Keep your windshield and headlights clean.
Replace wiper blades when they start to leave streaks.
Take into account the traffic, road, and weather conditions, particularly with regard to stopping distance.
Reporting safety defects in the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Volvo Cars
of North America. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become
involved in individual problems between you, your retailer, or Volvo Cars of North America. To contact NHTSA, you
may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1- 800-424-9393 (or 202-366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or
write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information
about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
Volvo strongly recommends that if your vehicle is covered under a service campaign, safety or emission recall or
similar action, it should be completed as soon as possible. Please check with your local retailer or Volvo Cars of North
America, LLC if your vehicle is covered under these conditions. NHTSA can be reached at:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov
or by phone at:
pg. 13 Occupant safety
1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327- 4236) (toll free)
1-800-424-9393 (toll free)
1-202-366-0123 (in the Washington DC area)
pg. 14 Seat belts
Seat belts
Using seat belts
Not wearing a seat belt is like believing "It'll never happen to me!" Volvo, the inventor of the three-point seat belt,
urges you and all occupants of your vehicle to wear seat belts and ensure that children are properly restrained, using an
infant, car or booster seat determined by age, weight and height.
Volvo also believes no child should sit in the front seat of a vehicle.
Most states and provinces make it mandatory for occupants of a vehicle to use seat belts.
So, urging you to buckle up is not just our recommendation. The few seconds it takes to buckle your seat belt may one
day allow you to say "It's a good thing I was wearing my seat belt."
The outboard seat belts are equipped with tensioners that reduce slack in the belts.
These tensioners are triggered in situations where the airbags deploy. The front seat belts also include a tension
reducing device which, in the event of a collision, limits the peak forces exerted by the seat belt on the occupant.
WARNING!
Never use a seat belt for more than one occupant. Never wear the shoulder portion of the belt under the arm, behind
the back or otherwise out of position. Such use could cause injury in the event of an accident. As seat belts lose
much of their strength when exposed to violent stretching, they should be replaced after any collision, even if they
appear to be undamaged.
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NOTE: When the ignition is switched on, the OWS indicator light will go on for up to 10 seconds while the system
performs a self -diagnostic test and then go out.
However, if a fault is detected in the system:
The OWS indicator light will stay on
The safety system warning light (see page 22) will come on and stay on
The message PASS. AIRBAG OFF SERVICE URGENT will be displayed in the information display.
WARNING!
If a fault in the system is detected and indicated as explained above, be aware that the passenger's side front airbag
will not deploy in the event of a collision. In this case, the safety systems and Occupant Weight Sensor should be
inspected by an authorized Volvo retailer as soon as possible.
pg. 20 Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)
WARNING!
Never try to open, remove, or repair any components in the OWS system. This could result in system malfunction.
Maintenance or repairs should only be carried out by an authorized Volvo service technician.
WARNING!
Keep the following points in mind with respect to the OWS system. Failure to follow these instructions could
adversely affect the system's function and result in serious injury to the occupant of the front passenger's seat:
The full weight of the front seat passenger should always be on the seat cushion. The passenger should never lift
him/herself off the seat cushion using the armrest in the door or the center console, by pressing the feet on the floor,
by sitting on the edge of the seat cushion, or by pressing against the backrest in a way that reduces pressure on the
seat cushion. This could cause OWS to disable the front, passenger's side airbag.
The front passenger's seat should not be modified in any way. This could reduce pressure on the seat cushion, which
might interfere with the OWS system's function.
No objects should be placed under the front passenger's seat. This could interfere with the OWS system's function.
WARNING!
No objects that add to the total weight on the seat should be placed on the front passenger's seat. If a child is seated
in the front passenger's seat with any additional weight, this extra weight could cause the OWS system to enable the
airbag, which might cause it to deploy in the event of a collision, thereby injuring the child.
The seat belt should never be wrapped around an object on the front passenger's seat. This could interfere with the
OWS system's function.
The front passenger's seat belt should never be used in a way that exerts more pressure on the passenger than
normal. This could increase the pressure exerted on the weight sensor by a child, and could result in the airbag being
enabled, which might cause it to deploy in the event of a collision, thereby injuring the child.
pg. 21 Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)
When do the front airbags deploy?
The front airbags are designed to deploy during certain frontal or front -angular collisions, impacts, or decelerations,
depending on the crash severity, angle, speed and object impacted. The airbags may also deploy in certain non-frontal
collisions where rapid deceleration occurs. The SRS sensors are designed to react to both the impact of the collision
and the inertial forces generated by it, and to determine if the intensity of the collision is sufficient for the seat belt
tensioners and/or airbags to be deployed. If the airbags have been deployed, we recommend the following:
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Have the vehicle towed to an authorized Volvo retailer. Never drive with the airbags deployed.
