Headlights, parking lights, license plate lights and instrument panel illumination are on if the ignition key is in
position II.
If the headlight switch is in this position, all lights will go out when the ignition is switched off.
The headlight switch must be in this position before the high beams will function.
Switch from high to low beams and vice versa by pulling the turn signal switch lever on the left side of steering
column toward you.
B - Instrument lighting
Move the thumb wheel up to increase brightness or down to decrease brightness. There is also an instrument panel
illumination sensor (see illustration on page 46
) which automatically adjusts the level of illumination.
The symbols have maximum illumination in daylight (only the background lighting can be adjusted). At night, both the
symbol light and background lighting can be adjusted.
C - Unlocking the fuel filler door
Press this button when the car is at a standstill to unlock the fuel filler door. Please note that the fuel filler door will
remain unlocked until the car begins to move forward. An audible click will be heard when the fuel filler door relocks.
See also page 80
.
NOTE: If the fuel filler door does not unlock after the button has been pressed, please see page 31
for information on
manually unlocking this door.
D - Front fog lights *
The front fog lights will function only in combination with the low beam headlights.
An LED in the switch indicates when the front fog lights are on.
E - Rear fog light*
The rear fog light is considerably brighter than the normal tail lights and should be used only when conditions such as
fog, rain, snow, smoke or dust reduce visibility for other vehicles to less than 500 ft (150 meters).
An LED in the switch indicates when the rear fog light is on.
The rear fog light will only function in combination with the high/low beam headlights. By design, there is one rear fog
light only, located in the driver's side tail light cluster.
* Standard on T5/accessory on the other models.
These lights will be automatically switched off the next time the car is started.
Contents | Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com
pg. 31 Instruments and controls
Manually unlocking the fuel filler door
Manually unlocking the fuel filler door
NOTE: Cotton gloves are available in the tool kit located in the spare wheel well.
The electric motor that controls the fuel filler door locking mechanism is located on the inside of the rear fender on the
passenger side of the car, just behind the fuel filler door. To unlock this door manually:
1. Turn the knob (A) 1/4 turn counterclockwise to release the cover panel (B).
2. Fold down the cover panel to access the electric motor (C).
3. Press the catch (D) rearward to unlock the fuel filler door, or forward to lock the door.
pg. 32 Instruments and controls
Turn Signals
1. Lane change position
In maneuvers such as lane changing, the driver can flash the turn signals by moving the turn signal lever to the first
stop and holding it there. The lever will return to the neutral position when released.
2. Signal lever engaged for normal turns
3. High/low beam switch (headlights on).
Move the lever towards the steering wheel and release it.
Headlight flasher (headlights off).
Move the lever towards the steering wheel. The headlight high beam will be on until the lever is released.
NOTE:
If the turn signal indicator flashes faster than normal, check for a burned-out turn signal bulb.
ProCarManuals.com
3. Exterior courtesy lights
Home Safe System
When you leave your car at night, you can make use of the courtesy lighting function:
Remove the key from the ignition switch.
Pull the direction indicator lever towards the steering wheel (as when using the headlight flasher function).
Exit the car and lock the doors.
The headlights, parking lights, license plate lights and the lights in the sideview mirrors will now come on and remain
on for 30, 60 or 90 seconds (the time interval is at your discretion and can be changed by an authorized Volvo retailer).
Approach lighting
When approaching the car at night, press the yellow button in the central locking remote control (see illustration on
page 69
). This lights up the interior courtesy lights, parking lights, license plate lights and the lights in the sideview
mirrors.
pg. 33 Instruments and controls
Windshield wipers/washer
Windshield wipers
Windshield wipers off
If the lever is in the 0 position and you move it upwards, the wipers will sweep one stroke at a time for as long as you
hold the lever up.
Intermittent wiper function With the lever in this position, you can set the wiper interval by twisting the control
ring (A) upward to increase wiper speed or downward to decrease the speed.
Rain sensor (option)
The rain sensor replaces the intermittent wiper function and automatically regulates wiper speed according to the
amount of water on the windshield. The sensitivity of the sensor can be adjusted by twisting control A upward or
downward.
Activating the rain sensor function:
1. Switch on the ignition.
2. Move the windshield wiper lever to the intermittent position.
The rain sensor is deactivated when the ignition is switched completely off.
To reactivate the rain sensor function:
1. Switch on the ignition.
2. Move the windshield wiper lever to position 0 and then back to the intermittent position.
CAUTION:
ProCarManuals.com
4. Average speed
This value indicates average speed since the last time the trip computer was reset (by pressing RESET, button C).
When the engine is switched off, information on average speed is stored and remains in system memory until the
RESET (button C) is pressed again.
