AdBlue® | Service and maintenance

Updated 02/04/2024

AdBlue is a colourless fluid used in the car's combustion system (SCR) to reduce emissions of harmful substances from the diesel engine. Here you can read about AdBlue and what you should know about with regard to filling and checking the AdBlue level.

Emission control with AdBlue1

The AdBlue fluid helps to clean exhaust gases from hazardous substances and this way reduces emissions of nitrous oxides. The technology is based on a separate tank being used beside the diesel tank where a certain amount of AdBlue is injected into the exhaust system to reduce the emissions of hazardous substances. AdBlue mostly consists of water (approx. 67.5% water and 32.5% urea2). It is specially developed for use in the car's combustion system (SCR system). AdBlue has its own tank in the car which is topped up via a separate filler pipe behind the fuel filler flap. The driver display shows the level of AdBlue and advises when it is soon time to refill.

Note

AdBlue is briefly described below. We recommend that you read the owner's manual for your car model for more information and important warnings.

Checking and filling AdBlue

Check the AdBlue level regularly and top up if the message for low AdBlue level is shown in the driver display. The emissions system continuously monitors the level, quality and dosage of AdBlue. If a fault arises, a message is shown in the driver display. The Volvo workshop can fill AdBlue during a service of the car, but it is also possible to fill it yourself if necessary. Depending on driving style, outside temperature and the operating temperature of the system, filling must also be performed several times between service intervals. AdBlue is topped up in a separate filler pipe behind the fuel filler flap.

Note

If the Adblue tank becomes completely empty then it will be no longer possible to start the car. To be able to start the car again, the tank must be filled with AdBlue of the specified quality, at the minimum quantity indicated in the driver display. Avoid driving the tank completely empty and refill in good time.

Checking the AdBlue level

Open the Car Status app in the app view.

18w09 - Supportsite - Adblue level Symbol

Tap on Statusto show the AdBlue level.

18w09 - Supportsite - Graphic for AdBlue level centerdisplay — Graphic for AdBlue level in the centre display.

Each cursor represents approx. 25 % of a full tank. When less than 25% of the tank remains, the remaining cursor changes colour to amber, and at less than 10% it turns red.

Filling

18w09 - Supportsite - AdBlue level low message

When the AdBlue level starts to become low, a symbol illuminates in the driver display and the message AdBlue level low is shown.

Open the fuel filler flap by gently touching the rear part of the flap.

18w09 - Supportsite - Picture showing blue cover for filling AdBlue

Open the blue cap for the smaller filler pipe intended for AdBlue.

Top up with AdBlue of the correct quality3. Fill slowly/in portions, in order to avoid air pockets.

Do not overfill the tank.

Note

When filling from the AdBlue pump at a filling station, it is advisable to use the pump adapted for passenger cars. The AdBlue pump for heavy vehicles can also be used.

Handling AdBlue

AdBlue consists primarily of water and is not flammable but should be handled with care since it can irritate the eyes and skin. Avoid inhaling vapour as well as contact with skin and eyes.

Adblue must be stored in tightly sealed original packaging at a temperature between -11 °C and 30 °C. The fluid must not be stored in direct sunlight. When it is cold outside, pay attention to the fact that the fluid freezes at -11 °C.