2000 VOLVO S40 Owners Manual

· 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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Check Engine Lamp
If the indicator lamp begins to flash, this is an indication of a fault in the automatic gearbox. The Check Engine
Lamp will also light up if a fault is detected. If the transmission does not shift properly, place the gear selector in
position L. Please contact your Volvo retailer if this occurs.
* These positions always offer the kick-down function.

Contents | Top of Page
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2 0 0 0
VOLVO
S & V 40
Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires
pg. 75 Wheels and tires
Wheels and tires
The handling and riding comfort of the vehicle is dependent on the inflation pressure and the type of tires fitted. Read
the following pages carefully. General information, Wear indicator, Tire economy, Flat spots
76
Snow chains, Winter tires77
Inflation pressure78
Uniform tire quality grading79
"Special spare" tire80
pg. 76 Wheels and tires
General information
Your vehicle is equipped with tires according to the tire information label located on the inside of the fuel filler
door
The following is an example of a tire designation code 195/60R15:
195 = tire width in mm.
60 = tire profile. This is the relationship (in percent) between the section height and width of the tire.
R = radial tires.
15 = diameter in inches.
The tires have good road holding characteristics and offer good handling on dry and wet surfaces. It should be noted
however that the tires have been developed to give these features on snow/icefree surfaces. However, for optimum road
holding on icy or snow covered roads we recommend suitable winter tires on all four wheels. When replacing tires,
be sure that the new tires are the same size designation, type (radial) and from the same manufacturer, on all four
wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of altering the car's roadholding and handling characteristics.
NOTE: When storing wheel/tire assemblies (e.g. winter tires and wheels), either stand the assemblies upright, or
suspend them off the ground. Laying wheel/tire assemblies on their sides for prolonged periods can cause wheel and/or
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tire damage.
Wear indicator
The tires have a socalled "wear indicator" in the form of a number of narrow strips running across or parallel to the
tread. When approx. 1/16" (1.6 mm) is left on the tread, these strips become visible and indicate that the tire should be
replaced.
Tires with less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread have a very poor grip in rain or snow.
When replacing worn tires, it is recommended that the tire be identical in type (radial) and size as the one being
replaced. Using a tire of the same make (manufacturer) will prevent alteration of the driving characteristics of the
vehicle.
To improve tire economy:
· Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler door.
· Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking and tire screeching.
· Tire wear increases with speed.
· Correct front wheel alignment is very important.
· Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and driving comfort.
· If the wheels are rotated, they should be kept on the same side of the car so that they revolve in the same direction as
prior to rotation.
· Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently.
Flat spots
All tires become warm during use. After cooling, when the vehicle is parked, the tires have a tendency to distort
slightly, forming flat spots. These flat spots can cause vibrations similar to the vibrations caused by unbalanced wheels.
They do, however, disappear when the tire warms up. The degree to which flat spots form depends on the type of cord
used in the tire. Remember that, in cold weather, it takes longer for the tire to warm up and consequently longer for the
flat spot to disappear.
CAUTION: The car must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions or with a spare tire other than the one that
came with the car. The use of different size wheels can seriously damage your car's transmission.
pg. 77 Wheels and tires
Snow chains
Snow chains can be used on your Volvo with the following restrictions:
· Snow chains should be installed on front wheels only. Use only Volvo approved snow chains.
· Snow chains may only be mounted on approved snow tires 195/55 R15. Consult your Volvo retailer.
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If accessory, aftermarket or "custom" tires and wheels are installed and are of a size different than the original tires
and wheels, chains in some cases CANNOT be used. Sufficient clearances between chains and brakes, suspension and
body components must be maintained.
· Some strapon type chains will interfere with brake components and therefore CANNOT be used.
Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information.
Snow tires, studded tires *
Tires for winter use:
Owners who live in or regularly commute through areas with sustained periods of snow or icy driving
conditions are strongly advised to fit suitable winter tires to help retain the highest degree of traction.
It is important to install winter tires on all four wheels to help retain traction during cornering, braking, and
accelerating. Failure to do so could reduce traction to an unsafe level or adversely affect handling. Do not mix tires of
different design as this could also negatively affect overall tire road grip. Volvo recommends 195/55 R15 winter tires
on 15" steel rims on all S/V 40 models.
Winter tires wear more quickly on dry roads in warm weather. They should be removed when the winter driving
season has ended.
Studded tires should be runin 300600 miles (5001000 km) during which the car should be driven as smoothly as
possible to give the studs the opportunity to seat properly in the tires. The car tires should have the same rotational
direction throughout their entire lifetime. In other words, if you wish to rotate the wheels, make sure that the same
wheels are always on the same side of the car.
NOTE: Please consult state or provincial regulations restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such
tires.
CAUTION:
· Check local regulations regarding the use of snow chains before installing.
· Always follow the chain manufacturer's installation instructions carefully. Install chains as tightly as possible and
retighten periodically.
· Never exceed the chain manufacturer's specified maximum speed limit. (Under no circumstances should that limit be
higher than 30 mph (45 km/h).
· Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns when driving with snow chains.
· The handling of the vehicle can be adversely affected when driving with chains. Avoid fast or sharp turns as well as
locked wheel braking.
* Where permitted.
pg. 78 Wheels and tires
Checking and correcting tire pressure
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