
1989 Volvo 780
pg. 42 Break-in period, Fuel requirements
A new car should be broken-in!
Refrain from utilizing your car's full driving potential during the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km).
Automatic transmission
Do not depress the accelerator fully so that "kick-down" is actuated during the first 1,200 miles (2,000
km).
Detergent or Injector Cleaning Gasoline
The use of specially formulated gasoline which contains so called "detergent injector cleaning" additives
is allowed and recommended by Volvo.
The use of these detergent additives in gasoline has been shown to be effective in reducing the build up
of certain injector deposits.
Unleaded Fuel
Each Volvo has a catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline (as specified on the
instrument panel and by a label near the filler inlet). U.S. and Canadian regulations require that pumps
delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit your
car's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled "unleaded gasoline only".
Leaded gasoline damages the catalytic converter and the oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of leaded
gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of the emission control system and could result in loss of emission
warranty coverage. State and local vehicle inspection programs will make detection of misfueling easier,
possibly resulting in emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.
Octane Rating
Volvo engines require unleaded gasoline with an (R+M)/2 octane rating, also called the Anti-Knock
Index or AKI, of 87 or higher. This is generally equivalent to a Research Octane Number (RON) of 91
or higher.
Volvo recommends the use of premium unleaded gasoline with an (R+M)/2 rating of 91, for improved
performance and driveability at high altitudes and in hot climates.
Gasoline Containing Alcohol
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing alcohol without advertising the presence of alcohol. If you
are not sure whether there is alcohol in the gasoline you buy, check with the service station operator.
Blends of unleaded gasoline and ethanol (ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol), sometimes called "gasohol", are
available in some areas. Gasohol, if used, must contain no more than 10 percent ethanol and must have
an (R+M)/2 rating of 87 or higher. If you experience problems with starting, driveability or fuel
economy with gasohol, you should discontinue its use.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refueling. Gasolines containing alcohol can cause damage to
painted surfaces, which may no be covered under the New Vehicle Warranty. Do not use gasolines
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