2003 VOLVO S40 service

Contents
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
Back Cover
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 62 and 63
. You should also be familiar with the
information in the first four 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.
ProCarManuals.com

Volvo's environmental activities are based on a holistic view, which means we consider the overall environmental
impact of a product throughout its complete life cycle. In this context, design, production, product use, and recycling
are all important considerations.
In production, Volvo has partly or completely phased out several chemicals including freons, lead chromates,
naphtanates, asbestos, mercury and cadmium; and reduced the amount of chemicals used in our plants 50% since 1991.
In use, Volvo was the first in the world to introduce into production a three-way catalytic converter with a Lambda
sond, now called oxygen sensor, in 1976. The current version of this highly efficient system reduces emissions of
harmful substances (CO, HC, NOx) from the exhaust pipe by approximately 95% and the search to eliminate the
remaining emissions continues. Volvo is the only automobile manufacturer to offer CFC-free retrofit kits for the air
conditioning system for all models as far back as the M/Y 1975 240. Advanced electronic engine controls, refined
purification systems and cleaner fuels are bringing us closer to our goal.
After Volvo cars and parts have fulfilled their use, recycling is the next critical step in completing the life cycle. The
metal content is about 75% of the total weight of a car, which makes the car among the most recycled industrial
products. In order to have efficient and well controlled recycling, many Volvo variants have printed dismantling
manuals, indicating the weight and material of individual components. For Volvo, all homogeneous plastic parts
weighing more than 1.7 oz. (50 grams) are marked with international symbols that indicate how the component is to be
sorted for recycling.
In addition to continuous environmental refinement of conventional gasoline-powered internal combustion engines,
Volvo is actively looking at advanced technology alternative-fuel vehicles.
When you drive a Volvo, you become our partner in the work to lessen the car's impact on the environment.
To reduce your vehicle's environmental impact, you can:
Maintain proper air pressure in your tires. Tests have shown decreased fuel economy with improperly inflated tires
Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your Warranty and Service Records Information booklet.
Drive at a constant speed
See an authorized Volvo retailer as soon as possible for inspection if the check engine (malfunction indicator) lamp
illuminates, or stays on after the vehicle has started
Properly dispose of any vehicle related waste such as used motor oil, used batteries, brake pads, etc.
When cleaning your car, use Volvo's own car care products, all of which have systematically been adapted to the
environment
For additional information regarding the environmental activities in which Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. and
Volvo Car Corporation are involved, visit our Internet Home Page at:
http://www.volvocars.com

Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com

The entire process, including inflation and deflation of the airbags, takes approximately two-tenths of a second.
WARNING!
As its name implies, SRS is designed to be a SUPPLEMENT to - not a replacement for - the three-point belt
system. For maximum protection, wear seat belts at all times. Be aware that no system can prevent all possible
injuries that may occur in an accident.
When installing any optional equipment, make sure that the SRS system is not damaged. Do not attempt to service
any component of the SRS yourself. Attempting to do so may result in serious personal injury. If a problem arises,
take your car to the nearest authorized Volvo retailer for inspection as soon as possible.
pg. 5 Volvo SRS
A self -diagnostic system incorporated into the sensor monitors the SRS, SIPS and IC-system. If a fault is detected, the
"SRS" warning light will illuminate. The light is included in the warning/indicator light cluster in the instrument panel.
Normally, the SRS warning lamp should light up when the ignition is switched on and should go out after 5 seconds or
when the engine is started. Check that this light is functioning properly every time the car is started.
The following items are monitored by the self -diagnostic system:
Sensor unit
SRS wiring
Inflators
WARNING!
Never drive an SRS equipped car with your hands on the steering wheel pad / airbag housing.
No objects, accessory equipment or stickers may be placed on, attached to or installed near the SRS cover in the
center of the steering wheel, the SRS cover above the glove compartment or the area affected by airbag deployment.
If the SRS warning light stays on after the engine has started or if it comes on while you are driving, drive the car to
the nearest authorized Volvo retailer for inspection as soon as possible.
ProCarManuals.com

