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 105 for information on manually overriding
the shiftlock system.
pg. 15 Front airbags
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.
Location of the passenger's side front airbag
As the movement of the seats' occupants compresses the airbags, some of the gas is expelled at a controlled rate to
provide better cushioning. Both seat belt tensioners also deploy, minimizing seat belt slack. The entire process,
including inflation and deflation of the airbags, takes approximately one fifth of a second.
The location of the front airbags is indicated by "SRS AIRBAG" embossed on the steering wheel pad and above the
glove compartment, and by decals on both sun visors and on the front and far right side of the dash.
The driver's side front airbag is folded and located in the steering wheel hub.
The passenger's side front airbag is folded behind a panel located above the glove compartment.
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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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2 0 0 6
VOLVO S40
Chapter 7 - Starting and driving
pg. 91 Starting and driving
General information92
Fuel requirements95
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock98
Starting the vehicle99
Manual transmission, 5-speed101
Manual transmission, 6-speed102
Automatic transmission - Geartronic103
Shiftlock override105
All Wheel Drive (option)106
Brake system107
Stability system109
Rear park assist (accessory)111
Towing112
Jump starting114
Towing a trailer115
Detachable trailer hitch117
Transporting loads118
pg. 92 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
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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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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.
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 (20 km/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.
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.
pg. 103 Automatic transmission - Geartronic
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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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Permissible axle weight, rearFWD: 2130 lbs
FWD Turbo: 2130 lbs
AWD Turbo: 2200 lbs
970 kg
970 kg
1000 kg
Curb weight FWD: 3170 - 3285 lbs
AWD: 3405 - 3455 lbs1440 - 1500 kg
1550 - 1575
Max. roof load All models: 165 lbsAll models: 75 kg
Max. trailer weight (w/o brakes) All models: 1540 lbsAll models: 700 kg
Max. trailer weight (with brakes) All models: 2000 lbsAll models: 900 kg
Max. tongue weight All models: 165 lbsAll models: 75 kg
1. FWD = Front Wheel Drive
2. AWD = All Wheel Drive
CAUTION!
The maximum permissible axle loads and/or the gross vehicle weight must not be exceeded.
WARNING!
When adding accessories, equipment, luggage and other cargo to your vehicle, the total capacity weight must not be
exceeded.
pg. 178 Fuel, oils, and fluids
Specifications and capacities
Category Specification Capacity
Fuel tank Octane rating: Unleaded premium gasoline with
an octane rating AKI of 91, or above. The
minimum octane requirement is AKI 87 (RON
91). 15.9 US gallons (60 liters)
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.
Engine oil
(with filter
replacement) See page 179
for information on engine oil
specifications. 6.1 US quarts (5.8 liters)
Automatic
transmission
oil JWS
8.19 US quarts (7.75 liters)
Manual
transmission
oil MTF 97309-10
2.2 US quarts (2.1 liters) - non-turbo models
2.1 US quarts (2.0 liters) - turbo models
Coolant Volvo original coolant/antifreeze (50/50 mixture
of water and anti-freeze) 9 US quarts (8.5 liters) - models with automatic
transmission
8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) - models with manual
transmission
Brake fluid DOT 4+ boiling point >536°F (280°C), P/N
9437433 0.63 US quarts (0.6 liters)
Power
steering WSS M2C204-A or equivalent 1.3 US quarts (1.2 liters) - system and reservoir
combined
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