2009 VOLVO V50 traction control

Introduction
Important warnings
13 Accessory Installation
•
We strongly recommend that Volvo owners
install only genuine, Volvo-approved
accessories, and that accessory installa-
tions be performed only by a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician.
•
Genuine Volvo accessories are tested to
ensure compatibility with the performance,
safety, and emission systems in your vehi-
cle. Additionally, a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician knows where
accessories may and may not be safely
installed in your Volvo. In all cases, please
consult a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician before installing any acces-
sory in or on your vehicle.
•
Accessories that have not been approved
by Volvo may or may not be specifically
tested for compatibility with your vehicle.
Additionally, an inexperienced installer
may not be familiar with some of your vehi-
cle's systems.
•
Any of your vehicle's performance and
safety systems could be adversely affec-
ted if you install accessories that Volvo has
not tested, or if you allow accessories to be
installed by someone unfamiliar with your
vehicle.
•
Damage caused by unapproved or
improperly installed accessories may not
be covered by your new vehicle warranty.
See your Warranty and Service RecordsInformation booklet for more warranty
information. Volvo assumes no responsi-
bility for death, injury, or expenses that
may result from the installation of nonge-
nuine accessories.
Driver distraction•
Driver distraction results from driver activ-
ities that are not directly related to control-
ling the vehicle in the driving environment.
Your new Volvo is, or can be, equipped
with many feature-rich entertainment and
communication systems. These include
hands-free cellular telephones, navigation
systems, and multipurpose audio systems.
You may also own other portable elec-
tronic devices for your own convenience.
When used properly and safely, they enrich
the driving experience. Improperly used,
any of these could cause a distraction.
•
For all of these systems, we want to pro-
vide the following warning that reflects the
strong Volvo concern for your safety:
•
Never use these devices or any feature of
your vehicle in a way that distracts you
from the task of driving safely. Distraction
can lead to a serious accident. In addition
to this general warning, we offer the fol-
lowing guidance regarding specific newer
features that may be found in your vehicle:
•
Never use a hand-held cellular telephone
while driving. Some jurisdictions prohibitcellular telephone use by a driver while the
vehicle is moving.
•
If your vehicle is equipped with a naviga-
tion system, set and make changes to your
travel itinerary only with the vehicle parked.
•
Never program your audio system while
the vehicle is moving. Program radio pre-
sets with the vehicle parked, and use your
programmed presets to make radio use
quicker and simpler.
•
Never use portable computers or personal
digital assistants while the vehicle is mov-
ing.
A driver has a responsibility to do everything
possible to ensure his or her own safety and
the safety of passengers in the vehicle and oth-
ers sharing the roadway. Avoiding distractions
is part of that responsibility.

02 Instruments and controls
Symbols – instrument panel
02``55 Symbols – left side
G026439
1. Malfunction indicator light
As you drive, a computer called
On-Board Diagnostics II (OBDII)
monitors your car's engine, trans-
mission, electrical and emission
systems.
TheCHECK ENGINE light will light
up if the computer senses a condition that
potentially may need correcting. When this
happens, please have your car checked by a
trained and qualified Volvo service technician
as soon as possible.
CHECK
ENGINEACHECK ENGINE light may have many cau-
ses. Sometimes, you may not notice a changein your car's behavior. Even so, an uncorrected
condition could hurt fuel economy, emission
controls, and drivability. Extended driving with-
out correcting the cause could even damage
other components in your car.
NOTE
Canadian models are equipped with the
second symbol.2. Anti-lock Brake system (ABS)
If the warning light comes on, there
is a malfunction of the ABS system
(the standard braking system will
still function).
The vehicle should be driven to a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician for inspec-
tion, see page 153 for additional information.
NOTE
Canadian models are equipped with the
second symbol.3. Rear fog light
This symbol indicates that the rear
fog light (located in the driver's
side taillight cluster) is on.
4. Stability system STC or DSTC
This indicator symbol flashes when
the STC (Stability and Traction
control system) or the DSTC
(Dynamic Stability and Traction
control system) is actively working
to stabilize the car, see page 155 for more
detailed information.
5. Tire Pressure Monitoring System
This system monitors inflation
pressure in the tires. See page
197 for more information.
6. Fuel level warning light
When this light comes on, the vehi-
cle should be refueled as soon as
possible.

