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.CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING! Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the state of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain
fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Shiftlock
When your car is parked, the gear selector is locked in the (P)ark position. To release the selector from this position,
turn the ignition key to position II (or start the engine), depress the brake pedal, press the button on the front of the
gear selector knob and move the selector from (P)ark.
If it is necessary to manually override the shiftlock system:
Turn the starting (ignition) key to position I
Press firmly on the "SHIFTLOCK OVERRIDE" button located at the base of the gear selector
While holding the override button down, press the button on the front of the gear selector
Move the selector from the ( P)ark position.
Keylock
When you switch off the ignition, the gear selector must be in the (P)ark position before the key can be removed.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS system in your car performs a self -diagnostic test when the vehicle first reaches the speed of approximately
4 mph (6 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsate several times and a sound may be audible from the ABS control module.
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This is normal.
Fuel filler door
When you lock the doors, the fuel filler door also locks, with a delay of 10 minutes. When all doors are unlocked, the
fuel filler door is also unlocked. Your key, keyless remote, and the door lock button in the driver's door control pod
will all unlock the fuel filler door. To open the unlocked fuel filler door, press at the forward edge of the door. See
pages 42
for information about locking and unlocking features.
WARNING! If your vehicle is involved in an accident, unseen damage may affect your vehicle's driveability and
safety.
Volvo and the environment
Volvo is committed to the well being of our customers. As a natural part of this commitment, we care about the
environment in which we all live. Caring for the environment means an everyday involvement in reducing our
environmental impact.
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
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1 Turn signal, left
2 Turn signal, right
3 Low washer fluid level
4 Brake light* failure warning
5 Turn indicator - trailer (certain models)
6 Front fog lights on
7 Door open
8 Rear fog light on
9 Seat belt warning
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.
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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
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
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Do not exceed posted speed limits.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the car.
Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (check 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 thereby fuel consumption.
Avoid using automatic transmission kick-down feature unless necessary.
Avoid using the air conditioning when it is not required. When engaged, the air conditioner's compressor places an
additional load on the engine. However, please note that fuel consumption is lower with the air conditioning on than it
is when driving with the air conditioning switched off and the windows down.
Utilizing the fuel consumption modes in the Trip Computer can help you "learn" how to drive more economically.
Other factors which 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 : The automatic transmission's ( D)rive position should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel
economy.
WARNING!
It is recommended that tires of the same make and dimensions be used on all four wheels (including the use of
snow tires). Do not use bias ply tires as this will adversely alter vehicle handling characteristics. Maintain correct tire
pressure.
Do not drive with trunk lid open! A warning light in the instrument panel will indicate that the trunk is open.
Poisonous exhaust gases may enter via the open trunk lid. If the trunk lid/tailgate 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.
pg. 65 Starting the engine
Starting and stopping
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. Move the seat closer if necessary. Refer to section "front seats".
2. Make sure the gear selector is in the Park position.
3. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to the starting position. Allow the starter to operate
for up to 5 seconds. Release the key as soon as the engine starts. If the engine fails to start, repeat step 3.
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. Depress the brake pedal and release the parking
brake.
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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
W - Winter/Wet Weather
Use the W button to turn the Winter/Wet Weather function on or off.
The Winter/Wet Weather function limits downshifting during acceleration, helping to reduce wheel spin. Because
downshifting is limited in W mode, performance may seem sluggish and fuel economy may be reduced.
W mode is recommended for acceleration from a standstill on rain-slicked roads.
Automatic transmission - shift gate positions
The gear selector can be moved freely between N and D. Selections of other positions are obtained by depressing the
selector knob prior to moving the selector.
Slightly depressing the selector knob allows selection of positions R, N, D, 4, 3 and L. Fully depressing the selector
knob allows selection of position P. This is also necessary when initially bringing the selector out of position P. Fully
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Owners who live in or regularly commute through areas with sustained periods of snow or icy driving
conditions are strongly advised to fit suitable winter tires to help retain the highest degree of traction.
It is important to install winter tires on all four wheels to help retain traction during cornering, braking, and
accelerating. Failure to do so could reduce traction to an unsafe level or adversely affect handling. Do not mix tires of
different design as this could also negatively affect overall tire road grip. Volvo recommends 185/65 R15 winter tires
on 15" steel rims on all S/V 40 models.
Winter tires wear more quickly on dry roads in warm weather. They should be removed when the winter driving
season has ended.
Studded tires should be run-in 300-600 miles (50-1000 km) during which the car should be driven as smoothly as
possible to give the studs the opportunity to seat properly in the tires. The car tires should have the same rotational
direction throughout their entire lifetime. In other words, if you wish to rotate the wheels, make sure that the same
wheels are always on the same side of the car.
NOTE: Please consult state or provincial regulations restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such
tires.
* Where permitted.
pg. 82 Wheels and tires
Checking and correcting tire pressure
Refer to the tire pressure label located on the inside of the fuel filler door. The tire pressures shown on the top line
of the label will provide best fuel economy. The tire pressures shown on the second line will provide a softer ride, but
may reduce fuel economy.
Check the tire pressure when refueling.
The tire pressure should be corrected only when the tires are cold.
With warm tires, correct only when the pressure is too low. The tire temperature rises after driving just a few miles.
Vehicle loading
The tires on your Volvo will perform to specifications at all normal loads when inflated as recommended on the tire
information label located on the inside of the fuel filler door*. This label also lists vehicle load limits. Do not load
your car beyond the indicated limits.
*Please note that the tire information label indicates pressure for both comfort and fuel economy.
Tire pressure label on fuel filler door
Tire rotation
Volvo recommends rotating the tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) and 15,000 miles (24,000 km). Tires should be
rotated front -to-back/back-to-front only. Tires must maintain the same direction of rotation throughout their lifetime,
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4 Model plate
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Codes for color and upholstery, etc. The plate is located in the engine
compartment.
5 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) *
The VIN plate is located on the top left surface of the dashboard.
6 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) specifications (USA) and Ministry of Transport (CMVSS)
standards (Canada )
Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable safety standards, as evidenced by the certification label on the facing
side of the driver's door. For further information regarding these regulations, please consult your Volvo retailer.
7 Child safety latch label
* The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should always be quoted in all correspondence concerning your vehicle
with the retailer and when ordering parts.
** These decals are located on the underside of the hood.
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
pg. 109 Maintenance service, Warranty
Maintenance service
Volvo advises you to follow the service program which is outlined in the "Warranty and Service Records Information
booklet". This maintenance program contains inspections and services necessary for the proper function of your car.
The maintenance services contain several checks which require special instruments and tools and therefore must be
performed by a qualified technician. To keep your Volvo in top condition, specify time-tested and proven Genuine
Volvo Parts and Accessories.
The Federal Clean Air Act - U.S.
The Clean Air Act requires vehicle manufacturers to furnish written instructions to the ultimate purchaser to assure the
proper servicing and function of the components that control emissions. These services, which are listed in the
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