
pg. 116 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission (option)
P (Park)
Use this  position when starting the engine or parking the vehicle.
Never  use P while the vehicle is in motion. The parking brake should be  set whenever  the vehicle is parked.
The gear selector is mechanically locked in the P position (SHIFTLOCK). To release the gear selector from  this
position, the engine must  be  running (or the ignition key  must  be  in position II) and  the brake pedal must  be
depressed.
WARNING!
Never  leave the vehicle unattended when the engine is running. If, by mistake, the gear selector is moved from  P , the
vehicle may start moving.
R (Reverse)
Never  engage R while the vehicle is moving.
N (Neutral)
Neutral - no gear engaged. Use the parking brake.
D (Drive)
D  is the normal driving position and  should be  used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy. The vehicle
should not be  moving when shifting from  R  to the D position.
4 (Intermediate  gear)
The transmission will shift automatically  between gears 4, 3, 2 or 1 from  this  position. The transmission cannot shift up
to ( D)rive from  fourth  gear.
3 (Intermediate  gear)
The transmission will shift automatically  between gears 3, 2 and  1 from  this  position. The transmission cannot shift up
to fourth  gear or ( D)rive from  third gear.
L (Low gears)
The transmission is locked in gears 1 and  2 when the selector is in this  position.
NOTE:  Gears 4, 3, or L can be  used if you are driving in a  mountainous area, towing a  trailer or to increase engine
braking effect.
The transmission has a  built-in limiter designed to help prevent excessive engine speeds (high rpm)  when gears 4, 3 or
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Manual shifting
You can move the gear selector freely between the (MAN)ual and  ( D)rive positions while driving. Gears 3, 4, 5, and  6
(where applicable)  have a  "lock -up" function which  reduces engine speed and  helps save fuel.
The currently selected gear will be  displayed in the instrument panel (see page 44
).
 To access the ( MAN)ual shifting position from  ( D)rive, move the gear selector to the left to MAN .
 To return to the (D)rive position from  MAN , move the gear selector to the right.
pg. 119 Starting and driving
Geartronic (option)
While driving
If you select the (MAN)ual position while driving, the gear that was being used in the ( D)rive position will also
initially be  selected in ( MAN)ual 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 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 down to a  very low speed, the transmission will automatically  shift down.
 When starting in the ( MAN)ual position, 3rd gear is the highest gear that may be  selected.
NOTE:  Kickdown does not function when the transmission is in the manual  shift (Geartronic)  mode.The gear selector
must  be  in the D (Drive)  position.
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.
Kickdown does not function when the transmission is in the manual  shift (Geartronic)  mode.
W - Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle  traction
Please refer  to the information on page 117
.
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problem should occur in one  of these circuits,  it is still  possible to stop the vehicle 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 vehicle towed  to a  Volvo retailer and  have the brake system
inspected.
NOTE:  When the vehicle 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. 123 Starting and driving
Brake system
 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
prevent lockup, which  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 mph  (20 km/h).  The brake pedal will pulsate several times and  a  sound may be  audible  from  the
ABS  control module. This is normal.
To obtain optimal effect from  the ABS  system, constant pressure should be  kept on the brake pedal. Do not pump the
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brake pedal.
The switching of the ABS  modulator will be  audible  and  the brake pedal will pulsate during braking. Please be  aware
that ABS  does not increase the absolute braking potential of the vehicle. While  control will be  enhanced, ABS  will not
shorten  stopping  distances on slippery surfaces.
ABS  with EBD (Electronic Brake Force  Distribution)
EBD is an  integrated part of the ABS  system. EBD regulates the hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes to help provide
optimal braking capacity. The brake pedal will pulsate during braking, which  is normal.
If the BRAKE and  ABS  warning lights come on at the same time, this  could indicate a  fault in the brake system.
- Stop the vehicle 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 173
 for the location of the brake fluid reservoir).
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 vehicle towed  to a  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.
Emergency Brake Assistance  (EBA)
The EBA function is designed to provide full brake effect immediately in the event of sudden, hard braking. The
system is activated by the speed with which  you depress the brake pedal.
NOTE:
When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and  pressure in the brake system immediately
increases to the maximum level.  You must  maintain full pressure on the brake pedal in order to utilize the system
completely.  There will be  no braking effect if the pedal is
pg. 124 Starting and driving
Brake system
released. EBA is automatically  deactivated when the brake pedal is released.
