
Secure long loads with the seat belt
Carrying long loads
There is a flap in the right section of the rear seat backrest for transporting long, light objects such as skis, etc. To
open the flap:
· Pull the right release control handle in the trunk to release the backrest.
· From the rear seat, fold down the right section of the backrest slightly *.
· Release the flap by pushing the catch (located on the rear side of the backrest) upward and pulling the flap forward.
· Return the backrest to the upright position.
* If your car is equipped with the optional integrated child booster cushion, this cushion must be folded down before
you fold down the backrest (see page 13
).
Contents | Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com

1 9 9 9
VOLVO S80
Chapter 5 - Keys, Locks, Alarm
pg. 52 Keys, Locks, Alarm
Keys, Exterior courtesy lights, Locking and unlocking the car54
Unlocking the trunk with the master key, Central locking buttons, "Trunk lock" function55
Remote keyless entry system56
Alarm58
Child safety locks - rear doors60
pg. 54 Keys, Locking and unlocking the car
Master key
This key operates all locks.
Service key
Driver's door and ignition switch/steering wheel lock.
Keys
Your car is equipped with a central locking system. The key, used on the driver's door, the remote control, or central
locking button, will lock/unlock all doors and the trunk. The glove compartment can also be locked with the master
key.
Turn the key once to unlock the driver's door only.
ProCarManuals.com

Turn the key again (within 10 seconds) to unlock all doors and the trunk.
One turn with the key towards lock in the drivers door locks all doors, trunk.
Use the switch on the front door armrests to lock/unlock the car from the inside.
WARNING!
If the doors are locked while driving, this may hinder rapid access to the occupants of the car in the event of an
accident. (Also see information on "Child safety locks").
Note: To help prevent accidentally locking the keys in the car, the central locking system is designed to unlock the
doors immediately if the key is left in the ignition switch, the car is locked using the lock button on the door and the
door is then closed. A sound from the lock will be audible at this time.
Please note that this function will not unlock the doors if the engine is running.
Immobilizer (start inhibitor)
Each of the keys supplied with your car contains a coded transmitter and receiver (transponder). The code in the key is
transmitted to an antenna in the ignition switch where it is compared to the code stored in the start inhibitor module.
The car can only be started if a properly coded key is used.
If you misplace a key, take the other keys to an authorized Volvo retailer for reprogramming as an antitheft measure.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following condition: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Courtesy lights
Home Safe System
When you leave your car at night, you can make use of the courtesy lighting function:
· Remove the key from the ignition switch.
· Pull the direction indicator lever towards the steering wheel (as when using the headlight flasher function).
· Exit the car and lock the doors.
The headlights, parking lights, license plate lights and the lights in the sideview mirrors will now come on and remain
on for 30, 60 or 90 seconds (the time interval is at your discretion and can be changed by an authorized Volvo retailer).
Approach lighting
When approaching the car at night, press the yellow button in the central locking remote control (see illustration on
page 56
). This lights up the interior courtesy light, parking lights, license plate lights and the lights in the sideview
mirrors.
pg. 55 Locking and unlocking the car
ProCarManuals.com

"Trunk lock" function
Pressing this switch locks the trunk, even if the
doors are unlocked. The trunk will remain locked even if the doors are locked/unlocked using the master key or the
remote control.
To use this function:
· Turn the master key to position II.
· Press the "trunk lock" button. An LED in the button will light up and a message will be displayed in the text window
to indicate that this function is activated.
· The function can be turned off (deactivated) by turning the ignition key to position II and pressing the "trunk lock"
button again (the LED in the button will go out).
* The position of this button may vary, depending on the specifications of your car.
pg. 56 Remote keyless entry system
Remote keyless entry system
Your car is equipped with a remote control transmitter. This transmitter uses a radio frequency which will allow
"keyless" entry into the passenger compartment or the trunk. You will be supplied with two coded key ring
transmitters, which will enable you to lock/unlock all doors and the trunk from a distance of 10-15 feet (3-5 meters).
On vehicles equipped with an alarm, the alarm will also be activated/deactivated by this system.
The car can also be locked/unlocked with the key.
As an extra security precaution in certain situations (valet parking, etc.), Volvo recommends that the transmitter not be
included when the keys are given to anyone. The service key can be used instead. If one of the transmitters is
misplaced, contact the nearest authorized Volvo retailer for assistance.
Buttons in remote control
1 - Lock, 2 - Unlock, 3 - Open trunk
4 - "Panic" function *, 5 - Exterior courtesy lights
ProCarManuals.com

Visual alarm signal
The visual alarm signal is given by flashing all turn signals and turning on the interior lighting for approximately 5
minutes.
Audible alarm signal
An audible alarm signal is given by a battery powered siren. One alarm cycle lasts for 25 seconds.
"Panic" function
In an emergency situation, this feature can be used to attract attention.
Activate the "panic" function by pressing the red button on the remote control (see illustration on page 56
) for at least
3 seconds or by pressing this button twice within 3 seconds. The turn signals will flash, the interior lights will go on
and the car's horn will sound.
The function can be turned off by pressing any of the buttons on the remote control or will stop automatically
after 25 seconds.
NOTE: This button will NOT unlock the car.
pg. 59 Alarm
Temporarily disconnecting the alarm sensor(s) - option
This button will only be found in cars equipped with the optional inclination and/or movement sensors.
In certain situations it may be desirable to disconnect the alarm sensors if, for example, you drive your car onto a ferry
where the rocking of the boat could trigger the alarm or if a person or pet remains in the car with the doors locked.
To temporarily disconnect the sensor(s) from the alarm system:
From the time the ignition key is turned from the Drive position (position I) until you lock the car, you can press the
button in the center console *. The LED in the switch will light up and a message will be displayed in the text window
to indicate that the sensors are disconnected.
The car can then be locked in the usual way to set the alarm.
NOTE: The optional sensors are automatically reconnected to the alarm system the next time the car is unlocked and
then locked again.
ProCarManuals.com

