2008 VOLVO S40 check engine light

After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place. If this cap is not closed tightly
or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp ("Check Engine" light) may
indicate a fault.
Points to keep in mind
Before you operate your vehicle for the first time, please familiarize yourself with the new-engine oil consumption
information on page 205
. You should also be familiar with the information found in the chapters "Instruments and
controls," and "Starting and driving."
Information contained in the balance of the manual is extremely useful and should be read after operating the
vehicle for the first time.
The manual is structured so that it can be used for reference. For this reason, it should be kept in the vehicle for
ready access.
Do not export your Volvo to another country before investigating that country's applicable safety and emission
control requirements. In some cases it may be difficult or impossible to comply with these requirements. Modifications
to the emission control system(s) may render your Volvo not certifiable for legal operation in the U.S., Canada and
other countries.
All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are based on the latest product information
available at the time of publication. Please note that some vehicles may be equipped differently, depending on special
legal requirements. Optional equipment described in this manual may not be available in all markets.
Volvo reserves the right to make model changes at any time, or to change specifications or design without notice
and without incurring obligation.
WARNING
If your vehicle is involved in an accident, unseen damage may affect its driveability and safety.
WARNING
CALIFORNIA proposition 65
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the
state of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained
in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
7 Introduction
Volvo and the environment
Volvo is committed to the well being of its customers. As a natural part of this commitment, we care about the
environment in which we all live. Caring for the environment means an everyday involvement in reducing our
environmental impact. Volvo's environmental activities are based on a holistic view, which means we consider the
overall environmental impact of a product throughout its complete life cycle. In this context, design, production,
product use, and recycling are all important considerations. In production, Volvo has partly or completely phased out
several chemicals including CFCs, lead chromates, asbestos, and cadmium; and reduced the number of chemicals used
in our plants 50% since 1991.
Volvo was the first in the world to introduce into production a three-way catalytic converter with a Lambda sond, now
called the heated oxygen sensor, in 1976. The current version of this highly efficient system reduces emissions of
harmful substances (CO, HC, NOx) from the exhaust pipe by approximately 95-99% and the search to eliminate the
remaining emissions continues. Volvo is the only automobile manufacturer to offer CFC-free retrofit kits for the air
conditioning system of all models as far back as the 1975 model 240. Advanced electronic engine controls and cleaner
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fuels are bringing us closer to our goal. After Volvo vehicles and parts have fulfilled their use, recycling is the next
critical step in completing the life cycle. The metal content is about 75% of the total weight of a vehicle, which makes
the vehicle among the most recycled industrial products. In order to have efficient and well-controlled recycling,
dismantling information is available for all Volvo models. For Volvo, all homogeneous plastic parts weighing more
than 3.4 oz. (100 grams) are marked with international symbols that indicate how the component is to be sorted for
recycling. In addition to continuous environmental refinement of conventional gasoline-powered internal combustion
engines, Volvo is actively looking at advanced technology alternative-fuel vehicles.
When you drive a Volvo, you become our partner in the work to lessen the car's impact on the environment. To reduce
your vehicle's environmental impact, you can:
Maintain proper air pressure in your tires. Tests have shown decreased fuel economy with improperly inflated tires.
Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your Warranty and Service Records Information booklet.
Drive at a constant speed whenever possible.
See a trained and qualified Volvo service technician as soon as possible for inspection if the check engine
(malfunction indicator) light illuminates, or stays on after the vehicle has started.
Properly dispose of any vehicle-related waste such as used motor oil, used batteries, brake pads, etc.
When cleaning your vehicle, please use genuine Volvo car care products. All Volvo car care products are
formulated to be environmentally friendly.
WARNING
Certain components of this vehicle such as air bag modules, seat belt pretensioners, adaptive steering columns, and
button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate material. Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life
disposal. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
.
For additional information regarding the environmental activities in which Volvo Cars of North America, LLC and
Volvo Car Corporation are involved, visit our Internet home page at: http://www.volvocars.us
.
