Volvo Trucks North America

Greensboro, NC USA

D Service Bulletin
Date

7.2008
Trucks
Group

900
No.

093

Engine, General Information

VN, VHD VERSION2
From build date 1.2007
Page

1(21)

General Information
Note: We have attempted to cover as much information as possible. However, this
information does not cover all the unique variations that a vehicle may present. Note that
illustrations are typical but may not reflect all the variations of assembly.
All data provided is based on information that was current at time of release. However,
this information is subject to change without notice.
Please note that no part of this information may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by
any means without the express written permission of Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.

Contents:
• “Exhaust Emissions and Particulate Filters” page 2
• “Engine Start and Operation” page 13
• “Heated Dump Bodies With Volvo Engines” page 6
Links:
• General Safety Practices, Engine
Return:
• Engine Index
• General Index

PV776-20159925 USA31090.ihval
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

Exhaust Emissions and Particulate Filters

General
USA
Emissions Control ComplianceThe Federal Clean Air Act,
Section 203 (a) (3), states the following concerning the
removal of air pollution control devices or modification of
a certified engine to a non-certified configuration:
D
Date
7.2008
Group
900
No.
093
Page
2(21)

“The following acts and the causing thereof are prohibited:

(3) For any person to remove or render inoperative any
device or element of design installed on or in a motor
vehicle or motor vehicle engine in compliance with
regulations under this part prior to its sale and delivery to
the ultimate purchaser, or for any manufacturer or dealer
knowingly to remove or render inoperative any such
design after sale and delivery to the ultimate purchaser.”

Specifically, please note that no person may make such

changes prior to the sale and delivery of the vehicle to the
ultimate purchaser, and, in addition, no manufacturer or
dealer may make take such action after sale and delivery
of the vehicle to the ultimate purchaser. The law provides
a penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation.
Modifications, such as reprogramming of the fuel system
so the engine will exceed the certified horsepower or
torque, or removing the mufflers are examples of illegal
changes.

Changes should not be made to a certified engine

that would result in an engine that does not match the
configuration of an engine model that is currently certified
to meet Federal Standards.

Mexico
The US 2000 emissions standards apply to Mexico. Refer
to the Mexican Federal Law for Emission Control which
adheres to EPA regulations. No changes should be made
that render any or all of the emissions control devices
inoperative.

Should the owner/operator wish to make any changes

to the emission control devices, check with the state
authority before making any such changes.

Canada
The same conditions that apply in the USA apply to
Canada, with one exception. After the vehicle is sold to
a retail customer, that is, the end user, the jurisdiction
controlling the emission control devices becomes the
province in which the vehicle is licensed. No changes
should be made that render any or all of the devices
inoperative.

