2009 VOLVO V50 fuel

02 Instruments and controls
Lighting panel
0263 Unlocking the fuel filler door
With the ignition switched off, press button (4)
to unlock the fuel filler door. Please note that
the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the
car begins to move forward.
An audible click will be heard when the fuel filler
door re-locks.

02 Instruments and controlsTrip computer
0266
G029052
READ (press to acknowledge/confirm/
erase a message)Thumb wheel (used to scroll among the trip
computer menus)RESET
The trip computer stores information gathered
from several systems in your car and has four
menus (five on Canadian models) that can be
shown in the information display.
•
MILES TO EMPTY TANK
•
AVERAGE
(average fuel consumption)
•
INSTANTANEOUS
(current fuel con-
sumption)
•
AVERAGE SPEED
•
ACTUAL SPEED
(current speed in mph,
Canadian models only)
•
STC/DSTC
, see page 155
NOTE
Warning messages from the car's monitor-
ing systems will override the trip computer
function.If a warning message is shown in the informa-
tion display while you are using the trip com-
puter:
1. Acknowledge the message by pressing the
READ (button 1).
2.
PressREAD again to return to the trip
computer function.ControlsThe trip computer functions can be accessed
by twisting the thumb wheel (2) one step at a
time in either direction. Twisting a final time
returns you to the original function.ResettingAVERAGE (average fuel consumption) and
AVERAGE SPEED can be reset.
1. Select one of these functions.
2.
PressRESET (3).
MILES TO EMPTY TANKThis function shows the approximate distance
that can be driven on the fuel remaining in the
tank. The calculation is based on average fuel
consumption during the last 20 miles (30 km)
of driving and the amount of fuel remaining in
the tank when the reading was taken.
When the message
---- miles to empty tank
appears in the display, refuel as soon as pos-
sible.AVERAGEThis value indicates fuel consumption since the
last time the trip computer was reset, by press-
ingRESET (button 3). When the engine is
switched off, information on fuel consumption
is stored and remains in system memory until
RESET(button 3) is pressed again.INSTANTANEOUSThis value indicates the current fuel consump-
tion, based on readings taken once per sec-
ond. When the car is not moving, "
----
" will be
displayed.
AVERAGE SPEEDThis value indicates average speed since the
last time the trip computer was reset, by press-
ingRESET (button 3). When the engine is
switched off, information on average speed is
stored and remains in system memory until the
RESET (button 3) is pressed again.

04 InteriorStorage compartments
04108
Storage pocket (on the rear side of the front
seats)Compartment in door panelStorage pocket (on the front side of the
front seat cushion)Glove compartmentStorage compartment for e.g., CDs and
cup holdersJacket hanger (intended for light garments
only)Rear seat storage compartment and cup
holdersStorage pocket (on the front side of the
rear, center seat cushion).WARNING
•
Anchor any heavy objects to prevent
them from moving during sudden stops.
•
Packages on the rear parcel shelf can
obscure vision and may become dan-
gerous projectiles in the event of a sud-
den stop or an accident.
Glove compartment
G024208
The owners manual and maps can be stored
here. There are also holders for coins, pens and
fuel cards. The glove compartment can only be
locked and unlocked using the detachable key
blade from the central locking system's remote
control. See page 120 for information on
removing the key blade from the remote con-
trol, and page 127 for information about lock-
ing the glove compartment.
Jacket hanger
G018137
The jacket hanger is located on the inboard
side of the front passenger's seat head
restraint. It is only intended for hanging light
garments.

