06 Starting and driving
Starting the vehicle with keyless drive*
06
148* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Starting a vehicle with keyless drive
G019410
Keyless drive makes it possible to unlock, start
and lock the vehicle without using a remote
key.
A start control is fitted in the ignition switch on
vehicles equipped with the optional keyless
drive. This control is used in the same way as
the ignition key to start the engine. See also
page 146 for general information on starting
the engine.
NOTE
A keyless drive remote key must be inside
the vehicle in order to start the engine.
1. Press the brake pedal (the clutch pedal
must also be fully depressed on models
with a manual transmission).
2. Press in the keyless drive start control and
turn it to position III.
NOTE
The vehicle is equipped with an autostart
function that makes it possible to start the
engine without holding the start control in
position III. Turn the start control to posi-
tion III and release it. The starter motor will
then operate automatically (for up to ten
seconds) until the engine starts.
Starting the vehicle with the ignition key
(remote key)
A vehicle with keyless drive can also be started
with the ignition key (if, for example, the battery
in the keyless drive remote key is weak). To do
so:
G019420
Removing the keyless drive start control
Press the catch on the side of the start con-
trol (see the illustration).
Pull the keyless drive start control out of the
ignition switch.
Insert the remote key into the ignition switch
and turn it to position III to start the engine,
page 146 for complete starting information.
06 Starting and driving
Manual transmission, 6-speed*
06
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.149 6-speed manual transmission
G018258
•Depress the clutch pedal completely when
changing gears1
•Remove your foot from the clutch pedal
while driving. The shift pattern should be
followed.
•Overdrive (5th and 6th gears) should be
used as often as possible to help improve
fuel economy.
Engaging reverse gear, 6-speed
transmission
G018259
Reverse gear should only be engaged from a
complete stop.
NOTE
Reverse gear is electronically blocked to
help prevent it from being selected while the
vehicle is moving foward.
CAUTION
Never shift into reverse while moving for-
ward.
WARNING
An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause
the accelerator, brake, and/or clutch pedal
to catch. Check that the movement of these
pedals is not impeded. Not more than one
protective floor covering may be used at
one time.
1Clutch interlock: The clutch must be fully depressed before you can start your car. If the clutch is notdepressed, it will not be possible to start the engine.
06 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission*
06
150* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Shiftgate positions
G020237
Depress the button on the front of the gear
selector knob to move the selector between
the R, N, D, and P positions.
The gear selector can be moved freely between
the Geartronic (manual shifting) and Drive (D)
positions while driving.
Gear selector positions
P – ParkSelect the P position when starting or parking.
In P, the transmission is mechanically blocked
(Shiftlock). Always apply the parking brake
when parking.
G018264
D - left position: automatic shifting, M - right posi-
tion: manual shifting
CAUTION
The car must be stationary when selecting
position P.
R – ReverseThe car must be stationary when shifting to
position R.
N – NeutralN is the neutral position. The engine can be
started, but no gear is selected. Apply the park-
ing brake when the car is stationary with the
gear selector in N.
NOTE
If the gear selector is in the Neutral position
and the vehicle has been at a standstill for
at least 3 seconds, the brake pedal must be
pressed before the gear selector can be
moved to another position.
In order to move the gear selector to another
position:
1.
Turn the ignition key to position II (if the
engine is not already running).
2. Depress the brake pedal.
3. Move the gear selector to the desired posi-
tion.
D – DriveD is the normal driving position. The Drive posi-
tion offers 5 forward gears1. The car automat-
ically shifts between the various forward gears,
1T5 models have 6 forward gears.
06 Starting and driving
Shiftlock override
06
152
Overriding the shiftlock system
G018263
Shiftlock prevents the gear selector from being
moved out of the Pposition unless the ignition
key is in position II and the brake pedal is
depressed.
In certain cases it may be necessary to move
the gear selector from the Pposition manually.
To manually override the Shiftlock
system:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Depress the brake pedal.
3.