Should the owner/operator wish to make any changes to

the emission control devices, check with the provincial
authority before making any such changes.
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin
Exhaust After-Treatment System
CAUTION
The Diesel particulate filters and their components,
can not be moved or altered from the OEM installation
in any fashion. Any alterations may cause component
damage and is prohibited by the law.
D Date
New stringent standards for exhaust emission control
begin with the 2007 model year. The Diesel Particulate
Filter (DPF) system has been developed to act in
combination with Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) fuel
to reduce particulate emissions to meet the requirement.
The Exhaust After-Treatment System (EATS) includes all
the engine and exhaust emissions control components
that are required to meet the stringent 2007 standard.
Particulate matter consists of soot and ash in the
exhaust that engines with an EGR system alone, are not
equipped to handle. The particulate matter is considered
a contaminant that contains undesirable elements. The
DPF system reduces the unwanted elements to a more
acceptable level defined in the regulations. There are
multiple methods of reducing these emissions. Volvo has
selected to use a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) with a
catalyzed diesel particulate filter. The other uses a diesel
particulate filter of a different kind without a DOC and in
its place uses a combustion chamber to heat the exhaust
mixture thus causing active regeneration.
The particulate matter removed from the exhaust collects
on the filter surfaces. To avoid eventual blockage, which
Volvo Aftertreatment System
W2005782
Volvo Aftertreatment System
7.2008
Group
900
No.
093
would increase exhaust back pressure and affect power
and fuel economy, the filter must be cleaned. The DPF
is cleaned automatically. The soot breaks down to safer
substances before being released to the atmosphere.
Some of the ash remains, but takes a long time to reach
the point where ash clogs the filter.
Page
3(21)
Cleaning a filter so it can continue to function is called
“regeneration.” Either system uses high heat to break
down the chemical properties. Depending on vehicle
usage, the engine is equipped with a passive or active
regeneration system.
In “passive regeneration,” the exhaust produces enough
heat continuously to convert the soot, with approximately
260 C (500 F) being required. The process is slow and
continues indefinitely. Passive regeneration is possible
only in vehicle applications where the temperature is likely
to remain at or above the required temperature level,
making active regeneration unnecessary.
In an “active regeneration” system, the temperature of the
filter must be raised to 625 C (1,157 F). To produce this
temperature, the system uses a hydrocarbon injector or
Aftertreatment Fuel (AF) injector to introduce fuel into the
exhaust stream as it leaves the turbocharger. The hot
exhaust ignites the fuel which produces the regeneration
temperature. When the DPF becomes restricted to a
minimum volume, the engine ECU starts the fuel injection
into the exhaust. When the air flow rate returns to normal
through the DPF, the engine ECU turns the injector off.
1 DPF Muffler
2 Temperature Sensors
3 Differential Pressure Sensor
4 Stack Pipe
5 Pipe Clamp
6 Outlet Module
7 Clamp
8 Filter
9 Catalyst
10 Inlet Module
11 Exhaust Pipe
12 Clamp
13 Flex Pipe
14 Hydrocarbon (Aftertreatment Fuel) Injector
15 Turbocharger
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

DPF Systems

WARNING
Prior to ever working on the exhaust, allow time for the
entire exhaust system to cool. Failure to do so may
result in personal injury. Severe burns can occur.
D Date
7.2008
Group
900
No.
093
Page
4(21)

The DPF-muffler has an integrated heat insulation that

The Volvo systems chemically alters soot by high heat
into a harmless gas which passes out through the muffler
and stack pipe. At these high temperatures, the process
is relatively rapid (10–12 minutes). Eventually, the filter
must be removed to permit clearing away of the ash with
special equipment.
covers most areas of the muffler. The DPF mufflers are
un-insulated at the V-clamp body connections, inlet and
outlet pipes.
The following surface temperatures have been measured
with the muffler freely positioned in a room temperature
environment with no forced cooling or wind (only self
convection).
Note: These are not maximum temperatures! The
surface temperature in a certain vehicle installations, is
dependent on the degree of encapsulation and the airflow
around the muffler.

Volvo offers both a vertical back of cab (VBOC) DPF unit

with muffler and a Volvo compact DPF unit with muffler.
The compact unit attaches to the right frame rail, under
the cab.

Vertical Back of Cab DPF Surface Temperatures

Position Thickness of Heat Insulation Heat During an Active Regeneration
Inlet section — bottom 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) 280 C (536 F)
Inlet section — side 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) 290 C (554 F)
DOC section 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) 280 C (536 F)
DPF section 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) 280 C (536 F)
Outlet section — side 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) 350 C (662 F)
Outlet section — top 25.4 mm (1 in.) 220 C (428 F)
Clamping area — side No insulation 350 C (662 F)

Compact DPF Surface Temperatures

Position Thickness of Heat Insulation Heat During an Active Regeneration
Inlet section — bottom 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) 280 C (536 F)
Inlet section — side 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) 290 C (554 F)
DOC section 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) 280 C (536 F)
DPF section 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) 280 C (536 F)
Outlet section — side 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) 290 C (554 F)
Outlet section — bottom 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) 300 C (572 F)
Clamping area — side No insulation 350 C (662 F)
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

Exhaust Diffusers
Due to the higher exhaust temperatures that are created
during and for a shortly period after regeneration, Volvo
has designed devices that help dissipate the exhaust
gases more effectively to reduce the impact of the heat.
These devices reduce the temperature of the exhaust gas
by diffusing the heat outlets; this also reduces the risk of
D Date
7.2008
Group
900
No.
093
Page
5(21)

extremely high temperature areas at the point of exhaust.

