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VOLVO S80
10 01 Safety
Occupant safety 12
Reporting safety defects13
Safety in the passenger compartment14
Crash mode28
Child safety29
Child restraint systems32
Infant seats34
Convertible seats36
Booster cushions39
ISOFIX lower anchors40
Top tether anchors41
Integrated booster cushion42
Child safety locks45
11 01 Safety
12 01 Safety
Occupant safety
Volvo's concern for safety
Safety is Volvo's cornerstone. Our concern dates back to 1927 when the first Volvo rolled off the production line.
Three-point seat belts (a Volvo invention), safety cages, and energy-absorbing impact zones were designed into Volvo
vehicles long before it was fashionable or required by government regulation.
We will not compromise our commitment to safety. We continue to seek out new safety features and to refine those
already in our vehicles. You can help. We would appreciate hearing your suggestions about improving automobile
safety. We also want to know if you ever have a safety concern with your vehicle. Call us in the U.S. at: 1-800-458-
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26 01 Safety
Safety in the passenger compartment
Whiplash Protection System - WHIPS
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) - front seats only
The WHIPS system consists of specially designed hinges and brackets on the front seat backrests designed to help
absorb some of the energy generated in a collision from the rear (when the vehicle is rear-ended).
In the event of a collision of this type, the hinges and brackets of the front seat backrests are designed to change
position slightly to allow the backrest/head restraint to help support the occupant's head before moving slightly
rearward. This movement helps absorb some of the forces that could result in whiplash.
WARNING
The WHIPS system is designed to supplement the other safety systems in your vehicle. For this system to function
properly, the three-point seat belt must be worn. Please be aware that no system can prevent all possible injuries that
may occur in an accident.
The WHIPS system is designed to function in certain collisions from the rear, depending on the crash severity,
angle and speed.
WARNING
Occupants in the front seats must never sit out of position. The occupant's back must be as upright as comfort allows
and be against the seat back with the seat belt properly fastened.
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Driving after a collision
If the vehicle has been involved in a collision, the text SAFETY MODE SEE MANUAL may appear in the
information display. This indicates that the vehicle's functionality has been reduced.
NOTE
This text can only be shown if the display is undamaged and the vehicle's electrical system is intact.
Safety mode is a feature that is triggered if one or more of the safety systems (e.g. front or side airbags, an inflatable
curtain, or one or more of the seat belt tensioners) has deployed. The collision may have damaged an important
function in the vehicle, such as the fuel lines, sensors for one of the safety systems, the brake system, etc.
WARNING
Never attempt to repair the vehicle yourself or to reset the electrical system after the vehicle has displayed
SAFETY MODE SEE MANUAL. This could result in injury or improper system function.
Restoring the vehicle to normal operating status should only be done by a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician.
After SAFETY MODE SEE MANUAL has been displayed, if you detect the odor of fuel vapor, or see any signs
of fuel leakage, do not attempt to start the vehicle. Leave the vehicle immediately.
Attempting to start the vehicle
If damage to the vehicle is minor and there is no fuel leakage, you may attempt to start the vehicle. To do so:
1. Remove the remote control from the ignition slot.
2. Reinsert the remote in the ignition slot. The vehicle will then attempt to reset Safety mode to normal status.
3. Try to start the vehicle.
Moving the vehicle
If the electrical system is able to reset system status to normal (SAFETY MODE SEE MANUAL will no longer be
shown in the display), the vehicle may be moved carefully from its present position, if for example, it is blocking
traffic. It should, however, not be moved farther than is absolutely necessary.
WARNING
Even if the vehicle appears to be drivable after Safety mode has been set, it should not be driven or towed (pulled by
another vehicle). There may be concealed damage that could make it difficult or impossible to control. The vehicle
should be transported on a flatbed tow truck to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for inspection/repairs.
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technician as soon as possible.
A malfunction indicator (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 controls, and drivability.
Extended driving without correcting the cause could even damage other components in your vehicle.
