02 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel
0251
Gear and driving mode indicator – The cur-
rently selected driving mode is displayed
here. If you use the Geartronic function on
the automatic transmission, the currently
selected gear will be displayed.Ambient temperature gauge – This display
indicates the air temperature outside your
vehicle. A "snowflake" symbol in the text
window is displayed when the temperature
is in the range of 23 – 36 °F (–5 – +2 °C).
Please note that this symbol does not indi-
cate a fault with your vehicle. At low
speeds or when the vehicle is not moving,
the temperature readings may be slightly
higher than the actual ambient tempera-
ture.Clock/set button – Turn the button to set
the clock.Fuel gauge - see page 240 for more infor-
mation on fuel tank volume. When the
warning light in the gauge comes on, the
vehicle should be refueled as soon as pos-
sible. The Trip computer section (see
page 67) provides more information on
fuel level and consumption.Indicator and warning symbols – The indi-
cator and warning symbols
1light up when
you turn the ignition key to the driving posi-
tion (position II) before starting.
1On certain engines, the symbol for low oilpressure is not used. Instead, a text warning is provided in the information display.
03 ClimateClimate control systems - general information
0386
Condensation on the inside of the
windowsThe defroster function should be used to
remove fog or mist from the inside of the win-
dows. Keeping the windows clean with a com-
mercially available window washing spray will
also help prevent fogging or misting.Ice and snowAlways keep the air intake grille at the base of
the windshield free of snow.Cabin air filterReplace the cabin air filter with a new one at
the recommended intervals. Please refer to
your Warranty and Service Records Informa-
tion booklet, or consult a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for these intervals.
The filter should be replaced more often when
driving under dirty and dusty conditions. The
filter cannot be cleaned and therefore should
always be replaced with a new one.
SensorsThe sunlight sensor on the dashboard and pas-
senger compartment temperature sensor in
the ECC control panel should not be covered
in any way as this could cause incorrect infor-
mation to be sent to the ECC system.Parking the vehicle in warm weatherIf your vehicle has been parked in the sun in
warm weather, opening the windows and
moonroof (option) for several minutes before
driving will help release the warm air from the
passenger compartment. When the engine is
running, close the windows and moonroof and
use the recirculation function for several
minutes to enable the air conditioning to cool
the compartment as quickly as possible.Windows and optional moonroofThe ECC system will function best if the win-
dows and optional moonroof are closed. If you
drive with the moonroof open, we recommend
that you manually adjust the temperature and
blower control (the LED in the AUTO switch
should be off).
AccelerationThe air conditioning is momentarily disen-
gaged during full-throttle acceleration.Climate control maintenanceSpecial tools and equipment are required to
maintain and carry out repairs on the climate
system. Work of this type should only be done
by a trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician.RefrigerantVolvo cares about the environment. The air
conditioning system in your vehicle contains a
CFC-free refrigerant - R134a (HFC134a). This
substance will not deplete the ozone layer. The
system contains 1.5 lbs (700 g) R134a and
uses PAG oil.Climate system blowerThe climate system blower will be automati-
cally switched off when the engine is not run-
ning (even if the ignition key is in position Ior
II) to avoid unnecessary battery drain. To acti-
vate the blower, turn the control to the desired
setting.
06 Starting and driving
Economical driving
06
127 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 fol-
lowing rules:•
Bring the engine to normal operating tem-
perature 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 con-
sumption.
•
Avoid using automatic transmission kick-
down feature unless necessary.
•
However, at higher driving speeds, fuel
consumption will be lower with the air con-
ditioning on and the windows closed than
with the air conditioning off and the win-
dows 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 transmis-
sions 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 sys-
tem. Never drive the vehicle in water deeper
than 1 foot (300 mm).