18 Not in use
19 DSA (option)
19 Not in use
20 Automatic transmission: position W, 3 or L or MIL**
21 Check engine light
22 Immobilizer on or MIL**
23 Service Reminder Indicator
24 Not connected
25 Low washer fluid level
26 Turn indicator trailer (certain models)
Starting check
After a few seconds, all lights except 10 and 22 will go out. Once the engine starts, 10 and 22 will also go out.
* Indicates failure of a brake light, not failure of the braking system (see item 16).
**MIL = Check Engine Lamp
pg. 20 Warning lights
The warning lights described on pages 20 and 21 should never stay on when driving
When the ignition key is turned on and before the engine starts, all of the warning lights should go on to test the
function of the bulbs. Should a light not go off after the engine has started, the system indicated should be
inspected. However, the parking brake reminder light will not go off until the parking brake has been fully
released.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
If the light comes on (or stays on after the vehicle has started), the SRS diagnostic system has detected a fault.
Drive to an authorized Volvo retailer for an inspection of the system. See the SRS section for more information.
Check Engine Lamp
If the lamp comes on (or stays on after the vehicle has started), the engine diagnostic system has detected a
possible fault in the emission control system. Although driveability may not be affected, see an authorized Volvo
retailer as soon as possible for inspection.
NOTE : If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Check
Engine Lamp may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo
original or approved fuel filler caps.
Oil pressure warning light
If the light comes on while driving, stop the car and then stop the engine immediately and check the engine oil
level . See page 112.
If the light stays on after restart, have the car towed to the nearest authorized Volvo
retailer. After hard driving, the light may come on occasionally when the engine is idling. This is normal,
provided it goes off when the engine speed is increased.
Parking brake reminder light
This light will be on when the parking brake (hand brake) is applied. The parking brake lever is situated
between the front seats.
WARNING!
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2 0 0 0
VOLVO
S & V 40
Chapter 4 - Starting and driving
pg. 57 Starting and driving
Starting and driving
This section on starting and driving contains items such as starting the engine, operating the gear selector, towing,
trailers, etc. Fuel requirements, Refueling
58
Driving economy60
Starting the engine61
Automatic transmission62
Points to remember64
Emergency towing66
Vehicle towing information67
Jump starting68
Brake system, ABS69
Electronic Brake Force Distribution70
Winter driving71
Long distance trips72
Trailer towing73
pg. 58 Fuel requirements
NOTE ENGINE OIL:
Although some oil consumption occurs during normal engine operation, more oil is consumed when the engine is new
as the internal parts generate higher friction while wearingin to each other. From the time the engine is new until the
first service is performed, the oil consumption could be higher than normal. For this reason, it is especially
important to check the oil every time you refuel your car during this period. See page 112
.
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
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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 methly-cyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission Control System performance may be affected,
and the Check Engine Lamp located on your instrument panel may light. If this occurs, please return your vehicle to
an authorized Volvo retailer for service.
pg. 59 Fuel requirements, Refueling
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).
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.
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Refueling
The fuel tank is designed to hold approximately: 16 US gallons (60 liters) with sufficient volume left over to
accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather.
Fuel filler door
The fuel filler door (on the left rear fender) is unlocked along with the car's central locking system.
Open fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather conditions.
See page 95
in case the fuel filler door does not unlock along with the central locking system
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 *.
· 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.
· Do not overfill the fuel tank. Overfilling could damage the emission control system.
* If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Check Engine
Lamp may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo original or
approved fuel filler caps.
pg. 60 Driving economy
Economical driving conserves natural resources
Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops and adjusting the speed of
your vehicle to immediate traffic conditions. Observe the following rules:
· Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by driving with a light foot on the accelerator
pedal for the first few minutes of operation. A cold engine uses more fuel and is subject to increased wear.
· Whenever possible, avoid using the car for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach normal
operating temperature.
· Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
· Do not exceed posted speed limits.
· Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the car.
· Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (check when tires are cold).
· Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
· Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc., increase air resistance and thereby fuel consumption.
· Avoid using automatic transmission kickdown feature unless necessary.
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· Avoid using the air conditioning when it is not required. When engaged, the air conditioner's compressor places an
additional load on the engine. However, please note that fuel consumption is lower with the air conditioning on than it
is when driving with the air conditioning switched off and the windows down.
· Utilizing the fuel consumption modes in the Trip Computer can help you "learn" how to drive more economically.
Other factors which decrease gas mileage are:
· Worn or dirty spark plugs
· Incorrect spark plug gap
· Dirty air cleaner
· Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
· Dragging brakes
· Incorrect front end alignment
Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard Maintenance Service intervals.
NOTE : The automatic transmission's ( D)rive position should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel
economy.
