Keep your windshield and headlights clean.
Replace wiper blades when they start to leave streaks.
Take into account the traffic, road, and weather conditions, particularly with regard to stopping distance.
Reporting Safety Defects in the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Volvo Cars
of North America. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become
involved in individual problems between you, your retailer, or Volvo Cars of North America. To contact NHTSA, you
may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 202-366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or
write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington D. C. 20590. You can also obtain other information
about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
Volvo strongly recommends that if your vehicle is covered under a service campaign, safety or emission recall or
similar action, it should be completed as soon as possible. Please check with your local retailer or Volvo Cars of North
America, LLC if your vehicle is covered under these conditions.
NHTSA can be reached at:
Internet : http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov
Telephone:
1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) (toll free)
1-800-424-9393 (toll free)
1-202-366-0123 (in Washington DC area)
pg. 3 Safety
Using seat belts
Adjusting the seat belt
Volvo, the inventor of the three-point seat belt, urges you and all occupants of your vehicle to wear seat belts and
ensure that children are properly restrained, using an infant, car, or booster seat determined by age, weight and height.
Volvo also believes no child should sit in the front seat of a vehicle.
Most states and provinces make it mandatory for occupants of a vehicle to use seat belts.
Seat belt tensioners
The seat belts are equipped with tensioners that reduce slack in the belts. These tensioners are triggered in situations
where the airbags deploy. The front seat belts also include a tension reducing device which, in the event of a collision,
limits the peak forces exerted by the seat belt on the occupant.
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Warning symbol in center of the instrument panel
This symbol shines as a red or yellow light depending on the severity of the discovered fault.
Red symbol - Stop the vehicle as soon as possible in a suitable location and read the message shown in the text
window. The symbol and accompanying text will remain on until the fault has been corrected.
Yellow symbol - Follow the instructions shown in the text window. The text can be erased by pressing the READ
button (see page 28
), or will disappear automatically after two minutes.
When the message "TIME FOR REGULAR SERVICE" is displayed, the text can be erased and the yellow 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.
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 Volvo retailer for inspection. See page 97
for additional information.
Stability Traction Control (STC)* system or Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) system**
This indicator light will flash when STC or DSTC is actively working to stabilize the car. See page 98
for more
detailed information.
BRAKE Brake failure warning light
If the light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately, open the hood and check the brake fluid level in the
reservoir. See page 141
for reservoir position and page 145 for instructions.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light:
If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on at the same time, this could indicate a fault in the brake system.
Stop the car in a suitable place and switch off the engine.
Restart the engine.
If both warning lights go off, no further action is required.
If both lights are still on after the engine has been restarted, switch off the engine again and check the brake fluid
level (see page 141
for the location of the brake fluid reservoir).
* Standard on all models except the T5 turbo.
** Standard on the T5 turbo, option on all other models.
pg. 26 Instruments and controls
Indicator and warning symbols (contd)
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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 text window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the car towed to an authorized Volvo retailer and have the brake system
inspected.
If the brake fluid level is above the MIN mark, drive carefully to an authorized Volvo retailer and have the brake
system inspected.
pg. 27 Instruments and controls
Supplemental Restraint System SRS
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.
Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charging system checked.
Seat belt reminder
This symbol lights up to indicate that the driver has not fastened his/her seat belt.
Tire pressure monitoring light
See page 117
for more information on this function.
PARK BRAKE Parking brake applied
This light will be 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.
Rear fog light
This light indicates that the fog light is on.
Turn signal indicator - 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, neither the trailer's turn signals nor the car's turn signals are functioning.
Oil pressure warning light
If the light comes on while driving, stop the car and then stop the engine immediately and check the engine oil
level. See page 143
. R-models are also equipped with an oil level warning system. If the light stays on after restart,
have the car towed to the nearest authorized Volvo retailer. 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.
CHECK ENGINE Malfunction indicator light
On-Board Diagnostic II (OBDII): As you drive, a computer called "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 Volvo retailer as soon as
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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 cleanliness, and driveability. Extended driving
without correcting the cause could even damage other components in your car.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light.
pg. 28 Instruments and controls
Indicator and warning symbols (contd)
Messages in the text window
When a warning light in the instrument panel comes on, a message is also displayed in the text window. After you
have read the message, you can erase it by pressing button A (see illustration).
NOTE: Certain messages cannot be erased until the condition has been corrected.
If a warning message is displayed when e.g. you are using the trip computer this message must be erased before you
can access the function of your choice. Press button A to erase the warning message.
You can scroll through the stored messages by pressing button A (see illustration). The text window can be cleared
(the message will be returned to memory) by pressing button A again.
MessageMeaning:
STOP
SAFELY: Stop and switch off the engine - to help prevent serious risk of damage.
STOP
ENGINE: Stop and switch off the engine - to help prevent serious risk of 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 your Volvo retailer.
SERVICE
REQUIRED: Take your car to an authorized Volvo retailer for inspection at your convenience (but preferably before
the next scheduled maintenance service).
FIX NEXT
SERVICE: Have the system affected inspected at the next scheduled maintenance service.
TIME FOR
REGULAR
SERVICE: This message will be displayed at 7,500 mile (12,000 km) intervals, after 750 hours of driving or after
12 months, whichever occurs first, to remind the driver that the service interval has been exceeded. The
message will be displayed for 2 minutes each time the vehicle is started until reset by the servicing
retailer.
1) OIL
LEVEL
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pg. 33 Instruments and controls
Manually unlocking the fuel filler door
at a speed of at least 5 mph (8 km/h), stop the car, and press the button again.