5. Current speed in miles per hour (Canadian models only)
This function provides the driver with an instantaneous conversion of the car's current speed from km/h to mph.
*Five functions on Canadian models
**A sixth time on Canadian models
pg. 36 Instruments and controls
Cruise control
Cruise control
The cruise control panel is located on the left side of the steering wheel hub.
Engaging cruise control/setting speed
Press the CRUISE button
Press + or - to set the current speed
Increase or decrease speed as desired
NOTE: Cruise control will not function at speeds below 22 mph (35 km/h).
Braking
Cruise control is automatically disengaged when the brake pedal is depressed. The currently set speed is stored in
memory. Quickly pressing resume
will return the car to the previously set speed.
Acceleration
Momentary acceleration, such as when passing another car, does not affect cruise control operation. The car will
automatically return to the previously set speed when you release the accelerator pedal.
When the cruise control is already engaged, the car's speed can be increased or decreased by holding down + or -
until the car reaches the desired speed. One short press on either symbol corresponds to a speed change of
approximately 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
Disengaging cruise control
Cruise control can also be disengaged by:
Pressing the CRUISE button.
Putting the gear selector in (N)eutral.
ProCarManuals.com
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.
* If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Check Engine Light
(malfunction indicator lamp) may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected. Use only
Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps.
pg. 81 Starting and driving
Starting the car
Starting the engine
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. Adjust the seat if necessary. See pages 54, 56.
2. Apply the parking brake (hand brake) if not already set. The gear selector (automatic transmission) is locked in the
(P)ark position (SHIFTLOCK).
Manual transmission: the clutch must be fully depressed.
3. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key* to the starting position. Allow the starter to operate for
up to 10 seconds. Release the key as soon as the engine starts. If the engine fails to start, repeat this step.
NOTE: On certain models, when the car is started, idle speed may be noticeably higher than normal for a short period,
depending on the temperature of the engine. This has been done to help bring components in the emission control
system to their normal operating temperature as quickly as possible, which enables them to function normally.
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 engine must be running (or the ignition key must be in
position II) and the brake pedal must be depressed.
5. Select the desired gear. The gear engages after a very slight delay which is especially noticeable when selecting R.
NOTE: Your car is equipped with a KEYLOCK system (automatic transmission). When the engine is switched off,
the gear selector must be in the ( P)ark position before the key can be removed from the ignition switch.
When starting in cold weather, the transmission may shift up at slightly higher engine speeds than normal until the
automatic transmission fluid reaches normal operating temperature.
CAUTION:
Automatic transmission
The engine should be idling when you move the gear selector. Never accelerate until after you feel the transmission
engage! Accelerating immediately after selecting a gear will cause harsh engagement and premature transmission wear.
Selecting P or N when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help prevent overheating of the
automatic transmission fluid.
ProCarManuals.com
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 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
Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubrication points fast enough to
prevent engine damage.
* If two of the keys to your car are close together, e.g., on the same key ring, when you try to start the car, this could
cause interference in the immobilizer system and result in the car not starting. If this should occur, remove one of the
keys from the key ring before trying to start the car again.
pg. 82 Starting and driving
Starting the car (contd)
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock
0 Locked position: Remove the key to lock the steering wheel *.
WARNING!
Never turn the key to position O while driving or when the car is being towed.
I Intermediate position - "radio position": Certain accessories, radio, etc. on, daytime running lights off.
II Drive position: The key position when driving. The car's entire electrical system is connected.
III Start position: Release the key when the engine starts. The key returns automatically to the Drive position.
A chime will sound if the key is left in the ignition and the driver's door is opened.
ProCarManuals.com
Steering wheel lock
The steering wheel lock might be under tension when the car is parked.
Turn the steering wheel slightly to free the ignition key.
In order to help reduce car theft, make sure the steering wheel lock is engaged before leaving the car.
* The gear selector must be in the (P)ark position (automatic transmission).
** Please be aware that leaving the key in this position will increase battery drain.
pg. 83 Starting and driving
General information
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.
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:
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: Vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions should use ( D)rive as often as possible and avoid using
"kickdown" to help improve fuel economy.
WARNING!
Driving with the trunk open: Driving with the trunk open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the
passenger compartment.
If the trunk 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.
ProCarManuals.com
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).
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.
pg. 84 Starting and driving
General information (contd)
The heavier the load in the trunk (max. 220 lbs, 100 kg), 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. 85 Starting and driving
Manual transmission
Shift positions
Depress the clutch pedal completely when changing gears*.
Remove your foot from the clutch pedal while driving. The shift pattern should be followed.
Overdrive (5th gear) should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy.
* Clutch interlock
The clutch must be fully depressed before you can start your car. If the clutch is not depressed, it will not be possible
to start the engine.
ProCarManuals.com