8 Introduction
Important warnings
Accessory Installation
We strongly recommend that Volvo owners install only genuine, Volvo-approved accessories, and that accessory
installations be performed only by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Genuine Volvo accessories are tested to ensure compatibility with the performance, safety, and emission systems in
your vehicle. Additionally, a trained and qualified Volvo service technician knows where accessories may and may not
be safely installed in your Volvo. In all cases, please consult a trained and qualified Volvo service technician before
installing any accessory in or on your vehicle.
Accessories that have not been approved by Volvo may or may not be specifically tested for compatibility with your
car. Additionally, an inexperienced installer may not be familiar with some of your car's systems.
Any of your car's performance and safety systems could be adversely affected if you install accessories that Volvo
has not tested, or if you allow accessories to be installed by someone unfamiliar with your car.
Damage caused by unapproved or improperly installed accessories may not be covered by your new car warranty.
See your Warranty and Service Records Information booklet for more warranty information. Volvo assumes no
responsibility for death, injury, or expenses that may result from the installation of non-genuine accessories.
Driver distraction
Driver distraction results from driver activities that are not directly related to controlling the car in the driving
environment. Your new Volvo is, or can be, equipped with many feature- rich entertainment and communication
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14. Indicator and warning symbols
51 02 Instruments and controls
Indicator and warning symbols
Function check
The indicator and warning symbols
1 light up when you turn the ignition key or the optional keyless drive start control
to the driving position (position II) before starting. This shows that the symbols are functioning.
When the engine starts, all symbols go out. If the engine is not started within 5 seconds, all of the symbols
except CHECK ENGINE and will go out. Certain symbols may not have their functions illustrated, depending on the
car's equipment.
The PARK BRAKE symbol will not go out until the parking brake has been released.
1On certain engines, the symbol for low oil pressure is not used. Instead, a text warning is provided in the information display, see also page 206.
Symbols in the center of the instrument panel
Warning symbol
The red warning symbol lights up to indicate a fault that could affect the car's drivability. This symbol illuminates
when the vehicle is traveling at speeds above 5 mph (7 km/h). A text explaining the nature of the fault will also be
shown in the information display. The symbol and accompanying text will remain on until the fault has been corrected.
This symbol may also light up in combination with other indicator or warning symbols.
If the red warning symbol lights up:
1. Stop the car as soon as possible in a suitable location.
2. Read the message in the information display.
3. Follow the instructions provided, or contact a trained and qualified Volvo service technician. Erase the message by
pressing READ (see page 56
).
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Information symbol
The yellow information symbol lights up to alert the driver to a message in the information display. This symbol
illuminates when the vehicle is traveling at speeds below 5 mph (7 km/h).
The message can be erased by pressing the READ button (see page 56
), or will disappear automatically (the length of
time required for the message to disappear varies, depending on the function indicated).
When the message "TIME FOR REGULAR SERVICE" is displayed, the text can be erased and the information
symbol light can be turned off by pressing the READ button. The text will disappear and the symbol light will go out
automatically after two minutes.
52 02 Instruments and controls
Indicator and warning symbols
This symbol may also light up in combination with other indicator or warning symbols.
53 02 Instruments and controls
Symbols - instrument panel
Symbols - left side
1. Malfunction indicator light
As you drive, a computer called On-Board Diagnostics II (OBDII) monitors your car's engine, transmission, electrical
and emission systems.
The CHECK ENGINE light will light up if the computer senses a condition that potentially may need correcting.
When this happens, please have your car checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician as soon as
possible.
A CHECK ENGINE light may have many causes. Sometimes, you may not notice a change in your car's behavior.
Even so, an uncorrected condition could hurt fuel economy, emission controls, and drivability. Extended driving
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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. See page 70
for more information.
NOTE
Canadian models are equipped with the second symbol.
3. SRS system 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, 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.
5. Seat belt reminder
This symbol (and the seat belt reminder light above the rear view mirror) will light up if either front seat occupant has
not buckled his/her seat belt. If the car is not moving, the symbols will go out after approximately 6 seconds.
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6. Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charging system checked by an authorized Volvo workshop.
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 206
.
55 02 Instruments and controls
Symbols - instrument panel
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 the brake fluid level in the reservoir. See page 204
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 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.
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 204
for the location of the reservoir.
Door open warning
The driver will be alerted if one of the doors, the hood, or the trunk lid are open or ajar.
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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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