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 braking system
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 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.
108 03 Your driving environment
Brakes
Cleaning the brake discs
Coatings of dirt and water on the brake discs may result in delayed brake function. This delay is minimized by
cleaning the brake linings.
Cleaning the brake pads is advisable in wet weather, prior to long-term parking, and after the vehicle has been washed.
Do this by braking gently for a short period while the vehicle is moving.
Emergency Brake Assistance
EBA is designed to provide full brake effect immediately in the event of sudden, hard braking. The system is activated
by the speed with which the brake pedal is depressed.
When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and pressure in the brake system immediately
increases to the maximum level. Maintain full pressure on the brake pedal in order to utilize the system completely.
EBA is automatically deactivated when the brake pedal is released.
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 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.
Symbols in the instrument panel
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2. Press the control.
3. Release the brake pedal and ensure that the vehicle is at a standstill.
4. When the vehicle is parked, the gear selector must be in position P.
The
symbol in the instrument panel flashes while the parking bake is being applied, and glows steadily when
the parking brake has been fully applied.
NOTE
In an emergency the parking brake can be applied when the vehicle is moving by holding in the control. Braking
will be interrupted when the accelerator pedal is depressed or the control is released.
An audible signal will sound during this procedure if the vehicle is moving at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).
Parking on a hill
If the vehicle is pointing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they point away from the curb.
If the vehicle is pointing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they point toward the curb.
Releasing the electric parking brake
Manual release
1. Insert the remote key in the ignition slot.
2. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
3. Pull the parking brake control.
Vehicles with Keyless drive (option)
1. Press the START/STOP button.
2. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
3. Pull the parking brake control.
Automatic release
1. Start the engine.
111 03 Your driving environment
Parking brake
2. Fasten the seat belt.
NOTE
For safety reasons, the parking brake is only released automatically if the engine is running and the driver is
wearing a seat belt.
The electric parking brake will be released immediately when the accelerator pedal is pressed and the gear selector
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The compass may need to be calibrated if, for example, the vehicle is driven into a new magnetic zone. The characters
CAL are shown in the mirror's display if calibration is necessary.
1. Stop the vehicle in a large open area, away from traffic.
2. Start the vehicle.
3. Using a pen or similar object, press and hold the button on the rear side of mirror until CAL is shown again (after
approx. 6 seconds).
4. Drive as usual. CAL disappears from the display when calibration is complete. Alternative calibration method: Drive
slowly in a circle at a speed of no more than 5 mph (8 km/h) until CAL disappears from the display when calibration
is complete.
Selecting a magnetic zone
The earth is divided into 15 magnetic zones. The correct zone must be selected for the compass to work correctly.
1. Put the ignition in mode II.
2. Using a pen or similar object, press and hold the button on the rear side of mirror for at least 3 seconds. The number
for the current area will be shown.
3. Press the button repeatedly until the number for the required geographic area (1-15) is shown.
138 04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Compass
4. The display will revert to showing the compass direction after several seconds.
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2. Hold down the RESET button to toggle between DSTC SPIN CONTROL ON or OFF.
Messages in the information display
DSTC Temporarily OFF - system function has been temporarily reduced due to high brake disc temperature. The
function is activated automatically when the brakes have cooled.
DSTC Service required - the system has been disabled due to a fault. If this occurs:
140 04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Stability system
1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
If the message remains when the engine is restarted, drive to an authorized Volvo workshop to have the system
inspected.
Symbols in the instrument panel
If the symbols
and are displayed at the same time, read the message in the information display.
If the symbol
appears alone, it may appear as follows:
If the symbol flashes, this indicates that the stability system is actively functioning to help counteract wheel spin
and/or a skid.
If the symbol remains on for approximately 2 seconds after the engine has been started, this indicates that the system
is performing a self -diagnostic test.
WARNING
The stability system is intended to help improve driving safety. It supplements, but can never replace, the driver's
judgment and responsibility when operating the vehicle. Speed and driving style should always be adapted to traffic
and road conditions.
141 04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Active chassis system-Four C
Active chassis (Four C)-option
Active chassis, Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept), regulates the characteristics of the shock absorbers
so that the car's driving characteristics can be adjusted. There are three settings: Comfort, Sport and Advanced.