WARNING!
It is recommended that tires of the same make and dimensions be used on all four wheels (including the use of snow
tires). Do not use bias ply tires as this will adversely alter vehicle handling characteristics. Maintain correct tire
pressure.
pg. 61 Starting the engine
Starting and stopping
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. Move the seat closer if necessary. Refer to section "front seats".
2. Apply the parking brake, if not already set. The gear selector is locked in the (P)ark position (SHIFT LOCK).
3. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to the starting position. Allow the starter to operate
for up to 5 seconds. Release the key as soon as the engine starts. If the engine fails to start, repeat step 3.
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 ignition key must be in position II and the brake pedal
must be depressed.
See page 95
for instructions on manually releasing the SHIFTLOCK system.
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 starting key can be removed from the ignition switch.
5. Select the desired gear. The gear engages after a slight delay which is especially noticeable when selecting R.
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CAUTION:
The engine should be idling; never accelerate until after you feel the gear engage! Toorapid acceleration immediately
after selecting a gear will cause harsh engagement and premature transmission wear.
NOTE : Selecting P or N when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help prevent overheating of
transmission oil.
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.
CAUTION:
Never race the engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubricating points fast enough to
prevent engine damage.
Do not race the engine just prior to switching off!
pg. 62 Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission - shift gate positions
The gear selector can be moved freely between N and D. Selections of other positions are obtained by depressing the
selector knob prior to moving the selector.
Slightly depressing the selector knob allows selection of positions R, N, D, 3 and L. Fully
depressing the selector knob allows selection of position P. This is also necessary when
initially bringing the selector out of position P. Fully depressing the selector knob permits
shifting freely between all positions.
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P (Park)
Use this position when starting the engine or parking the car.
Never select P while the car is in motion.
The parking brake should also be used when parking on grades.
The gear selector is mechanically locked in the P position (SHIFT LOCK). To release the selector, start the
engine and depress the brake pedal.
If it is necessary to manually release the gear selector, see page 95 for instructions.
WARNING!
Never leave the car unattended when the engine is running. If, by mistake, the gear selector is moved from P, the car
may start moving.
R (Reverse)
Never engage R while the car is moving forward.
N (Neutral)
Neutral = no gear engaged. Use the parking brake. The engine can be started with the gear
selector in this position.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position and should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy. When the
driving modes S or E are selected, upshift and downshift of the forward gears occur automatically and are governed by
accelerator pedal position and engine speed.
3 (Intermediate position)
The indicator lamp in the instrument panel lights up when this gear is selected. The transmission automatically shifts
up and down between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears when the driving modes S or E are selected. There is no upshift from 3rd
gear. Position 3 can be used for driving in hilly terrain, for towing trailers or for increased engine braking power.
pg. 63 Automatic transmission
L (Low position)
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The indicator lamp in the instrument panel lights up when this gear is selected. No upshift can occur when L is
engaged. Select position L for driving in first and second gears. Use this position to select low gear with no upshift,
e.g. when ascending and descending steep grades. The transmission will make a very noticeable downshift from 2nd to
1st gear if road speed drops to below 30 mph (45 km/h) in E mode or 6 mph (10 km/h) in S mode.
Kick-down
Automatic shift to a lower gear (kick-down) is achieved by depressing the accelerator pedal fully and briskly. An
upshift will be achieved when approaching the top speed for a particular gear or by releasing the accelerator pedal
slightly. Kick -down can be used for maximum acceleration or when passing at highway speeds. Avoid using the kick-
down function during the break-in period (first 1,200 miles of vehicle operation).
"Lock-up"
The automatic transmission has a "lock -up" function which reduces engine speed and saves fuel. The "lock -up"
function can sometimes be felt as an additional gear change.
Driving mode selectors
Driving mode selectors
The button at the base of the gear lever allows you to select the Winter/Wet driving mode.
W Winter/Wet mode
Enhanced Vehicle Traction
This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
· In position D*, the gearbox starts in 3rd gear and changes up to 4th gear.
· In position 3*, 2nd gear is locked and there is no change up to 3rd gear.
· In position L, 1st gear is locked.
The indicator lamp in the instrument panel
lights up when this mode is selected (even if the gear selector is in
position 3 or L). Press W to disengage this mode. When this mode is disengaged or if the ignition is switched off, the
gearbox automatically reverts to Economy (the default driving mode).
Economy mode
This is the default driving mode. The transmission changes gears at a lower engine speeds to help improve fuel
consumption.
S Sport Mode
Press S to select Sport mode. The transmission shifts up and down at higher engine speeds for improved performance.
The red LED in the button comes on to indicate that Sport mode is selected.
Press the switch again to return to Economy mode (the LED in the button will go out).
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