Geartronic allows you to manually shift among your vehicle's six forward speeds. Geartronic can be selected at any
time.
To access the manual (M) shifting position from Drive ( D), move the gear selector to the right to M (or to S on
models equipped with Sport mode).
1Available on models with 6- cylinder turbo engines only.
NOTE
On models equipped with Sport mode, the transmission will not switch to manual shifting mode until the gear
selector is moved forward or rearward. The selected gear will then be shown in the information display (see page
74).
To return to the D position from M or S , move the gear selector to the left.
While driving
If you select the M position while driving, the gear that was being used in the Drive position will also initially be
selected in the M position.
Move the gear selector forward (toward "+") to shift to a higher gear or rearward (toward "-") to shift to a lower
gear.
If you hold the gear selector toward "-", the transmission will downshift one gear at a time and will utilize the
braking power of the engine. If the current speed is too high for using a lower gear, the downshift will not occur until
the speed has decreased enough to allow the lower gear to be used.
If you slow to a very low speed, the transmission will automatically shift down.
Shiftlock - Neutral ( N)
If the gear selector is in the N position and the vehicle has been stationary for at least 3 seconds (irrespective of
whether the engine is running) then the gear selector is locked.
To be able to move the gear selector from N to another gear position, the brake pedal must be depressed and the
ignition must be in position II , see page 80
.
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
2.
Lift away the rubber mat on the floor of the storage compartment behind the center console and open the hatch.
2If 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 111
.
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114 03 Your driving environment
Transmission
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
.
All Wheel Drive - AWD
1
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.
NOTE
The message AWD disabled Service required will be appear in the information display if an electrical fault should
occur in the AWD system. A warning light will also illuminate in the instrument panel. If this occurs, have the
system checked by a trained and authorized Volvo service technician.
1Standard on certain models.
115 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
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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.
116 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
EBA is designed to provide full brake effect immediately in the event of sudden, hard braking. The system is activated
by the speed with which the brake pedal is depressed.
When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and pressure in the brake system immediately
increases to the maximum level. Maintain full pressure on the brake pedal in order to utilize the system completely.
EBA is automatically deactivated when the brake pedal is released.
NOTE
When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and pressure in the brake system immediately
increases to the maximum level. You must maintain full pressure on the brake pedal in order to utilize the system
completely. There will be no braking effect if the pedal is released. EBA is automatically deactivated when the brake
pedal is released.
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When the vehicle has been parked for some time, the brake pedal may sink more than usual when the engine is
started. This is normal and the pedal will return to its usual position when it is released.
Symbols in the instrument panel
WARNING
If
and come on at the same time and the brake level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a
brake system-related 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.
117 03 Your driving environment
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Introduction1
Normally, when the accelerator pedal is released while driving down hills, the vehicle's speed slows as the engine runs
at lower rpm (the normal engine braking effect). However, if the downhill gradient becomes steeper and if the vehicle
is carrying a load, speed increases despite the engine braking effect. In this situation, the brakes must be applied to
reduce the vehicle's speed.
HDC is a type of automatic engine brake and makes it possible to increase or decrease the vehicle's speed on downhill
gradients using only the accelerator pedal, without applying the brakes. The brake system functions automatically to
maintain a low and steady speed.
HDC is particularly useful when driving down steep hills with rough surfaces, and where the road may have slippery
patches.
WARNING
HDC does not function in all situations, and is a supplementary braking aid. The driver has full responsibility for
driving in a safe manner.
1HDC is only available on the XC70, on which it is standard equipment.
Function
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HDC can be switched on and off with the button in the center console. An indicator light in the button illuminates
when HDC is activated.
The indicator light in the instrument panel illuminates and a message is displayed when the system is
controlling the vehicle's speed.
HDC only functions when first or reverse gears are selected ( 1 will be shown in the instrument panel display when
first gear is selected.).
NOTE
HDC cannot be activated if the gear selector is the D position.
Using HDC
HDC allows the car to roll forward at a maximum speed of 6 mph (10 km/h), and 4 mph (7 km/h) in reverse.
However, the accelerator pedal can be used to select any speed that is possible in first or reverse gears. When the
accelerator pedal is released, speed is quickly reduced again to 6 mph (10 km/h) or 4 mph (7 km/h), depending on the
gear selected, regardless of the hill's gradient. It is not necessary to apply the brakes.