SRS decal on door pillar driver's side
There is no maintenance to perform on the SRS yourself. The month and year shown on the decal on the door pillar
indicate when you should contact your Volvo retailer for specific servicing or replacement of airbags and seatbelt
tensioners. This service must be performed by an authorized Volvo retailer.
Should you have any questions about the SRS system, please contact your authorized Volvo retailer or Volvo
Customer Support:
In the USA: In Canada:
Volvo Cars of North America Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd.
Customer Relations 175 Gordon Baker Road
P.O. Box 914 Willowdale, Ontario M2H 2N7
Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647-0914 1-800-663-8255
800-458-1552
pg. 6 Volvo SRS
SRS texts on outside of both
sun visorsSRS texts on inside of both sun
visorsSRS texts on the
passenger's dashSRS text at far right of
dash
WARNING!
Do not use child safety seats or child booster cushions/backrests in the front passenger's seat. We also recommend
that children who have outgrown these devices sit in the rear seat with the seat belt properly fastened.
NOTE: Deployment of SRS components occurs only one time during an accident. In a collision where deployment
occurs, the airbags and seat belt tensioners activate. Some noise occurs and a small amount of powder is released. The
release of the powder may appear as smoke-like matter. This is a normal characteristic and does not indicate fire.
NOTE: Volvo's dual-threshold airbags use special sensors that are integrated with the front seat buckles. The point at
which the airbag deploys is determined by whether or not the seat belt is being used, as well as, the severity of the
collision. Collisions can occur where only one of the airbags deploys.
ProCarManuals.com

WARNING!
Children must never be allowed in the front passenger seat. Volvo recommends that ALL occupants (adults and
children) shorter than 4 feet 7 inches (140 cm) be seated in the back seat of any vehicle with a front passenger side
airbag.
Occupants in the front passenger's seat must never sit on the edge of the seat, sit leaning toward the instrument
panel or otherwise sit out of position. The occupant's back must be as upright as comfort allows and be against the
seat back with the seat belt properly fastened.
Feet must be on the floor, e.g. not on the dash, seat or out of the window.
No objects or accessory equipment, e.g. dash covers, may be placed on, attached to or installed near the SRS
hatch (the area above the glove compartment) or the area affected by airbag deployment (see illustration on page 4
).
There should be no loose articles, e.g. coffee cups, on the floor, seat or dash area.
Never try to open the SRS cover on the steering wheel or the passenger side SRS seam. This should only be done
by an authorized Volvo service technician.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in injury to the vehicle occupants in an accident.
pg. 7 Volvo SRS
NOTE : The information on this page does not pertain to the Side Impact Protection System airbags.
When are the airbags deployed?
The SRS system is designed to deploy during certain frontal or front -angular collisions, impacts, or decelerations,
depending on the crash severity, angle, speed and object impacted. The SRS sensor is designed to react to both the
impact of the collision and the inertial forces generated by it and to determine if the intensity of the collision is
sufficient for the airbags to be deployed.
WARNING!
The SRS is designed to help prevent serious injury. Deployment occurs very quickly and with considerable force.
During normal deployment and depending on variables such as seating position, one may experience abrasions,
bruises, swellings, or other injuries as a result of airbag deployment.
If the airbags have been deployed, we recommend the following:
Have the car towed to an authorized Volvo retailer. Never drive with the airbags deployed.
Have an authorized Volvo retailer replace the SRS system components.
Use only new, Genuine Volvo Parts when replacing SRS components (airbags, seat belts, tensioners, etc.).
When are the airbags NOT deployed?
Not all frontal collisions activate the SRS system. If the collision involves a non-rigid object (e.g., a snow drift or
bush), or a rigid, fixed object at a low speed, the SRS system will not necessarily deploy. Front airbags do not
normally deploy in a side impact collision, in a collision from the rear or in a rollover situation. The amount of
damage to the bodywork does not reliably indicate if the airbags should have deployed or not.
Seat belts - the heart of the Volvo safety system
The heart of the Volvo safety system is the three-point seat belt (a Volvo invention)! In order for the SRS system to
ProCarManuals.com

