[Roger Eastman]

How many errors have you found in the Owner's Manual? I have found a few, one of which is potentially dangerous:

On P.131,139, and the back cover, it says to use ATF in the power steering. I believe the correct fluid for the PS is a special greenish color synthetic fluid. Use of ATF in the PS system could result in failure of the steering, with possible dire results. Strange that the 2000 V70 Owner's Manual has the same error in it as well.

IMO, the 2001 OM is not overall a very comprehensive or useful manual. If they are not going to make available a decent paper Factory Service Manual, they ought to at least give you a good OM as a useful stop-gap.

 

[darell]

Roger -

I totally agree. (with the ATF deal and needing better manuals).

The owner's manual doesn't even show how to change oil, how to change any of the filters...anything.

I've found several conflicts that I can't remember right now, but next time I have it in my hand, I'll post them here.

- Darell

 

[darell]

Let me first point out that a while back, Rob and I discovered that our owner's manuals differ, even though we have identical cars. Somewhere between April (was it?) and June, the manuals changed a few of the pages around. So if we start pointing out pages that don't correspond with your manual, that's probably the reason.

Now - one fun item I noticed early on in my manual is on page 100 and 101. Under "To improve tire economy" it states "Volvo does not recommend rotating the tires...yadda, yadda. On the very next page under "Tire Rotation" it states "Volvo recommends rotating the tires every 7,500 miles." Oops.

- Darell

 

[Rob 101]

With Auto Tranny AW 55-50 (AW5/GT) Volvo recommends only to use Volvo Gearbox oil(1161540-80).

As far as the PS system... It was my understanding that ATF and power steering fluid can be used interchangable or mixed in ATF approved steering systems. In regard to Volvo, they say using ATF in the PS system is OK.

Which brings up the question... Dexron III, Mercon, Redline D4, Amsoil, etc.

 

[Rob 101]

Error on Back cover:
Bulb #5...
Replacement fog lamp bulb is 55w H1... the picture is that of a H3

I have verified that the stock bulb is a H1 manufactured by Philips.

BTW: My manual #TP 4980(Canada&USA) AT9943
for a 03/2000 build date.

 

[Roger Eastman]

The Volvo PS fluid is a high quality, light green synthetic. I bought a quart of it @ $16.00 . I don't believe it is compatible with any other oil, and should not be mixed with anything else.

As to the OM ref to the GT lubricant, I have not checked out that P/N with Volvo to see what it is. I believe the correct fluid for the AW-GT is Mercon/DexronIII. The tranny dip stick says "Special ATF-See Owner's Manual".

Who knows?? Why can't they at least be accurate and informative about things of this importance. They should have a Factory Service Manual available for owners to purchase. I guess they do, but it's over $3,000..

 

[Rob 101]

Good to know, I would have topped off w/ ATF instead of that $ green stuff. Terrible thing to poison one's power steering pump & seals.

Ah yes... the frustration is mutually shared by us all

Seems like Volvo likes to keep things "top secret" ... even from their service guys in the field!

Look on the bright side, that's why we're fortunate to have message boards for enthusiasts that want to know more.

Hmmmm... 3000/300=10.

 

[darell]

I am currently offering up my left index finger for a shop manual. When I first began begging for a manual on various boards, I was amazed at how many responses ran along the lines of "it's better to leave it to the people who know what they're doing."

- Darell