The brake lights illuminate automatically when HDC is controlling the vehicle's speed.
The driver can slow or stop the vehicle at any time by applying the brakes.
HDC is deactivated when:
The button on the center console is pressed
A gear higher than first gear is selected
D is selected on vehicles with an automatic transmission
118 03 Your driving environment
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
HDC can be deactivated at any time. If this is done while driving down a steep hill, the system's braking effect will
decrease gradually.
NOTE
Engine response to pressure on the accelerator pedal may be slightly slower than normal when HDC is activated.
119 03 Your driving environment
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Electric parking brake
Releasing the electric parking brake
Manual release
1. Fasten the seat belt.
2. Insert the remote key in the ignition slot.
3. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
4. Pull the parking brake control.
Vehicles with Keyless drive (option)
1. Press the START/STOP ENGINE button.
2. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
3. Pull the parking brake control.
Automatic release
1. Start the engine.
2. Fasten the seat belt.
NOTE
For safety reasons, the parking brake is only released automatically if the engine is running and the driver is
wearing a seat belt.
The electric parking brake will be released immediately when the accelerator pedal is pressed and the gear selector
is in position D or P.
3. Move the gear selector to position D or R and press the accelerator pedal. The parking brake will release when the
vehicle begins to move.
Heavy load uphill
A heavy load, such as a trailer, can cause the vehicle to roll backward when the parking brake is released
automatically on a steep incline. To help avoid this:
1. Keep the electric parking brake lever pushed in with the left hand while shifting into Drive with the right.
2. While pressing the throttle pedal to pull away, release the parking brake lever only after the vehicle begins to move.
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Electronic climate control, ECC
Ventilated front driver's seat (option)
Blower
Heated front driver's seat (option)
Air distribution
Heated front passenger's seat (option)
Auto
Ventilated front passenger's seat (option)
Temperature control, passenger's side
A/C - On/Off
Heated rear window and door mirrors, see page 102.
Defroster (maximum effect)
Recirculation/Air quality system
Temperature control, driver's side
Ventilated front seats (option)
The ventilation system consists of fans in the seats and backrests that draw air through the seat upholstery. The cooling
effect increases as the air in the passenger compartment becomes cooler.
The ventilation is controlled by the ECC system, which takes into account the seat temperature, sunlight in the
passenger compartment, and the ambient temperature.
The ventilation can be used at the same time as seat heating.
The ventilation system can be activated when the engine is running. There are three comfort levels that produce
different cooling and dehumidification effects:
Level three: press the button once for maximum output - three indicator lights come on.
Level two: press the button twice for a lower output - two indicator lights come on.
Level one: press the button three times for the lowest output - one indicator light comes on.
Press the button a fourth time to switch off the function - the indicator light will go out.
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1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
If the message remains when the engine is restarted, drive to an authorized Volvo workshop to have the system
inspected.
Symbols in the instrument panel
If the symbols
and are displayed at the same time, read the message in the information display.
If the symbol
appears alone, it may appear as follows:
If the symbol flashes, this indicates that the stability system is actively functioning to help counteract wheel spin
and/or a skid.
If the symbol remains on for approximately 2 seconds after the engine has been started, this indicates that the system
is performing a self -diagnostic test.
WARNING
The stability system is intended to help improve driving safety. It supplements, but can never replace, the driver's
judgment and responsibility when operating the vehicle. Speed and driving style should always be adapted to traffic
and road conditions.
155 04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Active chassis system-Four C
Active chassis (Four C)-option
Active chassis, Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept), regulates the characteristics of the shock absorbers
so that the car's driving characteristics can be adjusted. There are three settings: Comfort, Sport and Advanced.
Comfort
Comfort mode offers a somewhat softer ride and the transmission shifts gears at lower rpm. This mode is particularly
suitable for long-distance highway driving. The indicator light in the button will be on when this mode is selected.
Sport
In this mode, the vehicle's body sway is reduced during cornering and steering response is more immediate. The
transmission shifts up at higher rpm for sportier driving. The indicator light in the button will be on to indicate that
Sport mode has been selected.
Advanced
In this mode, body sway in curves is minimal and steering response is very direct. Gear shifting is done at high rpm in
each gear for dynamic and active driving.
Operation
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