
6. Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charging system checked by an authorized Volvo
workshop.
7. Brake failure warning light
If this light comes on while driving or braking, stop the car as quickly as possible in a safe place, open the
hood, and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. See page 148
for the location of the reservoir.
Canadian models are equipped with this symbol .
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 information display: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the car towed to an authorized Volvo retailer and have the brake
system inspected.
pg. 42 Symbols on the right side of the instrument panel
If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on at the same time, this could indicate a fault in the brake system.
In this case:
1. Stop the car in a suitable place and switch off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
3. If both warning lights go off, no further action is required and the car can be driven.
4. If both lights remain on after the engine has been restarted, switch off the engine again and check the brake fluid
level. See page 148
for the location of the reservoir.
Door open warning
The driver will be alerted if one of the doors, the hood, or the trunk lid are open or ajar.
At low speeds
If the car is moving at a speed of less than approximately 4 m.p.h. (7 km/h), the Information symbol in the
instrument panel will light up and a message will be shown in the information display indicating which door(s), etc is
not completely closed.
At higher speeds
If the car is moving at a speed above approximately 4 m.p.h. (7 km/h), the Warning symbol in the
instrument panel will light up and a message will be shown in the information display indicating which door(s), etc is
not completely closed.
Hood and trunk
If the hood and/or trunk lid is not completely closed, the Information symbol in the instrument panel will
light up and a message will be displayed, regardless of the vehicle's speed.
pg. 43 Information display
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Increasing or decreasing speed
Use + or - in the following ways to increase or decrease the vehicle's speed:
Press and hold down + or - until the vehicle reaches the desired speed. This will become the set speed when the
button is released.
Press + or - for approximately a half second and release the button to increase or decrease vehicle speed by
approximately 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
NOTE:
Cruise control will not function at speeds below 20 m.p.h. (30 km/h).
Momentary acceleration, for less than 1 minute (e.g. when passing another car), does not affect cruise control
operation. The car will automatically return to the previously set speed when the accelerator pedal is released.
Temporarily disengaging the cruise control
Press 0 to temporarily disengage cruise control. CRUISE will appear in the function display. The currently set speed is
stored in the system's memory.
Cruise control is also automatically disengaged:
If the speed drops below approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) when driving uphill.
When the brake or clutch pedal is depressed.
If the gear selector is moved to position N.
During wheel spin or wheel lock-up.
If the vehicle's speed is increased by using the accelerator pedal for more than 1 minute.
Returning to the set speed
Press the button to resume the previously set speed.
(contd. on next page)
pg. 50 Cruise control (option)
Disengaging cruise control
Cruise control can also be disengaged by:
Pressing the CRUISE button (CRUISE ON will no longer be shown in the function display.
Putting the gear selector in (N)eutral.
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Folding down the front seat backrest
WARNING!
Do not adjust the seat while driving.
The seat should be adjusted so that the brake pedal can be depressed fully.
Position the seat as far rearward as comfort and control allow.
Folding down the front seat backrests (option in certain markets)
The front passenger's seat backrest can be folded down to provide room for long loads.
To fold down the backrest:
1. Move the seat as far back as possible.
2. Adjust the backrest to the upright position.
3. Lift the catches on the rear of the backrest as shown in the illustration.
4. Without releasing the catches, push the backrest forward.
5. Move the seat as far forward as possible. WARNING!
Cover sharp edges on the load to help prevent injury to occupants. Secure the load to help prevent shifting during
sudden stops.
pg. 79 Front seats
Power seats
The power driver's seat can be adjusted:
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If the ignition key is in position I or II.
During a 10 minute period after the doors have been unlocked if the door remains open.
If the door is closed and the ignition key is not yet in the ignition, or if the key is in position 0, the seat can be
adjusted or during a period of 40 seconds. The power passenger's seat can only be adjusted if the ignition key is in
position I or II, or if the engine is running.
Adjusting the seat
Controls 5, 6, and 7 on the side of the seat can be used to make adjustments.
5. Backrest tilt
6. Move this section of the control up or down to raise/lower the rear section of the seat. Move the control forward to
move the seat forward.
7. Move this section of the control up or down to raise/lower the front section of the seat. Move the control rearward
to move the seat rearward.
NOTE: The power seats have an overload protector that activates if a seat is blocked by any object. If this occurs,
switch off the ignition (key in position 0) and wait for approximately 20 seconds before operating the seat again.
Emergency stop
If the seat inadvertently begins to move, press any of the buttons to stop the seat.
Programming the seat memory, driver's seat only (option)
Three different seating positions can be stored in the seat's memory.
The following example explains how button 1 can be programmed. Buttons 2 and 3 can be programmed in the same
way.