Three different diffusers are available to cover different
exhaust applications.

W2006300

Straight Stack, Side Outlet Diffuser Box; Compact

DPF With Vertical Pipe

W2006299

Straight Exhaust Stack, Diffuser End Vertical; 5–inch W2006301

Perforated Pipe Straight Stack, Top Outlet Diffuser Box; Compact

DPF With Vertical Pipe
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

Heated Dump Bodies With Volvo Engines

CAUTION
Due to the higher exhaust temperatures created
during the regeneration process of Diesel Particulate
Filter equipped vehicles, it is strongly recommended
to consult your heated dump body supplier to verify
that these temperatures will not adversely affect their
D
Date
7.2008
Group
900
No.
093
Page
6(21)

product. Failure to do so may result in component

damage.

The following are important items to consider when

installing a heated dump body;

• Due to the presence of the after treatment system,

exhaust gas temperatures can reach 600–650 C
(1112–1202 F) at the DPF outlet during a normal
regeneration cycle. These temperatures should be
taken into consideration while installing equipment, in
the vicinity of the exhaust system. It may be necessary
or prudent to affix warning labels on the equipment to
warn people about these temperatures.

• In the case of a heated dump installation; only use

materials that can withstand the high temperatures as
mentioned above, for body and other related parts.

• The use of a diverter valve to divert the exhaust to

the atmosphere and away from the body during a
regeneration.

• The lack of soot coating may mean increased corrosion

for the body, diverter valve, pipes and other related
parts. Always use suitable corrosion resistant materials
for these parts.
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

Volvo Engine
Volvo D12D, 365 hp - 435 hp
Volvo D12D, 465 hp (Single Vertical Muffler)

Volvo D12D, 465 hp (Horizontal Muffler with Cab Mounted

Pack-Stack)
D Date
7.2008
Group
900

Properties for Heated Dump Bodies

Heated Dump Bodies OK.
No.
093

The exhaust system should not be modified between the

turbo outlet to the muffler outlet. A Heated Dump Body is
impractical for this exhaust configuration.
The exhaust system should not be modified between the
turbo outlet to the horizontal muffler outlet. It is acceptable
to re-route the exhaust after it exits the horizontal muffler
Page
7(21)

(before it goes through the pack-stack).

Volvo D13F (Compact Diesel Particulate Filter — Under
Cab Location)
Volvo D13F (Vertical Diesel Particulate Filter — Back of
Cab)
The exhaust system can only be modified on the outlet
side of the Diesel Particulate Filter. Care must be taken, to
not route the exhaust in proximity to heat sensitive parts.
The use of heat shielding, may be necessary in some
instances. Some requirements must be met when altering
the exhaust, such as exhaust backpressure. Refer to,
“DPF Requirements” page 8for more information.
This system should not be used for heated dump
applications. Do not modify this system in any fashion.

W2005789

Compact DPF Exhaust Inlet Side W2005792

Compact DPF Exhaust Outlet Side

Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

DPF Requirements
Backpressure
Backpressure for DPF muffler and the exhaust pipes must
not exceed below recommendations.

Engine Maximum Exhaust

Flow — kg/s (lb/s)
D
Maximum Allowable
Backpressure (with
Date
7.2008
Group
900

Maximum Allowable
Backpressure (with
No.
093

Pressure Drop Over

a Clean DPF (CFD
Page
8(21)

clean filter — No filter — Full load Calculations)

soot, no ash) of ash, half load of
soot)
Vertical Back of Cab
DPF
D11F 0.434 (0.957) 18 kPa (2.61 psi) 30 kPa (4.35 psi) 12 kPa (1.74 psi)
D13F 0.500 (1.102) 21 kPa (3.05 psi) 30 kPa (4.35 psi) 13 kPa (1.89 psi)
D16F 0.673 (1.483) 30 kPa (4.35 psi) 35 kPa (5.08 psi) 19.5 kPa (2.83 psi)
Compact DPF
D11F 0.434 (0.957) 18 kPa (2.61 psi) 30 kPa (4.35 psi) 15 kPa (2.18 psi)
D13F 0.500 (1.102) 21 kPa (3.05 psi) 30 kPa (4.35 psi) 17.5 kPa (2.54 psi)
D16F 0.673 (1.483) 30 kPa (4.35 psi) 35 kPa (5.08 psi) 26 kPa (3.77 psi)

