
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 a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician only.
Check all lights, including high beams.
Reflective warning triangles are legally required in some states/provinces.
Have a word with a trained and qualified Volvo service technician 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 trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
pg. 95 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 a trained and qualified Volvo service technician 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"
fuel. Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed on this page must
still be met.
Alcohol - Ethanol: Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be used. Ethanol may also be referred to as
Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol". Ethers - MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
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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.
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:
1. Remove the key from the ignition.
2. 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.
pg. 99 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 103.
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.
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:
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
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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:
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. 100 Starting the vehicle
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 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. 101 Manual transmission, 5-speed
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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. 104 Automatic transmission - Geartronic
While driving
If you select the M position while driving, the gear that was being used in the (D)rive position will also initially be
selected in 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. 105 Shiftlock override
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.
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When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying water or steam directly on the electrical components or
toward the rear side of the engine. Special moonroof cautions:
Always close the moonroof and sun shade before washing your vehicle.
Never use abrasive cleaning agents on the moonroof.
Never use wax on the rubber seals around the moonroof.
Automatic washing - simple and quick
We do NOT recommend washing your car in an automatic wash during the first six months (because the paint will
not have hardened sufficiently).
An automatic wash is a simple and quick way to clean your car, but it is worth remembering that it may not be as
thorough as when you yourself go over the car with sponge and water. Keeping the underbody clean is most important,
pg. 137 Washing and cleaning the car
especially in the winter. Some automatic washers do not have facilities for washing the underbody.
CAUTION!
Before driving into an automatic carwash, turn off the optional rain sensor to avoid damaging the windshield wipers.
Make sure that side view mirrors, auxiliary lamps, etc, are secure, and that any antenna(s) are retracted or removed.
Otherwise there is risk of the machine dislodging them.
WARNING!
When the car is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes several times in order to remove any
moisture from the brake linings.
Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine is warm. This constitutes a fire risk.
Polishing and Waxing
Normally, polishing is not required during the first year after delivery, however, waxing may be beneficial.
Before applying polish or wax the vehicle must be washed and dried. Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar
remover. Difficult spots may require a fine rubbing compound.
After polishing use liquid or paste wax.
Several commercially available products contain both polish and wax.
Waxing alone does not substitute for polishing a dull surface.
A wide range of polymer-based waxes can be purchased today. These waxes are easy to use and produce a long-
lasting, high-gloss finish that protects the bodywork against oxidation, road dirt and fading.
Do not polish or wax your vehicle in direct sunlight (the surface of the vehicle should not be warmer than 113° F
(45° C).
CAUTION!
Volvo does not recommend the use of long-life or durable paint protection coatings, some of which may claim to
prevent pitting, fading, oxidation, etc. These coatings have not been tested by Volvo for compatibility with your
vehicle's clear coat. Some of them may cause the clear coat to soften, crack, or cloud. Damage caused by application
of paint protection coatings may not be covered under your vehicle's paint warranty.
pg. 138 Washing and cleaning the car
Upholstery care
Fabric
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Opening the hood
To open the hood:
Pull the lever located under the left side of the dash to release the hood lock.
Lift the hood slightly.
Press up the release control located under the front edge of the hood (at the center) up to the right, and lift the hood.
WARNING!
Check that the hood locks engage properly when closed.
Engine compartment
1. Cooling system expansion tank
2. Power steering fluid reservoir
3. Dipstick - engine oil
4. Radiator
5. Cooling fan
6. Washer fluid reservoir
7. Engine oil filler cap
8. Brake/clutch fluid reservoir
9. Battery
10. Relay/fuse box
11. Air cleaner
WARNING!
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2 0 0 6
VOLVO S40
Index
pg. 185-188 Index
Numerics
12 volt socket, in trunk 80
12 volt socket, rear seat49
12 volt sockets40
A
ABS (anti-lock brake system)2
Active yaw control - AYC109
Airbag system14
Alarm89, 90
All Wheel Drive106
Antifreeze147
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)2, 36
Approach lighting56, 83
ASC - speed compensated volume, audio system165
Audio system - introduction164
Audio system menus, list of173, 174
Autolock56
Automatic transmission - Geartronic103, 104
Auxiliary equipment40
AWD106
B
Backrests, rear seat78
Battery drain - avoiding93
Battery maintenance150
Battery replacement151
Battery replacement, remote control86
Battery, conserving electrical current93
Battery, specifications181
Bi -Xenon headlights153
Black box (Vehicle Event Data)142
Booster cushion28
Brake fluid148
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Bulbs152
C
Capacities, fluids178
Catalytic converter, three-way182
CD player170
Central locking system, remote controls82
Changing a tire133
Changing oil146
Charge air cooler180
Child restraint anchorages30
Child safety27
Child safety locks88
Clock setting button34
Cold weather precautions93
Collision status25
Compact disc care172
Compass in rearview mirror52
Coolant147
Courtesy lighting75
Cruise control44
D
Dimensions177
Disabling the passenger's side front airbag18
Display, instrument panel34
Door mirrors53
Door open warning42
Driving after a collision25
DSTC40
E
Economical driving92
Electrical current - conserving93
Electrical system181
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)108
Emission inspection readiness144
Engine compartment145
Engine oil, changing146
Engine specifications180
Environment3
Equalizer, audio system165
F
Federal Clean Air Act142
Flash, high beam42
Floor mats99
Floor mats, cleaning138
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