NOTE: Gears 4, 3, or L can be used if you are driving in a mountainous area, towing a trailer or to increase engine
braking effect.
The transmission has a built-in limiter designed to help prevent excessive engine speeds (high rpm) when gears 4, 3 or
L are selected.
pg. 87 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission (option) (contd)
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).
When the W driving mode is engaged, this is displayed in the instrument panel (see page 22).
This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
NOTE: R-models are not equipped with this button.
Automatic transmission AW55- 50 - 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.
"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.
Automatic transmission - adaptive system
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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.
pg. 89 Starting and driving
Geartronic (option) (contd)
Manual shifting - Geartronic
You can move the gear selector freely between the ( MAN)ual and ( D)rive positions while driving. Gears 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 22
).
To access the ( MAN)ual shifting position from ( D)rive, move the gear selector to the left to MAN .
To return to the (D)rive position from MAN , move the gear selector to the right.
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 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 does not function when the transmission is in the manual shift (Geartronic) mode.The gear selector
must be in the D(Drive) 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.
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Brake system
BRAKE Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system consisting of two master cylinders and two separate brake circuits. If a
problem should occur in one of these circuits, it is still possible to stop the car with the other brake circuit.
If the brake pedal must be depressed farther than normal and requires greater foot pressure, the stopping distance will
be longer.
A warning light in the instrument panel will light up to warn the driver that a fault has occurred.
If this light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
NOTE: Press the brake pedal hard and maintain pressure on the pedal Ð do not pump the brakes.
WARNING!
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a "Brake failure - Service urgent" message is displayed
in the text window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the car towed to a Volvo retailer and have the brake system inspected.
NOTE: When the car is at a standstill and the engine is idling, e.g. at a traffic light and the brake pedal is depressed,
the pedal may go down slightly. This is a normal function of the power-assisted brake system.
Power brakes function only when the engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure which is only created when the engine is running. Never let the vehicle roll
to a stop with the engine switched off.
If the power brakes are not working, the brake pedal must be pressed approximately four times harder than usual to
make up for the lack of power assistance. This can happen for example when towing your vehicle or if the engine is
switched off when the vehicle is rolling. The brake pedal feels harder than usual.
Water on brake discs and brake pads affects braking
Driving in rain and slush or passing through an automatic car wash can cause water to collect on the brake discs and
pads. This will cause a delay in braking effect when the pedal is depressed. To avoid such a delay when the brakes are
needed, depress the pedal occasionally when driving through rain, slush etc. This will remove the water from the
brakes. Check that brake application feels normal. This should also be done after washing or starting in very damp or
cold weather.
Severe strain on the brake system
The brakes will be subject to severe strain when driving in mountains or hilly areas or towing. Vehicle speed is usually
slower, which means that the cooling of the brakes is less efficient than when driving on level roads. To reduce the
strain on the brakes, shift into a lower gear and let the engine help with the braking. Do not forget that, if you are
towing a trailer, the brakes will be subjected to a greater than normal load.
pg. 93 Starting and driving
Brake system (contd)
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
If the warning lamp lights up there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system will however
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function) and the vehicle should be driven cautiously to a Volvo retailer for inspection. The Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and steering) during severe braking conditions by limiting brake
lockup. When the system "senses" impending lockup, braking pressure is automatically modulated in order to help
prevent lockup, which could lead to a skid.
The system performs a self -diagnostic test when the engine is started and when the vehicle first reaches a speed
of approximately 12 mph (20 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsate several times and a sound may be audible from the
ABS control module. This is normal.
To obtain optimal effect from the ABS system, constant pressure should be kept on the brake pedal, keep constant
pressure on the brake pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal.
The switching of the ABS modulator will be audible and the brake pedal will pulsate during braking. Please be aware
that ABS does not increase the absolute braking potential of the vehicle. While control will be enhanced, ABS will not
shorten stopping distances on slippery surfaces.
ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
EBD is an integrated part of the ABS system. EBD regulates the hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes to help provide
optimal braking capacity. The brake pedal will pulsate during braking, which is normal.
If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on at the same time, this could indicate a fault in the brake system.
Stop the car in a suitable place and switch off the engine.
Restart the engine.
If both warning lights go off, no further action is required.
If both lights are still on after the engine has been restarted, switch off the engine again and check the brake fluid
level (see page 124
for the location of the brake fluid reservoir).
WARNING!
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a "Brake failure - Service urgent" message is displayed
in the text window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the car towed to a Volvo retailer and have the brake system inspected.
If the brake fluid level is above the MIN mark, drive carefully to an authorized Volvo retailer and have the brake
system inspected.
Contents | Top of Page
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the instrument panel will come on and a warning will be displayed in the text window.
