: Sample fuel pump octane label

17

.

TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline

Volvo endorses the use of "TOP TIER Deter-
gent Gasoline" where available to help main-
tain engine performance and reliability. TOP

TIER Detergent Gasoline meets a new stand-
ard jointly established by leading automotive
manufactures to meet the needs of today's
advanced engines. Qualifying gasoline retail-
ers (stations) will, in most cases, identify their
gasoline as having met the "TOP TIER Deter-
gent Gasoline" standards.

NOTE

Information about TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline is available at toptiergas.com

NOTE

When switching to higher octane fuel or
changing gasoline brands, it may be neces-
sary to fill the tank more than once before a
difference in engine operation is noticea-
ble.

Fuel Formulations

Do not use gasoline that contains lead or man-
ganese as a knock inhibitor, and do not use
lead additives. Besides damaging the exhaust
emission control systems on your vehicle, lead
has been strongly linked to certain forms of
cancer.

Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent.
Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to

17

AKI (Anti Knock Index) is an average value of RON (Research Octane Number) and MON (Motor Octane Number) - (RON)+(MON)/2

18

For supplementary information - see the car's Service and Warranty Booklet.

||

STARTING AND DRIVING

408

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 noz-
zle while refueling

•

refueling only at gas stations with vapor
recovery systems that fully seal the mouth
of the filler neck during refueling

•

wearing neoprene gloves while handling a
fuel filler nozzle.

Use of Additives

With the exception of gas line antifreeze dur-
ing winter months, do not add solvents, thick-
eners, or other store-bought additives to your
vehicle'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.

WARNING

Never carry a cell phone that is 

switched

on

 while refueling your vehicle. If the

phone rings, this may cause a spark that

could ignite gasoline fumes, resulting in fire

and injury.

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 immedi-

ately return the vehicle to a trained and

qualified Volvo service technician for cor-

rection.

Demanding driving

In demanding driving conditions, such as
when towing a trailer or driving in hot weather
or for prolonged periods at high altitudes, it
may be a good idea to switch to a higher-
octane fuel (AKI

17

 91 or higher) or to switch to

another brand of gasoline in order to fully uti-
lize the vehicle's engine capacity and optimize
traction.

Related information

•

Fuel (p. 406)

•

Emission controls (p. 408)

Emission controls

Three-way catalytic converter

•

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 condi-
tions, such as engine overheating or back-
firing. A properly tuned engine will help
avoid malfunctions that could damage the
three-way catalytic converter.

•

Do not park your vehicle 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), or an intermittently firing or
flooded engine can cause three-way cata-
lytic converter or exhaust system over-
heating.

•

Remember that tampering or unauthor-
ized modifications to the engine, the
Engine Control Module, or the vehicle may
be illegal and can cause three-way cata-
lytic converter or exhaust system over-

17

AKI (Anti Knock Index) is an average value of RON (Research Octane Number) and MON (Motor Octane Number) - (RON)+(MON)/2