2008 VOLVO S80 warning lights

This symbol illuminates when the high beam headlights are on, or if the high beam flash function is used.
Left turn signal indicator
Right turn signal indicator
NOTE
Both turn signal indicators will flash when the hazard warning flashers are used.
If either of these indicators flash faster than normal, the direction indicators are not functioning properly.
Indicator and warning symbols
Low oil pressure
If the light comes on while driving, stop the vehicle, 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 vehicle towed to the nearest trained and qualified Volvo
service technician. This is normal, provided it goes off when the engine speed is increased.
Parking brake applied
This symbol illuminates when the parking brake is applied. On models
77 03 Your driving environment
Instruments and controls
equipped with the electric parking brake, this symbol flashes while the brake is being applied and then glows steadily.
A flashing symbol means that a fault has been detected. See the message in the information display.
Canadian models are equipped with this symbol:
NOTE

This symbol also comes on when the mechanical parking brake is only slightly applied.
Airbags - SRS
If this light comes on while the vehicle is being driven, or remains on for longer than approximately 10 seconds after
the vehicle 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.
Seat belt reminder
This symbol comes on for approximately 6 seconds if the driver has not fastened his or her seat belt.
Generator not charging
This symbol comes on during driving if a fault has occurred in the electrical system. Contact an authorized Volvo
workshop.
Engine temperature
Engine overheating can result from low oil or coolant levels, towing or hard driving at high heat and altitude, or
mechanical malfunction. Engine overheating will be signaled with text and a red warning triangle in the middle of the
instrument display. The exact text will depend on the degree of overheating. It may range from " HIGH ENGINE
TEMP - SLOW DOWN " to "HIGH ENGINE TEMP - STOP ENGINE ." If appropriate, other messages, such as
" COOLANT LEVEL LOW " will also be displayed. If your engine does overheat so that you must stop the engine,
always allow the engine to cool before attempting to check oil and coolant levels.
Fault in brake system
If this symbol lights, the brake fluid level may be too low. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and check the level in the
brake fluid reservoir, see page 211
. If the level in the reservoir is below MIN , the vehicle should be transported to an
authorized Volvo workshop to have the brake system checked.
If the brake and ABS symbols come on at the same time, there may be a fault in the brake force distribution system.
1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
If both symbols extinguish, continue driving.
If the symbols remain on, check the level in the brake fluid reservoir. See page 211. If the brake fluid level is
normal but the symbols are still lit, the vehicle can be driven, with great care, to an authorized Volvo workshop to
have the brake system checked.
If the level in the reservoir is below MIN , the vehicle should be transported to an authorized Volvo workshop to
have the brake system checked.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a warning message is displayed in the text window:
DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician and have the brake
system inspected.
If the ABS and Brake system lights are on at the same time, there is a risk of reduced vehicle stability.
78 03 Your driving environment
Instruments and controls

The front fog lights can be switched on together with high/low beams or the parking lights.
Press the button to switch the fog lights on/off. The light in the button comes on when the fog lights are on.
NOTE
Regulations regarding the use of the front fog lights may vary, depending on where you drive.
Rear fog light
The single rear fog light is located in the driver's side taillight cluster.
The rear fog light will only function in combination with the high/low beam headlights or the optional front fog lights.
Press the button to switch the rear fog light on/off. The rear fog light indicator symbol
on the instrument panel
and the light in the button come on when the rear fog light is switched on.
92 03 Your driving environment
Lighting
NOTE
The rear fog light is considerably brighter than the normal tail lights and should be used only when conditions such
as fog, rain, snow, smoke or dust reduce visibility for other vehicles to less than 500 ft. (150 meters).
Hazard warning flashers
The hazard warning flasher should be used to indicate that the vehicle has become a traffic hazard. To activate the

High-pressure headlight washing (option)
High-pressure headlight washing consumes a large quantity of washer fluid. To save fluid, the headlights are washed
using two alternatives:
Low/high beam headlights on
The headlights will be washed the first time the windshield is washed. Thereafter, the headlights will only be washed
once for every five times the windshield is washed within a 10-minute period.
Parking lights on
Optional Active Bi -Xenon® headlights will be washed once for every five times the windshield is washed. Normal
halogen headlights will not be washed.
CAUTION
Use ample washer fluid when washing the windshield. The windshield should be thoroughly wet when the wipers
are in operation.
NOTE
One headlight is washed at a time.
97 03 Your driving environment
Power windows
Power windows
Switch for power child safety locks1 and disengaging rear power window buttons, see page 48
Rear window controls
Front window controls.
WARNING
Always remove the ignition key when the vehicle is unattended.
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle.
Make sure that the windows are completely unobstructed before they are operated.
1Option on certain markets only.

