Fuel - diesel

Diesel is a type of engine fuel that is intended for cars with a diesel engine.

Only use diesel fuel from well-known producers. Never use fuel of dubious quality. Diesel fuel must fulfil the EN 590 or SS 155435 standard. Diesel engines are sensitive to contaminants in the fuel, such as excessively high volumes of sulphur and metals.

Identifier

The identifier1 is located on the inside of the fuel filler flap, and will soon (within two years) be on corresponding fuel pumps and their nozzles at filling stations throughout Europe.

This is the identifier that applies for current standard fuel in Europe. Diesel with the following identifiers may be used in cars with diesel engine:

P3-1646-All-Sticker B7 for diesel

B7 is diesel with maximum 7 volume % fatty acid methyl ester (FAME).

At low temperatures (lower than 0 °C) a paraffin precipitate may form in the diesel fuel, which may lead to ignition problems. The fuel qualities that are sold must be adapted for season and climate zone, but in the event of extreme weather conditions, old fuel or moving between climate zones, paraffin precipitate may occur.

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 % FAME2 (B7).

 Important

Diesel type fuels that must not be used:

  • Special additives
  • Marine diesel fuel
  • Heating oil
  • FAME3 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.

Empty tank

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:

  1. Insert the remote control key in the ignition switch and push it in to the end position. For more information, see Key positions.
  2. Press the START button without depressing the brake and/or clutch pedal.
  3. Wait approx. one minute.
  4. 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.

Draining condensation from the fuel filter4

The fuel filter separates condensation from the fuel. Condensation can disrupt engine operation.

For optimum performance, it is important to follow the service intervals for fuel filter change as well as to use genuine parts developed specifically for this purpose.

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.

 Important

Certain special additives remove the water separation in the fuel filter.
  1. 1 CEN standard prEN16942.
  2. 2 Fatty Acid Methyl Ester
  3. 3 Diesel fuel with maximum 7 vol % FAME (B7) is permitted.
  4. 4 Applicable to five-cylinder engines only.