Table reflects rated power measurements corrected to

430 C.

Vibration
To reduce the level of engine-related vibration on the
aftertreatment assembly, flexible tubing should be
installed between the engine and the assembly. The DPF
mufflers must not be exposed to excessive shock and
vibration levels. The vibration levels on the assembly must
not exceed 5 Grms under normal operating conditions
and 10 Grms under rare conditions not to exceed 10% of
the equipment’s duty cycle.

Exhaust Materials
Any corrosion particles from the exhaust pipes will be
trapped in the DPF catalyst and will cause wear and/or
plugging of the catalyst. Therefore the exhaust pipes and
the flexible hose upstream the DPF muffler is made from
stainless steel. Any alterations to the exhaust (post DPF),
should use the same material type, size and quality.
The DPF muffler outlet pipe is designed to fit a V-clamp
connection to a 127 mm (5 in.) diameter exhaust pipe.

Heat Protection
The areas where the clamps are positioned have no heat
insulation. It is advised to cover these areas with heat
protection shields at areas that are close to other heat
sensitive parts.
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

DPF Locations D Date

7.2008
Group
900
No.
093
Page
9(21)

W2006295

VHD Axle Back With Vertical Back of Cab DPF

W2006297

VHD Axle Forward With Vertical Back of Cab DPF

Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

D
Date
7.2008
Group
900
No.
093
Page
10(21)

W2006296

VHD Axle Back With Compact DPF (Optional Back

of Cab Stack)

W2006298

VHD Axle Forward With Compact DPF (Optional

Back of Cab Stack)
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

Smart NOx Sensor D Date

7.2008
Group
900
No.
093

1 Vertical Back of Cab DPF — When configured with a

Vertical Back of Cab DPF, the module is mounted to
Page
11(21)

the DPF support structure and the sensor in the outlet

section of the DPF.

2 Compact DPF — When configured with a Compact

DPF, the module is mounted to the frame and the
sensor iin the exhaust pipe downstream of the DPF.

Although modifications are not recommended, minor

W9000948
changes can be made to the location of the sensor and
The Smart NOx sensor is a necessary part of the vehicles module as long as all appropriate guidelines for mounting
emission control systems. The sensor and its module are are followed. For more information refer to, “NOx Sensor
used to monitor engine exhaust gases for NOx emissions. Requirements” page 11.
The sensor and modules location very depending on the
DPF fitted to the vehicle.

NOx Sensor Requirements

The following guidelines should be adhered to when ever
NOx Module or Sensor placement modifications are being
considered;
• The control module can not tolerate high temperatures.
It must be placed or shielded in a manner that it does
Note: Do Not attempt to modify a Vertical Back of Cab not exceed 85 C (185 F).
NOx sensor mounting or location. The Module may be
moved as long as all other requirements have been met.
• The NOx sensor has roughly 600 mm (23.6 inches) of
permanent connection lead between it and the module.
Note: All of the following NOx sensor modification This lead can not be extended, cut or spliced in an
guidelines are for Compact DPF equipped vehicles only. way.

• The NOx sensor needs to be located in a manner that

the sensor tip is pointing downward at a 15 ± 5
angle from horizontal. Refer to fig 1.

• The NOx sensor needs to be located in a manner that

the sensor tip is at a tilt angle no greater then 10
from vertical as viewed from the side of the exhaust
pipe. Refer to fig 2.

• The NOx sensor needs to be located in the upper half

of the exhaust pipe away from standing condensation.
Refer to fig 1.

• The NOx senor needs to be mounted so that no

condensed water is collected inside the protection tube
of the sensing element.

• The NOx sensor needs to be located downstream of

the DPF and should be placed as close as possible
to the DPF exhaust outlet.