If the yellow warning light in the instrument panel comes on and the text OIL LEVEL LOW/ FILL OIL is displayed,
stop safely as soon as possible and add 1 qt (1 liter) of oil. Check the oil level with the dipstick before restarting the
engine.
If the red warning light in the instrument panel comes on and the text OIL LEVEL LOW/STOP SAFELY-->STOP
ENGINE-->SEE MANUAL is displayed, stop safely as soon as possible and add oil (not more than 1.6 qts (1.5 liters).
Check the oil level with the dipstick before restarting the engine. If no oil level is visible on the dipstick, do not start
the engine. Have the car towed to an authorized Volvo workshop.
pg. 127 Maintenance and service
Washer fluid reservoir
Washer fluid reservoir
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and holds approx. 4.7 US qts. (4.5 liters).
During cold weather, the reservoir should be filled with windshield washer solvent containing antifreeze.
Coolant reservoir
Changing coolant
Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be drained, consult your Volvo retailer.
NOTE: Do not top off with water only. This reduces the rust-protective and antifreeze qualities of the coolant and has
a lower boiling point. It can also cause damage to the cooling system if it should freeze. Top off with Volvo Genuine
Coolant/Antifreeze only (a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze).
CAUTION:
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CD changer (option)
4. Fader - press and turn
Balance - press, pull and turn
5. Radio - Station seek up/down
Cassette - selecting next/previous track
CD - Selecting next/previous track
6. Radio - Manual station selection
Cassette - Fast winding forward/backward
CD - Fast forwards/backward
7. CD eject
8. CD slot
9. CD random play
10. Active Sound Control (ON or OFF)
11. Scan function
12. Dolby B Noise Reduction
13. Automatic presetting of radio stations
14. Bass - press and turn
Treble - press, pull and turn
15. Tape direction selector
16. Cassette opening
17. Cassette eject
18. Display
pg. 159 Audio
Audio system HU-803 - overview
1. On/ off - press
Volume - turn
2. Bass - press and turn
Treble - press, pull and turn
3. Fader - press and turn
Balance - press, pull and turn
4. Center volume - press and turn
Effect channel volume - press, pull and turn
5. Selector knob for:
Stored radio frequencies
CD - selecting disc
6. Selector knob:
Radio
Internal CD changer
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Station scan - press
External CD changer (option)
7. Radio - Station seek up/down
CD - Selecting next/previous track
8. Radio - Manual station selection
CD - Fast forward/backward
9. CD eject
10. Dolby Pro Logic - switching on
11. 2 channel stereo
12. 3 channel stereo
13. CD slot
14. CD random play
15. Program type
16. News
17. Traffic information
18. Automatic presetting of radio stations
19. Display
pg. 160 Audio
Audio systems HU-613/HU-803
Switch on/off
Press the knob to switch on or turn off the radio.
Volume control
Turn the knob clockwise to increase volume. Volume control is electronic and does not have an end stop. If you have
a key pad in the steering wheel, increase or decrease the volume with the + or - buttons.
Band selector
Turn "SOURCE" knob to select FM or AM. The station and band are displayed. You can also select cassette deck,
CD, or the optional CD changer if connected, with this knob.
Active sound control (ASC)
The ASC (Active Sound Control) automatically adapts volume to vehicle speed.
Press the ASC button (HU-613) for several seconds to switch this function ON or OFF. This function is included in
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the Advanced User Mode on the HU -803 equipped with this feature.
"ASC ON" or "ASC OFF" will be shown in the display for several seconds.
Bass
Adjust the bass by pressing the button to extend the control and turning it to the left (less bass) or to the right (more
bass). A "detent" indicates "equalized" bass. Press the button back in when you have made the adjustment.
Treble
Adjust the treble by pressing the button to extend the control, pulling it out as far as possible, and then turning it to the
left (less treble) or to the right (more treble). A "detent" indicates "equalized" treble. Press the button back in when you
have made the adjustment.
pg. 161 Audio
Fader - Balance front/rear
Adjust front/ rear speaker balance by pressing the button to extend the control and turning it to the left (more sound
from the rear speakers) or to the right (more sound from the front speakers). A "detent" indicates "equalized" balance.
Press the button back in when you have made the adjustment.
Balance right/left
Adjust left/ right speaker balance by pressing the button to extend the control, pulling it out as far as possible and then
turning it to the left (more sound from the left speakers) or to the right (more sound from the right speakers). A
"detent" indicates "equalized" balance. Press the button back in when you have made the adjustment.
A - Setting station
Press the left side of the button to select lower frequencies and the right side for higher frequencies. Set frequencies are
displayed.
B - Station seek up/ down
Press the left side (lower frequency) or right side (higher frequency) of the button to start the seek function. The radio
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