Canadian models are equipped with this symbol:
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning light
If the warning light comes on, there may be a malfunction in the ABS system (the standard braking system will still
function). Check the system by:
1. Stopping in a safe place and switching off the ignition.
72 03 Your driving environment
Instruments and controls
2. Restart the engine.
3. If the warning light goes off, no further action is required.
If the warning light remains on, the vehicle should be driven to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for
inspection. See page 107
for additional information.
Canadian models are equipped with this symbol:
Rear fog light
This symbol indicates that the rear fog light (located in the driver's side tail light cluster) is on.
Stability system
This indicator symbol flashes when the DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system) is actively working to
stabilize the vehicle. See page 139
for more detailed information.
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) - option
This symbol illuminates to indicate that tire pressure in one or more tires is low. See page 223
for detailed information.
Low fuel level
When this light comes on, there are approximately 2.1 US gallons (8 liters) of fuel remaining in the tank.
Information symbol
The information symbol illuminates and a text message is displayed if a fault is detected in one of the vehicle's
systems. The message can be erased and the symbol can be turned off by pressing the READ button (see page 116
for
information) or this will take place automatically after a short time (the length of time varies, depending on the
function affected).
The information symbol may also illuminate together with other symbols.
High beam indicator
This symbol illuminates when the high beam headlights are on, or if the high beam flash function is used.
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the vehicle 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.
Seat belt reminder
This symbol comes on for approximately 6 seconds if the driver has not fastened his or her seat belt.
Generator not charging
This symbol comes on during driving if a fault has occurred in the electrical system. Contact an authorized Volvo
workshop.
Fault in brake system
If this symbol lights, the brake fluid level may be too low. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and check the level in the
brake fluid reservoir, see page 193
. If the level in the reservoir is below MIN , the vehicle should be transported to an
authorized Volvo workshop to have the brake system checked.
If the brake and ABS symbols come on at the same time, there may be a fault in the brake force distribution system.
1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
If both symbols extinguish, continue driving.
If the symbols remain on, check the level in the brake fluid reservoir. See page 193. If the brake fluid level is
normal but the symbols are still lit, the vehicle can be driven, with great care, to an authorized Volvo workshop to
have the brake system checked.
If the level in the reservoir is below MIN , the vehicle should be transported to an authorized Volvo workshop to
have the brake system checked.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a warning message is displayed in the text window:
DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to an authorized Volvo retailer and have the brake system inspected.
If the ABS and Brake system lights are on at the same time, there is a risk of reduced vehicle stability.
Warning symbol
The red warning symbol comes on when a fault has been indicated which could affect the safety and/or drivability of
the vehicle. An explanatory text is shown on the information display at the same time. The symbol remains visible
until the fault has been rectified but the text message can be cleared with the READ button, see page 116
. The
warning symbol can also come on in conjunction with other symbols.
Action:
1. Stop in a safe place. Do not drive the vehicle further.
74 03 Your driving environment
Instruments and controls
2. Read the information on the information display. Implement the action in accordance with the message in the
display. Clear the message using READ .
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Parking lights
The front and rear parking lights can be turned on even when the ignition is switched off.
Turn the headlight control to the center position (the license plate lighting comes on at the same time).
The lighting also comes on when the trunk lid is opened in order to alert anyone traveling behind your vehicle.
86 03 Your driving environment
Lighting
Brake lights
The brake lights come on automatically when the brakes are applied.
Emergency brake light (EBL)
Emergency Brake Lights, EBL are activated in the event of sudden braking or if the ABS brakes are activated. This
function causes the brake lights to glow more intensely to alert vehicles traveling behind.
The system is activated if ABS is used for more than approximately a half second or in the event of sudden braking,
although only at speeds above approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
When the vehicle stops, the brake lights and other taillights remain on and glow brighter than normal for as long as the
brake pedal is depressed or until braking force on the vehicle is reduced.
Front fog lights
The front fog lights can be switched on together with high/low beams or the parking lights.
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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. 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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