• The recommended NOx sensor boss material is

SUS304 or austenitic-ferritic stainless.
W9000950

Compact DPF Sensor and Module Locations • The NOx sensor threads should be lubricated with
Anti Seize AS.
1 NOx Sensor
• The NOx sensor should be torqued to 50 ± 10 Nm
2 NOx Sensor Module (36.9 ± 7 lb-ft).
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

D Date
7.2008
Group
900
No.
093
Page
12(21)

W9000949
Fig. 1: Sensor Horizontal Mounting Location W9000951

1 Exhaust Pipe Fig. 2: Sensor Tilt Angle Mounting

2 Horizontal Center Line 1 Exhaust Pipe

3 Sensor Mounting Horizontal Reference 2 NOx Sensor

4 Vertical Center Line 3 Sensor Mounting Vertical Reference

Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

Engine Start and Operation

Starting the Engine
Start Procedure
For detailed information about starting the engine read
the , Operator’s Manual. For detailed information about
the design and function on a non-Volvo engine, read the
Operator’s Manual from the engine manufacturer.
D Date
7.2008
Group
900
No.
093
Page
13(21)

DANGER
DO NOT use ether or similar starting aids in a Volvo or
any other engine with a preheater. The Volvo engine
is equipped with a preheater. Introduction of ether or
other combustible material in the intake manifold could
cause a fire or explosion, serious personal injury or
death. W0001484

DANGER
Never operate the starter without first placing the
transmission in neutral or depressing the clutch pedal.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in the
unintentional movement of the vehicle resulting in
property damage, serious personal injury or death.

Engine Operation
General
Proper operation, driving techniques and maintenance are
key factors in obtaining the maximum life and economy
from a modern turbocharged diesel engine. This section
has operational information about the components that
make up the engine.
When changing gears, avoid lugging to extend engine life.
When the engine is operating at full throttle and maximum
governed speed cannot be reached or maintained, the
engine is lugging. When approaching a hill requiring more
power, it is necessary to downshift the transmission as the
vehicle goes into the grade. Accelerating to the governed
engine speed will give additional power at approximately
the same road speed. For shifting instructions, see the
transmission manufacturer’s Operator’s Manual.
Always start moving the load in a gear low enough so that
the engine can be accelerated to the governed speed.
Then shift to the next gear as the engine decelerates. For
loaded vehicles, do not skip a gear or lug the engine while
getting up to cruising speed. For empty or light loads, it is
permissible to skip gears.
When operating on a level highway or at cruising speed,
hold the engine speed at approximately 1400 to 1600
rpm for large displacement engines to achieve power and
economical fuel consumption.
The operator should understand the operating
characteristics of the engine the vehicle is equipped with.
Modern diesel engines have maximum torques at much
lower engine speeds than in the past. As such, these
engines are designed to perform satisfactorily at a lower
speed. New transmissions with wide ratio steps between
gears demand the use of these engines.
Excessive exhaust smoke may be due to the type of
fuel used, a restricted air cleaner, a malfunctioning fuel
system or the way the vehicle is operated. Shift gears and
increase or decrease the engine speed as necessary to
obtain the engine speed/transmission gear combination
which will prevent smoking. Excessive smoke indicates
wasted fuel which creates carbon deposits in the engine
and turbocharger. This causes excessive engine wear
and oil consumption. Excessive smoke not only pollutes
the atmosphere but can also cause shortened exhaust
system life.
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

Engine Break-In
Engines used in the VN and VHD series are run
on dynamometers before being shipped from the
manufacturer. In most applications, the engine can be
put to work immediately, but the operator should be
extra observant of the operating conditions shown on the
gauges during the initial 100 hours or 3,000 miles (5,000
km).
D
Date
7.2008
Group
900
No.
093
Page
14(21)

A more frequent check of the engine compartment for

fluid leaks, fluid levels and fastener tightness is also
recommended during the initial period.

Engine Shut-Down System

DANGER
Failure to take the necessary precautions when the W3005170
CHECK or STOP telltales are on, can ultimately result
in automatic engine shut-down and the loss of power
steering. Vehicle crash can occur.

