51 02 Instruments and controls
Symbols - instrument panel
Symbols - right side
1. Turn signal indicator for trailer (certain models)
If you are towing a trailer, this light will flash simultaneously with the turn signals on the trailer. If the light does not
flash when signaling, one of the turn signals on the trailer or on the car are not functioning properly.
2. Parking brake applied
This light is on when the parking brake (hand brake) is applied. The parking brake lever is situated between the front
seats. Always pull up this lever as far as possible when applying the parking brake.
NOTE
Canadian models are equipped with the second symbol.
3. SRS warning light
If this light comes on while the car is being driven, or remains on for longer than approximately 10 seconds after the
car has been started, the SRS system's diagnostic functions have detected a fault in a seat belt lock or pretensioner, 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.
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 car 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.
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5. Seat belt reminder
See page 16
for detailed information.
6. Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charging system checked by a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician.
7. Brake failure warning light
If this light comes on while driving or braking, stop the car as quickly as possible in a safe place, open the hood, and
check
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 210
.
52 02 Instruments and controls
Symbols - instrument panel
the brake fluid level in the reservoir. See page 208 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 car towed to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician
and have the brake system inspected.
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 car 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 car in a suitable place and switch off the engine.
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2. Restart the engine.
3. If both warning lights go off, no further action is required and the car can be driven.
4. If both lights remain on after the engine has been restarted, switch off the engine again and check the brake fluid
level. See page 208
for the location of the reservoir.
Door open warning
The driver will be alerted if either door, the hood, or the trunk lid are open or ajar.
At low speeds
If the car is moving at a speed of less than approximately 3 m.p.h. (5 km/h), the Information symbol in the instrument
panel will light up and a message will be shown in the information display indicating which door(s), etc is not
completely closed.
At higher speeds
If the car is moving at a speed above approximately 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h), the Warning symbol in the instrument panel
will light up and a message will be shown in the information display indicating which door(s), etc is not completely
closed.
Hood and trunk
If the hood and/or trunk lid is not completely closed, the Information symbol in the instrument panel will light up and a
message will be displayed, regardless of the vehicle's speed.
53 02 Instruments and controls
Information display
Messages
When an indicator or warning light in the instrument panel comes on, a message is also shown in the information
display. To read a message:
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Parking lights
The front and rear parking lights can be turned on even when the ignition is switched off.
Turn switch (1) to position .
The license plate lights also illuminate when the parking lights are switched on.
Headlights
1. Turn the ignition key to position II.
2. The low beam headlights (daytime running lights) illuminate automatically, except when the light switch (1) is in
position
1.
NOTE
See page 57
for information on switching between high and low beams.
1On Canadian models, the daytime running lights will remain on with the light switch in this position.
Brake lights
The brake lights come on automatically when the brakes are applied.
Fog lights
Front fog lights
The front fog lights can be used in combination with either the headlights or the parking lights.
1. Turn the ignition to position II.
2. Press button (3) to turn on the front fog lights.
An indicator light in the button illuminates when the front fog lights are on.
Rear fog light
The single rear fog light is located in the driver's side taillight cluster.
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2. Adjust the steering wheel to a suitable position
3. Press the lever back into place to lock the steering wheel in the new position. If necessary, press the steering wheel
slightly while pressing the lever into the locked position.
Check that the steering wheel is locked in the new position.
WARNING
Never adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Hazard warning flashers
The four-way flasher should be used to indicate that the vehicle has become a traffic hazard. To activate the flashers,
press the triangular button in the center dash. Press the button again to turn off the flashers.
NOTE
Regulations regarding the use of the hazard warning flasher may vary, depending on where you live.
The hazard warning flashers will be activated automatically if an airbag deploys.
65 02 Instruments and controls
Parking brake
Parking brake (hand brake)
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The parking brake lever is located between the front seats.
NOTE
The indicator light will light up even if the parking brake has only been partially applied.
When applying the parking brake
1. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
2. Pull the parking brake lever up firmly to its full extent.
3. Release the brake pedal and ensure that the vehicle is at a standstill.
4. If the vehicle rolls, the parking brake lever must be pulled more firmly.
5. When parking a vehicle always put the gear selector in first gear (for manual transmission) or P (for automatic
transmission).
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 parking brake
1. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
2. Pull the lever up slightly, press the button at the end of the lever and lower the lever completely.
WARNING
Pull up the parking brake lever up firmly to its full extent.
66 02 Instruments and controls
12-volt sockets
12-volt socket (front seat)
The 12-volt socket can be used to plug in certain accessories such as cellular telephones, etc. The maximum current is
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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 Drive ( D) 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.
At highway driving speeds, fuel consumption will be lower with the air conditioning on and the windows closed
than with the air conditioning off and the windows open.
Using the onboard trip computer's fuel consumption modes can help you learn how to drive more economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage are:
Dirty air cleaner
Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
Dragging brakes
Incorrect front end alignment Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard
maintenance intervals.
Avoid overheating the engine
Do not drive at engine speeds above 4,500 rpm if you tow a trailer in hilly areas. This could cause the engine oil to
overheat.
WARNING
Driving with the trunk open : Driving with the trunk open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the
passenger compartment. If the trunk must be kept open for any reason, proceed as follows:
Close the windows
Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side windows and the blower control to its
highest setting.
Weight distribution affects handling
At the specified curb weight your vehicle has a tendency to understeer, which means that the steering wheel has to be
turned more than might seem appropriate for the curvature of a bend. This ensures good stability and reduces the risk
of rear wheel skid. Remember that these properties can alter with the vehicle load. The heavier the load in the cargo
area, the less the tendency to understeer.
Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore,
133 06 Starting and driving
General information
check that the tires are inflated to the recommended pressure according to the vehicle load. See the "Tire pressure"
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section. Loads should be distributed so that capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
Driving through water
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 car is in water, do not attempt to restart the engine. Have the car 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 257
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
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 your Volvo retailer.
134 06 Starting and driving
General information
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