Only use diesel fuel from well-known producers. Never use fuel of dubious quality. Diesel engines are sensitive to contaminants in the fuel such as metals and a high volume of sulphur.
At low temperatures (-6 °C to -40 °C), a paraffin precipitate may form in the diesel fuel, which may lead to ignition problems. Special diesel fuel designed for low temperatures around freezing point is available from the major oil companies. This fuel is less viscous at low temperatures and reduces the risk of paraffin precipitate.
The risk of condensation in the fuel tank is reduced if the tank is kept well filled. When refuelling, check that the area around the fuel filler pipe is clean. Avoid spilling fuel onto the paintwork. Wash off any spillage with detergent and water.
Important
Diesel fuel must:
- fulfil the EN 590 and/or SS 155435 standards
- have a sulphur content not exceeding 10 mg/kg
- have a maximum of 7 vol % FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester).
Important
Diesel type fuels that must not be used:
- Special additives
- Marine diesel fuel
- Heating oil
- FAME1 (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) and vegetable oil.
These fuels do not fulfil the requirements in accordance with Volvo recommendations and generate increased wear and engine damage that is not covered by the Volvo warranty.
Limitation due to low outside temperature
To avoid the risk of paraffin precipitate (see previous section) in the diesel fuel due to low thermal resistance, the car has a market-dependent function which automatically limits the option of using electric operation with the PURE or HYBRID drive mode in low temperatures. If such a situation occurs then the diesel engine will be running the whole time.
Diesel fuel thermal resistance is a measure of the usefulness of the fuel at low temperatures. Normally, the diesel fuel's thermal properties are adapted to the climate zone and season in which it is distributed and sold.
The automatic limitation in low temperatures increases gradually depending on the age of the fuel in the tank. When the car has recently been refuelled there is no limitation, but it increases the older the fuel in the tank becomes, counted in months.
The purpose of the function is, in low outside temperatures, to allow the car to consume fuel at such a rate that fresh fuel - with the correct thermal resistance - can/must be added before the critical temperature for the current fuel is reached.
Fuel age
Old diesel fuel (from approx. 5 months and older) in combination with condensation can, in some circumstances, lead to algal and bacterial growth in the fuel system and/or oxidation of the fuel with the risk of operational disruption as a result.
To avoid such problems, the car has a built-in function which checks the age of the fuel. In connection with this, a self-explanatory text message may appear, for example:
- Aged fuel Start diesel engine to consume fuel
- Aged fuel Engine will run to consume fuel
- Aged fuel Fill up fuel tank
Follow the recommended action where appropriate.
Empty tank
The design of the fuel system in a diesel engine means that if the vehicle runs out of fuel, the tank may need to be vented in the workshop in order to restart the engine after fuelling.
Once the engine has stopped due to fuel starvation, the fuel system needs a few moments to carry out a check. Do this before starting the engine, once the fuel tank has been filled with diesel:
- Insert the remote control key in the ignition switch and push it in to the end position. For more information, see Key positions.
- Press the START button without depressing the brake and/or clutch pedal.
- Wait approx. one minute.
- To start the engine: Depress the brake and/or clutch pedal and then press the START button again.
Note
Before filling with fuel in the event of fuel shortage:
- Stop the car on as flat/level ground as possible - if the car is tilting there is a risk of air pockets in the fuel supply.
To bear in mind when you have run out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel. In the event of an empty tank, it is possible to continue driving with the available charge in the hybrid battery. After refilling the fuel, it may seem to take longer to start the engine (up to 30 seconds). In certain cases, repeated attempts to start the car may also be required.
Once the engine has been started, it is recommended to keep it running for at least 5 minutes. Select drive mode AWD or POWER in order to facilitate the supply of fuel.
If the message Internal combustion engine unavailable Limited performance and mileage is shown in the combined instrument panel's information display - switch off and then restart the engine again to regain full function.
Draining condensation from the fuel filter
The fuel filter separates condensation from the fuel. Condensation can disrupt engine operation.
The fuel filter must be drained at the intervals specified in the Service and Warranty Booklet or if you suspect that the car has been filled with contaminated fuel. For more information, see Volvo service programme.