
NOTE
To make it easier to read the odometer, trip odometer, clock, and ambient temperature, these gauges illuminate when
the vehicle is unlocked and when the key has been removed from the ignition switch. The lighting will go out when
the vehicle is locked.
Move the thumb wheel (2) up to increase brightness or down to decrease brightness.
Unlocking the fuel filler door
With the ignition switched off, press button 4 to unlock the fuel filler door. Please note that
61 02 Instruments and controls
Lighting panel
the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the car begins to move forward.
An audible click will be heard when the fuel filler door re-locks.
62 02 Instruments and controls
Left-side steering wheel lever
Lever positions
1. Turn signals, lane change position
2. Turn signals, position for normal turns
3. High beam flash
4. Toggle between high and low beams, Home Safe lighting
Turn signals
When turning
Move the lever as far up or down as possible (to position 2) to start the turn signals. The turn signals will be cancelled
automatically by the movement of the steering wheel, or the lever can be returned to its initial position by hand.
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The trip computer stores information gathered from several systems in your car and has five menus (six on Canadian
models) that can be shown in the information display.
MILES TO EMPTY TANK
AVERAGE (average fuel consumption)
INSTANTANEOUS (current fuel consumption)
AVERAGE SPEED
ACTUAL SPEED (current speed in m.p.h., Canadian models only)
STC/DSTC (see page 149)
NOTE
Warning messages from the car's monitoring systems will override the trip computer function.
If a warning message is shown in the information display while you are using the trip computer:
1. Acknowledge the message by pressing the READ button (A).
2. Press button A again to return to the trip computer function.
Controls
The trip computer functions can be accessed by twisting INFO (B) one step at a time in either direction. Twisting a
final time returns you to the original function.
Resetting
AVERAGE (average fuel consumption) and AVERAGE SPEED can be reset.
1. Select one of these functions.
2. Press RESET (C).
Holding RESET for at least five seconds resets both functions at the same time.
MILES TO EMPTY TANK
This function shows the approximate distance that can be driven on the fuel remaining in the tank. This calculation is
based on average fuel consumption during the last 20 miles (30 km) of driving and the amount of fuel remaining in the
tank when the reading was taken. When the driving distance on current fuel reserve is less than 12 miles (20 km), "----
" will be displayed in the information display.
AVERAGE
This value indicates fuel consumption since the last time the trip computer was reset (by pressing RESET, button C).
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When the engine is switched off, information on fuel consumption is stored and remains in system memory until the
RESET (button C) is pressed again.
INSTANTANEOUS
This value indicates the current fuel consumption, based on readings taken once per second. When the car is not
moving, "----" will be displayed.
AVERAGE SPEED
This value indicates average speed since the last time the trip computer was reset (by pressing RESET, button C).
When the engine is switched off, information on average
64 02 Instruments and controls
Trip computer
speed is stored and remains in system memory until the RESET (button C) is pressed again.
ACTUAL SPEED (Canadian models only)
This function provides the driver with an instantaneous conversion of the car's current speed from km/h to m.p.h.
NOTE
Trip computer readings may vary slightly depending on the circumference of the tires on the car, tire inflation, or
driving style.
65 02 Instruments and controls
Cruise control
Engaging the cruise control function
The cruise control buttons are located on the left side of the steering wheel hub.
1. Press the CRUISE button. CRUISE will appear in the function display in the center of the instrument panel.
NOTE
This does not set the vehicle's speed.
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Glove compartment
The owners manual and maps can be stored here. There are also holders for coins, pens and fuel cards. The glove
compartment can only be locked and unlocked using the detachable key blade from the central locking system's remote
control. See page 115
for information on removing the key blade from the remote control, and page 123 for
information on locking the glove compartment.
Jacket hanger
The jacket hanger is located on the inboard side of the front passenger's seat head restraint. It is only intended for
hanging light garments.
105 04 Interior
Storage compartments
Holder for an ice scraper
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2 0 0 8
VOLVO S40
126 06 Starting and driving
General information 128
Fuel requirements132
Ignition switch/Steering wheel lock135
Starting the vehicle136
Starting the car with keyless drive (option)138
Manual transmission, 5-speed139
Manual transmission, 6-speed140
Automatic transmission141
Shiftlock override145
All Wheel Drive (option)146
Brake system147
Stability system149
Towing151
Jump starting153
Towing a trailer154
Detachable trailer hitch156
Transporting loads157
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)-option158
Park assist (Option/accessory)162
127 06 Starting and driving
128 06 Starting and driving
General information
Economical driving conserves natural resources
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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:
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.
Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc, increase air resistance and also fuel consumption.
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.
Weight distribution affects handling
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.
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, check that the tires are inflated to
the recommended pressure according to the vehicle load. See the "Tire pressure" section. Loads should be distributed
so that capacity weight
129 06 Starting and driving
General information
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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 253
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.
130 06 Starting and driving
General information
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charge more frequently and spray an antirust 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 204 for the
location of the washer fluid reservoir). This is important since dirt is often splashed on the windshield during winter
driving, requiring the frequent use of the washers and wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent should be diluted as follows:
Down to 14° F (-10° C): 1 part washer solvent and 4 parts water Down to 5° F (-15° C): 1 part washer solvent and 3
parts water Down to 0° F (-18° C): 1 part washer solvent and 2 parts water Down to -18° F (-28° C): 1 part washer
solvent and 1 part water.
Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
NOTE
Avoid using de -icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
Conserving electrical current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize battery drain:
When the engine is not running, avoid turning the ignition key to position II. Many electrical systems (the audio
system, the optional navigation system, power windows, etc) will function with the ignition key in position I. This
position reduces drain on the battery.
Please keep in mind that using systems, accessories, etc that consume a great deal of current when the engine is not
running could result in the battery being completely drained.
The optional 12-volt socket in the cargo area provides electrical current even with the ignition switched off, which
drains the battery.
NOTE
If the ignition is switched on, a warning message will be displayed in the text window in the instrument panel
when the battery charge is low.
An energy conserving function designed into the vehicle's electrical system will switch off certain functions or
reduce the load on the battery by, e.g., reducing the audio system's volume.
131 06 Starting and driving
General information
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician before
driving long distances. Your retailer or service technician will also be able to supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark plugs
and wiper blades for your use in the event that problems occur.
As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip:
Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage
Have the transmission oil level checked1.
Check condition of drive belts.
Check state of the battery's charge.
Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those that are worn. Check tire pressures.
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