Starting the engine – Flexifuel

Updated 08/06/2023

Flex-fuel engines can be driven on 95 octane unleaded petrol and bioethanol E85. The engine is started in the same way as in a petrol-driven car.

Engine block heater*

P3-1120 Elintag stötfångare — Electrical input to the engine block heater.

Cars intended for E85 have an electric engine block heater. Starting and driving with a preheated engine involves significantly lower emissions and reduced fuel consumption. For this reason you should aim to use the engine block heater throughout the winter months.

In outside temperatures between +5 °C and -10° C the electric engine block heater should be plugged in for at least 1 hour.
In outside temperatures between -10 °C and -20° C the electric engine block heater should be plugged in for at least 2 hours.
In outside temperatures lower than -20° C the electric engine block heater should be plugged in for at least 3 hours.

Warning

The engine block heater is powered by high voltage. Fault tracing and repair of an electric engine block heater and its electrical connections must only be carried out by a workshop - an authorised Volvo workshop is recommended.

Note

Points to remember for carrying reserve fuel:

In the event of stalling due to an empty fuel tank, bioethanol E85 from a reserve fuel can may make the engine difficult to start in extreme cold. This is avoided by filling the reserve fuel can with 95 octane petrol.

For more information on Flexifuel's bioethanol E85 fuel, see Fuel - bioethanol E85.

In the event of starting difficulties

If the engine does not start at the first start attempt:

Make further attempts to start with the START/STOP ENGINE button.
Check that the engine block heater has been plugged in and, where appropriate, connect it for the time indicated above.

Important

If the engine does not start despite repeated start attempts, you are recommended to contact an authorised Volvo workshop.

Fuel adaptation

Flexifuel engines can be driven on both 95 octane unleaded petrol and bioethanol E85. Both fuels are filled in the common fuel tank so that any variations of mixing ratios between these two fuels is possible.

If the fuel tank is filled with petrol after the car has been driven on bioethanol E85 (or vice versa) then the engine may run slightly unevenly for a time. For this reason it is important to allow the engine to accustom itself (adapt) to the new fuel mixture.

Adaptation takes place automatically when the car is driven for a short period at an even speed.

Important

After the fuel mixture in the tank has been changed an adaptation should be made by driving at an even speed for about 15 minutes.

If the starter battery has been discharged or disconnected then a slightly longer period of driving is required for the adaptation as the memory for the electronics has been cleared.