The engine shut-down system will automatically derate or

stop the engine when one or more of the systems listed
below reaches a critical stage:

• High Coolant Temperature

• Low Oil Pressure

W3005171
• Low Coolant Level

Derate and shut-down functions may be applied differently,

or added to, depending on the engine manufacturer. See
the engine operator’s manual for more information.
When the shut-down is activated, the telltales come on
and the buzzer is also activated. From that time it will take
30 seconds before the engine shuts down. In this time
period, find a safe place to pull off of the road.

After the engine has been shut down by the system, the
override will allow a restart of the engine for 30 seconds.
This is so that the vehicle may be pulled off the road, if
necessary. The alarm will remain activated until repairs
have been made to correct the problem.

The operator should not continually override the system

as this can cause serious damage to the vehicle’s engine.
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

Engine Overspeed
This vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine and should
not be operated in an area with a concentration of
hydrocarbon vapors (for example gasoline or diesel fuel
fumes). Be especially cautious of low-lying or closed-in
areas. The vapors may be drawn into the engine through
the air intake and cause the engine to overspeed. Hot
carbon and other sparks may come from the exhaust
system, and cause an explosion and fire.
D Date
7.2008
Group
900
No.
093
Page
15(21)

If the vehicle is in an area where hydrocarbon vapors

may be present, shut the engine off immediately if
any abnormalities are experienced. DO NOT leave it
unattended.
W0001484

DANGER
The diesel engine will operate on any fuel which
enters the cylinder, whether it is from the injectors or
from the air intake system. Therefore, if any solvent is
used to flush out the air cleaner element, the engine
may overspeed during start-up. Engine damage
and serious personal injury or death from burns or
explosion can occur.

DANGER
DO NOT use ether or similar starting aids in a Volvo or
any other engine with a preheater. The Volvo engine
is equipped with a preheater. Introduction of ether or
other combustible material in the intake manifold could
cause a fire or explosion, serious personal injury or
death.

Idling
All VN and VHD model engines are electronically
governed engines. The idle speed is pre-programmed
from the manufacturer. Low idle speed is adjustable
within certain limits (for most engines between 600 to 750
rpm). See page 16 for more information.

The common belief that idling a diesel engine causes no

engine damage is wrong. Idling produces sulfuric acid,
which breaks down the oil and eats into bearings, rings,
valve stems and engine surfaces.
Note: Avoid excessive idling. If the vehicle is parked for
more than 5 minutes, stop the engine. An engine can
burn from 0.5 to 1.5 gallons (2 to 5.5 liters) of fuel per
hour while idling. During long engine idling periods, the
engine coolant temperature may fall below the normal
operating range*. Incomplete combustion of fuel during
the warm-up period can cause dilution of the oil in the
crankcase, formation of lacquer or gummy deposits on
the valves, pistons and rings, and rapid accumulation of
sludge in the engine.
*Volvo engines are equipped with a warmholding device
(EPG = Exhaust Pressure Governor) to keep engine
at normal operating temperature to prevent incomplete
combustion, even at idle.
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

Low Idle Adjustment

If the engine coolant temperature is above 122 F (50
C), the vehicle is stationary (engine running; accelerator
released; parking brake on) and the PTO not engaged,
the engine low idle speed can be adjusted with the use of
the cruise control function.
1 Set the cruise control switch to the ON position.
2 Depress the foot brake pedal. Hold it down during the
entire procedure.
D
Date
7.2008
Group
900
No.
093

W3002499
Page
16(21)

3 Move the cruise control switch to the RESUME position

and hold it there for four seconds. Release the switch.
The engine speed will drop to the default low idle.
4 The idle speed is adjusted up with the SET+ switch.
Each time the SET+ switch is pressed momentarily,
idle speed will increase approx. 10 rpm (the speed
cannot be increased above the maximum allowed by
the engine manufacturer).
5 The idle speed is adjusted down with the SET- switch.
Each time the SET- switch is pressed momentarily, the
idle speed will decrease approx. 10 rpm. (the speed
cannot be adjusted below the low idle set by the engine
manufacturer). By continuously pressing the switch,
engine speed will ramp up (SET+) or down (SET-).
6 When the desired engine idle speed is reached, push
and hold the SET and move the cruise control switch to
the RESUME position at the same time and hold them
in position for four seconds. Release the switches.
7 Release the brake pedal to set the new idle speed. If
an error was made during the adjustment procedure,
the default idle speed will be maintained.

