2011 VOLVO V50 display

05 Locks and alarm
Alarm*
05

* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.133 The alarm system
The alarm is automatically armed whenever the
car is locked with the remote key, or if a front
lock button is depressed.
When armed, the alarm continuously monitors
a number of points on the car. The following
conditions will trigger the alarm:
•The hood is forced open.
•The tailgate is forced open.
•A door is forced open.
•The ignition switch is tampered with
•An attempt is made to start the car with a
non-approved key (a key not coded to the
car's ignition).
•If there is movement in the passenger com-
partment (if the car is equipped with the
optional movement sensor).
•The car is lifted or towed (if the car is equip-
ped with the optional inclination sensor)
•The battery is disconnected (while the
alarm is armed).
•The siren is disconnected when the alarm
is disarmed.
The alarm indicator light
G020227
Alarm indicator light
The status of the alarm system is indicated by
the indicator light on at the top of the dash-
board (see the illustration):
•Indicator light off – the alarm is not armed
•The indicator light flashes every two sec-
onds – the alarm is armed
•The indicator light flashes rapidly before
the ignition is switched on – the alarm has
been triggered. The message
ALARM
TRIGGERED CHECK CAR will also be
displayed.
•Fault in the alarm system: If a fault has
been detected in the alarm system, a mes-
sage will be shown in the information dis-
play. Contact your Volvo retailer to have
the alarm system inspected and repaired if
necessary.
Arming the alarm

Press the LOCK button on the remote key,
or press the central lock button on one of
the front doors with the door open. One
long flash of the turn signals will confirm
that the alarm is armed.
Disarming the alarm

Press the UNLOCK button on the remote
key or insert the key in the ignition1 to dis-
arm the alarm. Two short flashes from the
car's direction indicators confirm that the
alarm has been deactivated and that all
doors are unlocked.
1On vehicles with the optional keyless drive, press in the start control in the ignition switch.

05 Locks and alarm
Alarm*
05
134* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Turning off (stopping) the alarm
If the alarm is sounding, it can be stopped by
pressing the UNLOCK button on the remote
key or by inserting the key in the ignition switch.
The driver's door must first be unlocked with
the key blade.
NOTE
On vehicles equipped with the optional key-
less drive, the start control must be
removed from the ignition switch before the
key can be inserted, see page 148 for
instructions.
Audible/visual alarm signal
An audible alarm signal is given by a battery
powered siren. The alarm cycle lasts for
30 seconds.
NOTE
The visual alarm signal is given by flashing
all turn signals and turning on the interior
lighting for approximately 5 minutes.
Temporarily turning off the accessory
alarm sensor(s)
G026313
Display
MENU
EXIT
ENTER
Menu navigation controlsIn certain situations it may be desirable to turn
off the accessory inclination and movement
alarm sensors if, for example, you drive your
vehicle onto a ferry where the rocking of the
boat could trigger the alarm or if a pet is left in
the vehicle with the doors locked.
To do so:
1.
Press MENU to enter the menu system and
scroll to
Car settings… (for a more
detailed description of the menus, see
page 84.
2.
Select
Reduced guard….
3.
Select
Activate once and the messageREDUCED GUARD SEE MANUAL will
appear in the information display. The
alarm sensors will be turned off when the
vehicle is locked.
or
Select
Ask on exit. Each time the ignition
key is turned to position 0, the message
Reduced guard ask on exit Press
ENTER to reduce guard until engine
has started. Press EXIT to cancel.
will
be displayed. Select one of the alterna-
tives:
•If the alarm sensors are to be deactivated,
press ENTER and then lock the vehicle.

05 Locks and alarm
Alarm*
05
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.135
The next time the ignition key is turned to posi-
tion II, the sensors will be reactivated and
FULL GUARD will displayed.
or
•If you do not wish to deactivate the sen-
sors, do not choose an alternative and lock
the vehicle or press EXIT and lock the vehi-
cle.
CAUTION
•The accessory sensors are automati-
cally reconnected to the alarm system
the next time the vehicle is unlocked
and then locked again.
•This function will not turn off the vehi-
cle's standard alarm.
U.S.A. FCC ID: MAYDA 5823(3)This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
rules. Operation is subject to the following con-
ditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired operation.
Canada IC: 4405A-DA 5823(3)Movement sensor DA5823 by Dynex Operation
is subject to the following conditions: (1) this
device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference, includinginterference that may cause undesired opera-
tion of the device.

