Segment:
Premium Mid-size Crossover SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
Competitors:
Audi Allroad Quattro, Subaru Outback, BMW 3 Series Touring (with xDrive), Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon (with 4MATIC).
Distinguishing Features:
Volvo's reputation for safety, comfortable and luxurious interior, versatile all-wheel-drive system, distinctive Scandinavian design, wagon-like practicality with SUV capability.
Areas Covered:
Vehicle operation, safety features, maintenance, troubleshooting, specifications, emergency procedures.
Estimated Pages:
Approx. 300-350 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era)
Covered Systems:
Powertrain (engine, transmission, AWD), chassis (suspension, brakes, steering), electrical (lighting, HVAC, infotainment), safety (SRS airbags, ABS, DSTC), interior controls, exterior features, wheels and tires, fluids and capacities.
Included Procedures:
Pre-driving checks, fluid level checks, tire pressure monitoring, basic maintenance (wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement), warning light explanations, fuse identification and replacement, lockout procedures, emergency jacking, basic troubleshooting.
Depth:
Focuses on driver understanding and basic user-level maintenance; does not cover in-depth mechanical repairs or diagnostics typically found in a service manual.
Engine Code:
B5244S2 (2.4L Naturally Aspirated Inline-5)
Engine Type:
Inline 5-cylinder, DOHC, 20 valves
Displacement:
2435 cc (2.4 Liters)
Horsepower:
168 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
170 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Induction:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Engine Management System:
Volvo Engine Control Module (ECM)
Transmission Type:
AW55-50SN Automatic (5-speed Geartronic)
Optional Transmission:
Manual Transmission (less common for XC70 in North America)
Transmission Features:
Geartronic manual shifting mode, adaptive shift control, Lock-Up Torque Converter.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Volvo ATF (or equivalent like JWS 3309)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (Front and Rear Passengers)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) / Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Traction Control System (TCS).
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and front passenger airbags, Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with side airbags, Inflatable Curtain (IC) airbags, Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) in front seats, Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners, Crumple zones.
Infotainment System:
Volvo Premium Sound System with CD player (optional navigation system available).
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 8-10 speakers, including a subwoofer in some configurations.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise Control, Parking assist sensors (rear, optional).
Connectivity Options:
Pre-wiring for Volvo On Call (telematics system, availability varies by market), optional hands-free Bluetooth module (aftermarket or dealer installed).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (or as per manufacturer's recommendation based on driving conditions).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months, or as needed based on driving environment.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on usage and climate.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended at 50,000-75,000 miles for optimal longevity, particularly for the AW55-50SN automatic transmission.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium-tipped spark plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable, this engine uses a timing chain.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (meeting API SL/CF or ACEA A3/B3/B4 specifications)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.4 US quarts (6.1 liters)
Coolant Type:
Volvo VCS (Valve Cover Seal) Blue Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Volvo Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent like CHF 11S)
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension components (control arm bushings, ball joints), PCV system (crankcase ventilation), MAF sensor (Mass Airflow sensor), ABS wheel speed sensors, transmission solenoids (especially on early AW55-50SN transmissions), fuel pump.
Climate Control Issues:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure, AC system refrigerant leaks.
Volvo Safety Legacy:
Volvo has a long-standing reputation for pioneering automotive safety innovations, including the three-point seatbelt, the rearward-facing child seat, and advanced side-impact protection systems, all of which are integrated into the XC70's design.
Xc70 Positioning:
The XC70, introduced in 1997 as the V70 Cross Country, was Volvo's response to the growing popularity of SUVs. It offered the versatility and all-wheel-drive capability of an SUV with the driving dynamics and comfort of a wagon. The 2003 model represents the second generation (P2 platform) of the XC70, sharing its underpinnings with the S80 sedan and V70 wagon.
Manufacturing Location:
Uddevalla, Sweden (primary), and Ghent, Belgium.
Model Years Covered:
This specific manual covers the 2003 model year of the Volvo XC70. The P2 generation XC70 ran from model year 2001 to 2007.
Safety Awards:
Consistently received high safety ratings from organizations like NHTSA and IIHS for its crashworthiness and safety feature integration.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Variable; generally praised for safety and comfort, but sometimes criticized for reliability in specific areas (e.g., transmission, electronics) compared to some competitors.
