Never switch off the ignition (turn the ignition key or start control to position 0) or remove the key or start control
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.
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 should be locked in the Park ( P) position (Shiftlock).
See also page 138
.
Manual transmission : the clutch must be fully depressed.
3. The vehicle is equipped with an autostart feature. Without touching the throttle pedal, 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. If the
engine fails to start, repeat this step.
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.
4. To release the gear selector from the Park ( P) 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.
130 06 Starting and driving
Starting the vehicle
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: Models equipped an automatic transmission have a keylock system. When the engine is switched off, the
gear selector must be in the Park ( P) position before the key can be removed from the ignition switch
1.
When starting in cold weather, the 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.
1 The optional keyless drive start control does not need to be removed from the ignition switch.
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Trailers without brakes: 1,540 lbs (700 kg).
Trailers with brakes: 2,000 lbs (900 kg) Observe the legal requirements of the state/province in which the vehicles
are registered.
The maximum recommended hitch tongue load is 165 lbs (75 kg).
All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailer hitch installation should not
interfere with the proper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but take into consideration:
Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See the chapter "Wheels and tires."
When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).
Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).
Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant temperature should be closely
watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use a lower gear and turn off the air conditioner if the
temperature gauge needle enters the red range.
If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be displayed in the information display.
Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop (check and observe
state/local regulations).
Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brake system.
More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer over long distances or in mountainous
areas.
WARNING
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safety chains be attached to the bumper.
Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle's rear axle must not be used.
Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle brake system, nor a trailer's lighting system
directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult your nearest authorized Volvo retailer for correct installation.
When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety wire must be correctly fastened to the hole or hook provided in the
trailer hitch on the vehicle. The safety wire should never be fastened to or wound around the drawbar ball.
148 06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
NOTE
When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in Park
( P ) or in reverse on models with a manual transmission. Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations
for wheel chocking.
If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, or if the vehicle is equipped with a
manual transmission, make sure the gear you select does not put too much strain on the engine (using too high a
gear).
The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may be rated for trailers heavier than the vehicle is designed to tow. Please
adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer weights.
Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines exceeding 15%.
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VOLVO S40
174 08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the car 176
Paint touch up180
175 08 Car care
176 08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the car
Washing the car
The following points should be kept in mind when washing and cleaning the car:
The car should be washed at regular intervals since dirt, dust, insects and tar spots adhere to the paint and may cause
damage. To help prevent corrosion, it is particularly important to wash the car frequently in the wintertime when salt
has been used on the roads.
Avoid washing your car in direct sunlight. Doing so may cause detergents and wax to dry out and become abrasive.
To avoid scratching, use lukewarm water to soften the dirt before you wash with a soft sponge, and plenty of sudsy
water.
Bird droppings : Remove from paintwork as soon as possible. Otherwise the finish may be permanently damaged.
A detergent can be used to facilitate the softening of dirt and oil.
A water-soluble grease solvent may be used in cases of sticky dirt. However, use a wash place equipped with a
drainage separator.
Dry the car with a clean chamois and remember to clean the drain holes in the doors and rocker panels.
Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar remover after the car has been washed.
A stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm soapy water can be used to clean the wiper blades. Frequent cleaning improves
visibility considerably.
Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheel housings, fenders, etc).
In areas of high industrial fallout, more frequent washing is recommended.
After cleaning the engine, the spark plug wells should be inspected for water and blown dry if necessary.
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VOLVO S40
182 09 Maintenance and servicing
Volvo maintenance 184
Maintaining your car185
Hood and engine compartment187
Engine oil189
Fluids190
Wiper blades192
Battery193
Bulbs195
Replacing front bulbs196
Replacing taillight bulbs200
Replacing interior bulbs201
Fuses202
183 09 Maintenance and servicing
184 09 Maintenance and servicing
Volvo maintenance
General
Volvo advises you to follow the maintenance program outlined in the Warranty and Service Records Information booklet.
This maintenance program contains inspections and services necessary for the proper function of your vehicle. The
maintenance services contain several checks that require special tools and training, and therefore must be performed by a
qualified technician. To keep your Volvo in top condition, specify time-tested and proven Genuine Volvo Parts and
Accessories.
