2008 VOLVO S40 tow

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.
Ashtrays/cigarette lighter
The auxiliary sockets can also be used for cigarette lighters. Ashtrays and lighters are available as accessories. Please
contact your Volvo retailer.
71 02 Instruments and controls
Power windows
Operation
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73 02 Instruments and controls
Mirrors
Rearview mirror
Night position
To reduce glare from the headlights of following vehicles, use control (1) to switch between the normal and night-
driving positions.
2. Normal position
3. Night position, reduces glare from following traffic
Auto-dim function (option)
An optional integrated sensor reacts to headlights from following traffic and automatically reduces glare.
Rearview mirror with compass (option)
The upper right-hand corner of the rearview mirror has an integrated display that shows the compass direction toward
which the car is pointing. Eight different directions can be displayed: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W and NW. The display
shows your car's orientation with respect to true north.
Calibrating the compass
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Operating side windows
The following alternatives can be selected for opening and/or closing all side windows at the same time by pressing
and holding the Lock/Unlock switch in either of the front doors (see also page 122
for additional information) 1.
Auto close all windows On/Off
Auto open all windows On/Off
1This menu alternative also makes it possible to open all side windows by pressing and holding the Unlock button on the remote control for several
seconds.
NOTE
The ignition key must be in position I or higher (see page 135
) before all side windows can be opened/closed using
the switches in the front doors.
Approach lighting
This alternative determines the length of time for which the car's lights will remain on when the Approach light button
on the central locking system's remote control is pressed. Intervals of 30/60/90 seconds may be selected. See page 113
for more information.
Home safe lighting
This alternative determines the length of time for which the car's lights will remain on when the high beam lever on the
steering column is pulled toward the wheel with the ignition switched off. Intervals of 30/60/90 seconds may be
selected. See page 62
for information on using this function.
Information
VIN number - The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is the car's unique identity number.
Number of Keys - the number of keys registered for the car is displayed here.
Climate functions
Blower speed in AUTO mode - the blower speed can be set to AUTO mode in models equipped with ECC. Choose
between "Low", "Normal" and "High".
Timer for recirculation - when the timer is active, the air recirculates in the car for 3-12 minutes depending on the
ambient temperature. Select On/Off depending on whether the recirculation timer is to be active or not.
Keyless locking and unlocking (option as available)
The following alternatives can be selected for locking and unlocking the doors and trunk:
All doors - all doors are locked or unlocked at the same time.
Doors on the same side - front and rear doors on the same side are unlocked together.
Both front doors - both front doors are unlocked together.
One front door - either of the front doors can be unlocked separately2.
2Factory default
79 02 Instruments and controls
Personal settings
Reset to factory settings
Use this alternative to return to the default climate system settings.
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NOTE
The sunlight sensor monitors the side of the vehicle from which the sun shines into the passenger compartment. This
means that the temperature may differ slightly between the left and right air vents, even if the climate system
temperature is set to be the same for both sides of the passenger compartment.
Side windows and optional moonroof
The electronic climate control system will function best if the windows and moonroof are closed. If you drive with the
windows or moonroof open, it may be preferable to manually adjust the temperature and blower control (the LED in
the AUTO switch should be off).
Acceleration
The air conditioning system is temporarily switched off during full throttle acceleration.
88 03 Climate
Air vents
Air vents in the dashboard
A. Open
B. Closed
C. Horizontal air flow
D. Vertical air flow
Direct the outer air vents toward the side windows to defrost.
89 03 Climate
Manual climate control
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The alarm system
The alarm is automatically armed whenever the car is locked with the remote control, or if a front lock button is
depressed.
When armed, the alarm continuously monitors a number of points on the car. The following conditions will trigger the
alarm:
The hood is forced open.
The trunk is forced open.
A door is forced open.
The ignition switch is tampered with
An attempt is made to start the car with a non-approved key (a key not coded to the car's ignition).
If there is movement in the passenger compartment (if the car is equipped with the optional movement sensor).
The car is lifted or towed (if the car is equipped with the optional inclination sensor)
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.
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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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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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The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician only.
Check all lights, including high beams.
Reflective warning triangles are legally required in some states/provinces.
Have a word with your Volvo retailer if you intend to drive in countries where it may be difficult to obtain the
correct fuel.
Consider your destination. If you will be driving through an area where snow or ice are likely to occur, consider
snow tires.
1To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your vehicle's transmission fluid yourself. Have your vehicle's transmission fluid
level inspected by a qualified Volvo service technician.
132 06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
Octane rating
MINIMUM
Volvo recommends premium for best performance, but using 87 octane or above will not affect engine reliability.
Volvo engines are designed to achieve rated horsepower, torque, and fuel economy performance using premium 91
octane fuel.
In demanding driving conditions, such as operating the vehicle in hot weather, towing a trailer, or driving for extended
periods at higher altitudes than normal, it may be advisable to switch to higher octane fuelRECOMMENDED
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