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VOLVO
S40 & V40
Chapter 4 - Starting and driving
pg. 59 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
60
Driving economy62
Starting the engine63
Automatic transmission64
Points to remember66
Emergency towing68
Vehicle towing information69
Jump starting70
Proposition 65 Battery Warning70
Brake system, ABS71
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)72
Winter driving73
Long distance trips74
Trailer towing75
pg. 60 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 wearing in 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 114
.
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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 labeled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit
your car's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labeled "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. 61 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
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Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
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.
See page 97
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. 62 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 short trips. Short trips do 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.
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· Avoid using automatic transmission kickdown feature unless necessary.
· 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.
WARNING!
Do not drive with trunk lid open! A warning light in the instrument panel will indicate that the trunk is open.
Poisonous exhaust gases may enter via the open trunk lid. If the trunk lid/tailgate must be kept open for any reason,
proceed as follows:
· Close the windows.
· Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side windows and blower control to its
highest setting.
pg. 63 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. Make sure the gear selector is in the Park position.
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. Depress the brake pedal and release the parking
brake.
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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.
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.
CAUTION :
The engine should be idling; never accelerate until after you feel the gear engage! Too rapid 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.
Ignition sleep mode
If the key is turned to "drive" position (see See page 26
) for several minutes without the engine running, the car's
starting system will power down to "sleep" mode. To start the car, momentarily turn the key back to the "locked"
position. Then start the car as you would normally do.
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. 64 Automatic transmission
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P Park
The transmission must be in Park position to start the engine, and to allow removal of the key from the ignition when
you leave the car. The car should be stationary when you select P! In the position P the transmission is mechanically
locked. Always apply the parking brake when parking!
R Reverse
The car must be at a standstill before you select Reverse gear.
N Neutral position
The N position is the neutral position. The engine can be started, but no gear is selected. Apply the parking brake when
the car is stationary with the gear selector in position N.
D Driving position
D is the normal driving position. The gear se-lector automatically shifts up and down between the transmission gears,
based on the level of acceleration and the speed. The car should be stationary when you select D from position R.
4 Low gear position
Shifting up and down between the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th occurs automatically. Shifting up to Drive does not occur.
Position 4 can be used:
· for mountain driving
· for driving with trailer
· to increase the engine braking
3 Low gear position
Shifting up and down between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd occurs automatically. The 4th and Drive gears will not be
engaged. Position 3 can be used:
· for mountain driving
· for driving with trailer
· to increase the engine braking
L Low gear position
Choose position L if you want to drive with the 1st or 2nd gear engaged. Position L gives the best possible engine
braking effect when, for example, mountain driving. Shifting up to 5th does not occur. Position 4 can be used:
· for mountain driving
· for driving with trailer
· to increase the engine braking
Downshifting protection
There is a built in protection in the transmission which prevents over revving in the engine when you select one of the
low gear positions.
Shift lock
In order to move the gear selector from P position to the other gear positions the key must be in driving position
(position II)and the brake pedal must be depressed. See page 97
how to move the gear selector manually in case of flat
battery.
pg. 65 Automatic transmission
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W - Winter/Wet Weather
Use the W button to turn the Winter/Wet Weather function on or off. The Winter/Wet Weather function limits
downshifting during acceleration, helping to reduce wheel spin. Because downshifting is limited in W mode,
performance may seem sluggish and fuel economy may be reduced. W mode is recommended for acceleration from a
standstill on rain-slicked roads.
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,
4, 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.
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).
Transmission Lamp
If the indicator lamp (see page 21 item 18
) begins to flash, this is an indication of a fault in the automatic transmission.
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.
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2 0 0 1
VOLVO
S40 & V40
Chapter 7 - Car care
pg. 99 Car care
Car care
Car care includes not only maintaining the appearance of the car, but also protecting the car exterior from the effects of
air pollution, rain, mud or road salt. The paintwork should also be touched up immediately, if damaged, to prevent rust
formation. Paint touchup
100
Washing101
Automatic car washing, Polishing and waxing102
Cleaning the upholstery103
pg. 100 Paint touch up
Paint touchup
Paint damage requires immediate attention to avoid rusting. Make it a habit to check the finish regularly when washing
the car for instance. Touchup if necessary.
Paint repairs require special equipment and skill. Contact your Volvo retailer for any extensive damage.
Minor scratches can be repaired by using Volvo touchup paint.
NOTE: When ordering touchup paint from your Volvo retailer, use the paint code indicated on the model plate. The
plate is located in the rear wall of the engine compartment (fire wall).
Minor stone chips and scratches
Material:
Primer can
Paint touchup bottle
Brush
Masking tape
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