Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol". Ethers - MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
Fuel Formulations
Do not use gasoline that contains lead as a knock inhibitor, and do not use lead additives. Besides damaging the
exhaust emission control systems on your vehicle, lead has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer. Many fuels
contain benzene as a solvent. Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer. If you live in an
area where you must fill your own gas tank, take precautions.
These may include:
standing upwind away from the filler nozzle while refueling
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Fuel requirements (contd.)
refueling only at gas stations with vapor recovery systems that fully seal the mouth of the filler neck during
refueling
wearing neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust gases. If you ever smell
exhaust fumes inside the vehicle, make sure the passenger compartment is ventilated, and immediately return the
vehicle to your retailer for correction.
Use of Additives
With the exception of fuel line antifreeze during winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or other store -bought
additives to your vehicle's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse may damage your engine, and some of these
additives contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.
Fuel filler door
Press the button on the light switch panel (see the illustration on page 38
) with the ignition switched off to unlock the
fuel filler door. Please note that the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the vehicle begins to move forward. An
audible click will be heard when the fuel filler door relocks.
If you intend to leave your vehicle while it is being refueled, this feature enables you to lock the doors/trunk while
leaving the fuel filler door unlocked.
You can also keep the vehicle locked if you remain inside it during refueling. The central locking button does not lock
the fuel filler door.
Be sure the fuel filler door is not obstructed and is completely closed after refueling. Open the fuel filler cap slowly
during hot weather .
Refueling
The fuel tank is designed to hold approximately 16.3 US gallons (62 liters) with sufficient volume left over to
accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. Be aware that the "usable" tank capacity will be somewhat
less than the specified maximum. When the fuel level is low, such factors as ambient temperature, the fuel's "Reid
vapor pressure" characteristics, and terrain can affect the fuel pump's ability to supply the engine with an adequate
supply of fuel. Therefore, it is advisable to refuel as soon as possible when the needle nears the red zone, or when the
fuel warning light comes on.
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Fuel requirements (contd.)
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.
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Ignition switch and steering wheel lock
0 - Locked position
Remove the key to lock the steering wheel1. Never turn the key to position 0 while driving or when the
vehicle is being towed.
NOTE: A ticking sound may be audible if the key is turned to a position between 0 and I. To stop this sound, turn the
key to position II and back to position 0.
I - Intermediate position
2
Certain accessories, radio, etc. on, daytime running lights off.
II - Drive position
The key's position when driving. The vehicle's entire electrical system is activated.
III - Start position
Release the key when the engine starts. The key returns automatically to the Drive position.
A chime will sound if the key is left in the ignition and the driver's door is opened.
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Steering wheel lock
When the key is removed from the ignition, the steering wheel locks so that it cannot be turned.
If the front wheels are hard up against a curb, the steering wheel lock may be under too much tension to unlock. If so,
the key will turn in the ignition switch but the car will not start. At the same time, a message "Steering locked" will
appear in the driver information text display.
If this happens:
Remove the key from the ignition.
Turn the steering wheel slightly and hold it to relieve pressure on the lock mechanism. Reinsert it the key. The
steering should immediately unlock. If not, try again.
NOTE: In order to help reduce vehicle theft, make sure the steering wheel lock is engaged before leaving the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never switch off the ignition (turn the ignition key to position 0) or remove the key from the ignition switch while
the vehicle is in motion. This could cause the steering wheel to lock, which would make the vehicle impossible to
steer.
1. The gear selector must be in the Park position.
2. Please be aware that leaving the key in this position will increase battery drain.
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Starting the engine
To start the engine:
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.
Apply the parking brake, if not already set. The gear selector (automatic transmission) is locked in the (P)ark position
(SHIFTLOCK). See also page 108
.
Manual transmission: The clutch must be fully depressed.
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.
Autostart (T5 turbo with automatic transmission only)
This function makes it possible to start the vehicle without holding the key in position III. Turn the key to position III
and release it. The starter motor will then operate automatically (for up to ten seconds) until the engine starts.
NOTE: After a cold start, idle speed may be noticeably higher than normal for a short period. This is done to help
bring components in the emission control system to their normal operating temperature as quickly as possible, which
enables them to control emissions and help reduce the vehicle's impact on the environment.
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.
To release the gear selector from the (P)ark position, the engine must be running (or the ignition key must be in
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position II) and the brake pedal must be depressed.
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:
Immobilizer : If two of the keys to your vehicle are close together, e.g., on the same key ring when you try to start
the vehicle, this could cause interference in the immobilizer system and result in the vehicle not starting. If this should
occur, remove one of the keys from the key ring before trying to start the vehicle again.
Keylock: Your vehicle is equipped with a keylock system. When the engine is switched off, the gear selector must
be in the (P)ark position before the key can be removed from the ignition switch.
