
pg. 86 Automatic transmission AW5
Automatic transmission -shift gate positions
The gear selector can be moved freely between N and D.
Depressing the button on the front of the gear selector knob enables you to move the gear selector to positions P, R, N,
D, 4, 3 and L.
W Winter/Wet driving mode -enhanced vehicle traction
Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D)rive position.
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode (see illustration).
An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and this will also be displayed in the instrument
panel (see page 25
).
This mode may be selected for starting/ moving off on slippery roads.
Kickdown
Automatic shift to a lower gear (kickdown) is achieved by depressing the accelerator pedal fully and briskly. An
upshift will occur when approaching the top speed for a particular gear or by releasing the accelerator pedal slightly.
Kickdown can be used for maximum acceleration or when passing at highway speeds.
Cold starts
When driving before the engine has reached its normal operating temperature, the transmission will shift up at slightly
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higher engine speeds to heat the three-way catalytic converter as quickly as possible.
pg. 87 Automatic transmission (Geartronic)
P (Park)
Use this position when starting the engine or parking the car.
Never use P while the car is in motion. The parking brake should be set whenever the car is parked.
The gear selector is mechanically locked in the P position (SHIFTLOCK). To release the gear selector from this
position, the engine must be running (or the ignition key must be in position II) and the brake pedal must be
depressed.
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.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position and should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy. The car should
not be moving when shifting from R to the D position.
Kickdown
Automatic shift to a lower gear (kickdown) is achieved by depressing the accelerator pedal fully and briskly. An
upshift will occur when approaching the top speed for a particular gear or by releasing the accelerator pedal slightly.
Kickdown can be used for maximum acceleration or when passing at highway speeds. Kickdown does not function
when the transmission is in the manual shift (geartronic) mode (see next page).
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Automatic transmission -adaptive system
The automatic transmission is controlled by an adaptive control system that constantly monitors the way in which the
transmission functions. It senses and adapts each gear shift for optimal performance. The system also monitors your
particular driving style and adapts gear shifting accordingly.
Automatic transmission -shift gate positions
You can move the gear selector freely between the (MAN)ual and (D)rive positions while driving.
Depress the button on the front of the gear selector knob to move between the R, N, D, and P positions.
Please see the following page for information on using the Geartronic manual shift mode.
pg. 88 Automatic transmission (Geartronic)
Manual shifting - Geartronic
You can move the gear selector freely between the (MAN)ual and (D)rive positions while driving. Gears 2, 3, and 4
have a "lock -up" function which reduces engine speed and helps save fuel. The currently selected gear will be
displayed in the instrument panel (see page 25
).
To access the (MAN)ual shifting position from (D)rive, pull the gear selector back slightly from D and move it to
the left to MAN.
To return to the (D)rive position from MAN, move the gear selector to the right and push it forward to the (D)rive
position.
While driving If you select the (MAN)ual position while driving, the gear that was being used in the (D)rive position
will also initially be selected in (MAN)ual position.
Move the gear selector forward (toward "+") to shift to a higher gear or rearward (toward "-") to shift to a lower
gear.
If you hold the gear selector toward "-", the transmission will downshift, one gear at a time, and will utilize the
braking power of the engine. If the current speed is too high for using a lower gear, the downshift will not occur until
the speed has decreased enough to allow the lower gear to be used.
If you slow down to a very low speed, the transmission will automatically shift down.
When starting in the (MAN)ual position, 3rd gear is the highest gear that may be selected.
NOTE: Kickdown (see previous page) does not function when the transmission is in the manual shift (geartronic)
mode.
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W Winter/Wet driving mode -enhanced vehicle traction
Mode W will function only if the gear selector is in the (D)rive position.
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode (see illustration).
An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and this will also be displayed in the instrument
panel (see page 25
).
This mode may be selected for starting/ moving off on slippery roads.
pg. 89 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 (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 also fuel consumption.
Avoid using automatic transmission kickdown feature unless necessary.
Avoid using the air conditioning when it is not required. When engaged, the conditioner's compressor places an
additional load on the engine. However, at higher driving speeds, fuel consumption will be lower with the air
conditioning on and the windows closed than with the air conditioning off and the windows open.
Using the onboard trip computer's fuel consumption modes can help you learn how to drive more economically.
Other factors that 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.
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NOTE: Vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions should use (D)rive as often as possible and avoid using
"kick -down" to help improve fuel economy. Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions should use fifth gear at
highway speeds. At other times, choose the highest gear that still allows smooth acceleration.
Weight distribution affects handling
At the specified curb weight your car has a tendency to understeer, which means that the steering wheel has to be
turned more than might seem appropriate for the curvature of a bend. This ensures good stability and reduces the risk
of rear wheel skid. Remember that these properties can alter with the vehicle load. The heavier the load on the rear of
the vehicle (e.g., heavily loaded (max. 220 lbs, 100 kg) cargo area or when towing a trailer, the less the tendency to
understeer.
Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore, check that the tires are inflated to
the recommended pressure according to the vehicle load. See "Tire pressure" section. Loads should be distributed so
that capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
pg. 90 Points to remember
Cooling system
The risk for engine overheating is greatest, especially in hot weather, when:
Towing a trailer up steep inclines for prolonged periods at wide open throttle and low engine rpm.
Stopping the engine suddenly after high speed driving (so-called "after-boiling" can occur).