DANGER
Before setting the idle, apply the parking brakes and
place the transmission in neutral. Failure to do so can
result in unexpected vehicle movement and can cause
serious personal injury or death.
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

Idle Shutdown Timer

Idle ShutdownThe idle shutdown timer can be
programmed to shut the engine down after a specific
engine idling time. This programming cannot be changed
by the operator can be done using special tools. Contact
your authorized Volvo Truck dealer for details.

The permitted idle time can be set to the following time

intervals:
D Date
7.2008
Group
900
No.
093
Page
17(21)

Volvo 1 to 40 minutes

Cummins 1 to 100 minutes

When the idle shutdown feature is enabled the engine will

shut down at the set time under the following conditions:

• Vehicle speed is 0.

• Engine is running at idle speed.

• Coolant temperature is above

113 F (45 C).

• Parking brake is applied.

These are standard choices when the vehicle is delivered.

For more information about other customer adaptation
choices, contact your authorized Volvo Truck dealer.

Uphill Operation
For best performance, allow engine speed to reach the
bottom of the rated torque range before downshifting.
Continue to downshift in this manner until a gear is
reached that will maintain the desired speed. Continue to
operate at the rated torque if the vehicle will make it to the
top without a downshift. Begin upshifting as the grade of
the hill decreases and the engine begins to accelerate
above 1600 rpm. Driving this way will give the best fuel
economy and performance.

Note: Allowing the engine to lug down to the end of

maximum torque range is permissible if the vehicle is
cresting the top of a hill. However, extended operation at
engine speeds below the maximum torque range (usually
1000 to 1200 rpm) will raise exhaust temperature and
cylinder pressure. This can lead to reduced engine life.
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

Downhill Operation

CAUTION
DO NOT exceed engine manufacturer’s recommended
maximum engine speed. Engine damage can occur.
If equipped with an engine or exhaust brake, DO NOT
exceed 2300 rpm.
D
Date
7.2008
Group
900
No.
093
Page
18(21)

On a downgrade, do not coast with the clutch pedal

depressed or the transmission in neutral. Select a gear
that does not allow the engine speed to exceed the engine
manufacturer’s maximum engine speed recommendation.
Use the engine or exhaust brake and/or the service
brakes to control the vehicle speed. A simple rule is to
select the same gear used to go up the grade.

High Altitude Operation

Engines lose power when operated at high altitude
because the air is too thin to allow burning as much fuel
as at sea level. For naturally aspirated engines, this loss
is about 3 percent per 1000 feet (300 m) increase in
altitude above sea level. Most turbocharged engines are
rated for higher altitudes and will not lose as much power
as a naturally aspirated engine.

An engine will produce excessive exhaust smoke at

high altitude unless a lower gear is used. Shift gears as
needed to avoid excessive exhaust smoke.

Closely monitor the gauges during high altitude operation.

The thinner ambient air reduces the efficiency of the
engine cooling system. Engine overheat or cylinder
damage could occur if the engine is operated at full load
for extended periods at high altitudes in hot weather.
Downshift and reduce vehicle speed to reduce engine
load when driving on long grades in these conditions.
This will help keep engine air intake manifold and coolant
temperatures within safe limits.
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

Cruise Control
Note: For more detailed information about the cruise
control system, refer to the Operator’s Manual.

DANGER
DO NOT use the cruise control in heavy traffic, with
ice/snow on the road or during other unfavorable
D Date
7.2008
Group
900
No.
093
Page
19(21)

conditions. This may lead to a loss of vehicle control,

causing a vehicle crash, serious personal injury or
death.

Engaging
Cruise ControlThe cruise control switches are located on
the turn signal lever.