When starting in cold weather, the automatic transmission may shift up at slightly higher engine speeds than normal
until the automatic transmission fluid reaches normal operating temperature.
Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubrication points fast enough to
prevent engine damage.
WARNING!
Volvo's floor mats are specially manufactured for your car. They must be firmly secured in the clips on the floor so
that they cannot slide and become trapped under the pedals on the driver's side.
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Starting the engine
CAUTION!
Automatic transmission: The engine should be idling when you move the gear selector. Never accelerate until after
you feel the transmission engage! Accelerating immediately after selecting a gear will cause harsh engagement and
premature transmission wear. Selecting P or N when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help
prevent overheating of the automatic transmission fluid.
WARNING!
Always place the gear selector in Park (1st gear or reverse on models with a manual transmission) and apply the
parking brake before leaving the vehicle. Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Always open garage doors fully before starting the engine inside a garage to ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless but very poisonous.
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Manual transmission, 6-speed
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6-speed manual transmission (option on certain models)
Depress the clutch pedal completely when changing gears
1.
Remove your foot from the clutch pedal while driving. The shift pattern should be followed. Overdrive (5th and 6th
gears) should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy.
1. Clutch interlock
The clutch must be fully depressed before you can start your car. If the clutch is not depressed, it will not be possible
to start the engine.
Engaging reverse gear, 6-speed transmission
Reverse gear should only be engaged from a complete stop.
NOTE: Reverse gear is electronically blocked and cannot be selected if the vehicle is moving at a speed of
approximately 13 mph (20km/h).
CAUTION!
Never shift into reverse while moving forward.
WARNING!
An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause the accelerator, brake, and/or clutch pedal to catch. Check that the
movement of these pedals is not impeded. Not more than one protective floor covering may be used at one time.
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Automatic transmission - Geartronic
Shift gate positions
Depress the button on the front of the gear selector knob to move the selector between the R, N, D, and P positions.
The gear selector can be moved freely between the Geartronic (manual shifting) and (D)rive positions while driving.
Gear selector positions
P - Park
Select the P position when starting or parking.
In P , the transmission is mechanically blocked (Shiftlock). Always apply the parking brake when parking.
CAUTION!
The car must be stationary when selecting position P.
R - Reverse
The car must be stationary when shifting to position R .
N - Neutral
N 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 N .
NOTE: If the gear selector is in the Neutral position and the car has been at a standstill for at least 3 seconds
(regardless of whether the engine is running or not), the gear selector will be locked in Neutral.
In order to move the gear selector to another position:
Turn the ignition key to position II (if the engine is not already running)
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Depress the brake pedal
Move the gear selector to the desired position
D - Drive
D is the normal driving position. The car automatically shifts between the various forward gears, based on the level of
acceleration and speed. The car must be at a standstill when shifting to position D from position R
Manual shifting - Geartronic
The manual shifting mode (Geartronic) can be selected at any time, including while the car is moving.
To access the ( M)anual shifting position from ( D)rive, move the gear selector to the right to M .
To return to the (D)rive position from M , move the gear selector to the left.
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Automatic transmission - Geartronic
While driving
If you select the M position while driving, the gear that was being used in the Drive position will also initially be
selected in the M 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 at a time 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 to a very low speed, the transmission will automatically shift down.
W - Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction
Mode W reduces torque at the wheels, which helps improve traction when starting off on a slippery surface.
Press the button near the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode.
A "W" will be displayed in the instrument panel when Winter/Wet driving mode is engaged.
Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D)rive position.
Once underway, turn off mode W to improve vehicle performance and fuel economy.
Cold starts (turbo engines)
When driving before the engine has reached its normal operating temperature, the transmission will shift up at slightly
higher engine speeds to heat the three-way catalytic converter as quickly as possible.
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.
NOTE: The gear selector must be in the D (Drive) position for kickdown to function.
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Shiftlock override
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Overriding the shiftlock system
Shiftlock prevents the gear selector from being moved out of Park unless the ignition key is in position II and the
brake pedal is depressed.
In certain cases it may be necessary to move the gear selector from the Park position manually, for example if the
battery is discharged.
Manually overriding the Shiftlock system:
Apply the parking brake.
Depress the brake pedal.
There is a small cover behind P-R-N-D on the gear selector panel. Open the rear edge of the panel.
Insert the key blade (see page 88
) or a screwdriver into the opening and press it down until it bottoms and move the
gear selector out of the P position.
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Brake system
Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system consisting of two separate brake circuits. If a problem should occur in one of
these circuits, it is still possible to stop the vehicle 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 - do not pump the brakes.
WARNING!
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a brake system message is shown in the information
display: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician and have the
brake system inspected.
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 five 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
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