3. Press button B (see the illustration on page 67). The rain sensor symbol will appear in the lower display.
The rain sensor can be deactivated by:
Pressing button (B).
or
Moving the windshield wiper lever down.
NOTE
The rain sensor function will remain activated if the lever is briefly moved up to activate the "manual sweep"
function.
CAUTION
The rain sensor should be deactivated when washing the car in an automatic car wash, etc. If the rain sensor function
is left on, the wipers will start inadvertently in the car wash and could be damaged.
The rain sensor is automatically deactivated:
When the key is removed from the ignition.
Five minutes after the ignition is switched off if the key is left in the ignition.
C - Thumb wheel
The thumb wheel is used to set the wiper interval when intermittent wiping is selected, or the sensitivity to the amount
of rain on the windshield when the rain sensor is selected. Move the wheel upward or downward to increase/decrease
wiper speed when the intermittent function is selected, or to increase/decrease the optional rain sensor's sensitivity
when the this function is activated.
69 02 Instruments and controls
Steering wheel adjustment, Hazard warning flashers
Steering wheel adjustment
Both the height and the reach of the steering wheel can be adjusted to a comfortable position for the driver.
1. Pull down the lever on the steering column to release the steering wheel.
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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.
70 02 Instruments and controls
Parking brake
Parking brake (hand brake)
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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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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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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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If you intend to leave your vehicle while it is being refueled, this feature enables you to lock the doors/trunk while
leaving the fuel filler door unlocked.
You can also keep the vehicle locked if you remain inside it during refueling. The central locking button does not lock
the fuel filler door.
Be sure the fuel filler door is not obstructed and is completely closed after refueling.
Open the fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather.
Refueling
The fuel tank is designed to accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. See page 252
for fuel tank
volume. Be aware that the "usable" tank capacity will be somewhat less than the specified maximum. When the fuel
level is low, such factors as ambient temperature, the fuel's "Reid vapor pressure" characteristics, and terrain can affect
the fuel pump's ability to supply the engine with an adequate supply of fuel. Therefore, it is advisable to refuel as soon
as possible when the needle nears the red zone, or when the fuel warning light comes on.
CAUTION
Do not refuel with the engine running1. Turn the ignition off or to position I. If the ignition is on, an incorrect
reading could occur in the fuel gauge
After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place.
Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Do not press the handle on the filler nozzle more than one extra time. Too much
fuel in the tank in hot weather conditions can cause the fuel to overflow. Overfilling could also cause damage to the
emission control systems.
Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. In addition to causing damage to the environment, gasolines containing
alcohol can cause damage to painted surfaces, which may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Do not use gasolines containing methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice can result in vehicle
performance deterioration and can damage critical parts in the fuel system. Such damage may not be covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
1If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the vehicle is refueled, the Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator
lamp) may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps.
135 06 Starting and driving
Ignition switch/Steering wheel lock
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock
0 - Locked position
Remove the key to lock the steering wheel
1. Never turn the key to position 0 while driving or when the vehicle is
being towed.
NOTE
A ticking sound may be audible if the key is turned to a position between 0 and I. To stop this sound, turn the key to
position II and back to position 0.
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I - Intermediate position2
Certain accessories, radio, etc. on, daytime running lights off.
1Automatic transmission: the gear selector must be in the Park position. The optional keyless drive start control does not need to be removed.
2Please be aware that leaving the key in this positions I or II will increase battery drain.
II - Drive position
The key's position when driving. The vehicle's entire electrical system is activated.
III - Start position
Turn the key to this position and release it immediately. The key returns automatically to the Drive position.
A chime will sound if the key is left in the ignition and the driver's door is opened (does not apply to vehicles with the
optional keyless drive).
Steering wheel lock
When the key is removed from the ignition, the steering wheel locks so that it cannot be turned.
NOTE
The steering wheel lock is activated when the driver's door is opened on vehicles with the optional keyless drive.
Releasing the steering wheel lock
If the front wheels are hard up against a curb, the steering wheel lock may be under too much tension to unlock.
If so, the key will turn in the ignition switch but the car will not start.
At the same time, a message "Steering locked turn wheel" will appear in the information display.
If this happens:
1. Remove the key
3 from the ignition.
2. Turn the steering wheel slightly and hold it to release pressure on the lock mechanism.
3. Reinsert the key and start the vehicle.
The steering should immediately unlock. If not, try again.
NOTE
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