2011 VOLVO V50 ESP

04 Interior
Storage compartments
04
113
CD storage
G026704
The deep storage compartment has room for
10 CD jewel cases. These cases must be
inserted with their spines upward in order to
allow space for 10 cases in the storage com-
partment
Cup holders in the center console
G018372
Two cup holders are located under the sliding
cover in the center console.
The cup holders can be lifted out if necessary.
To do so, grasp the indentation on the rear
edge of the cup holder and lift.
To put the cup holder back in place:
1. Slide the two locating tabs in the front side
of the cup holder into the two correspond-
ing recesses in the center console storage
space.
2. Press down the rear edge of the cup
holder.
To close the sliding cover, grasp the underside
of the front edge and pull.
Storage compartment behind the gear
lever
G019623
If the buttons for optional equipment are not
installed, the recess behind the gear lever can
be used as a storage compartment for coins,
etc.

06 Starting and driving
Starting the vehicle
06
146
To start the engine
WARNING
Before starting, check that the seat, steering
wheel and mirrors are adjusted properly.
Make sure the brake pedal can be
depressed completely. Adjust the seat if
necessary.
1. Fasten the seat belt.
2. Apply the parking brake if not already set.
The gear selector should be locked in the
Park (P) position (Shiftlock). See also page
151.
NOTE
After a cold start, idle speed may be notice-
ably higher than normal for a short period.
This is done to help bring components in the
emission control system to their normal
operating temperature as quickly as possi-
ble, which enables them to control emis-
sions and help reduce the vehicle's impact
on the environment.
3. The vehicle is equipped with an autostart
feature. Without touching the throttle
pedal, turn the key to position III and
release it. The starter motor will then oper-ate automatically (for up to ten seconds)
until the engine starts. If the engine fails to
start, repeat this step.
4. To release the gear selector from the Park
(P) position, the engine must be running (or
the ignition key must be in position II) and
the brake pedal must be depressed.
5. Select the desired gear. The gear engages
after a very slight delay, which is especially
noticeable when selecting R.
NOTE
•Immobilizer: If two of the keys to your
vehicle are close together, e.g., on the
same key ring when you try to start the
vehicle, this could cause interference in
the immobilizer system and result in the
vehicle not starting. If this should occur,
remove one of the keys from the key
ring before trying to start the vehicle
again.
•Keylock: The automatic transmission
has a keylock system. When the engine
is switched off, the gear selector must
be in the Park (P) position before the key
can be removed from the ignition
switch
1.
•When starting in cold weather, an auto-
matic transmission may shift up at
slightly higher engine speeds than nor-
mal until the automatic transmission
fluid reaches normal operating tem-
perature.
•Do not race a cold engine immediately
after starting. Oil flow may not reach
some lubrication points fast enough to
prevent engine damage.
1The optional keyless drive start control does not need to be removed from the ignition switch.

06 Starting and driving
Stability system
06
157
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 will be displayed.
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
Transporting loads
06
164
Loading the vehicle
Your vehicle's load-carrying capacity is affec-
ted by factors such as:
•the number of passengers
•tire inflation
•the amount of optional or accessory equip-
ment installed
•the amount of cargo.
See the chapter "Wheels and tires" for more
detailed information.
Before loading the car, turn off the engine, and
apply the parking brake when loading or
unloading long objects. The gear selector can
be inadvertently knocked out of position by
long cargo, causing the car to move.
Keep the following in mind when
loading the vehicle:
•Load objects in the cargo area against the
rear seat backrest.
•Load heavy cargo as low as possible.
•Center wide loads.
•Secure all cargo with restraining straps
anchored to the load securing eyelets.
•Cover sharp edges on the load.
•Seats can be folded down and head
restraints removed to extend the cargo
compartment, see page 114.
WARNING
•Remember that an object weighing
44 lbs (20 kg) produces a force of
2,200 lbs (1,000 kg) in a head-on colli-
sion at 30 mph (50 km/h)!
•When the rear backrest(s) are folded
down, the vehicle should not be loaded
to a level higher than 2 in. (5 cm) below
the upper edge of the rear side win-
dows. Objects placed higher than this
level could impede the function of the
Inflatable Curtain.
Load carriers (accessory)
Load carriers are available as Volvo accesso-
ries. Follow the installation instructions sup-
plied with the load carriers.
Observe the following points when using load
carriers:
•To avoid damaging your car and to achieve
maximum safety when driving, we recom-
mend using the load carriers that Volvo has
developed especially for your car.
•Volvo-approved removable roof racks are
designed to carry the maximum allowable
roof load for this vehicle: 165 lbs (75 kg).
For Non-Volvo roof racks, check the man-
ufacturer's weight limits for the rack.
•Never exceed the rack manufacturer's
weigh limits and never exceed the maxi-
mum rated roof load of 165 lbs (75 kg).
•Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loads
evenly.
•Place heavier cargo at the bottom of the
load.
•Secure the cargo correctly with appropri-
ate tie-down equipment.
•Check periodically that the load carriers
and load are properly secured.
•Remember that the car's center of gravity
and handling change when you carry a
load on the roof.
•The car's wind resistance and fuel con-
sumption will increase with the size of the
load.
•Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid starts, fast
cornering and hard braking.

