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.
CAUTION
The car must be stationary when selecting position P .
D - left position: automatic shifting
M - right position: manual shifting
R - Reverse
The car 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 parking brake when the car is
stationary with the gear selector in N .
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Automatic transmission
NOTE
If the gear selector is in the Neutral position and the vehicle has been at a standstill for at least 3 seconds, the brake
pedal must be pressed before the gear selector can be moved to another position.
In order to move the gear selector to another position:
1. Turn the ignition key to position II (if the engine is not already running).
2. Depress the brake pedal.
3. Move the gear selector to the desired position.
D - Drive
D is the normal driving position. The Drive position offers 6 forward gears.The car automatically shifts between the
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various forward gears, based on the level of acceleration and speed. The car must be at a standstill when shifting to
position D from position R .
Manual shifting - Geartronic
The manual shifting mode (Geartronic) can be selected at any time to manually select forward gears, including while
the car is moving.
NOTE
Reverse, Neutral, and Park cannot be selected in Geartronic mode.
To access the Manual ( M) shifting position from Drive ( D), move the gear selector to the right to M .
To return to the Drive (D) position from M , move the gear selector to the left. While driving
If you select the M position while driving, the gear that was being used in the Drive position will also initially be
selected in the M position.
Move the gear selector forward (toward "+") to shift to a higher gear or rearward (toward "-") to shift to a lower
gear.
If you hold the gear selector toward "-", the transmission will downshift one gear at a time and will utilize the
braking power of the engine. If the current speed is too high for using a lower gear, the downshift will not occur until
the speed has decreased enough to allow the lower gear to be used.
If you slow to a very low speed, the transmission will automatically shift down.
Cold starts (turbo engines)
When driving before the engine has reached its normal operating temperature, the transmission will shift up at slightly
higher engine speeds to heat the three-way catalytic converter as quickly as possible.
Kickdown
Automatic shift to a lower gear (kickdown) is achieved by depressing the accelerator pedal fully and briskly. An
upshift will occur when approaching the top speed for a particular gear or by releasing the accelerator pedal slightly.
Kickdown can be used for maximum acceleration or when passing at highway speeds.
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.
146 06 Starting and driving
Shiftlock override
Overriding the shiftlock system
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brake system inspected.
Power brakes function only when the engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure which is only created when the engine is running. Never let the vehicle roll
to a stop with the engine switched off.
If the power brakes are not working, the brake pedal must be pressed approximately five times harder than usual to
make up for the lack of power assistance. This can happen for example when towing your vehicle or if the engine is
switched off when the vehicle is rolling. The brake pedal feels harder than usual.
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 brakes (ABS)
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 m.p.h. (20 km/h).
The brake pedal will pulsate several times and a sound may be audible from the ABS control module. This is normal.
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Brake system
For optimal ABS braking effect:
1. Press down on the brake pedal with full force. The pedal will pulsate.
2. Steer the vehicle in the direction of travel and keep the brake pedal depressed.
The switching of the ABS modulator will be audible and the brake pedal will pulsate during braking. Please be aware
that ABS does not increase the absolute braking potential of the vehicle. While control will be enhanced, ABS will not
shorten stopping distances on slippery surfaces.
If the warning lamp lights up there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system will still function)
and the vehicle should be driven cautiously to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for inspection.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
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EBD is an integrated part of the ABS system. EBD regulates the hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes to help provide
optimal braking capacity.
WARNING
If the BRAKE and ABS warning symbols light at the same time, there may be a problem in the brake system. If the
brake fluid level is normal in these circumstances, drive carefully to the nearest a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician to have the brake system checked.
Emergency Brake Assistance - EBA
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.
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Stability system
Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)
The stability system consists of a number of functions designed help reduce wheel spin, counteract skidding, and to
generally help improve directional stability.
A pulsating sound will be audible when the system is actively operating and is normal.
Traction control - TC
This function is designed to help reduce wheel spin by transferring power from a drive wheel that begins to lose
traction to the wheel on the opposite side of the vehicle (on the same axle).
TC is most active at low speeds.
This is one of the stability system's permanent functions and cannot be switched off.
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A - thumb wheel
B - RESET button
Spin control - SC
The spin control function is designed to help prevent the drive wheels from spinning while the vehicle is accelerating.
Under certain circumstances, such as when driving with snow chains, or driving in deep snow or loose sand, it may be
advisable to temporarily switch off this function for maximum tractive force.
Temporarily switching off Spin control
1. Turn the thumbwheel ( A) on the left-side steering wheel lever until the DSTC menu is displayed.
2. Hold down the RESET button ( B) to toggle between DSTC SPIN CONTROL ON or OFF.
NOTE
The message DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF indicates that the stability system's spin control function has
temporarily been switched off.
The stability control indicator light will illuminate and remain on until spin control has been reactivated.
The spin control function is automatically enabled each time the engine is started.
DSTC ON indicates that all system functions are active.
Active yaw control - AYC
This function helps maintain directional stability, for example when cornering, by braking one or more of the wheels if
the vehicle shows a tendency to skid or slide laterally.
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Stability system
This is one of the stability system's permanent functions and cannot be switched off.
WARNING
The car's handling and stability characteristics will be altered if the DSTC system functions have been disabled.
DSTC-related messages in the text window
TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY OFF - The system has been temporarily switched off due to high brake
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temperature and will automatically switch on again when the brakes have cooled.
ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED - the system has been automatically disengaged due to a fault. A trained and
qualified Volvo service technician should check the system.
Symbols in the instrument panel
The Stability Control indicator light
This light indicates different conditions, depending on how it illuminates.
The Stability Control indicator light illuminates for approximately 2 seconds
This indicates that the system is performing a self -diagnostic test when the ignition is switched on.
The Stability Control indicator light flashes
This indicates that the stability system is actively functioning to help counteract wheel spin and/or a skid.
The Stability Control indicator light glows steadily
ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED will be displayed in the text window at the same time.
A fault is indicated in the stability system.
1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and switch off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
3. If the indicator light goes out, the fault was temporary and no further action is required.
4. If the indicator light remains on, drive to an authorized Volvo workshop as soon as possible to have the system
checked.
The Stability Control indicator light glows steadily
If DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF is displayed in the text window at the same time, this is a reminder that spin control
has been disabled by the driver.
The warning symbol
The warning symbol glows steadily yellow
The system has been temporarily switched off due to high brake temperature. TRACTION CONTROL
TEMPORARILY OFF will be displayed. The system will automatically switch on again 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.
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Towing
Emergency towing
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The towing eyelet is located under the floor of the cargo area with the optional temporary spare tire or in the bag
stowed in the ski hatch. 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 in place first by hand and then using the tire iron until it is securely in place.
After the vehicle has been towed
1. The eyelet should be removed and returned to the tool bag.
2. Press the cover back into position.
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Towing
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 146
, "
Shiftlock override" to allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position.
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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.
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
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Towing
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.
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the vehicle on the flat
bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
WARNING
Remember that the power brakes and power steering will not function when engine is not running. The braking
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