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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2 0 0 4
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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Gear selector positions
P Park
The transmission must be in Park position to start the engine, and to allow removal of the key from the ignition when
you leave the car. The car should be stationary when you select P! In the position P the transmission is mechanically
locked. Always apply the parking brake when parking!
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 selector 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
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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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All specifications are subject to change without notice.
pg. 127 Specifications
DimensionsLength S40/V40 178.0 in. (452 cm)
Width S40/V40 67.7 in. (172 cm)
Height S40/V40 55.9 in. (142 cm)
Wheel base S40/V40 101 in. (256 cm)
Track, front S40/V40 57.9 in. (147 cm)
Track, rear S40/V40 57.9 in. (147 cm)
Turning circle: S40/V40 36.7 ft. (11.2 m)
Cargo capacity:
S40 13.2 ft
3 (374 liters)
V40 33.5 ft
3 (948 liters)
Max width of load opening 27.6 in. (67 cm)
Max height of load opening 20.1 in. (51 cm)
Weights Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW):
S40 3924 lbs (1780 kg)
V40 3968 lbs (1800 kg)
Capacity Weight:
S40 826 lbs (375 kg)
V40 826 lbs (375 kg)
Permissible axle weight, front:
S40 2090 lbs (950 kg)
V40 2090 lbs (950 kg)
Permissible axle weight, rear:
S40 1870 lbs (850 kg)
V40 1920 lbs (870 kg)
Permissible axle weight total:
S40 3920 lbs (1780 kg)
V40 3970 lbs (1800 kg)
Curb weight:
S40 2976 lbs (1350 kg)
V40 3020 lbs (1370 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
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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.
Contents | Top of Page
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CD Changer (option)139
CD player138
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 hitch76
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
Electrically operated moonroof52
Emergency towing70
Emergency warning flashers26
Emissions systems112
Engine123
Engine air filter110
Engine compartment111
Engine oil115,122
Engine oil - checking/changing114
F
Floor mats65
Fog light - rear24
Fog lights24
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S
Safety defects - reporting16
Safety locks - child49
Seat belt maintenance16
Seat belts2,3
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
T
Tachometer20
Tailgate (opening/locking)45
Temperature gauge20
Temporary spare tire84
Timing belt110
Tire changing87
Tire pressure82
Tires80
Tires - changing87
Tool kit86
Towing70,71
Towing a trailer78
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