Have an authorized Volvo retailer replace the SRS system components.
Use only new, Genuine Volvo Parts when replacing SRS components (airbags, seat belts, tensioners, etc.).
NOTE:
Deployment of SRS components occurs only one time during an accident. In a collision where deployment occurs,
the airbags and seat belt tensioners activate. Some noise occurs and a small amount of powder is released. The release
of the powder may appear as smoke-like matter. This is a normal characteristic and does not indicate fire.
Volvo's dual-threshold, dual-stage front airbags use special sensors that are integrated with the front seat buckles.
The point at which the airbag deploys is determined by whether or not the seat belt is being used, as well as the
severity of the collision. Collisions can occur where only one of the airbags deploys. If the impact is less severe, but
severe enough to present a clear injury risk, the dual-stage airbags are triggered at 70% of their total capacity. If the
impact is more severe, the dual-stage airbags are triggered at full capacity.
WARNING!
Do not use child safety seats or child booster cushions/backrests in the front passenger's seat. We also recommend
that occupants under 4 feet 7 inches (140 cm) in height who have outgrown these devices sit in the rear seat with the
seat belt fastened.
Never drive with the airbags deployed. The fact that they hang out can impair the steering of your vehicle. Other
safety systems can also be damaged.
The smoke and dust formed when the airbags are deployed can cause skin and eye irritation in the event of
prolonged exposure.
When do the front airbags not deploy?
Not all frontal collisions activate the SRS system. If the collision involves a nonrigid object (e.g., a snow drift or
bush), or a rigid, fixed object at a low speed, the SRS system will not necessarily deploy. Front airbags do not
normally deploy in a side impact collision, in a collision from the rear or in a rollover situation. The amount of
damage to the bodywork does not reliably indicate if the airbags should have deployed or not.
pg. 22 Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)
Safety system warning light in the instrument panel
A self -diagnostic system incorporated in the sensor monitors certain safety system components. A check is performed
on components such as seat belt locks, SRS, SIPS, OWS, and/or the VIC system. If a fault is detected, the warning
light will illuminate. The light is included in the warning/indicator light cluster in the instrument panel. Normally, the
safety system warning lamp should light up when the ignition key is turned to positions I, II or III and should go out
after approximately 7 seconds or when the engine is started. Check that this light is functioning properly every time the
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vehicle is started.
WARNING!
If the safety system warning light stays on after the engine has started or if it comes on while you are driving, drive
the vehicle to the nearest authorized Volvo retailer for inspection as soon as possible.
There is no maintenance to perform on the SRS yourself. The month and year shown on the decal on the door pillar
indicate when you should contact your Volvo retailer for specific servicing or replacement of airbags and seat belt
tensioners. This service must be performed by an authorized Volvo retailer. WARNING!
If your vehicle has been subjected to flood conditions (e.g. soaked carpeting/ standing water on the floor of the
vehicle) or if your vehicle has become flood-damaged in any way, do not attempt to start the vehicle or put the key
in the ignition before disconnecting the battery (see below). This may cause airbag deployment which could result in
personal injury. Have the vehicle towed to an authorized Volvo retailer for repairs.
Automatic transmission:
Before attempting to tow the vehicle, use the following procedure to override the shiftlock system to move the gear
selector to the neutral position.
Switch off the ignition for at least 10 minutes and disconnect the battery
Wait at least one minute.
Insert the key in the ignition and turn it to position II.
Press firmly on the brake pedal.
Move the gear selector from (P)ark to the (N)eutral position. See page 111 for information on manually overriding
the shiftlock system.
pg. 23 Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)
SRS text on passenger's dash
Should you have any questions about the SRS system, please contact your authorized Volvo retailer or Volvo
Customer Support:
In the USA In Canada
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd.
Customer Care Center Customer Care Center
P.O. Box 914 175 Gordon Baker Rd.
Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647-091 North York, Ontario M2H 2N7
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2 0 0 5
VOLVO S40
Chapter 3 - Instruments and controls
pg. 37 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel38
Indicator and warning symbols39
Symbols on the left side of the instrument panel40
Symbols on the right side of the instrument panel41
Information display43
Center console controls44
Lighting panel45
Left-side steering wheel lever47
Cruise control (option)49
Right-side steering wheel lever51
Steering wheel adjustment, Hazard warning flashers53
Parking brake, 12 volt socket54
Power windows55
Mirrors57
Power moonroof (option)59
Personal settings61
Home Link® Universal Transceiver (option)63
pg. 38 Instrument panel
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1. Speedometer
2. Turn signal, left
3. Warning symbol
See the next page for additional information.
