
A. Open
B. Closed
C. Horizontal air flow
D. Vertical air flow
Direct the outer air vents toward the side windows to defrost.
In cold weather, close the air vents in the center of the dash to direct as much air as possible toward the windows.
86 03 Climate
Electronic climate control, ECC
87 03 Climate
Electronic climate control, ECC
AUTO
This function automatically regulates the Electronic Climate Control system so that the selected temperatures are
maintained. The blower, heating, air distribution (air flow), air conditioning, and optional air quality sensor are
controlled. If you prefer to manually set any of these functions, the remaining functions will still be controlled
automatically. Pressing the AUTO button overrides any settings that were previously made manually. Rear window and door mirror defrosters
ProCarManuals.com

This function defrosts/de-ices the rear window and door mirrors.
The LED in the switch will light up to indicate that the heating function is engaged. See page 63 for additional
information on this function.
NOTE
Never use ice scrapers made of metal as they can easily scratch the mirror surface.
Temperature
These controls are used to individually set the temperature for both sides of the passenger compartment. Please note
that the compartment will not be heated or cooled faster by setting the temperature higher or lower than necessary.
Set the control to the temperature you prefer.
Defroster
This function defrosts/de-ices the windshield and front side windows. The LED in the switch will light up to indicate
that the defrost function is engaged.
Blower speed increases automatically and the air conditioning will switch on (if not already on and if the passenger
compartment blower is not turned off) to dehumidify the air in the passenger compartment.
Recirculation will not function while defrost is engaged.
The climate system will return to its previous settings when the defroster function is switched off.
Blower control
Turn the control clockwise to increase or counterclockwise to decrease the blower speed. Pressing the AUTO switch
will automatically regulate blower speed and override manual adjustment.
Turning the blower control counterclockwise until an orange LED comes on will turn both the blower and the air
conditioning off.
Air distribution
ProCarManuals.com

Press AUTO to automatically regulate air flow or press any combination of the controls shown in the illustration to
manually adjust air flow. An LED in the switch will light up if an air flow control has been pressed.
88 03 Climate
Electronic climate control, ECC
Heated front seats (option)
Press the switch once for maximum seat heating. Both LEDs in the switch will be lit.
Press the switch a second time for comfort heating. One LED in the switch will be lit.
Press the switch a third time to turn the heating off completely. The LED will go off.
The seat heating for the passenger seat should be switched off when the seat is not occupied.
A/C - ON/OFF
Press the switch to turn the air conditioning on or off. The "ON" or "OFF" LED will light up to indicate if the system
is switched on or off. Other functions will still be regulated automatically (if the AUTO switch is on).
The air conditioning functions only at temperatures above 32 °F (0 °C).
While the Defroster function is selected, the air conditioning is temporarily activated to dehumidify the air, even if
you have manually switched the air conditioning off. This will only function if the blower is not switched off.
Recirculation
Press this switch to engage the recirculation function (air in the passenger compartment recirculates - no fresh air
enters the compartment). The LED in the switch will light up to indicate that the function is engaged.
Use this function if the outside air is contaminated with exhaust gases, smoke, etc or to heat/cool the vehicle
quickly.
Recirculation should not be used for more than 15 minutes. If your windows begin to fog or mist, make sure that the
ProCarManuals.com

Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Canadian 2306104388A
Model 509 977 by Connaught Electronics
Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
NOTE
If an airbag deploys, your vehicle's SRS control module will attempt to automatically unlock all doors.
The keys may also be used to lock and unlock the doors, and to activate and deactivate the alarm system.
To avoid leaving your keys in the vehicle, make a habit of always locking the vehicle with the remote control.
If the key blade section of the remote is not fully folded out when starting the vehicle, the immobilizer function
may make it impossible to start the engine.
The vehicle can be locked even if a door is open. When the door(s) are closed, they will be locked. Please be
aware that the keys could be locked in the car when this is done.
Automatic re-locking
If the doors are unlocked, the locks will automatically reengage (re-lock) and the alarm will rearm after 2 minutes
unless a door or the trunk has been opened. This helps prevent the car from inadvertently being left unlocked.
114 05 Locks and alarm
Remote control
WARNING
Never use the transmitter to lock the doors from inside the vehicle.
Doing so would ACTIVATE:
the break-in alarm, which would sound if one of the doors were opened
the optional interior motion and inclination alarm sensors. Doing so would DEACTIVATE:
the moonroof and interior courtesy light controls.
the central locking buttons on the front door armrests, although the interior door handles would still function to
allow occupants to leave the vehicle.
Disabled features would remain disabled until the remote is used again to unlock the vehicle.
In addition, locking an occupied vehicle would hinder rapid access to the occupants in an accident or emergency.
Replacing the battery in the remote control
ProCarManuals.com

Never switch off the ignition (turn the ignition key to position 0) or remove the key from the ignition switch while
the vehicle is in motion. This could cause the steering wheel to lock, which would make the vehicle impossible to
steer.
129 06 Starting and driving
Economical driving
Economical driving conserves natural resources
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.
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.
Avoid using automatic transmission kickdown feature unless necessary.
However, at higher 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 Service intervals.
NOTE
Vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions should use (D)rive as often as possible and avoid using "kickdown"
to help improve fuel economy.
CAUTION
Drive slowly and carefully if going through standing water (i.e. flooded roadways, etc.). Damage to the engine could
result if excess water is drawn in through the air intake system. Never drive the vehicle in water deeper than 1 foot
(300 mm).
130 06 Starting and driving
Handling and road holding
ProCarManuals.com

Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equipment.
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.
CAUTION
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
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.
143 06 Starting and driving
Jump starting
Jump starting
ProCarManuals.com

Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See section "Wheels and tires."
When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1000 km).
Recommended hitch tongue load is:
Trailer weights below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 110lbs (50kg)
Trailer weights above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 165lbs (75kg)
Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 mph (80 km/h).
Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant temperature should be closely
watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use a lower gear and turn off the air conditioner if the
temperature gauge needle enters the red range.
If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be displayed in the text window.
Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop (check and observe
state/local regulations).
Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brake system.
More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer over long distances or in mountainous
areas.
WARNING
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safety chains be attached to the bumper.
Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.
Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle brake system, nor a trailer's lighting system
directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult your nearest trained and qualified Volvo service technician for correct
installation.
When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety wire must be correctly fastened to the hole or hook provided in the
trailer hitch on the vehicle. The safety wire should never be fastened to or wound around the drawbar ball.
NOTE
When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in P
(first/reverse gear on manual transmissions). Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
chocking.
When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in D before releasing the parking brake.
If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, make sure
145 06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
the gear you select does not put too much strain on the engine (using too high a gear).
The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may be rated for trailers heavier than the vehicle is designed to tow. Please
adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer weights.
Leveling
ProCarManuals.com

vehicle warranty. Volvo assumes no responsibility for death, injury, or expenses that may result from such
installations.
New tires
Remember that tires are perishable goods. As of 2000, the manufacturing week and year will be indicated with 4 digits
(e.g. 1502 means that the tire illustrated was manufactured during week 15 of 2002).
Tire age
Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used. It is recommended that tires generally be replaced after 6
years of normal service. Heat caused by hot climates, frequent high loading conditions or Ultra Violet (U.V) exposure
can accelerate the aging process.
You should replace the spare tire when you replace the other road tires due to the aging of the spare.
A tire's age can be determined by the DOT stamp on the sidewall (see the illustration above).
A tire with e.g., visible cracks or discoloration should be replaced immediately.
Improving tire economy:
Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire pressure tables on pages 160 and 161.
Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking and tire screeching.
Tire wear increases with speed.
Correct front wheel alignment is very important.
Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and driving comfort.
Tires must maintain the same direction of rotation throughout their lifetime.
When replacing tires, the tires with the most tread should be mounted on the rear wheels to reduce the chance of
oversteer during hard braking.
Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently.
158 07 Wheels and tires
Tire inflation
ProCarManuals.com