06 Starting and driving
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)*
06

* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.165 Introduction
G020295
BLIS camera
Indicator light
BLIS symbol
The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is an
information system that indicates the presence
of another vehicle moving in the same direction
as your vehicle in the side-view mirror's "blind
area".
CAUTION
The BLIS system should only be repaired by
a trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician.
WARNING
•BLIS is an information system, NOT a
warning or safety system.
•BLIS does not eliminate the need for
you to visually confirm the conditions
around you, and the need for you to turn
your head and shoulders to make sure
that you can safely change lanes.
•As the driver, you have full responsibility
for changing lanes in a safe manner.
The system is based on digital camera tech-
nology. The cameras (1) are located beneath
the side-view mirrors.
When one (or both) of the cameras have
detected a vehicle in the blind area (up to
approximately 10 ft. (3 meters) from the side of
your vehicle, and up to approximately 31 ft.
(9.5 meters) behind the side-view mirror), the
indicator light in the door panel (2) illuminates.
The light will glow continuously to alert the
driver of the vehicle in the blind area.
NOTE
The door panel indicator light illuminates on
the side of the vehicle where the system has
detected another vehicle. If your vehicle is
passed on both sides at the same time, both
lights will illuminate.
A = approx. 10 ft. (3 meters), B = approx. 31 ft.
(9.5 meters)
BLIS has an integrated function that alerts the
driver if a fault should occur with the system.
For example, if one or both of the system's
cameras are obscured, a message (see the
table on page 167) will appear in the informa-
tion display in the instrument panel. If this
occurs, clean the camera lenses. If necessary,
the system can be temporarily switched off (for
instructions see page 167).

07 Wheels and tires
General information
07

175
•When replacing tires, the tires with the
most tread should be mounted on the rear
wheels to reduce the chance of oversteer
during hard braking.
•Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the
tires and/or wheels permanently.
Summer and winter tires
G020325
The arrows shows the direction of rotation of the
tire
•When switching between summer and
winter tires, mark the tires to indicate
where they were mounted on the car, e.g.,
LF = left front, RR = right rear
•Tires with tread designed to roll in only one
direction are marked with an arrow on the
sidewall.
•Incorrectly mounted tires impair the car's
braking properties and ability to force
aside rain, snow and slush.
•The tires with the most tread should always
be at the rear (to reduce the risk of skid-
ding).
•Contact a Volvo workshop if you are
unsure about the tread depth.
Storing wheels and tiresWhen storing complete wheels (tires mounted
on rims), they should be suspended off the
floor or placed on their sides on the floor.
Tires not mounted on rims should be stored on
their sides or standing upright, but should not
be suspended.
CAUTION
Tires should preferably be stored in a cool,
dry, dark place, and should never be stored
in close proximity to solvents, gasoline, oils,
etc.
WARNING
•The wheel and tire sizes for your Volvo
are specified to meet stringent stability
and handling requirements. Unap-
proved wheel/tire size combinations
can negatively affect your vehicle's sta-
bility and handling.
•Any damage caused by installation of
unapproved wheel/tire size combina-
tions will not be covered by your new
vehicle warranty. Volvo assumes no
responsibility for death, injury, or
expenses that may result from such
installations.
Tire wear
Tire rotationTire wear is affected by a number of factors
such as tire inflation, ambient temperature,
driving style, etc. Your vehicle is driven mainly
by the front tires, which will wear faster.
If the tires are rotated, they should only be
moved from front to back or vice versa. They
should never be rotated left to right/right to left.
However, tire rotation, done at the recom-
mended intervals, is one way of helping to keep
tread wear as even as possible and will help
you get maximum mileage from your tires.

07 Wheels and tires
Tire inflation
07

177 Inflation placard
G032513
Tire inflation placard
Check tire inflation pressure regularly.
Tables listing the recommended inflation pres-
sure for your vehicle can be found beginning
on page 179. A tire inflation pressure placard
is also 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). This plac-
ard indicates the designation of the factory-
mounted tires on your vehicle, as well as load
limits and inflation pressure.
NOTE
The placards shown indicate inflation pres-
sure for the tires installed on the car at the
factory only.
Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation pres-
sure, including the spare, at least once a month
and before long trips. You are strongly urged
to buy a reliable tire pressure gauge, as auto-
matic service station gauges may be inaccu-
rate.
Use the recommended cold inflation pressure
for optimum tire performance and wear.
Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause
uneven treadwear patterns.
WARNING
•Under-inflation is the most common
cause of tire failure and may result in
severe tire cracking, tread separation,
or "blowout," with unexpected loss of
vehicle control and increased risk of
injury.
•Under-inflated tires reduce the load car-
rying capacity of your vehicle.
When weather temperature changes occur, tire
inflation pressures also change. A 10-degree
temperature drop causes a corresponding
drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Checkyour tire pressures frequently and adjust them
to the proper pressure, which can be found on
the vehicle's tire information placard or certifi-
cation label.
Checking tire pressure
Cold tiresInflation pressure should be checked when the
tires are cold.
The tires are considered to be cold when
they have the same temperature as the sur-
rounding (ambient) air.
This temperature is normally reached after the
car has been parked for at least 3 hours.
After driving a distance of approximately 1 mile
(1.6 km), the tires are considered to be hot. If
you have to drive farther than this distance to
pump your tire(s), check and record the tire
pressure first and add the appropriate air pres-
sure when you get to the pump.
If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot,
never "bleed" or reduce air pressure. The tires
are hot from driving and it is normal for pres-
sures to increase above recommended cold
pressures. A hot tire at or below recommended
cold inflation pressure could be significantly
under-inflated.

07 Wheels and tires
Uniform tire quality gradings
07
186
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 A
TREADWEARThe 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 A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
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 corresponds
to a minimum level of performance that all pas-
senger vehicle tires must meet under the Fed-
eral Motor Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of performance
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.