4. Information display
The display presents information and warning messages, the ambient temperature, and the clock, etc. When the
ambient temperature is between 23° and 36°F (-5° and +2°C), a snowflake symbol is shown in the display. This
symbol serves as a warning for possible slippery road surfaces. Please note that this symbol does not indicate a fault
with your car. At low speeds, or when the car is not moving, the temperature readings may be slightly higher than the
actual ambient temperature.
5. Information symbol
See the next page for additional information.
6. Turn signal, right
7. Tachometer
The tachometer shows engine speed in thousands of revolutions per minute (rpm). Do not drive continuously with the
needle in the red area of the dial, which indicates maximum allowable engine rpm range. Instead, shift to a higher gear
or slow the vehicle down. The engine management system will automatically prevent excessively high engines speeds.
This will be noticeable as a pronounced unevenness in engine speed.
8. Indicator and warning symbols
9. Fuel gauge
The fuel tank holds approximately 15.9 US gallons (60 liters)
1. When a warning light in the gauge comes on, there are
approximately 2.1 US gallons (8 liters) of fuel remaining in the tank.
10. Trip odometer reset button
The trip odometers are used to measure short distances. Press the button briefly to switch between the odometer for the
car's total mileage and the two trip odometers, T1 and T2. A long press (more than 2 seconds) resets the currently
selected trip odometer.
11. Function display
This window displays information on functions such as the odometer, trip odometers, optional rain sensor, and cruise
control.
12. High beam indicator
13. Clock setting button
Turn the button to set the time.
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14. Temperature gauge
The gauge indicates the temperature of the engine cooling system. If the temperature is abnormally high and the needle
enters the red zone, a message is shown in the display. Bear in mind that extra lamps in front of the air intake reduce
the cooling capacity at high outside temperatures and high engine loads.
15. Indicator and warning symbols
1. Models with All Wheel Drive have a tank volume of 15 US gallons (57 liters).
Models with engine code 39 have a fuel tank capacity of 14.5 US gallons (55 liters). This code is the 6th and 7th digits
from the left in your vehicle's VIN number. See page 184
for the location of the VIN plate.
pg. 39 Indicator and warning symbols
Function check
The indicator and warning symbols light up when you turn the ignition key to the driving position (position II) before
starting. This shows that the symbols are functioning. When the engine starts, all symbols go out. If the engine is not
started within 5 seconds, all of the symbols except CHECK ENGINE and
will go out. Certain symbols may not
have their functions illustrated, depending on the car's equipment. The PARK BRAKE symbol will not go out until the
parking brake has been released.
Symbols in the center of the instrument panel
Warning symbol
The red warning symbol lights up to indicate a fault that could affect the car's driveability. A text explaining the nature
of the fault will also be shown in the information display. This symbol may also light up in combination with other
indicator or warning symbols.
If the red warning symbol lights up:
1. Stop the car as soon as possible in a suitable location.
2. Read the message in the information display.
3. Follow the instructions provided, or contact an authorized Volvo Retailer or workshop.
Information symbol
The yellow information symbol lights up to alert the driver to a message in the information display. This symbol may
also light up in combination with other indicator or warning symbols.
NOTE: The car can still be driven after the information symbol has come on. The car can be driven for 1-2 weeks
after service-related information has been displayed.
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pg. 40 Symbols on the left side of the instrument panel
Symbols on the left side of the instrument panel
Symbols - left side of instrument panel
1. Malfunction indicator light
As you drive, a computer called On-Board Diagnostics II (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 controls, and driveability. Extended driving
without correcting the cause could even damage other components in your car.
Canadian models are equipped with this symbol .
2. Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
If the warning light comes on, there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system will still
function). The vehicle should be driven to a Volvo retailer for inspection. See page 113
for additional information.
Canadian models are equipped with this symbol .
3. Rear fog light
This symbol indicates that the rear fog light (located in the driver's side tail light cluster) is on.
4. Stability system STC or DSTC
This indicator symbol flashes when the STC (Stability and Traction control system) or the DSTC (Dynamic
Stability and Traction control system) is actively working to stabilize the car. See page 116
for more detailed
information.
5. Not in use
6. Fuel level warning light
When this light comes on, there are approximately 2.1 US gallons (8 liters) of fuel remaining in the tank.
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