
remote control is in the passenger's compartment). It is activated when the ignition is switched off and the driver's door is opened.
109 03 Your driving environment
Starting the engine
Jump starting
Follow these instructions to jump start your vehicle's dead battery or to jump start another vehicle's dead battery using
your vehicle. If the 12-volt auxiliary battery to be used is in another vehicle, check that the vehicles are not touching to
prevent premature completion of a circuit. Be sure to follow jump starting instructions provided for the other vehicle.
To jump start your vehicle:
1. Switch off the ignition (set the ignition to mode 0, see page 80
).
2. First connect the red jumper cable to the auxiliary battery's positive (+) terminal
.
3. Fold back the cover over the positive (+) terminal on your vehicle's battery
, marked with a "+" sign, located
under a folding cover.
4. Connect the black jumper cable to the auxiliary battery's negative (-) terminal
and to the ground point in your
vehicle's engine compartment (right engine mount at the top, on the outer screw)
.
5. Start the engine in the assisting vehicle, then start the engine in the vehicle with dead battery.
6. After the engine has started, first remove the negative (-) terminal jumper cable (black). Then remove the positive
(+) terminal jumper cable (red).
WARNING
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the state of
California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
CAUTION
Connect the jumper cables carefully to avoid short circuits with other components in the engine compartment.
WARNING

Shiftlock override
If the vehicle cannot be driven, for example because of a dead battery, the gear selector must be moved from the P
position so that the vehicle can be moved
1.
Lift away the rubber mat on the floor of the storage compartment behind the center console and open the hatch.
Insert the key blade into the opening as far as possible. Press the key blade down and keep it held down. Move the
gear selector from the P position. For information on the key blade, see page 52
.
1If the battery is dead, the optional electric parking brake cannot be applied or released. Connect an auxiliary battery if the battery voltage is too
low, see page 109
.
112 03 Your driving environment
Transmission
All Wheel Drive - AWD1
Your Volvo can be equipped with permanent All Wheel Drive, which means that power is distributed automatically
between the front and rear wheels. Under normal driving conditions, most of the engine's power is directed to the front
wheels. However, if there is any tendency for the front wheels to spin, an electronically controlled coupling distributes
power to the wheels that have the best traction.
1Standard on certain models.
113 03 Your driving environment
Brakes
Brake system
The brake system is a hydraulic system consisting of two separate brake circuits. If a problem should occur in one of
these circuits, it is still possible to stop the vehicle with the other brake circuit.
If the brake pedal must be depressed farther than normal and requires greater foot pressure, the stopping distance will
be longer.
A warning light in the instrument panel will light up to warn the driver that a fault has occurred.
If this light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.

NOTE
Press the brake pedal hard and maintain pressure on the pedal - do not pump the brakes.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a brake system message is shown in the information
display: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician and have the
brake system inspected.
Power brakes function only when the engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure which is only created when the engine is running. Never let the vehicle roll
to a stop with the engine switched off.
If the power brakes are not working, the brake pedal must be pressed approximately five times harder than usual to
make up for the lack of power assistance. This can happen for example when towing your vehicle or if the engine is
switched off when the vehicle is rolling. The brake pedal feels harder than usual.
Water on brake discs and brake pads affects braking
Driving in rain and slush or passing through an automatic car wash can cause water to collect on the brake discs and
pads. This will cause a delay in braking effect when the pedal is depressed. To avoid such a delay when the brakes are
needed, depress the pedal occasionally when driving through rain, slush, etc. This will remove the water from the
brakes. Check that brake application feels normal. This should also be done after washing or starting in very damp or
cold weather.
Severe strain on the brake system
The brakes will be subject to severe strain when driving in mountains or hilly areas, or when towing a trailer. Vehicle
speed is usually slower, which means that the cooling of the brakes is less efficient than when driving on level roads.
To reduce the strain on the brakes, shift into a lower gear and let the engine help with the braking. Do not forget that if
you are towing a trailer, the brakes will be subjected to a greater than normal load.
Anti-lock braking system
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and steering) during severe braking
conditions by limiting brake lockup. When the system "senses" impending lockup, braking pressure is automatically
modulated in order to help prevent lockup that could lead to a skid.
The system performs a self -diagnostic test when the engine is started and when the vehicle first reaches a speed of
approximately 12 mph (20 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsate several times and a sound may be audible from the
ABS control module. This is normal.
114 03 Your driving environment
Brakes
Cleaning the brake discs
Coatings of dirt and water on the brake discs may result in delayed brake function. This delay is minimized by
cleaning the brake linings.
Cleaning the brake pads is advisable in wet weather, prior to long-term parking, and after the vehicle has been washed.
Do this by braking gently for a short period while the vehicle is moving.
Emergency Brake Assistance

2 0 0 8
VOLVO S80
186 05 During your trip
Driving recommendations 188
Refueling192
Loading198
Towing a trailer201
Emergency towing204
187 05 During your trip
188 05 During your trip
Driving recommendations
General information
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.
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.
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.
Weight distribution affects handling
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
189 05 During your trip
Driving recommendations
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 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.

Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those that are worn. Check tire pressures.
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 a trained and qualified Volvo service technician 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.
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). 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.
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this helps prevent 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, 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 272
for more information on engine oil.
NOTE
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at
additional charge.
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 charge more frequently and spray an
anti-rust oil on the battery posts.
Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving. See the information on page 250.
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze. This is important
since dirt is often splashed on the windshield during winter driving, requiring the frequent use of the washers and
wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent should be diluted as follows: Down to 14° F (-10° C): 1 part washer solvent and 4 parts
water Down to 5° F (-15° C):
191 05 During your trip
Driving recommendations
1 part washer solvent and 3 parts water Down to 0° F (-18° C): 1 part washer solvent and 2 parts water Down to -18°
F (-28° C): 1 part washer solvent and 1 part water.
Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
Avoid using de -icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
192 05 During your trip
Refueling

Fuel requirements
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gasoline to control engine deposits. Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping
injectors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit control gasolines will help ensure good drivability and fuel
economy. If you are not sure whether the gasoline contains deposit control additives, check with the service station
operator.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of external fuel injector cleaning systems.
Unleaded fuel
Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and Canadian regulations
require that pumps delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit
your vehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled "unleaded gasoline only".
Leaded gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of
leaded gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of the emission control system and could result in loss of emission
warranty coverage. State and local vehicle inspection programs will make detection of misfueling easier, possibly
resulting in emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.
NOTE
Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive called methyl-cyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission Control System performance may be affected, and the
Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator light) located on your instrument panel may light. If this occurs, please
return your vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for service.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers, "Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or ethers. In some areas, state or
local laws require that the service pump be marked indicating use of alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas in
which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet seasonal air quality standards, some areas require the use of "oxygenated"
fuel.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed on page 193
must still be
met.
Alcohol - Ethanol
Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be used. Ethanol may also be referred to as Ethyl alcohol, or
"Gasohol".
Ethers - MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
Methanol
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.
193 05 During your trip
Refueling