G020912
134
General information............................................................................... 136
Fuel requirements................................................................................. 140
Ignition switch....................................................................................... 143
Starting the vehicle............................................................................... 144
Starting the vehicle with keyless drive (option as available).................146
Manual transmission, 5-speed (certain markets only)..........................147
Manual transmission, 6-speed (certain markets only)..........................148
Automatic transmission (option)........................................................... 149
Shiftlock override.................................................................................. 151
All Wheel Drive (option)......................................................................... 152
Brake system........................................................................................ 153
Stability system..................................................................................... 155
Towing................................................................................................... 157
Jump starting........................................................................................ 159
Towing a trailer...................................................................................... 160
Detachable trailer hitch......................................................................... 162
Transporting loads................................................................................ 163
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)–option......................................164
Park assist (Option/accessory)............................................................. 168

06 Starting and drivingGeneral information
06136
Economical driving conserves natural
resourcesBetter 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 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.
•
Use the transmission's Drive (D) position
as often as possible and avoid using kick-
down.
•
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.
•
At highway driving speeds, fuel consump-
tion 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 tailgate open: Driving with
the tailgate open could lead to poisonous
exhaust gases entering the passenger com-
partment. If the tailgate must be kept open
for any reason, proceed as follows:
1. Close the windows.
2. Set the ventilation system control to air
flow to floor, windshield and side win-
dows and the blower control to its high-
est setting.Weight distribution affects handlingAt 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.

06 Starting and driving
General information
06``137 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 dis-
tributed so that capacity weight or maximum
permissible axle loads are not exceeded.Driving through waterThe 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 transmis-
sion. 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
car is in water, do not attempt to restart
the engine. Have the car towed out of
the water.
Cold weather precautionsIf 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). See section "Coolant". The use of
"recycled" antifreeze is not approved byVolvo. Different types of antifreeze must
not be mixed.
•
Volvo recommends using only genuine
Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.
Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty of Volvo
engine coolant to help protect your vehicle
during cold weather.
•
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled – this
prevents 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 decreas-
ing fuel consumption while the engine is
warming up. For winter use, 5W-30 oil, par-
ticularly the synthetic type
1, is recom-
mended. Be sure to use good quality oil but
do not use cold-weather oil for hard driving
or in warm weather, see page 269 for more
information.
•
The load placed on the battery is greater
during the winter since the windshield wip-
ers, lighting, etc. are used more often.
Moreover, the capacity of the battery
decreases as the temperature drops. In
very cold weather, a poorly charged bat-
tery can freeze and be damaged. It is there-
fore advisable to check the state of charge
1Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.

06 Starting and drivingGeneral information
06138
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 chapter "Wheels and tires."
•
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from
freezing, add washer solvents containing
antifreeze (see page 215 for the location of
the washer fluid reservoir). This is impor-
tant since dirt is often splashed on the
windshield during winter driving, requiring
the frequent use of the washers and wip-
ers. Volvo Washer Solvent should be dilu-
ted as follows: Down to 14 °F (–10 °C): 1
part washer solvent and 4 parts water
Down to 5° F (–15° C): 1 part washer sol-
vent 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.NOTE
Avoid using de-icing sprays as they can
cause damage to the locks.
Conserving electrical currentKeep the following in mind to help minimize
battery drain:•
When the engine is not running, avoid turn-
ing the ignition key to position II. Many
electrical systems (the audio system, the
optional navigation system, power win-
dows, etc) will function with the ignition key
in position I. This position reduces 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 cargo
area (certain models only) provides electri-
cal current even with the ignition switched
off, which drains the battery.
NOTE
•
If the ignition is switched on, a warning
message will be displayed in the text
window in the instrument panel when
the battery charge is low.
•
An energy conserving function
designed into the vehicle's electrical
system will switch off certain functions
or reduce the load on the battery by,
e.g., reducing the audio system's vol-
ume.
Before a long distance tripIt is always worthwhile to have your vehicle
checked at a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician before driving long distances.
Your trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician 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
2.
•
Check condition of drive belts.
2To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your vehicle's transmission fluid yourself. Have your vehicle's transmission fluid level inspected by a qualified Volvo service technician.

06 Starting and driving
General information
06
139
•
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 your
Volvo retailer only.
•
Check all lights, including high beams.
•
Reflective warning triangles are legally
required in some states/provinces.
•
Have a word with your Volvo retailer 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.