To program (store) a seat position in button 1:
1. Use controls 5, 6, and 7 to adjust the seat to the desired position.
2. Press and hold down the M (memory) button.
3. With the M button depressed, press button 1 to store the seat's current position.
To move the seat to the position that it was in when button 1 was programmed, press and hold down button 1 until the
seat stops moving.
As a safety precaution, the seat will stop automatically if the button is released before the seat has reached the preset
position.
Central locking system remote control and driver's seat memory
The remote control transmitter can also be equipped with an optional function that controls the electrically operated
driver's seat in the following way:
1. Adjust the seat to the desired position.
2. When you leave the car, lock it using the remote control.
3. The next time the driver's door is unlocked with the same remote control and the driver's door is opened, the
pg. 80 Front seats
driver's seat will automatically move to the position that it was in when the door was most recently locked with that
remote control.
WARNING!
Because the driver's seat can be adjusted with the ignition off, children should never be left unattended in the car.
Movement of the seat can be STOPPED at any time by pressing any button on the power seat control panel.
Do not adjust the seat while driving. The seat should be adjusted so that the brake pedal can be depressed fully. In
addition, position the seat as far rearward as comfort and control allow.
The seat rails on the floor must not be obstructed in any way when the seat is in motion.
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2 0 0 5
VOLVO S40
Chapter 7 - Starting and driving
pg. 97 Starting and driving
General information98
Fuel requirements101
Starting the vehicle104
Manual transmission107
Automatic transmission - Geartronic108
All Wheel Drive (option)110
Brake system111
Stability system113
Rear park assist115
Towing116
Jump starting118
Towing a trailer119
Trailer towing120
Detachable trailer hitch121
Transporting loads122
pg. 98 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 vehicle for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach
normal operating temperature.
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Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
Use the transmission's (D)rive position as often as possible and avoid using kickdown.
Do not exceed posted speed limits.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the vehicle.
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.
At highway 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 intervals.
Weight distribution affects handling
At the specified curb weight your vehicle 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. The heavier the load in the cargo
area, the less the tendency to understeer.
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 the blower control to its
highest setting.
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 18
inches (48 cm).
pg. 99 General information
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 the "Tire pressure" section. Loads should be distributed
so that capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
Cold weather precautions
If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the following advice is worth noting:
Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture will reduce freeze protection.
This gives protection against freezing down to -31°F (-35°C). See section "Coolant". The use of "recycled" antifreeze
is not approved by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze must not be mixed.
Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator. Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty
of Volvo engine coolant to help protect your vehicle during cold weather.
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occur.
As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip:
Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage
Have the transmission oil level checked2.
Check condition of drive belts.
Check state of the battery's charge.
Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those that are worn. Check tire pressures.
The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked by your Volvo retailer only.
Check all lights, including high beams.
Reflective warning triangles are legally required in some states/provinces.
Have a word with your Volvo retailer if you intend to drive in countries where it may be difficult to obtain the
correct fuel.
Consider your destination. If you will be driving through an area where snow or ice are likely to occur, consider
snow tires.
2. To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your vehicle's transmission fluid yourself. Have
your vehicle's transmission fluid level inspected by a qualified Volvo service technician.
pg. 101 Fuel requirements
Octane rating
Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium gasoline with an AKI octane rating of 91
or above. AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of the Research Octane Number, RON, and the Motor Octane
Number, MON. ((RON + MON)/2). The minimum octane requirement is AKI 87 (RON 91).
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
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.
NOTE: Volvo does not recommend the use of store -bought fuel injector cleaning additives.
Unleaded fuel
Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and Canadian regulations
require that pumps delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit
your vehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled "unleaded gasoline only".
Leaded gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of
leaded gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of the emission control system and could result in loss of emission
warranty coverage. State and local vehicle inspection programs will make detection of misfueling easier, possibly
resulting in emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.
NOTE: Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive called methyl-cyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission Control System performance may be affected,
and the Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator lamp) located on your instrument panel may light. If this occurs,
please return your vehicle to an authorized Volvo retailer for maintenance.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or ethers. In some areas, state or
local laws require that the service pump be marked indicating use of alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas in
which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet seasonal air quality standards, some areas require the use of "oxygenated"
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pg. 103 Fuel requirements
CAUTION!
Do not refuel with the engine running
a. Turn the ignition off or to position I. If the ignition is on, an incorrect
reading could occur in the fuel gauge
After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place.
Allow for fuel expansion by not overfilling the tank. Overfilling could also cause damage to the emission control
systems.
Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. In addition to causing damage to the environment, gasolines containing
alcohol can cause damage to painted surfaces, which may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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.
a. If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the vehicle 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. 104 Starting the vehicle
Starting the vehicle
To start 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.
2. Apply the parking brake if not already set. The gear selector (automatic transmission) is locked in the (P)ark position
(SHIFTLOCK). See also page 109.
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 vehicle 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. On models with an automatic transmission, the gear engages after a very slight delay which
is especially noticeable when selecting R.
NOTE:
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