06 Starting and drivingAll Wheel Drive (option)
06152
All Wheel Drive (AWD) – general
informationYour Volvo can be equipped with permanent
All Wheel Drive (option), 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.Tire dimensionsVolvo recommends that you always drive on
tires of the same brand, size, construction
(radial), tread pattern, load, speed, traction,
temperature, and treadwear rating. Never drive
on mixed tires, except for brief periods when
the temporary spare tire is in use.
Always use properly inflated tires of correct
dimensions. Tire size and inflation pressures
are shown on a placard located on the driver's
side B-pillar (the structural member at the side
of the vehicle, at the rear of the driver's door
opening). See also page 178 for the tire infla-
tion pressure tables beginning, .
Temporary SpareThe temporary spare tire is for temporary, low-
speed, short-distance use only. Replace it with
a full-sized tire as soon as possible. Do not
drive on the temporary spare at speeds above
50 mph (80 km/h).
Never install snow chains on a temporary
spare.

06 Starting and driving
Stability system
06``155 Stability Traction Control (STC)/
Dynamic Stability Traction Control
(DSTC)
The stability system consists of a number of
functions designed help reduce wheel spin,
counteract skidding, and to generally help
improve directional stability.
A pulsating sound will be audible when the
system is actively operating and is normal.Function/
system
STC
DSTC
A
TC
X
X
SC
X
X
AYC
X
AOption on certain models.Traction control – TCThis function is designed to help reduce wheel
spin by transferring power from a drive wheel
that begins to lose traction to the wheel on the
opposite side of the vehicle (on the same axle).
TC is most active at low speeds.
This is one of the stability system's permanent
functions and cannot be switched off.
G020349
A- thumb wheel, B - RESET buttonSpin control (SC)The spin control function is designed to help
prevent the drive wheels from spinning while
the vehicle is accelerating.
Under certain circumstances, such as when
driving with snow chains, or driving in deep
snow or loose sand, it may be advisable to
temporarily switch off this function for maxi-
mum tractive force
1.
Temporarily switching off Spin control1. Turn the thumbwheel (A) on the left-side
steering wheel lever until the
STC/DSTC
menu is displayed.
2.
Hold down the RESET button (B) to toggle
between
STC/DSTC SPIN CONTROL
ON
or
OFF
.
NOTE
•
The message
STC/DSTC SPIN
CONTROL OFF indicates that the sta-
bility system's spin control function has
temporarily been switched off.
•
The stability control indicator light will illuminate and remain on until spin
control has been reactivated.
•
The spin control function is automati-
cally enabled each time the engine is
started.
•
STC/DSTC ON
indicates that all sys-
tem functions are active.
Active yaw control – AYC (DSTC only)This function helps maintain directional stabil-
ity, for example when cornering, by braking
one or more of the wheels if the vehicle shows
a tendency to skid or slide laterally.
1Models equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD) have an integrated traction control function that cannot be disabled. DSTC is optional on AWD models.

06 Starting and drivingStability system
06156
This is one of the stability system's permanent
functions and cannot be switched off.
WARNING
The car's handling and stability characteris-
tics will be altered if the STC/DSTC system
functions have been disabled.STC/DSTC-related messages in the text
window•
"TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY
OFF
" – The system has been temporarily
switched off due to high brake temperature
and will automatically switch on again
when the brakes have cooled.
•
"ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED
" – the
system has been automatically disen-
gaged due to a fault. A trained and qualified
Volvo service technician should check the
system.
Symbols used by the stability system
Stability system indicator light
Information symbol
If the
and
symbols light up at the same
time, read the message in the display.
If only the symbol lights up, this indicates
one of the following situations:
•
The light illuminates for approximately
2 seconds to indicate that the system is
performing a self-diagnostic test when the
engine is started.
•
If the light flashes while driving, this indi-
cates that the stability system is actively
functioning to help counteract wheel spin
and/or a skid.
•
If this light stays on after the engine has
started or comes on while driving, there
may be a fault in the stability system. Con-
sult a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician.
•
If Spin control has been intentionally
switched off, a message is displayed and
the light will stay on as a reminder that this
function has been disabled by the driver.
WARNING
The stability system is intended to help
improve driving safety. It supplements, but
can never replace, the driver's judgement
and responsibility when operating the vehi-
cle. Speed and driving style should always
be adapted to traffic and road conditions.

