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
cars 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 cars. 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 car. Call us in the U.S. at: 1-800-458-1552 or in
Canada at: 1-800-663-8255.
Occupant safety reminders
How safely you drive doesn't depend on how old you are but rather on:
How well you see.
Your ability to concentrate.
How quickly you make decisions under stress to avoid an accident.
The following suggestions are intended to help you cope with the ever changing trafficenvironment.
Never drink and drive.
If you are taking any medication, consult your physician about its potential effects on your driving abilities.
Take a driver-retraining course.
Have your eyes checked regularly.
Keep your windshield and headlights clean.
Replace wiper blades when they start to leave streaks.
Take into account the traffic, road, and weather conditions, particularly with regard to stopping distance.
13 01 Safety
Reporting safety defects
Reporting safety defects in the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Volvo Cars
of North America, LLC. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a
safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot
become involved in individual problems between you, your retailer, or Volvo Cars of North America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington D.C. 20590.
You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from:
http://www.safercar.gov
Volvo strongly recommends that if your vehicle is covered under a service campaign, safety or emission recall or
similar action, it should be completed as soon as possible. Please check with your local retailer or Volvo Cars of North
America, LLC if your vehicle is covered under these conditions.
NHTSA can be reached at:
Internet:
4. Oil pressure warning light1
If the light comes on while driving, stop 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 vehicle towed to the nearest trained and qualified Volvo
service technician. 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 vehicle is not moving, the symbols will go out after approximately 6 seconds.
6. Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charging system checked by an authorized Volvo workshop.
1On certain engines, this symbol is not used to indicate low oil pressure. Instead, a text warning is provided in the information display, see also page
203.
55 02 Instruments and controls
Instrument and warning symbols
7. Fault in the brake system
If this light comes on while driving or braking, stop the vehicle as quickly as possible in a safe place, open the hood, and
check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. See page 202
for the location of the reservoir.
NOTE
Canadian models are equipped with the second symbol.
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 information display: DO NOT DRIVE . Have the vehicle towed to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician
and have the brake system inspected.
If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on at the same time, this could indicate a fault in the brake system.
In this case:
1.Stop the vehicle in a suitable place and switch off the engine.
Manual open/close
Open: Pull the switch back to the first stop (position 2) and hold it until the moonroof has opened to the position of your
choice.
Close: Push the switch forward to the first stop (position 3) and hold it until the moonroof has closed to the position of
your choice, or has closed completely.
WARNING
If the moonroof is obstructed during auto-close operation, it will automatically reverse direction and return to its
starting position.
During manual closing, if the moonroof is obstructed, immediately open it again.
76 02 Instruments and controls
Power moonroof (option)
NOTE
If the moonroof is repeatedly obstructed during auto-close operation, an overload circuit breaker will temporarily halt
moonroof function. The moonroof will return to normal function after a brief cool-down period.
WARNING
Never open or close the moonroof if it is obstructed in any way.
Never allow a child to operate the moonroof.
Never extend any object or body part though the open moonroof, even if the vehicle's ignition is completely switched
off.
Never leave a child alone in a vehicle.
CAUTION
Remove ice and snow before opening the moonroof.
Do not operate the moonroof if it is frozen closed.
Never place heavy objects on the moonroof.
Visor
The optional moonroof features a sliding visor. The visor slides open automatically when the moonroof is opened, and
2. Unlock - Press the Unlock button on the remote once to unlock the driver's door. The turn signals will flash twice to
confirm unlocking.
After a short pause, press the Unlock button a second time within 10 seconds to unlock the other doors and the rear
liftgate.
NOTE
The turn signals flash to confirm that the vehicle has been correctly locked/unlocked with the remote control or
the optional keyless drive. When locking the vehicle, the turn signals will flash a confirmation only if all the doors
are securely closed and locked. Flashing confirmation for locking and unlocking may be customized in the vehicle's
Personal settings menu. See page 78
for more information.
The two-step unlocking function can be changed so that one press of the Unlock button unlocks all of the doors
and the rear liftgate. See Personal settings on page 78
for more information.
Automatic relocking: If the doors are unlocked, the locks will automatically reengage (re-lock) and the alarm
(option) will rearm after 2 minutes unless a door or the rear liftgate has been opened.
Automatic locking : When the vehicle starts to move, the doors and rear liftgate can be locked automatically. When
the doors have been locked in this way, they can be unlocked by: pulling twice on one of the inside door opening
handles, or by pressing an unlock button located near the door opening handle.This feature can be turned on or off, see
Personal settings on page 78
for more information.
Airbag deployment will automatically attempt to unlock the doors.
3. Approach lighting - As you approach the car:
Press the button on the remote control to illuminate the area around the car in dark conditions.
Pressing the button once lights up the interior lighting, parking lights, and license plate lighting. These lights will
switch off automatically after 30, 60 or 90 seconds. See the Personal settings on page 78
for information about
adjusting the time setting.
4. Unlock rear liftgate - Press the button once to disarm the alarm system (option) and unlock only the rear liftgate.
After closing, the rear liftgate will not automatically relock. Press Lock to relock it and rearm the alarm.
NOTE
This function will not open the rear liftgate.
If the rear liftgate is opened when the other doors are locked, it will remain unlocked after it has been closed. It
must be locked with the Lock button on the remote control.
118 05 Locks and alarm
Remote control and key blade
5. Panic alarm : - This button can be used to attract attention during emergency situations.
To activate the panic alarm, press and hold the red button for at least 3 seconds or press it twice within 3 seconds.
The turn signals and horn will be activated.
The panic alarm will stop automatically after 30 seconds.
To deactivate, wait approximately 5 seconds and press the red button again.
