Engine lubricating system
During the winter, multigrade oil 10W-30 should be used in the engine. At very low temperatures, below
0° F (-20° C), multigrade oil SAE 5W-30 is recommended. These oils reach the lubricating points in the
engine more easily at low temperature and also facilitate cold starting. See section "Engine oil" for more
information.
Electrical system
The electrical system is subject to great stresses during the winter. Lighting and starter motor are used
more often. The battery capacity is impaired at low air temperature. The state of charge must be checked
more frequently, and if necessary the battery should be recharged. The battery may freeze if the state of
charge is low.
Windshield washers
Anti-freeze washer fluid should also be added to the washer fluid container for the windshield and rear
window (tailgate, wagon model) washer. This is particularly important during the winter because the
windshield frequently becomes dirty and is often splashed with water which freezes rapidly. This may
necessitate the frequent use of the windshield washer and wipers. Your Volvo dealer can supply you
with suitable anti-freeze for this purpose. Suitable mixtures of anti-freeze and water are:
Down to +14° F (-10° C) 1 part anti-freeze 4 parts water.
Down to +7°F(-14° C) 1 part anti-freeze 3 parts water.
Down to 0° F(-18° C) 1 part anti-freeze 2 parts water.
Down to -18°F(-28° C) 1 part anti-freeze 1 part water.
pg. 90 Service diagnosis
The diagnoses outlined below are intended to serve only as a guide to locate and temporarily correct
minor faults. Causes of unsatisfactory performance should be investigated and corrected by your Volvo
dealer.
Condition: Starter fails to operate (or operates very slowly)
Possible cause Correction
Weak battery or dead cell.
With the starting (ignition) switch in the "Driving"
or "On" position, check to see if the warning lights
on the dashboard come on and if they stay on when
the starter is engaged.
If the lights do not come on or if they go off when
the starter is engaged, the battery is discharged or
see below.
