Personal settings74
Home Link® Universal
Transceiver (option)76
3 Contents
03 Climate
General information
82
Air vents84
Manual climate control85
Electronic Climate Control (ECC) -
option87
Air distribution
90
04 Interior
Front seats94
Interior lighting97
Storage compartments99
Rear seat101
Trunk103
05 Locks and alarm
Remote control and key blade 106
Valet locking110
Keyless drive (option as
available)112
Locking and unlocking
115
Locking the glove compartment,
Child safety locks116
Alarm
117
4 Contents
06 Starting and driving
General information122
Fuel requirements125
Starting the vehicle129
Starting the car with keyless drive
(option as available)131
Manual transmission, 5-speed
133
Manual transmission, 6-speed134
Automatic transmission135
Shiftlock override138
All Wheel Drive (option)139
Brake system140
Stability system142
Towing144
Jump starting146
Towing a trailer147
Detachable trailer hitch149
Transporting loads150
07 Wheel and tires
General information154
Tire inflation156
Tire designations160
Glossary of tire terminology162
Vehicle loading163
Uniform tire quality gradings165
Snow chains, snow tires, studded
tires166
Temporary spare
167
Wheel nuts168
Tire rotation169
Changing a wheel170
08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the car176
Paint touch up180
5 Contents
ProCarManuals.com
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. See page 67
for more information.
NOTE
Canadian models are equipped with the second symbol.
3. SRS system 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
1
If the light comes on while driving 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 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.
5. Seat belt reminder
This symbol (and the seat belt reminder light above the rear view mirror) will light up if either front seat occupant has
not buckled his/her seat belt. If the car is not moving, the symbols will go out after approximately 6 seconds.
ProCarManuals.com
2 0 0 7
VOLVO S40
120 06 Starting and driving
General information 122
Fuel requirements125
Starting the vehicle129
Starting the car with keyless drive (option as available)131
Manual transmission, 5-speed133
Manual transmission, 6-speed134
Automatic transmission135
Shiftlock override138
All Wheel Drive (option)139
Brake system140
Stability system142
Towing144
Jump starting146
Towing a trailer147
Detachable trailer hitch149
Transporting loads150
121 06 Starting and driving
122 06 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.
ProCarManuals.com
1 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 qualified Volvo service technician.
125 06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
Octane rating
Volvo engines are designed to achieve rated horsepower, torque, and fuel economy performance using premium 91
octane fuel.
Volvo recommends premium for best performance, but using 87 octane or above will not affect engine reliability.
In demanding driving conditions, such as operating the vehicle in hot weather, towing a trailer, or driving for extended
periods at higher altitudes than normal, it may be advisable to switch to higher octane fuel (91 or higher) or to change
gasoline brands to fully utilize your engine's capacity, and for the smoothest possible operation.
NOTE
When switching to higher octane fuel or changing gasoline brands, it may be necessary to fill the tank more than
once before a difference in engine operation is noticeable.
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
ProCarManuals.com
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 system message is shown in the information
display: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to a Volvo retailer and have the brake system inspected.
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 five 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 when towing a trailer. 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.
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
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 prevent lockup that could lead to a skid.
The system performs a self -diagnostic test when the engine is started and when the vehicle first reaches a speed
of approximately 12 m.p.h. (20 km/h) . The brake pedal will pulsate several times and a sound may be audible from
the ABS control module. This is normal.
141 06 Starting and driving
Brake system
For optimal ABS braking effect:
1. Press down on the brake pedal with full force. The pedal will pulsate.
ProCarManuals.com
The system has been temporarily switched off due to high brake temperature. "TRACTION CONTROL
TEMPORARILY OFF" will be displayed. The system will automatically switch on again when the brakes have cooled.
WARNING
The stability system is intended to help improve driving safety. It supplements, but can never replace, the driver's
judgement and responsibility when operating the vehicle. Speed and driving style should always be adapted to traffic
and road conditions.
144 06 Starting and driving
Towing
Emergency towing
The towing eyelet is located under the floor of the cargo area. This eyelet must be screwed into the positions provided
on the right sides of either the front or rear bumper (see illustrations).
To attach the towing eyelet:
1. Use a coin or screwdriver to pry open the lower edge of the cover.
2. Screw the towing eyelet in place first by hand and then using the tire iron until it is securely in place.
After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet should be removed and returned to the tool bag. Press the cover back into
position.
Towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground
WARNING
Volvo does not recommend towing a disabled vehicle behind another vehicle. Significant difficulty in steering and
braking, combined with unfavorable weather, traffic, and road conditions may make it impossible to maintain vehicle
control.
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Insert the key into the ignition to unlock the steering wheel. The steering wheel must be unlocked. With the engine
off and the vehicle at a standstill, great effort will be required to turn the steering wheel.
ProCarManuals.com
WARNING
Towing a vehicle with a locked steering wheel will make the vehicle impossible to steer.
3. Turn the ignition key to position II.
4. Place the gear selector in neutral. For vehicles with automatic transmissions, follow instruction on page 138
,
"Shiftlock override" to allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position.
5. Keep firm pressure on the brake pedal while releasing the parking brake.
6. When towing has been completed, return the gear selector to Park (automatic) or Reverse (manual) and apply the
parking brake.
The following points should also be observed:
Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) . Never exceed local towing speed limits and heed all local towing restrictions.
Never tow farther than 50 miles (80 km) .
Keep the tow rope taut at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
The disabled vehicle should be towed in the forward direction only.
145 06 Starting and driving
Towing
WARNING
Never allow a vehicle to be towed without a driver behind the wheel of the disabled vehicle.
Never remove the key from the ignition while the vehicle is moving. The steering wheel could lock, making it
impossible to steer the vehicle.
When the engine is not running, steering resistance and the effort needed to apply the brakes will be great.
Never attempt to tow a vehicle with a dead battery at night.
CAUTION
Check with state and local authorities before attempting this type of towing, as vehicles being towed are subject to
regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length and type of towing device, lighting, marker flags, etc.
Never attempt to push- or tow-start a vehicle with a dead battery. This would inject unburned fuel into the three-
way catalytic converter(s), causing overheating, backfiring, and damage. See page 146
for instructions on jump
starting the vehicle.
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive
ProCarManuals.com
Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equipment for towing vehicles with front wheel drive. If wheel lift equipment
must be used, please use extreme caution to help avoid damage to the vehicle.
In this case, the vehicle should be towed with the rear wheels on the ground if at all possible.
If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, please refer to the towing
information on the previous page.
Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air conditioning lines.
It is equally important not to use sling -type equipment at the rear or apply lifting equipment inside the rear wheels;
serious damage to the rear axle may result.
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the vehicle on the flat
bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
WARNING
Remember that the power brakes and power steering will not function when engine is not running. The braking
and steering systems will function but the brake pedal pressure required is 3 - 5 times above normal and greater
steering effort must be exerted.
The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling the vehicle out of a ditch or for any similar purpose involving
severe strain. Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.
146 06 Starting and driving
Jump starting
Follow these instructions to jump start your vehicle's dead battery or to jump start another vehicle's dead battery using
ProCarManuals.com