To engage and set desired speed:

1 Set the cruise control switch to ON.
2 When the desired vehicle speed has been reached, W3002499

momentarily press in the SET+ or SET- switch on the

end of the lever.

3 If the speed needs to be increased, press the SET+

switch. The vehicle speed will increase as long as the
SET+ switch is pressed (speed will not increase above
the maximum programmed speed). Release when the
desired speed has been reached.

4 If the speed needs to be decreased, press the SET-

switch. The vehicle speed will decrease as long as the
SET- switch is pressed (speed will not decrease below
the minimum programmed speed). Release when the
desired speed has been reached.

Note: The cruise control cannot be engaged at speeds

below approximately
45 km/h (30 mph) and engine speed below approximately
1000 rpm.
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

Disengaging
The cruise control is disengaged if the brake or clutch
pedal is depressed, or if the cruise control switch is set to
OFF. If the ignition key is turned back to the accessories
position (I), the cruise control system will automatically
be disengaged.
D
Date
7.2008
Group
900
No.
093
Page
20(21)

Resuming Vehicle Speed

The previously selected cruise speed is retained in the
memory. When the cruise control switch is pushed to the
RESUME position, the vehicle resumes the previously set
speed (provided vehicle speed exceeds approximately 15
km/h (10 mph) when the switch is pressed).

Acceleration
Momentary acceleration (such as for passing another
vehicle) does not interrupt cruise control operation. After
passing, release accelerator and let the vehicle slow
to cruise control speed. The previously set speed will
then be maintained without having to set the switch to
RESUME.
Note: On vehicles equipped with Eaton VORAD
SmartCruise, cruise control is disengaged in the event the
SmartCruise system fails to operate. You must stop the
truck, turn the ignition off and on, and activate the control
twice in order for the cruise control to operate.

Note: Read the Eaton VORAD Collision Warning System

Driver Reference Manual before taking a vehicle equipped
with VORAD out on the road.
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

Fuel Tank(s)
Tank Cap

DANGER
DO NOT remove the fuel tank cap near an open flame.
Diesel fuel vapors are combustible and can cause an
explosion or fire, resulting in serious personal injury
D Date
7.2008
Group
900
No.
093
Page
21(21)

or death.

The fuel tank caps have a pressure and a thermal relief

function built into the cap. These functions are designed
to avoid fuel spills in the event of an accident. The
pressure relief function of the safety venting system has
a crack pressure high enough to retain fuel in the tank
regardless of the orientation of the vehicle [35 to 55 kPa
W2003143
(5 to 8 psi)].

The thermal relief feature is large enough to limit tank

pressure to a safe level even when the remaining fuel
is boiling in the tank, but not so large as to dump fuel
unnecessarily. The thermal relief should respond as
much as possible to fuel temperature rather than flame
temperature.

These features are also available on the optional lockable

fuel tank cap.

In the case the cap is lost, it must be replaced with a cap

containing the same features.
W2003144

Fueling

CAUTION DANGER
Use of diesel fuel other than ULSD and engine oils DO NOT carry extra fuel containers in the cab. Fuel
other than EO-O Premium Plus (or VDS-4), will containers, full or empty, may leak, explode or give
adversely affect performance, efficiency and durability added fuel to a fire. Failure to follow this precaution
of the DPF system and the engine, to the point may lead to serious personal injury or death.
where the engine may not run at all. Manufacturer’s
warranties can also be rendered void due to usage of
improper fuel. Unapproved fuel additives (including
engine oil) are NOT permitted. Blends of No. 1D
and No. 2D grades of ULSD are recommended and DANGER
allowable for cold weather operations.
DO NOT smoke while fueling the vehicle. The glow
Air is always present inside the fuel tanks, entering mainly from the cigar/cigarette can ignite the diesel fuel,
through the tank ventilation. With the air being heated and causing an explosion resulting in serious personal
injury or death.
cooled, condensation is formed and water is mixed in the
fuel. To avoid condensation when the vehicle is parked
for longer periods, fill the tanks up to 95% of capacity. Do
not fill more than that, as the fuel needs to have room for
expansion during the heat of the day.