There is a small cover below P-R-N-D on
the gear selector panel. Open the rear edge
of the panel.4. Insert the key blade, see page 124, into the
opening and press it down until it bottoms.
5. With the key blade pressed down, move
the gear selector out of the P position.
06 Starting and driving
Brake system
06
153 Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system con-
sisting of two separate brake circuits. If a prob-
lem 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 Volvo
retailer and have the brake system inspec-
ted.
Power brakes function only when the
engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure
which is only created when the engine is run-
ning. Never let the vehicle roll to a stop with the
engine switched off.
If the power brakes are not working, consider-
ably higher pressure will be required on the
brake pedal to compensate for the lack of
power assistance. This can happen for exam-
ple 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 occa-
sionally 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 brakes (ABS)
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 auto-
matically 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 approxi-
mately 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.
06 Starting and driving
Brake system
06
154
For optimal ABS braking effect:1. Press down on the brake pedal with full
force. The pedal will pulsate.
2. Steer the vehicle in the direction of travel
and keep the brake pedal depressed.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD)
EBD is an integrated part of the ABS system.
EBD regulates the hydraulic pressure to the
rear brakes to help provide optimal braking
capacity.
The switching of the ABS modulator will be
audible and the brake pedal will pulsate during
braking. Please be aware that ABS does not
increase the absolute braking potential of the
vehicle. While control will be enhanced, ABS
will not shorten stopping distances on slippery
surfaces.
If the warning lamp lights up there is a mal-
function of the ABS system (the standard brak-
ing system will still function) and the vehicle
should be driven cautiously to a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician for inspec-
tion.
WARNING
If the BRAKES and ABS warning symbols
light at the same time, there may be a prob-
lem in the brake system. If the brake fluid
level is normal in these circumstances, drive
carefully to a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician to have the brake system
checked.
Emergency Brake Assistance – EBAEBA is designed to provide full brake effect
immediately in the event of sudden, hard brak-
ing. 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 increa-
ses to the maximum level. You must
maintain full pressure on the brake
pedal in order to utilize the system com-
pletely. There will be no braking effect if
the pedal is released. EBA is automati-
cally deactivated when the brake pedal
is released.
•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.
06 Starting and driving
Stability system
06
156
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 DSTC system func-
tions have been disabled.
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 retailer 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.
06 Starting and driving
Towing
06
157 Emergency towing
3G007607
The towing eyelet is located under the floor of
the cargo area. This eyelet must be screwed
into the positions provided on the right sides of
either the front or rear bumper (see the illustra-
tion).
To attach the towing eyelet:1. Press the mark on the lower edge of the
cover (1) to open it.
2. Screw the towing eyelet (3) in place first by
hand and then using the tire iron until it is
securely in place.
After the vehicle has been towed, the eye-
let should be removed and returned to its
storage space.
Press the cover back into position.
WARNING
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the
vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.
Towing a vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground
WARNING
Volvo does not recommend towing a disa-
bled vehicle behind another vehicle. Signif-
icant difficulty in steering and braking, com-
bined with unfavorable weather, traffic, and
road conditions may make it impossible to
maintain vehicle control.
1. Apply the parking brake.
WARNING
Towing a vehicle with a locked steering
wheel will make the vehicle impossible to
steer.
2. Insert the key into the ignition to unlock the
steering wheel. The steering wheel must beunlocked. With the engine off and the vehi-
cle at a standstill, great effort will be
required to turn the steering wheel.
3.
Turn the ignition key to position II.
4. Place the gear selector in neutral. For vehi-
cles with automatic transmissions, follow
instruction on page 152, "Shiftlock over-
ride" to allow the gear selector to be moved
from the Park position.
5. Keep firm pressure on the brake pedal
while releasing the parking brake.
6. When towing has been completed, return
the gear selector to Park (automatic) or
Reverse (manual) and apply the parking
brake.
The following points should also be
observed:
•Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). Never
exceed local towing speed limits and heed
all local towing restrictions.
•Never tow farther than 50 miles (80 km).
•Keep the tow rope taut at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
•The disabled vehicle should be towed in
the forward direction only.