See the information to the right on unlocking the fuel filler door manually.
Manually unlocking the fuel filler door
The electric motor that controls the fuel filler door locking mechanism is located on the inside of the rear fender on the
passenger side of the car, just behind the fuel filler door. To unlock this door manually:
1. Turn the knob (A) 1/4 turn counterclockwise to release the cover panel (B).
2. Fold down the cover panel to access the electric motor (C).
3. Press the catch (D) rearward to unlock the fuel filler door, or forward to lock the door.
pg. 34 Instruments and controls
Left-side steering wheel lever
Lever positions
1. Turn signals, lane change position
2. Turn signals, position for normal turns
3. High beam flash
4. Toggle between high and low beams, Home Safe lighting
Turn signals
When turning
Move the lever as far up or down as possible (to position 2) to start the turn signals. The turn signals will be cancelled
automatically by the movement of the steering wheel, or the lever can be returned to its initial position by hand.
When changing lanes
The driver can flash the turn signals by moving the turn signal lever up or down to position 1 and releasing it. The turn
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Auxiliary sockets
These 12 volt sockets can be used to plug in certain accessories such as cellular telephones, etc. The key must be in
position I (or higher) for the auxiliary socket to function.
The auxiliary sockets can also be used for cigarette lighters, which are available at your Volvo retailer.
NOTE: The cover should be folded down when the auxiliary socket is not in use.
Ashtrays
Volvo cars in North America do not have an ashtray in the front seat as standard equipment. If you want to have an
ashtray in the front seat, please contact your Volvo retailer.
pg. 42 Instruments and controls
Electrically operated windows
The electrically operated windows are controlled by buttons in the arm rests. The ignition switch must be ON *
(ignition key in position I, II or the engine running) for the electrically operated windows to function.
To lower: Press down the front edge of the button to the first detent ("stop").
To raise: Lightly pull up the front edge of the button to the first detent ("stop").
* The electrically operated windows will also function after the ignition has been switched off as long as neither of the
front doors has been opened.
Auto up/down function (front doors only):
Either front door window can be opened or closed automatically.
Auto down: Press the front part of the button as far down as possible and release it immediately. To stop the window
at any time, pull the button up.
Auto up: Pull the front part of the button up as far as possible and release it immediately. To stop the window at any
time, press the button down.
A - front windows, B - rear windows
NOTE: The electrically operated windows in the front seat have an overload protecting circuit breaker which reverses
movement of the electrically operated windows to their starting points if they are obstructed in any way. Thereafter the
windows will operate normally again.
WARNING!
Always remove the ignition key when the vehicle is unattended.
Make sure that childrens' hands are clear before raising the windows.
Never leave children unattended in the car.
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Steering wheel lock
The steering wheel lock might be under tension when the car is parked.
Turn the steering wheel slightly to free the ignition key.
In order to help reduce car theft, make sure the steering wheel lock is engaged before leaving the car.
WARNING!
Never switch off the ignition (turn the ignition key to position 0) or remove the key from the ignition switch while
the car is in motion. This could cause the steering wheel to lock, which would make the car impossible to steer
* The gear selector must be in the ( P)ark position (automatic transmission).
** Please be aware that leaving the key in this position will increase battery drain.
pg. 87 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 car for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach normal
operating temperature.
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
Do not exceed posted speed limits.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the car.
Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (when tires are cold).
Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc, increase air resistance and also fuel consumption.
Avoid using automatic transmission kickdown feature unless necessary.
However, at higher driving speeds, fuel consumption will be lower with the air conditioning on and the windows
closed than with the air conditioning off and the windows open.
Using the onboard trip computer's fuel consumption modes can help you learn how to drive more economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage are:
Dirty air cleaner
Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
Dragging brakes
Incorrect front end alignment
Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard Maintenance Service intervals.
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions should use ( D)rive as often as possible and avoid using
"kickdown" to help improve fuel economy.
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Brake system
BRAKE Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system consisting of two master cylinders and two separate brake circuits. If a
problem should occur in one of these circuits, it is still possible to stop the car 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 failure - Service urgent" message is displayed
in the text window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the car towed to a Volvo retailer and have the brake system inspected.
NOTE: When the car is at a standstill and the engine is idling, e.g. at a traffic light and the brake pedal is depressed,
the pedal may go down slightly. This is a normal function of the power-assisted brake system.
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 four 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
switched off when the vehicle is rolling. The brake pedal feels harder than usual.
Water on brake discs and brake pads affects braking
Driving in rain and slush or passing through an automatic car wash can cause water to collect on the brake discs and
pads. This will cause a delay in braking effect when the pedal is depressed. To avoid such a delay when the brakes are
needed, depress the pedal occasionally when driving through rain, slush etc. This will remove the water from the
brakes. Check that brake application feels normal. This should also be done after washing or starting in very damp or
cold weather.
Severe strain on the brake system
The brakes will be subject to severe strain when driving in mountains or hilly areas or towing. Vehicle speed is usually
slower, which means that the cooling of the brakes is less efficient than when driving on level roads. To reduce the
strain on the brakes, shift into a lower gear and let the engine help with the braking. Do not forget that, if you are
towing a trailer, the brakes will be subjected to a greater than normal load.
pg. 97 Starting and driving
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
If the warning lamp lights up there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system will however
function) and the vehicle should be driven cautiously to a Volvo retailer for inspection. The Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and steering) during severe braking conditions by limiting brake
lockup. When the system "senses" impending lockup, braking pressure is automatically modulated in order to help
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