
141 06 Starting and driving
Starting the vehicle
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 (P)ark position (Shiftlock). See
also page 147
.
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 (P)ark 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.
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 ( P)ark 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.
1The optional keyless drive start control does not need to be removed from the ignition switch.
142 06 Starting and driving
Starting the vehicle

WARNING
Volvo's floor mats are specially manufactured for your car. They must be firmly secured in the clips on the floor so
that they cannot slide and become trapped under the pedals on the driver's side.
CAUTION
Automatic transmission: The engine should be idling when you move the gear selector. Never accelerate until after
you feel the transmission engage! Accelerating immediately after selecting a gear will cause harsh engagement and
premature transmission wear. Selecting P or N when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help
prevent overheating of the automatic transmission fluid.
WARNING
Always place the gear selector in Park (manual transmission: first or reverse gear) and apply the parking brake
before leaving the vehicle. Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Always open garage doors fully before starting the engine inside a garage to ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless but very poisonous.
143 06 Starting and driving
Starting the vehicle (keyless drive)
Starting a vehicle with keyless drive (option as available)
Keyless drive makes it possible to unlock, start and lock the vehicle without using a remote control.
A start control is fitted in the ignition switch on vehicles equipped with the optional keyless drive. This control is used
in the same way as the ignition key to start the engine. See also page 141
for general information on starting the
engine.
NOTE
A keyless drive remote control must be in the passenger's compartment in order to start the engine.
1. Press the brake pedal (the clutch pedal must also be fully depressed on models with a manual transmission).

Depress the button on the front of the gear selector knob to move the selector between the R, N, D, and P positions.
The gear selector can be moved freely between the Geartronic (manual shifting) and (D)rive positions while driving.
Gear selector positions
P - Park
Select the P position when starting or parking. In P , the transmission is mechanically blocked (Shiftlock). Always
apply the parking brake when parking.
D - left position: automatic shifting
M - right position: manual shifting
CAUTION
The vehicle must be stationary when selecting position P.
R - Reverse
The vehicle must be stationary when shifting to position R .
N - Neutral
N is the neutral position. The engine can be started, but no gear is selected. Apply the
146 06 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission (option)
parking brake when the vehicle is stationary with the gear selector in N .

Safety function
To help prevent excessive engine speeds (rpm) that could lead to engine damage, the engine management system
includes a function that prevents kickdown from taking place if the engine speed is too high.
Kickdown will not occur if the driver attempts to use this function when engine speeds are too high. The transmission
will remain in the currently selected gear.
147 06 Starting and driving
Shiftlock override
Overriding the shiftlock system
Shiftlock prevents the gear selector from being moved out of Park unless the ignition key is in position II and the
brake pedal is depressed.
In certain cases it may be necessary to move the gear selector from the Park position manually.
To manually override the Shiftlock system:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Depress the brake pedal.
3. There is a small cover below P-R-N-D on the gear selector panel. Open the rear edge of the panel.
4. Insert the key blade (see page 119
) into the opening and press it down until it bottoms.
5. With the key blade pressed down, move the gear selector out of the P position.
148 06 Starting and driving
Brake system
Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system consisting of two separate brake circuits. If a 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

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.
152 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. Press the mark on the lower edge of the cover (1) to open it.
2. Screw the towing eyelet (3) 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.
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 147
,
"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.
153 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 154
for instructions on jump
starting the vehicle.
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive
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.

WARNING
Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any moving parts. Avoid touching hot
manifolds.
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.
Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
Do not smoke near the battery.
Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to personal injury.
Do not touch the jumper cables during the attempt to start the vehicle. This could cause sparks.
155 06 Starting and driving
Transporting loads
Loading the vehicle
Your vehicle's load-carrying capacity is affected by factors such as:
the number of passengers
tire inflation
the amount of optional or accessory equipment installed
the amount of cargo
See the chapter "Wheels and tires" for more detailed information.
Before loading the car, turn off the engine, and apply the parking brake when loading or unloading long objects. The
gear selector can be inadvertently knocked out of position by long cargo, causing the vehicle to move.
Keep the following in mind when loading the vehicle:
Load the cargo in the cargo area against the rear seat backrest.
Load heavy cargo as low as possible.
Center wide loads.
Secure all cargo with restraining straps anchored to the load securing eyelets.
Cover sharp edges on the load.
Seats can be folded down to extend the cargo compartment. See page 108.
WARNING
Remember that an object weighing 44 lbs (20 kg) produces a force of 2,200 lbs (1,000 kg) in a head-on collision
at 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h)!
When the rear backrest(s) are folded down, the vehicle should not be loaded to a level higher than 2 in. (5 cm)
below the upper edge of the rear side windows. Objects placed higher than this level could impede the function of
the Volvo Inflatable Curtain.
Load carriers (accessory)
Load carriers are available as Volvo accessories. Follow the installation instructions supplied with the load carriers.
Observe the following points when using load carriers:

NOTE
Front park assist is disengaged automatically when the parking brake is applied.
If the vehicle is equipped with front and rear park assist, both systems will be deactivated by pressing the button.
Audible signals from the park assist system
The Park Assist system uses an intermittent tone that pulses faster as you come close to an object, and becomes
constant when you are within approximately 1 ft (30 cm) of an object in front of or behind the vehicle. If the volume
of another source from the audio system is high, this will be automatically lowered.
If there are objects within this distance both behind and in front of the vehicle, the signal alternates between front and
rear speakers.
Faults in the system
If the information symbol illuminates and PARK ASSIST SERVICE REQUIRED is shown on the information display,
this indicates that the system is not functioning properly and has been disengaged. Consult a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician.
CAUTION
In certain circumstances, the park assist system may give unexpected warning signals that can be caused by external
sound sources that use the same ultrasound frequencies as the system. This may include such things as the horns of
other vehicles, wet tires on asphalt, pneumatic brakes, motorcycle exhaust pipes, etc. This does not indicate a fault in
the system.
162 06 Starting and driving
Park assist (Option/accessory)
Cleaning the sensors
The sensors must be cleaned regularly to ensure that they work properly. Clean them with water and a suitable car
washing detergent.