To avoid overheating, the following rules should be followed: Do not drive for prolonged periods at engine speeds
above 4500 rpm if you are towing a trailer in hilly terrain. Reduce speed when towing a trailer up long, steep inclines.
The risk of overheating can be reduced by switching off the air conditioning system for a short time. Do not let the
engine idle unnecessarily for prolonged periods. Do not mount auxiliary lamps in front of the grill.
When the risk of overheating is imminent, or in the event of overheating (the temperature gauge goes repeatedly into,
or stays continually in, the red section), the following precautions should be taken:
Switch off the air conditioning system.
Pull off the road, away from traffic, stop the car and put the gear selector into neutral.
Switch the heater to full (maximum) position. Increase the engine speed to approx. 2000 rpm (twice idling speed)
until the temperature begins to drop.
WARNING!
Do not remove coolant expansion tank cap. The coolant will be extremely hot.
If necessary, see page 127
and 130 for information on checking and topping-up the coolant level.
CAUTION: Drive slowly and carefully if going through standing water (i.e. flooded roadways, etc.). Damage to the
engine could result if excess water is drawn in through the air intake system. Never drive the vehicle in water deeper
than 1 foot (300 mm). See the flood warning on page 7
.
WARNING!
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The tires have wear indicator 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 very poor grip in rain or snow.
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.
Volvo does not recommend rotating the tires. However, if tires are rotated, they must be kept on the same side of the
car so that they revolve in the same direction as before 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: Cars equipped with All Wheel Drive
The car must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions/ specifications 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.
Driving with the temporary spare tire at speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h) can reduce the service life of transmission
components. Do not drive farther than 50 miles (80 km) on a temporary spare tire.
When one or more tires is replaced, the new tire(s) should be mounted on the front wheels. The tires with the least
amount of tread should be mounted on the rear wheels.
pg. 105 Wheels and tires - All Wheel Drive vehicles
Types of Tires
Always drive on tires of identical brand, size, construction (radial), tread pattern, load-, speed-, traction-, temperature-,
and treadwear rating. Never drive on mixed tires, except for brief periods when the temporary spare tire is in use.
Always use properly inflated tires of correct dimensions. Tire size and inflation pressures are shown on the tire
pressure label located inside the fuel filler door.
CAUTION:
Failure to always drive on properly inflated, identical tires of correct dimensions may result in a circumference
difference between tires on the front and rear axles. This will cause excessive tire wear and may damage the
transmission and all-wheel-drive system.
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Tire Replacement
When tire replacement is necessary, Volvo strongly recommends replacing all four tires at the same time with identical
tires as explained above. Failure to do so can result in a circumference difference that may damage the transmission
and all-wheel-drive system.
If only one or two tires are replaced, the new tire(s) must be identical to the tires with which the car was built, and
must be mounted on the FRONT AXLE ONLY! Failure to do this may damage the transmission and all-wheel-drive
system.
Tire Rotation
Volvo recommends rotating the tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). Tires should be rotated front -to-back/back-to-
front only. Tires must maintain the same direction of rotation throughout their lifetime, and should never be rotated
from one side of the vehicle to the other.
CAUTION:
Failure to rotate tires at recommended intervals will cause uneven tire wear and may damage the transmission and all-
wheel-drive system.
Temporary Spare
The temporary spare tire is for temporary, low-speed, short-distance use only. Replace it with a full-sized tire as soon
as possible, in accordance with "Tire Rotation" above. Do not drive on the temporary spare at speeds above 50 mph
(80km/h) or for distances greater than 50 miles (80 km). Transmission and all-wheel-drive system damage may result.
Never install snow chains on a temporary spare.
pg. 106 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.
Special snow chains must be mounted on 215/55 R16. Consult your Volvo retailer.
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. Snow chains cannot be used on 17" wheels.
Some strap -on type chains will interfere with brake components and therefore CANNOT be used. Consult your
Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information.
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 periodi-cally.
Never exceed the chain manufacturer's specified maximum speed limit. In no case should you exceed 31 mph (50
km/h).
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Vehicle loading
The tires on your Volvo should perform to specifications at all normal loads when inflated as recommended on the tire
informa-tion label. The label is located on the inside of the fuel filler door. The label lists both tire and vehicle design
limits. Do not load your car beyond the load limits indicated.WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires will reduce tire life, adversely affect vehicle handling and can possibly lead to failure
resulting in loss of vehicle control without prior warning.
Temporary Spare
The spare tire in your car is called a "Temporary Spare". It has the following designation: T125/80 R17 (T135/90 R17
on the Cross Country).
At the recommended tire pressure shown on the inside of the fuel filler door, the tire may be used as a temporary
replacement for a front or rear tire.
In the event of damage to this tire, a new one can be purchased from your Volvo retailer.WARNING!
Current legislation prohibits the use of the "Temporary Spare" tire other than as a temporary replacement for a
punctured tire. It must be replaced as soon as possible by a standard tire. Road holding and handling may be
affected with the "Temporary Spare" in use. Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not drive farther than 50 miles
(80 km) on a temporary spare tire.
All Wheel Drive models: Driving with the "Temporary Spare" at speeds above 50 mph (80 kph) can lead to
excessive wear on transmission components.
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.
NOTE: Certain models may be equipped with a full-size spare tire. When used, it should be inflated to the same
pressure as the tire it is replacing.
pg. 108 Wheels and tires
Uniform tire quality grading
ALL PASSENGER CAR TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN
ADDITION TO THESE GRADES
Quality grades can be found, where applicable, on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
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