important to check the oil every time you refuel your car during this period. See page 111.
Fuel requirements
Octane rating
Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating. AKI of 91,
or above. AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of the Research Octane Number, RON, and the Motor Octane
Number, MON. (RON + MON/2).
The minimum octane requirement is AKI 87 (RON 91).
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
Volvo recommends the use of gasoline containing deposit control additives. These additives have shown to be efficient
in keeping injectors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit control gasolines will help ensure good
driveability and fuel economy. If you are not sure whether the gasoline contains deposit control additives, check with
the service station operator.
Unleaded fuel
Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline. 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 three-way catalytic converter and the heated 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.
NOTE: Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive called methyl-cyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission Control System performance may be affected,
and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp located on your instrument panel may light. If this occurs, please return your
vehicle to an authorized Volvo retailer for service.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers
"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or ethers. In some areas, state or
local laws require that the service pump be marked indicating use of alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas in
which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet seasonal air quality standards, some areas require the use of "oxygenated"
fuel.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated fuels; however, the octane ratings listed on this page must still be
met.
Alcohol — Ethanol: Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be used. Ethanol may also be referred to as
Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol".
Ethers — MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
pg. 63 Refueling
ProCarManuals.com

Refueling
The fuel tank is designed to hold approximately 21.1 US gal. (80 liters) with sufficient volume left over to
accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. Be aware that the "usable" tank capacity will be somewhat
less than the specified maximum. When the fuel level is low, such factors as ambient temperature, the fuel's "Reid
vapor pressure" characteristics, and terrain can affect the fuel pumps' ability to supply the engine with an adequate
supply of fuel. Therefore, it is advisable to refuel as soon as possible when the needle nears the red zone, or when the
fuel warning light comes on.
Fuel tank cover
The fuel tank cover, located on the right rear fender, is connected to your car's central locking system. The driver's
door must be unlocked before the fuel tank cover can be opened.
Be sure the fuel tank cover is not obstructed and is completely closed after refueling.
Open the fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather conditions.
NOTE: During a transitional period, a small number of service stations may still have fuel nozzles that are not
compatible with the fuel filler neck on cars equipped with the evaporative control system (ORVR). Please refer to page
105 for additional information.
CAUTION:
· Do not refuel with the engine running *. Turn the ignition off or to position I. If the ignition is on, an incorrect
reading could occur in the fuel gauge.
· After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place *.
· Allow for fuel expansion by not overfilling the tank. Overfilling could also cause damage to the emission control
systems.
· Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. Gasolines containing alcohol can cause damage to painted surfaces, which
may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
· Do not use gasolines containing methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice can result in vehicle
performance deterioration and can damage critical parts in the fuel system. Such damage may not be covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
* If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo
original or approved fuel filler caps.
pg. 64 Starting the engine
ProCarManuals.com

Starting the engine
1. Fasten the seat belt.WARNING!
Before starting, check that the seat, steering wheel and mirrors are adjusted properly. Make sure the brake pedal can
be depressed completely. Adjust the seat if necessary. See page 46
.
2. Apply the parking brake, if not already set. The gear selector is locked in the (P)ark position (SHIFTLOCK).
3. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key* to the starting position. Allow the starter to operate
for up to 5 seconds (turbo: 10 seconds). Release the key as soon as the engine starts. If the engine fails to start, repeat
this step.
For cold starts at altitudes above 6000 ft (1800 meters), depress the accelerator pedal halfway and turn the key to the
starting position. Release the pedal slowly when the engine starts.
4. To release the gear selector from the (P)ark position, the engine must be running (or the ignition key must be in
position II) and the brake pedal must be depressed.
5. Select the desired gear. The gear engages after a very slight delay which is especially noticeable when selecting R.
NOTE:
· Your car is equipped with a KEYLOCK system. When the engine is switched off, the gear selector must be in the
( P )ark position before the key can be removed from the ignition switch.
· When starting in cold weather, the transmission may shift up at slightly higher engine speeds than normal until the
automatic transmission fluid reaches normal operating temperature.
CAUTION :
· The engine should be idling when you move the gear selector. Never accelerate until after you feel the gear engage!
Accelerating immediately after selecting a gear will cause harsh gear engagement and premature transmission wear.
· Selecting P or N when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help prevent overheating of the
automatic transmission fluid.
· Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubrication points fast enough to
prevent engine damage.
WARNING!
· Always place the gear selector in Park and apply the parking brake before leaving the vehicle. Never leave the car
unattended with the engine running.
· Always open the garage doors fully before starting the engine inside a garage to ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless but very
poisonous.
* Your car is equipped with an electronic start inhibitor (immobilizer). The keys you received with your car are
specially coded. The code in the key is transmitted to an antenna in the ignition switch where it is compared to the
code stored in the start inhibitor module. The car can only be started if a properly coded key is used.
If two of the keys to your car are close together, e.g., on the same key ring, when you try to start the car, this could
cause interference in the immobilizer system and result in the car not starting. If this should occur, remove one of the
keys from the key ring before trying to start the car again.
ProCarManuals.com