06 Starting and driving
General information
06
140
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 216 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 current
Keep 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. Driving or having the engine run-
ning for approximately 15 minutes will help
keep the battery charged.
•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 trip
It 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 checked2.
•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
Brake system
06
152
Brake lights
The brake lights come on automatically when
the brakes are applied.
Adaptive brake lightsThe adaptive brake lights activate in the event
of sudden braking or if the ABS system is acti-
vated. This function causes an additional tail-
light on each side of the vehicle to illuminate to
help alert vehicles traveling behind.
The adaptive brake lights activate if:
•The ABS system activates for more than
approximately a half second
•In the event of sudden braking while the
vehicle is moving at speeds above approx-
imately 6 mph (10 km/h)
When the vehicle has come to a stop, the brake
lights and additional taillights remain on for as
long as the brake pedal is depressed or until
braking force on the vehicle is reduced.
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.

06 Starting and driving
Stability system
06
156
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/
systemSTCDSTCA
TCXX
SCXX
AYCX
A*
Traction control (TC)This 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
Thumb wheel
RESET button
Spin 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.
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 SPIN CONTROL OFF/STC
ON or DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF/DSTC ON.
NOTE
•The message STC SPIN CONTROL
OFF/DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFFindicates that the stability system's spin
control function has temporarily been
switched off.
•The spin control function is automati-
cally enabled each time the engine is
started.
•STC ON/DSTC ON indicates that all
system 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.
This is one of the stability system's permanent
functions and cannot be switched off.

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
Towing a trailer
06

161 General information
•Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the
vehicle.
Maximum trailer weights recommended by
Volvo are:
•Trailers without brakes: 1,540 lbs
(700 kg).
•Trailers with brakes: 2,000 lbs (900 kg)
Observe the legal requirements of the
state/province in which the vehicles are
registered.
•The maximum recommended hitch
tongue load is 165 lbs (75 kg).
•All Volvo models are equipped with
energy-absorbing shock-mounted bump-
ers. Trailer hitch installation should not
interfere with the proper operation of this
bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any
particular problems, but take into considera-
tion:
•Increase tire pressure to recommended
full. See the chapter "Wheels and tires."
•When your vehicle is new, avoid towing
heavy trailers during the first 620 miles
(1,000 km).
•Maximum speed when towing a trailer:
50 mph (80 km/h).
•Engine and transmission are subject to
increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant
temperature should be closely watched
when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain.
Use a lower gear and turn off the air con-
ditioner if the temperature gauge needle
enters the red range.
•If the automatic transmission begins to
overheat, a message will be displayed in
the information display.
•Avoid overload and other abusive opera-
tion.
•Hauling a trailer affects handling, durabil-
ity, and economy.
•It is necessary to balance trailer brakes
with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a
safe stop (check and observe state/local
regulations).
•Do not connect the trailer's brake system
directly to the vehicle's brake system.
•More frequent vehicle maintenance is
required.
•Remove the ball and drawbar assembly
when the hitch is not being used.
•Volvo recommends the use of synthetic
engine oil when towing a trailer over long
distances or in mountainous areas.
WARNING
•Bumper-attached trailer hitches must
not be used on Volvos, nor should
safety chains be attached to the
bumper.
•Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle's
rear axle must not be used.
•Never connect a trailer's hydraulic
brake system directly to the vehicle
brake system, nor a trailer's lighting
system directly to the vehicle lighting
system. Consult your nearest trained
and qualified Volvo service technician
for correct installation.
•When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety
wire must be correctly fastened to the
hole or hook provided in the trailer hitch
on the vehicle. The safety wire should
never be fastened to or wound around
the drawbar ball.