
The passenger's side front airbag is automatically enabled/disabled by the Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS), a system
that monitors the weight of the person or object in the front passenger's seat. The system consists of a silicone-filled
bag located under the padding in the front passenger's seat Occupant Weight Sensor - disabling the passenger's side
front airbag cushion, a control module located under this seat, and a seat belt tension sensor, located on the outboard
side of the seat.
The OWS system continuously monitors the pressure on the front passenger's seat cushion and the tension applied to
the seat belt. Based on this data, OWS assesses the weight of the occupant or object in the front passenger's seat. This
information is transmitted to the SRS system control module, which enables or disables the passenger's side front
airbag accordingly, as indicated in the table below.
If the system is functioning normally, the status of the front passenger's side airbag (enabled/disabled) will be shown
by the OWS indicator light as explained in the table to the right. The OWS indicator light is separate and in addition to
the SRS warning light in the instrument panel.
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 SRS warning light (see page 14) will come on and stay on
The message PASS. AIRBAG OFF SERVICE URGENT will be displayed in the information display.
pg. 19 Occupant Weight Sensor - disabling the passenger's side front airbag
WARNING!
If a fault in the system is detected and indicated as explained on the preceding page, be aware that the passenger's
side front airbag will not deploy in the event of a collision. In this case, the SRS system and Occupant Weight
Sensor should be inspected by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician as soon as possible.
Modifications
If you are considering modifying your vehicle in any way to accommodate a disability, for example by altering or
adapting the driver's or front passenger's seat(s) and/or airbag systems, please contact Volvo at:
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In the USA
Volvo Cars of North America
Customer Care Center
P.O. Box 914 Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647- 0914
1-800-458-1552
In Canada
Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd.
National Customer Service
175 Gordon Baker Road
North York, Ontario M2H 2N7
1-800-663-8255WARNING!
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 a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
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.
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. 20 Occupant Weight Sensor - disabling the passenger's side front airbag
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.
Do not place any type of object on the front passenger's seat in such a way that jamming, pressing, or squeezing
occurs between the object and the front seat, other than as a direct result of the correct use of the ALR/ELR seat belt
(see page 31
).
No objects should be placed under the front passenger's seat. This could interfere with the OWS system's function.
Contents | Top of Page
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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 auxiliary 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 US gallons (53 liters). This code is the 6th and 7th digits
from the left in your vehicle's VIN number. See page 176
for the location of the VIN plate.
pg. 35 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. The symbol and accompanying text will remain on until the
fault has been corrected. 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 a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Information symbol
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 39
), 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
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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. 36 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 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 trained and qualified Volvo service technician for inspection. See page
107 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 109
for more detailed
information.
5. Not in use
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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.
pg. 37 Symbols on the right side of the instrument panel
Symbols - right side of instrument panel
1. Turn signal indicator for trailer (certain models)
If you are towing a trailer, this light will flash simultaneously with the turn signals on the trailer. If the light
does not flash when signaling, one of the turn signals on the trailer or on the car are not functioning properly.
2. Parking brake applied
This light is on when the parking brake (hand brake) is applied. The parking brake lever is situated between
the front seats.
Canadian models are equipped with this symbol
.
3. SRS warning light
If this light comes on while the car is being driven, or remains on for longer than approximately 10 seconds
after the car has been started, the SRS system's diagnostic functions have detected a fault in a seat belt lock or
tensioner, a front airbag, side impact airbag, and/or an inflatable curtain. Have the system(s) inspected by a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician as soon as possible.
4. Oil pressure warning light
If the light comes on while driving, stop the car, stop the engine immediately, and check the engine oil level.
If the oil level is normal and the light stays on after restart, have the car towed to the nearest trained and qualified
Volvo service technician. After hard driving, the light may come on occasionally when the engine is idling. This is
normal, provided it goes off when the engine speed is increased.
5. Seat belt reminder This symbol (and the seat belt reminder light above the rear view mirror) will light up if either front seat
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occupant has not buckled his/her seat belt. If the car is not moving, the symbols will go out after approximately 6
seconds.
6. Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charging system checked by a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician.
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 145
for the location of the reservoir.
pg. 38 Symbols on the right side of the instrument panel
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 a trained and qualified Volvo service technician
and have the brake system inspected.
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 145
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
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light up and a message will be displayed, regardless of the vehicle's speed.
pg. 39 Information display
Messages
When an indicator or warning light in the instrument panel comes on, a message is also shown in the information
display. To read a message:
Press the READ button (A).
Pressing READ repeatedly enables you to scroll to any other messages that may be stored.
NOTE: If a message is displayed when e.g. you are using the trip computer, this message must be read before you can
access the trip computer.Message Meaning
STOP SAFELY Stop and switch off the engine to help prevent the risk of serious damage.
STOP ENGINE Stop and switch off the engine to help prevent the risk of serious damage.
SERVICE
URGENT Take your car to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for inspection immediately.
SEE MANUAL Refer to your owner's manual. For additional information, please contact a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician.
SERVICE
REQUIRED Take your car to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for inspection as soon as possible
(but preferably before the next scheduled maintenance service).
TIME FOR
REGULAR
SERVICE This message is affect by the number of miles/km driven, by the number of months, or by the
number of engine hours since the service reminder was reset at the most recent regularly scheduled
service.
pg. 40 Center console controls
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2 0 0 6
VOLVO S40
Chapter 4 - Climate
pg. 61 Climate
General information62
Manual climate control64
Electronic climate control (ECC) - option66
Air distribution69
pg. 62 General information
Air conditioning - A/C
Your car is equipped with a climate control system that includes either manually adjustable air conditioning or optional
Electronic Climate Control (ECC).
The air conditioning system can be switched off, but for optimal air quality in the passenger compartment and to
prevent the windows from fogging, the air conditioning should be left on - even in cool weather.
NOTE: In warm weather, a small amount of water may accumulate under the car when it has been parked. This water
is condensation from the A/C system and is normal.
Ice and snow
Always keep the air intake grille at the base of the windshield free of snow.
Climate control maintenance
Special tools and equipment are required to maintain and carry out repairs on the climate system. Work of this type
should only be done by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Refrigerant
Volvo cares about the environment. The air conditioning system in your car contains a CFC-free refrigerant - R134a.
This substance will not deplete the ozone layer. The system contains 1.2 lbs (530 g) R134a (HFC 134a), and uses PAG
oil.
Passenger compartment filter
Replace the cabin air filter with a new one at the recommended intervals. Please refer to your Warranty and Service
Records Information booklet, or consult a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for these intervals. The filter
should be replaced more often when driving under dirty and dusty conditions. The filter cannot be cleaned and
therefore should always be replaced with a new one.
NOTE: There are different types of cabin air filters. Ensure that the correct type is installed.
Display
The display above the climate control panel shows the climate settings that have been made.
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