Chapter 1 - Occupant safety
Chapter 2 - Instruments, switches and controls
Chapter 3 - Body and interior
Chapter 4 - Starting and driving
Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires
Chapter 6 - In case of an emergency
Chapter 7 - Car care
Chapter 8 - Volvo Service
Chapter 9 - Specifications
Chapter 10 - Audio systems
Index
General information
Important
Before you operate your car for the first time please familiarize yourself with the engine oil consumption
information and refueling recommendations on pages 58 and 59. You should also be familiar with the
information in the first three chapters of this manual.
Information contained in the balance of the manual is extremely useful and should be read after operating the
vehicle for the first time.
The manual is structured so that it can be used for reference. For this reason, it should be kept in the car for
ready access.
Do not export your Volvo to another country before investigating that country's applicable safety and exhaust
emission requirements. In some cases it may be difficult or impossible to comply with these requirements.
Modifications to the emission control system(s) may render your Volvo not certifiable for legal operation in the
U.S., Canada and other countries.
All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are based on the latest product
information available at the time of publication. Please note that some vehicles may be equipped differently,
depending on special legal requirements and that optional equipment described in this manual may not be
available in all markets.
Volvo reserves the right to make model changes at any time, or to change specifications or design, without
notice and without incurring obligation.
Shiftlock
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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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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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