10 High beams on
11 Fault in SRS system
12 Brake circuit not working (brake fluid level too low) and EBD
13 Battery charge failure
14 Parking brake applied
15 Low oil pressure
16 ABS (anti-lock brakes) malfunction
17 Automatic transmission: position W, 4 or 3 or L
18 Malfunction indicator light
19 Immobilizer on
20 Service Reminder Indicator
21 DSA (option)
22 High coolant temperature warning light
23 Low fuel warning light
Starting check
After a few seconds, all lights except 16 and 19 will go out. Once the engine starts, these lights will also go out.
* Indicates failure of a brake light, not failure of the braking system (see item 12).
pg. 22 Warning lights
The warning lights described on pages 22 and 23 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.
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 114.
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.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:
WARNING!
If the fluid level is below the lowest MIN mark in the brake fluid reservoir: DO NOT DRIVE. Tow the car to a
Volvo retailer and have the brake system checked and any leakage repaired.
Brake failure warning light
ProCarManuals.com

If the light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately, open the hood and check the brake fluid level
in the reservoir. See page 116 for reservoir position.
If the control lamp still stays on, the EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) is not working.
Drive to your Volvo retailer. See ABS control lamp and also page 73.

Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:
Bulb failure warning light
The light will come on if one of the brake light bulbs are defective when the brake pedal is pressed.
Check the fuse and bulb. See sections "Replacing bulbs" and "fuses".
pg. 23 Warning lights, Daytime Running Lights
DSA (option)
Dynamic Stability Assistance
This is a system which helps keep the drive wheels from spinning. The light flashes if the road surface is slippery, the
wheels are spinning and the system is working.
The control light comes on if a fault occurs in the DSA system. It also comes on if the system is switched off via the
switch.
For more information see page 30.
Service Reminder Light
This light will come on according to preset service intervals or after 750 hours of driving or after 12 months,
whichever occurs first. It is a reminder to the driver that the service interval has been exceeded. The light will stay on
for 2 minutes after start until reset by the servicing retailer.
Anti-lock Brake system (ABS)
If the warning lamp lights up there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system will however
function). The vehicle should be driven to a Volvo retailer for inspection.
See page 73
for additional information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
On-Board Diagnostics II (OBDII): As you drive, a computer called "OBDII" monitors your car's engine,
transmission, electrical and emission systems. The CHECK ENGINE light will light up if the computer senses a
condition that potentially may need correcting. When this happens, please have your car checked by a Volvo retailer as
soon as possible.
A CHECK ENGINE light may have many causes. Sometimes, you may not notice a change in your car's behavior.
Even so, an uncorrected condition could hurt fuel economy, emission cleanliness, and driveability. Extended driving
without correcting the cause could even damage other components in your car.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:
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.
Daytime Running Lights:
ProCarManuals.com

Key
The master key is integrated into the remote keyless entry system's remote control.
To fold out the key, press the button indicated by the downward pointing arrow in the illustration above.
To retract the key, press the button and fold the key into the slot in the remote control.
The key activates all locks (ignition switch/steering wheel lock, all doors, fuel filler door, trunk/tailgate), and
locks/unlocks the glove compartment.
Service Key (Valet key)
This key (grey in color) activates only ignition switch/steering wheel lock and all doors, including the fuel filler door.
Immobilizer (start inhibitor)
Each of the keys supplied with your car is electronically coded. When the key is inserted into the ignition switch, the
code is transmitted to and compared with a code stored in the start inhibitor module. The car can only be started if a
properly coded key is used.
If you misplace a key, take the other keys to an authorized Volvo retailer. The existing code in the start inhibitor
module and all the keys will be erased as an anti-theft measure and a new code will be programmed in.
NOTE:
You should never keep more than one of your ignition keys on the ring at the same time. This could cause conflicting
signals to be transmitted to the ignition switch, making it impossible to start the car.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following condition: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
pg. 41 Remote keyless entry system
1 - Lock, 2-Unlock, 3-Open trunk/tailgate, 4-Panic button*
Remote keyless entry system
Your car is equipped with a remote control transmitter. This transmitter uses a radio frequency which will allow
ProCarManuals.com