The Federal Clean Air Act - U.S
The Federal Clean Air Act requires vehicle manufacturers to furnish written instructions to the ultimate purchaser to assure
the proper servicing and function of the components that control emissions. These services, which are listed in the
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"Warranty and Service Records Information" booklet, are not covered by the warranty. You will be required to pay for
labor and material used.
Maintenance
Your Volvo passed several major inspections before it was delivered to you, in accordance with Volvo specifications. The
maintenance procedures outlined in the Warranty and Service Records Information booklet, many of which will positively
affect your vehicle's emissions, should be performed as indicated. It is recommended that receipts for vehicle emission
maintenance be retained in case questions arise concerning maintenance. Inspection and maintenance should also be
performed anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
Applicable warranties - U.S/Canada
In accordance with applicable U.S. and Canadian regulations, the following list of warranties is provided.
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty
Corrosion Protection Limited Warranty
Seat Belt and Supplemental Restraint Systems Limited Warranty
Emission Design and Defect Warranty
Emission Performance Warranty
These are the federal warranties; other warranties are provided as required by state/provincial law. Refer to your separate
Warranty and Service Records Information booklet for detailed information concerning each of the warranties.
Periodic maintenance helps minimize emissions
Periodic maintenance will help keep your vehicle running well. Your Warranty and Service Records Information booklet
provides a comprehensive periodic maintenance schedule up to 150,000 miles (240,000 km) of vehicle maintenance. The
schedule includes components that affect vehicle emissions. This page describes some of the emission-related components.
Vehicle Event Data (Black Box)
Your vehicle's driving and safety systems employ computers that monitor, and share with each other, information about
your vehicle's operation. One or more of these computers may store what they monitor, either during normal vehicle
operation or in a crash or near-crash event. Stored information may be read and used by:
Volvo Car Corporation
service and repair facilities
law enforcement or government agencies
others who may assert a legal right to know, or who obtain your consent to know such information.
185 09 Maintenance and servicing
Maintaining your car
Owner maintenance
Periodic maintenance requirements and intervals are described in your vehicle's Warranty and Service Records Information
booklet.
The following points can be carried out between the normally scheduled maintenance services.
Each time the car is refueled:
Check the engine oil level
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2. Power steering fluid reservoir (concealed behind the headlight)
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
The cooling fan may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine has been switched off.
189 09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil
Changing engine oil and oil filter
See page 231
for oil specifications. Refer to the Warranty and Service Records Information booklet for information on the
oil change intervals.
Volvo recommends
.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of oil additives.
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at
additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.
Checking and adding oil
The oil level should be checked every time the vehicle is refueled. This is especially important during the period up to the
first scheduled maintenance service
The car should be parked on a level surface when the oil is checked.
If the engine is warm , wait for at least 10- 15 minutes after the engine has been switched off before checking the oil.
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Checking the oil
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint-free rag.
2. Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check the oil level.
3. Add oil if necessary. If the level is close to the MIN mark, add approximately 1 US quart (1 liter) of oil.
4. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
5. Switch off the engine and wait for at least 10-15 minutes and recheck the oil level. If necessary, add oil until the level is
near the MAX mark.
NOTE
Not checking the oil level regularly can result in serious engine damage if the oil level becomes too low.
Oil that is lower than the specified quality can damage the engine.
Always add oil of the same type and viscosity as already used.
Never fill oil above the MAX mark. This could cause an increase in oil consumption.
190 09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids
WARNING
Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into contact with hot exhaust pipe surfaces
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NOTE
Volvo uses different systems to indicate a low oil level or pressure. Some models have an oil pressure sensor, in which
case a warning symbol (see page 53
) is used to indicate low oil pressure. Other models have an oil level sensor, in which
case the driver is alerted by the warning symbol in the center of the instrument panel and a text in the information
display. Some models use both systems. Contact an authorized Volvo retailer for more information.
Washer fluid
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and holds approximately 6.8 US qts (6.5 liters). During
cold weather, the reservoir should be filled with windshield washer solvent containing antifreeze.
Coolant
Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be drained, consult your Volvo retailer.
NOTE
Do not top off with water only. This reduces the rust-protective and antifreeze qualities of the coolant and has a lower
boiling point. It can also cause damage to the cooling system if it should freeze. Top off with Volvo Genuine
Coolant/Antifreeze only (a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze).
191 09 Maintenance and servicing
Fluids
CAUTION
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