Page 16 of 85

If this light comes on while driving, the coolant temperature is too high. Stop the engine and check the coolant level in
the expansion tank. See page 117.
3 Odometer
4 Speedometer
The longer the knob is turned, the faster the setting will change.
5 Trip odometer
This indicator measures shorter distances. The last digit indicates 1/10 mile/kilometer.
6 Button for setting clock/resetting trip odometer
In both cases, the ignition must be switched on
Clock: Without pressing the button, turn it clockwise to advance the clock, or counterclockwise to set the clock back.
Trip odometer: Press the button to reset the trip odometer.
7 Tachometer
Reads thousands of engine rpm. The needle should never be in the solid red range.
8 Clock, Trip Computer/Ambient temperature
NOTE: See page 27- 29
for information on the trip computer.
9 Low fuel level warning light
When this light comes on, there are approximately 1.9 US gal. (7 liters) of fuel remaining in the tank.
10 Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: 16 US gallons (60 liters).
When refuelling the fuel gauge needle will not register until the volume of gasoline in the tank exceeds 3.2 US gal. (12
liters).
pg. 21 Indicator and warning lights
1 Turn signal, left
2 Turn signal, right
3 Low washer fluid level
4 Brake light* failure warning
5 Turn signals - trailer (certain models)
6 Front fog lights on
7 Door open
8 Rear fog light on
9 Seat belt warning
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Page 28 of 85

2 0 0 3
VOLVO
S40 & V40
Chapter 4 - Starting and driving
pg. 61 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
62
Driving economy64
Starting the engine65
Automatic transmission66
Points to remember68
Emergency towing70
Vehicle towing information71
Jump starting, Proposition 65 Battery Warning72
Brake system, ABS73
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)74
Winter driving, Before a long distance trip75
Detachable trailer hitch, installing/removing76
Trailer towing78
pg. 62 Fuel requirements
Deposit control (detergent) gasoline
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gasoline to control engine deposits. Detergent gasoline is effective 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
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Page 33 of 85

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 99
for information on how to move the gear selector
manually in case of a dead battery.
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.
pg. 67 Automatic transmission
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Page 65 of 85

S403068 lbs (1392 kg)
V403118 lbs (1414 kg)
The max permissible axle loads or the gross vehicle weight must not be exceeded.
Max roof load * 220 lbs (100 kg)
Max trailer weight
(w/o brakes) 1000 lbs (455 kg)
(with brakes) 2000 lbs (908 kg)
Max tongue weight ** 110 lbs (50 kg)
* For non-Volvo roof racks, check the manufacturer's weight specifications. The maximum permitted roof load weight
may not be exceeded
** Please refer to section "Trailer towing"
WARNING!
When adding accessories, equipment, luggage and other cargo to your vehicle, the total loaded weight capacity of
the vehicle must not be exceeded.
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
pg. 128 On Call Roadside Assistance
Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance
Your new Volvo comes with a four year On Call Roadside Assistance program. Additional information, features, and
benefits are described in a separate information package in your glove compartment.
If you have misplaced your package, dial:
In the U.S.A .
1-800-63-VOLVO (1-800-638-6586)
In Canada:
1-800-263-0475
Technician certification
In addition to Volvo factory training, Volvo supports certification by the National Institute for Automotive Excellence
(A.S.E.). Certified technicians have demonstrated a high degree of competence in specific areas. Besides passing
exams each technicians must also have worked in the field for two or more years before a certificate is issued. These
professional technicians are best able to analyze vehicle problems and perform the necessary service procedures to
keep your Volvo at peak operating condition.
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Page 78 of 85
Bulb failure warning22
Bulbs126
C
Cabin air filter35
Capacities125
Center head restraint3
Central locking switch42
Chains - winter driving81
Changing a wheel87
Child booster cushion11
Child Restraint Anchorages14
Child safety15
Child safety locks - rear doors49
Concealed storage bin (wagon)59
Coolant - checking/changing117
Cooling system68,124
Cruise control31
D
Daytime Running Lights23
Detachable trailer hitch - installing76
Detachable trailer hitch - removing77
Dimensions127
Doors and locks42
Drive belt117
Driving economy64
Dynamic Stability Assistance (DSA)30
E
EBD74
ECC - Electronic Climate Control36,37
Electrical outlet33
Electrical system69,126
Electrically operated driver's seat50
Electrically operated front seats48
Emergency towing70
Emergency warning flashers26
Emissions systems112
Engine123
Engine air filter110
Engine compartment111
Engine oil115,122
Engine oil - checking/changing114
F
Fog light - rear24
Fog lights24
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Seat belts - cleaning105
Seats47
Service reminder indicator23
Servicing111
Shift lock66
Shiftlock release99
Shiftlock release (override)99
Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)8
Side marker lamp replacement90
Side-view mirrors - heated26
SIPS8
Snow chains81
Snow tires81
Spare tire84
Spare tire (sedan)57
Spark plugs110, 124
Specifications121
SRS5,6,7
SRS diagnostic system22
SRS warning light5,22
Start inhibitor (immobilizer)40
Starting the engine65
Steering wheel adjustment34
Steering wheel lock26
Storage compartments54
Studded tires81
Sun roof51,52
T
Tachometer20
Tailgate (opening/locking)45
Technical data - Audio142
Temperature gauge20
Temporary spare tire84
Timing belt110
Tires changing87
Tire pressure82
Tires80
Tires - changing87
Tool kit86
Towing70,71
Towing a trailer78
Traction Control System (TRACS)23,74
Trailer hitch - detachable76
Trailer towing78
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