When the vehicle has been parked for some time, the brake pedal may sink more than usual when the engine is
started. This is normal and  the pedal will return to its  usual position when it is released.
pg. 125 Starting and driving
Stability system
Stability Traction Control (STC)/ Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)
The stability system consists of a  number of functions designed help reduce wheel spin, counteract skidding,  and  to
generally help improve directional stability.
NOTE:  A pulsating sound will be  audible  when the system is actively operating and  is normal.
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The warning symbol
The warning symbol glows steadily yellow
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.
pg. 127 Starting and driving
Stability system
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.
pg. 128 Starting and driving
Towing
Emergency towing
The towing eyelet is located in the tool bag,  under the floor  of the trunk, with the spare tire. 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:
A. Use a  coin to pry open  the lower edge of the cover.
B. Screw the towing eyelet (C) 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.
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Precautions when the vehicle  is in tow
 The steering wheel must  be  unlocked. Turn  the ignition key  to position I or II.
 The gear selector must  be  in position N.
 Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not exceed the maximum allowable towing speed.
 Maximum distance with front  wheels on ground: 50 miles (80 km).
 While  the vehicle is being towed,  try to keep the tow rope taut at all times.
 The vehicle should only be  towed  in forward direction.
CAUTION!
- Please 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, etc.
- If the vehicle's battery is dead, do not attempt to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it as this  will damage the
three-way catalytic converter(s). The engine must  be  jump started using an  auxiliary battery (see page 130
).
- 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.
pg. 129 Starting and driving
Towing
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 - 4 times above normal and  greater
steering effort must  be  exerted.
 The towing eyelets must  not be  used for pulling another 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.
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Towing vehicles with front wheel  drive/All Wheel Drive
Volvo recommends the use of flat bed  equipment.
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.CAUTION!
- 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!
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the vehicle up onto a  flat bed  tow truck.
pg. 130 Starting and driving
Jump starting
Jump  starting
Follow these instructions to jump start your vehicle's dead battery or to jump start another vehicle's dead battery using
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your vehicle. Although your vehicle's battery is located under the floor  of the trunk, jumper cables should be
connected in the engine compartment, to the points  shown in the illustrations.
If the 12-volt auxiliary battery to be  used is in another vehicle, check that the vehicles are not touching to prevent
premature completion of a  circuit. Be sure to follow jump starting instructions provided for the other vehicle.
To jump start your vehicle:
- Switch off the ignition.
- First connect the auxiliary battery positive (+) terminal (1) to the positive (+) terminal in your vehicle's engine
compartment (2), located under a  small black plastic cover attached to the fuse box cover, marked with a  "+"  sign.
Remove the cover on the main fuse box if necessary  to access this  terminal. Then connect the auxiliary battery's
negative (-) terminal (3) to the ground point in your vehicle's engine compartment (4).
- Start the engine in the assisting  vehicle, then start the engine in the vehicle with dead battery.
- After the engine has started, first remove the negative (-) terminal jumper cable. Then remove the positive (+)
terminal jumper cable.
WARNING!
PROPOSITION  65 WARNING!
Battery  posts, terminals, and  related accessories contain  lead and  lead compounds, chemicals known to the state of
California to cause cancer and  reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
WARNING!
 Do not connect the jumper cable to any  part of the fuel system or to any  moving parts.  Avoid touching hot
manifolds.
 Never  expose the battery to open  flame or electric  spark.
 Do not smoke near the battery.
 Batteries generate  hydrogen gas, which  is flammable and  explosive.
 Battery  fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, fabrics or painted  surfaces. If
contact occurs, flush the affected area immediately with water. Obtain medical help immediately if eyes are affected.
 Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to personal injury.
pg. 131 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehicle.
 Maximum trailer weight recommended by Volvo is:  Trailers without brakes: 1650 lbs (750 kg) Trailers with brakes:
2" (50 mm) ball - 3300 lbs* (1500 kg), 1 7/8" (47 mm) ball - 2000 lbs (900 kg). Observe the legal  requirements of the
state/province in which  the vehicles are
 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  section "Wheels and  tires."
 When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1000 km).
 Recommended hitch tongue load is:  Trailer weights below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 110 lbs (50 kg) Trailer weights
above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 165 lbs (75 kg)
 Maximum speed when towing a  trailer: 50 mph (80 km/h).
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