178 04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Park assist (option)
Front park assist
The distance monitored in front of the vehicle is approximately 2.5 ft (0.8 m). The audible signal comes from the audio
system's front speakers.
It may not be possible to combine auxiliary headlights and front park assist since these lights could trigger the system's
sensors.
Faults in the system
If the information symbol illuminates and Park Assist syst Service required is shown on the information display, this
indicates that the system is not functioning properly and has been disengaged. Consult a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician.
CAUTION
In certain circumstances, the park assist system may give unexpected warning signals that can be caused by external
sound sources that use the same ultrasound frequencies as the system. This may include such things as the horns of
other vehicles, wet tires on asphalt, pneumatic brakes, motorcycle exhaust pipes, etc. This does not indicate a fault in
the system.
Cleaning the sensors
The sensors must be cleaned regularly to ensure that they work properly. Clean them with water and a suitable car
washing detergent.
Ice and snow covering the sensors may cause incorrect warning signals.

The door panel indicator light illuminates on the side of the vehicle where the system has detected another vehicle. If
your vehicle is passed on both sides at the same time, both lights will illuminate.
BLIS has an integrated function that alerts the driver if a fault should occur with the system. For example, if one or
both of the system's cameras are obscured, a message (see the table on page 182
) will appear in the information
display in the instrument panel. If this occurs, clean the camera lenses. If necessary, the system can be temporarily
switched off (for instructions, see page 182
).
180 04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Blind Spot Information System (option)
When does BLIS function
The system functions when your vehicle is moving at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).
When you pass another vehicle:
The system reacts when you pass another vehicle at a speed of up to 6 mph (10 km/h) faster than that vehicle.
When you are passed by another vehicle:
The system reacts if your vehicle is passed by another vehicle at a speed of up to 43 mph (70 km/h) faster than your
vehicle.
WARNING
BLIS does not function in sharp curves.
BLIS does not function when your vehicle is backing up.
If you are towing a wide trailer, this may prevent the BLIS cameras from detecting other vehicles in adjacent
lanes.
How BLIS functions in daylight and darkness
Daylight
BLIS reacts to the shape of surrounding vehicles. The system is designed to help detect motor vehicles such as cars,
trucks, buses, motorcycles, etc.
Darkness
BLIS reacts to the headlights of surrounding vehicles. In order to be detected by BLIS, a vehicle in the blind area
must have its headlights on. This means, for example, that the system will not detect a trailer without headlights that is

being towed behind a car or truck.
WARNING
BLIS does not react to cyclists or mopeds.
BLIS does not react to vehicles that are standing still.
The function of the BLIS cameras may be affected by intense light, or when driving at night in areas where there
are no external sources of light (e.g., street lights, other vehicles, etc.). In such cases, the system may react as if the
cameras were obscured.
In both of the above mentioned conditions, a message will appear in the information display.
When driving in such conditions, the system's function will be limited or it may be temporarily switched off. See
page 182
for instructions.
When the message is no longer displayed, BLIS will return to normal function.
The BLIS cameras have the same limitation as the human eye. In other words, their "vision is impaired" by
adverse weather conditions such as heavy snowfall, dense fog, etc.
181 04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Blind Spot Information System (option)
Limitations
In certain situations, the BLIS indicator light(s) may illuminate even when there are no other vehicles in the area
monitored by the system.
NOTE
If the BLIS indicator lights illuminate occasionally even when there are no other vehicles in the blind area, this does
not indicate a fault in the system. In the event of a fault, Blind spot syst. service required will be displayed.
The following are several examples of situations in which the BLIS indicator light(s) may illuminate even when there
are no other vehicles in the area monitored by the system.
Cleaning the BLIS camera lenses
In order to function optimally, the BLIS camera lenses must be kept clean. They can be wiped clean with a soft cloth
or wet sponge.
CAUTION
Clean the lenses carefully to avoid scratching.
The lenses are electrically heated to help melt ice or snow. If necessary, gently brush away snow from the lenses.

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 vehicle is in water, do not attempt to restart it. Have the vehicle towed
out of the water.
Engine and cooling system
Under special conditions, for example when driving in hilly terrain, extreme heat or with heavy loads, there is a risk
that the engine and cooling system will overheat. Proceed as follows to avoid overheating the engine.
Maintain a low speed when driving with a trailer up long, steep hills.
Do not turn the engine off immediately when stopping after a hard drive.
WARNING
The cooling fan may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine has been switched off.
Remove any auxiliary lights from in front of the grille when driving in hot weather conditions.
Do not exceed engine speeds of 4500 rpm if driving with a trailer in hilly terrain. The oil temperature could become
too high.
Conserving electrical current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize battery drain:
When the engine is not running, avoid using ignition mode II . Many electrical systems (the audio system, the
optional navigation system, power windows, etc) will function in ignition modes 0 and I . These modes reduce 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 trunk provides electrical current even with the ignition switched off, which drains
the battery.
190 05 During your trip
Driving recommendations
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 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 checked.
Check condition of drive belts.
Check state of the battery's charge.