Never try to repair any component or part of the SRS yourself. Any interference in the system could cause
malfunction and serious injury. All work on these systems should be performed by a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician.
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 a trained and qualified Volvo service technician 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 110 for information on manually overriding
the shiftlock system.
pg. 15 Safety
Front airbags
The front airbag system
The front airbags supplement the three-point seat belts. For these airbags to provide the protection intended, seat belts
must be worn at all times.
The front airbag system includes gas generators (1) surrounded by the airbags (2) and a deceleration sensor (3) that
activates the gas generators, causing the airbags to be inflated with nitrogen gas.
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The yellow information symbol lights up to alert the driver to a message in the information display.
The message can be erased by pressing the READ button (see page 37), or will disappear automatically after two
minutes.
When the message "TIME FOR REGULAR SERVICE" is displayed, the text can be erased and the information
symbol light can be turned off by pressing the READ button. The text will disappear and the symbol light will go out
automatically after two minutes.
When the message "TIME FOR REGULAR SERVICE" is displayed, the text can be erased and the information
symbol light can be turned off by pressing the READ button. The text will disappear and the symbol light will go out
automatically after two minutes.
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.
pg. 34 Instruments and controls
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 trained and qualified Volvo service technician 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 Symbols on the left side of the instrument panel 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)
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2 0 0 6
VOLVO C70
Chapter 7 - Starting and driving
pg. 97 Starting and driving
General information 98
Fuel requirements101
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock104
Starting the engine105
Manual transmission, 6-speed107
Automatic transmission - Geartronic108
Shiftlock override110
Brake system111
Stability system113
Park assist (accessory)115
Towing117
Jump starting119
Towing a trailer120
Detachable trailer hitch122
Transporting loads123
pg. 98 Starting and driving
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.
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.
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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.
pg. 105 Starting and driving
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.
pg. 106 Starting and driving
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.
pg. 107 Starting and driving
Manual transmission, 6-speed
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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.
pg. 109 Starting and driving
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.
pg. 110 Starting and driving
Shiftlock override
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Screw the towing eyelet in place first by hand and then using the tire iron until it is securely in place (3).
After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet should be unscrewed and returned to its storage place. Press the plastic
cover in bumper back into position.
WARNING!
Volvo does not recommend towing a disabled vehicle behind another vehicle. Significant difficulty in steering and
braking, combined with unfavorable weather, traffic, and road conditions may make it impossible to maintain
vehicle control.
Towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground
Apply the parking brake.
Insert the key into the ignition to unlock the steering wheel. The steering wheel must be unlocked. With the engine
off and the vehicle at a standstill, great effort will be required to turn the steering wheel.
WARNING!
Towing a vehicle with a locked steering wheel will make the vehicle impossible to steer.
Turn the ignition key to position II.
Place the gear selector in neutral. For vehicles with automatic transmissions, follow instruction on page 110,
"Shiftlock override" to allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position.
Keep firm pressure on the brake pedal while releasing the parking brake.
When towing has been completed, return the gear selector to Park (automatic) or Reverse (manual) and apply the
parking brake.
pg. 118 Starting and driving
Towing
The following points should also be observed:
Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). Never exceed local towing speed limits and heed all local towing restrictions.
Never tow farther than 50 miles (80 km).
Keep the tow rope taut at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
The disabled vehicle should be towed in the forward direction only.
WARNING!
Never allow a vehicle to be towed without a driver behind the wheel of the disabled vehicle.
Never remove the key from the ignition while the vehicle is moving. The steering wheel could lock, making it
impossible to steer the vehicle.
When the engine is not running, steering resistance and the effort needed to apply the brakes will be great.
Never attempt to tow a vehicle with a dead battery at night.
CAUTION!
Check with state and local authorities before attempting this type of towing, as vehicles being towed are subject to
regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length and type of towing device, lighting, marker flags, etc.
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