07 Wheels and tiresUniform tire quality gradings
07
185 Uniform tire quality gradings
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST
CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETY
REQUIREMENTS IN ADDITION TO THESE
GRADES
Quality grades can be found, where appli-
cable, on the tire sidewall between the tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature ATREADWEARThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire gra-
ded 150 would wear one and one half (1 1/2)
times as well on the government course as a
tire graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and many depart signifi-
cantly from the norm due to variation in driving
habits, maintenance practices and differences
in road characteristics and climate.TRACTIONThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C, as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance. The trac-
tion grade assigned to this tire is based on
braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and is
not a measure of cornering (turning) traction.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on braking (straight-ahead) traction
tests and is not a measure of cornering
(turning) traction.TEMPERATUREThe temperature grades are AA (the highest),
A, B, and C, representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to dis-
sipate heat when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corre-
sponds to a minimum level of performance that
all passenger vehicle tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of per-
formance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-
inflation, or excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and tire failure.

10 AudioBluetoothŸ hands-free connection
10254
Introduction
G029503
System overview
Cell phoneLocation of the microphoneCenter console control panel and display
BluetoothŸ hands-freeThis option makes it possible to set up a wire-
less connection between a Bluetooth-enabled
cell phone and the vehicle’s audio system. This
enables the audio system to function as a
hands-free connection and allows you to
remote-control a number of the phone’s func-
tions. The microphone used by this system is
located in the ceiling console (2). The buttonsand other controls on the cell phone can
always be used regardless of whether or not
the phone is connected to the hands-free sys-
tem.
NOTE
Not all cell phones are fully compatible with
the hands-free system. A list of compatible
phones is available at your Volvo retailer or
at www.volvocars.com
WARNING
Never use the hands-free feature or any
other device in your vehicle in a way that
distracts you from the task of driving safely.
Distraction can lead to a serious accident.Getting startedUse the controls in the center console (3) to
access, navigate and make selections in the
hands-free system’s menus (see page 258).Activating/deactivatingA short press on the PHONE button in the cen-
ter console activates the hands-free system.
The text
TELEPHONE
will appear at the top of
the display to indicate that the audio system is
in telephone mode.The
symbol indicates that the hands-free
system is active.
A long press on the PHONE button deactivates
the hands-free system and disconnects the
cell phone.
Connecting cell phonesThe procedure for connecting a cell phone var-
ies, depending on the phone itself, and on
whether or not the phone has been previously
connected.
If this is the first time the phone is to be con-
nected to the hands-free system, proceed as
follows:
Alternative 1–using the vehicle's menus
1.
Activate the cell phone’s BluetoothŸ func-
tion (refer to the phone’s owner’s manual if
necessary) or go to www.volvocars.com
2.
Activate the vehicle’s BluetoothŸ hands-
free system by briefly pressing the
PHONE button.
>
Add phone
will be displayed. If one or
more cell phones are already registered
in the system, they will also be dis-
played.
3.
Select
Add phone
.

12 Index
12
281
functions............................................. 118
key blade............................................ 120
Replacing fuses....................................... 230
Reporting safety defects
Canada................................................. 17
USA....................................................... 16
Roof loads................................................ 163
Rotating tires........................................... 189
SSafety, occupant........................................ 16
Safety defects, reporting
Canada................................................. 17
USA....................................................... 16
Safety locks, child.................................... 129
Seat belt
reminder................................................ 19
Seat belts................................................... 18
Automatic locking retractor/Emergency
locking retractor.................................... 35
buckling................................................ 18
maintenance......................................... 20
pretensioners........................................ 18unbuckling............................................ 18
use during pregnancy........................... 19
Seats, front.............................................. 102
Shiftlock
override............................................... 151
Side door mirrors....................................... 78
Side impact airbags................................... 29
Side impact protection (SIPS) airbags....... 29
Sirius satellite radio.................................. 245
Snow chains............................................ 186
Snow tires................................................ 186
Sound control, automatic........................243
Sound settings, audio system................. 242
Spare tire................................................. 187
Stability system........................................ 155
Dynamic Stability Traction Control
(DSTC)................................................ 155
Starting the engine................................... 144
with keyless drive...............................146
Start inhibitor (immobilizer)..............118, 144
STC, stability system............................... 155
Steering wheel
adjusting............................................... 73
keypad................................................241Storage compartments............................ 107
Studded tires........................................... 186
Subwoofer............................................... 242
Sunroof (moonroof).................................... 80
Supplemental restraint system.................. 21
TTachometer................................................ 51
Tailgate wipers................................... 71, 220
Telephone (cellular), hands-free connec-
tion (Cell phone, hands-free connection). 254
Temporary spare tire...............................187
Three-way catalytic converter................. 274
Tire inflation............................................. 176
Tire inflation pressure
Canadian models................................ 179
US models.......................................... 178
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 197
Tires.........................................................174
age...................................................... 175
changing............................................. 190
changing from summer to winter........ 189
designations....................................... 180