NOTE
This button will NOT unlock the car.
(indicated by the arrow in the inset illustration).
2. Insert the key blade as far as possible in the driver's door lock. Turn the key blade clockwise approximately one
quarter turn to unlock the driver's door only. This will trigger the alarm.
3. To disable the alarm: Press the Unlock button on the keyless drive remote control. If the batteries in the remote are
weak, remove the keyless drive start control from the ignition switch by pressing the catch (see the illustration on page
143) and pulling the control out of the ignition switch. Insert the ignition key section of a keyless drive remote control
in the ignition switch.
NOTE
The number of doors that are unlocked at the same time can be set in the Personal settings menu. See page 78 for
additional information.
If one or more doors and/or the rear liftgate is not fully closed when the lock button is pressed, the door(s) or rear
liftgate will not be locked.
On keyless drive vehicles with an automatic transmission, the gear selector must be in the Park ( P) position and
the ignition must be switched off before the doors/trunk can be locked.
Keyless drive remote control and driver's seat memory
This function is only available on vehicles equipped with the optional power driver's seat.
When you leave the vehicle with a keyless drive remote control in your possession and lock any door, the position
of the driver's seat will be stored in the seat's memory.
The next time a door is opened by a person with the same remote control in his/her possession, the driver's seat will
automatically move to the position that it was in when the door was most recently locked.
NOTE
If several people carrying keyless drive remote controls approach the vehicle at the same time, the driver's seat will
assume the position it was in for the person who opens a door first.
Keyless drive information messages
If anyone leaves the vehicle with the only keyless drive remote control in his or her possession while the ignition is
switched on,
124 05 Locks and alarm
Keyless drive (option as available)
a message will be shown in the information display and an audible signal will sound.
NOTE
This message will only be displayed if the start control is in position I or II.
The message will be erased from the display and the audible signal will stop when the remote control has been
returned to the vehicle and one of the following has occurred:
A door has been opened and closed
The start control has been turned to position 0
The READ button (see page 56 for the location of this button) has been pressed.
The battery is disconnected (while the alarm is armed).
The siren is disconnected when the alarm is disarmed.
The alarm indicator light
The status of the alarm system is indicated by the indicator light on at the top of the dashboard (see illustration):
Indicator light off - the alarm is not armed
The indicator light flashes every two seconds - the alarm is armed
The indicator light flashes rapidly before the ignition is switched on - the alarm has been triggered. The message
"ALARM TRIGGERED, CHECK CAR" will also be displayed.
Fault in the alarm system: If a fault has been detected in the alarm system, a message will be shown in the
information display. Contact a trained and qualified Volvo service technician to have the alarm system inspected and
repaired if necessary.
Arming the alarm
Press the LOCK button on the remote control, or press the central lock button on one of the front doors with the door
open. One long flash of the turn signals will confirm that the alarm is armed.
Disarming the alarm
Press the UNLOCK button on the remote control or insert the key in the ignition
1 to disarm the alarm. Two short
flashes from the car's direction indicators confirm that the alarm has been deactivated and that all doors are unlocked.
Turning off (stopping) the alarm
If the alarm is sounding, it can be stopped by pressing the UNLOCK button on the remote control or by inserting the
key in the ignition switch.
1On vehicles with the optional keyless drive, press in the start control in the ignition switch.
129 05 Locks and alarm
Alarm (option)
NOTE
On vehicles equipped with the optional keyless drive, the start control must be removed from the ignition switch
before the key can be inserted. See page 143
for instructions.
Audible/visual alarm signal
2 0 0 8
VOLVO C30
130 06 Starting and driving
General information 132
Fuel requirements136
Ignition switch/Steering wheel lock139
Starting the vehicle141
Starting the vehicle (keyless drive)143
Manual transmission, 6-speed144
Automatic transmission (option)145
Shiftlock override147
Brake system148
Dynamic Stability Traction Control150
Towing152
Jump starting154
Transporting loads155
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)-option156
Park assist (Option/accessory)160
131 06 Starting and driving
132 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.
Observe the following rules:
The vehicle can be driven through water up to a depth of approximately 9 in. (25 cm), at a maximum speed of 6 mph
(10 km/h).
Take particular care when driving through flowing water.
Clean the electrical connections for trailer wiring after driving in mud or water.
When driving through water, maintain low speed and do not stop in the water.
WARNING
After driving through water, press lightly on the brake pedal to ensure that the brakes are functioning normally.
Water or mud can make the brake linings slippery, resulting in delayed braking effect.
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.
Cold weather precautions
If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the following advice is worth noting:
Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture will reduce freeze protection.
This gives protection against freezing down to -31°F (-35°C). See section "Coolant." The use of "recycled" antifreeze
is not approved by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze must not be mixed.
Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator. Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty
of Volvo engine coolant to help protect your vehicle during cold weather.
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this prevents the formation of condensation in the tank. In addition, in
extremely cold weather conditions it is worthwhile to add fuel line de -icer before refueling.
The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weather starting as
well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine is warming up. For winter use, 5W -30 oil, particularly the
synthetic type
1, is recommended. Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use cold-weather oil for hard driving or in
warm weather. See page 251
for more information.
The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the windshield wipers, lighting, etc. are used more
often. Moreover, the capacity of the battery decreases as the temperature drops. In very cold weather, a poorly charged
battery can freeze and be damaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state of charge
1Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at additional charge. Please
consult a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
134 06 Starting and driving
General information
more frequently and spray an anti-rust oil on the battery posts.
Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving - see the chapter "Wheels and tires."
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze (see page 202 for the
location of the washer fluid reservoir). This is important since dirt is often splashed on the windshield during winter