Segment:
Premium Mid-size Station Wagon
Key Selling Points:
Safety, comfort, Scandinavian design, practicality.
Competitors:
Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3 Series Touring, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate, Saab 9-5 Wagon.
Vehicle Philosophy:
Volvo's focus on safety and driver comfort, blended with the practicality of a station wagon.
Primary Coverage:
Operation, Features, Maintenance, Safety, Troubleshooting for the 2003 Volvo V70.
Secondary Coverage:
Driving controls, convenience items, vehicle care, basic diagnostics.
Estimated Page Count:
~300-350 pages (typical for this model year and format)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation, shifting, fluid levels.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system.
Electrical:
Lighting system, instrument panel, gauges, warning lights, basic electrical components.
Body Interior:
Seats, climate control, audio system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), safety belts, airbags.
Safety Systems:
Airbags, SIPS (Side Impact Protection System), WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Traction Control.
Driving Operation:
Starting and driving the vehicle, shifting gears, parking, engine break-in.
Maintenance Basic:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure, changing wipers, bulb replacement.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Understanding warning lights, minor operational issues, basic advice for common scenarios.
Comfort Convenience:
Operation of climate control, audio system, cruise control, power seats, sunroof, interior lighting.
Depth:
Designed for the vehicle owner, covering essential operation, maintenance, and safety. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a Service Manual.
Engine Code:
B5244S2 (2.4L naturally aspirated)
Displacement:
2435 cc (2.4 Liters)
Configuration:
Inline 5-cylinder
Aspirated Type:
Naturally Aspirated
Bore X Stroke:
88.9 mm x 77.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.3:1
Horsepower:
168 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque:
170 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
Top Speed:
Approx. 127 mph (electronically limited)
0-60 Mph:
Approx. 8.5 - 9.5 seconds
Injection:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane (91 recommended for optimal performance)
Other Engines:
The manual may also cover the 2.5L turbocharged ('T5') engine (B5234T3) and potentially the 2.4L turbocharged ('2.4T') engine (B5244T2) depending on market and specific manual edition.
Transmission Type:
Geartronic Automatic Transmission (AW55-50SN)
Number Of Gears:
5-speed Automatic
Optional Transmission:
None for the base 2.4L model in most markets; AWD was available with specific engine variants.
Geartronic Mode:
Manual shifting capability
Transmission Fluid:
JWS 3309 (Mobil ATF 3309 or equivalent)
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7-8 liters for a full drain and fill (refer to manual for exact procedure and capacity)
Length:
188.4 inches (4785 mm)
Width:
70.9 inches (1800 mm)
Height:
58.3 inches (1480 mm)
Wheelbase:
109.9 inches (2791 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 102.4 cu ft (2899 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 37.7 cu ft (1067 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 75.1 cu ft (2127 liters)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3500 - 3700 lbs (1588 - 1678 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4760 lbs (2160 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for driver and passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4-Star (driver and rear passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (with optional side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on some models.
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, optional front side airbags (SIPS), optional inflatable side curtain airbags.
Seat Design:
Volvo's integrated safety cage, Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) for front seats.
Seat Belts:
Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters.
Audio System:
Factory fitted audio systems ranging from basic 4-speaker setups to premium systems with CD player, cassette, and subwoofer (e.g., High Performance, Premium).
Climate Control:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) with cabin air filter.
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control.
Auxiliary Input:
Typically no factory auxiliary input; aftermarket solutions (e.g., FM modulators, aux adapters) are common.
Headlights:
Halogen headlights with optional Xenon headlights.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions).
Engine Coolant Interval:
Initial change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles (or as specified by Volvo).
Timing Belt Interval:
For non-turbo models: typically 105,000 miles or 10 years. For turbocharged models: typically 70,000 miles or 7 years (Crucial to verify for specific engine).
Engine Oil Spec:
API SJ/SL, ACEA A3/B3 or A3/B4, Viscosity: 0W-30 or 5W-30 (synthetic recommended).
Power Steering Fluid:
Volvo Premium Power Steering Fluid (or Pentosin CHF 11S equivalent).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Volvo Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate or equivalent with freeze protection.
Common Issues:
PCV system clogging, ignition coil failure, ABS sensor issues, transmission solenoid issues (especially on early AW55-50SN transmissions), rear spring perch cracking, minor electrical gremlins.
Maintenance Advice:
Regular fluid changes, timely replacement of wear items (e.g., timing belt), and addressing minor issues promptly can prevent larger problems.
Volvo Legacy:
Volvo has a long-standing reputation for safety, innovation, and durable, practical vehicles.
V70 Lineage:
The V70 is the successor to the Volvo 850 Wagon, continuing the front-wheel-drive platform and emphasizing family-friendly utility and safety.
P2 Platform:
The 2003 V70 is part of the P2 platform, a significant evolution from the 850, offering improved ride, handling, and safety features.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Sweden and Belgium.
Safety Awards:
Volvo vehicles of this era consistently received high safety marks from organizations like IIHS and NHTSA, contributing to Volvo's reputation.
Consumer Reports:
While specific awards vary, Volvo's generally offered good reliability and comfort, though some model years and transmissions faced criticism for reliability compared to competitors.