Comfort
The Comfort mode chassis setting offers the greatest amount of shock absorption and the softest ride. This mode is
recommended for long-distance driving, or when driving in slippery conditions. The indicator light in the button will
be on when this mode is selected.
Sport
In this mode, shock absorption is stiffer to reduce the vehicle's body sway during cornering and to provide more
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2 0 0 7
VOLVO S80
168 05 During your trip
Driving recommendations 170
Refueling174
Loading179
Towing a trailer182
Emergency towing185
169 05 During your trip
170 05 During your trip
Driving recommendations
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 vehicle for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach
normal operating temperature.
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
Use the transmission's (D)rive position as often as possible and avoid using kickdown.
Do not exceed posted speed limits.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the vehicle.
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.
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CAUTION
Engine damage will occur if water is drawn into the air cleaner.
If the vehicle is driven through water deeper than 9 in (25 cm), water may enter the differential and the
transmission. This reduces the oil's lubricating capacity and may shorten the service life of these components.
Do not allow the vehicle to stand in water up to the door sills longer than absolutely necessary. This could result
in electrical malfunctions.
If the engine has been stopped while the vehicle is in water, do not attempt to restart the engine. Have the vehicle
towed out of the water.
Engine and cooling system
Under special conditions, for example when driving in hilly terrain, extreme heat or with heavy loads, there is a risk
that the engine and cooling system will overheat. Proceed as follows to avoid overheating the engine.
Maintain a low speed when driving with a trailer up long, steep hills.
Do not turn the engine off immediately you stop after a hard drive.
Remove any auxiliary lights from in front of the grille when driving in hot weather conditions.
Do not exceed engine speeds of 4500 rpm if driving with a trailer in hilly terrain. The oil temperature could become
too high.
Conserving electrical current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize battery drain:
When the engine is not running, avoid using ignition mode II. Many electrical systems (the audio system, the
optional navigation system, power windows, etc) will function in ignition modes 0 and I. These modes reduce drain on
the battery.
Please keep in mind that using systems, accessories, etc., that consume a great deal of current when the engine is not
running could result in the battery being completely drained.
The optional 12 volt socket in the trunk provides electrical current even with the ignition switched off, which drains
the battery.
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician before
driving long distances. Your retailer will also be able to supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark plugs and wiper blades for
your use in the event that problems occur.
172 05 During your trip
Driving recommendations
As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip:
Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage
Have the transmission oil level checked.
Check condition of drive belts.
Check state of the battery's charge.
Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those that are worn. Check tire pressures.
The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician only.
Check all lights, including high beams.
Reflective warning triangles are legally required in some states/provinces.
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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 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.
183 05 During your trip
Towing a trailer
NOTE
When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in P .
Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for wheel chocking.
When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in D before releasing the parking brake. See also page 111 for more
detailed information about starting off on a hill while towing a trailer.
If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, 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 of more than 15 %.
Trailer cable
An adapter is required if the vehicle's trailer hitch has a 13-pin connector and the trailer has 7 pins. Use an adapter
cable approved by Volvo. Make sure the cable does not drag on the ground.
184 05 During your trip
Towing a trailer
Detachable trailer hitch (accessory)
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The entire headlight housing must be lifted out when replacing all front bulbs (except for the fog lights).
CAUTION
Never touch the glass of bulbs with your fingers. Grease and oils from your fingers vaporize in the heat and will
leave a deposit on the reflector, which will damage it.
NOTE
Always switch off the ignition before starting to replace a bulb.
The optional Bi -Xenon headlight bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury. These bulbs should always be disposed
of by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Removing the headlight housing
1. Switch off the ignition by pressing quickly on the start/stop button and remove the remote key from the ignition
slot
1.
2. Withdraw the headlight housing's locking pins
.
3. Pull the headlight housing straight out
.
4. Unplug the wiring connector
by holding down the clip with your thumb and pulling the connector out.
CAUTION
Pull the connector, not the wiring.
5. Lift out the housing and place it on a soft surface to avoid scratching the lens.
1Does not apply to vehicles with the optional keyless drive.
199 06 Maintenance and specifications
Replacing bulbs
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