2011 VOLVO V50 stop start

01 Safety
Occupant safety 01
18
Volvo's concern for safety
Safety is Volvo's cornerstone. Our concern
dates back to 1927 when the first Volvo rolled
off the production line. Three-point seat belts
(a Volvo invention), safety cages, and energy-
absorbing impact zones were designed into
Volvo cars long before it was fashionable or
required by government regulation.
We will not compromise our commitment to
safety. We continue to seek out new safety
features and to refine those already in our cars.
You can help. We would appreciate hearing
your suggestions about improving automobile
safety. We also want to know if you ever have
a safety concern with your car. Call us in the
U.S. at: 1-800-458-1552 or in Canada at:
1-800-663-8255.
Occupant safety reminders
How safely you drive doesn't depend on how
old you are but rather on:
•How well you see.
•Your ability to concentrate.
•How quickly you make decisions under
stress to avoid an accident.
The following suggestions are intended to help
you cope with the ever changing traffic envi-
ronment.
•Never drink and drive.
•If you are taking any medication, consult
your physician about its potential effects
on your driving abilities.
•Take a driver-retraining course.
•Have your eyes checked regularly.
•Keep your windshield and headlights
clean.
•Replace wiper blades when they start to
leave streaks.
•Take into account the traffic, road, and
weather conditions, particularly with
regard to stopping distance.
Reporting safety defects in the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying Volvo Cars of North Amer-
ica, LLC. If NHTSA receives similar
complaints, it may open an investiga-
tion, and if it finds that a safety defect
exists in a group of vehicles, it may
order a recall and remedy campaign.However, NHTSA cannot become
involved in individual problems
between you, your retailer, or Volvo
Cars of North America, LLC. To con-
tact NHTSA, you may either call the
Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Trans-
portation, Washington D.C. 20590.
You can also obtain other information
about motor vehicle safety from:
http://www.safercar.gov
Volvo strongly recommends that if
your vehicle is covered under a serv-
ice campaign, safety or emission
recall or similar action, it should be
completed as soon as possible.
Please check with your local retailer
or Volvo Cars of North America, LLC
if your vehicle is covered under these
conditions.
NHTSA can be reached at:
Internet:

02 Instruments and controls
Indicator and warning symbols
02
56
Function check
The indicator and warning symbols1 light up
when you turn the ignition key or the optional
keyless drive start control to the driving posi-
tion (position II) before starting. This shows that
the symbols are functioning.
When the engine starts, all sym-
bols go out. If the engine is not
started within 5 seconds, all of the
symbols except the malfunction
indicator light (CHECK ENGINE)
and the oil pressure warning light
will go out. Certain symbols may
not have their functions illustrated, depending
on the car's equipment.
The PARK BRAKE symbol will not go out until
the parking brake has been released.
Symbols in the center of the instrument
panel
G026365
Warning symbolThe red warning symbol lights up
to indicate a fault that could affect
the car's drivability.This symbol
illuminates when the vehicle is
traveling at speeds above 5 mph
(7 km/h). A text explaining the nature of the fault
will also be shown in the information display.
The symbol and accompanying text will remain
on until the fault has been corrected. This sym-
bol may also light up in combination with other
indicator or warning symbols.
If the red warning symbol lights up:
1. Stop the car as soon as possible in a suit-
able location.
2. Read the message in the information dis-
play.
3. Follow the instructions provided, or con-
tact a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician. Erase the message by pressing
READ, see page 61.
Information symbolThe yellow information symbol
lights up to alert the driver to a
message in the information dis-
play. This symbol illuminates when
the vehicle is traveling at speeds
below 5 mph (7 km/h).
The message can be erased by pressing the
READ button, see page 61, or will disappear
automatically (the length of time required for
the message to disappear varies, depending
on the function indicated).
When the message "
TIME FOR REGULAR
MAINTENANCE" is displayed, the text can be
erased and the information symbol light can be
turned off by pressing the READ button. The
text will disappear and the symbol light will go
out automatically after two minutes.
1On certain engines, the symbol for low oil pressure is not used. Instead, a text warning is provided in the information display, see page 217.

02 Instruments and controls
Symbols – instrument panel
02

59 Symbols – right side
G026438
1. Turn signal indicator for trailer (certain
markets only)
If you are towing a trailer, this light
will flash simultaneously with the
turn signals on the trailer. If the
light does not flash when signaling,
one of the turn signals on the trailer
or on the car are not functioning properly.
2. Parking brake appliedThis light is on when the parking
brake (hand brake) is applied. The
parking brake lever is situated
between the front seats, see
page 155 for more information.
NOTE
Canadian models are equipped with the
second symbol.
3. SRS system warning lightIf this light comes on while the car
is being driven, or remains on for
longer than approximately 10 sec-
onds after the car has been
started, the SRS system's diag-
nostic functions have detected a fault in a seat
belt lock or pretensioner, a front airbag, side
impact airbag, and/or an inflatable curtain.
Have the system(s) inspected by a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician as soon as
possible.
4. Oil pressure warning light1
If the light comes on while driving,
the car, stop the engine immedi-
ately, and check the engine oil
level. If the oil level is normal and
the light stays on after restart, have
the car towed to the nearest trained and quali-
fied Volvo service technician. After hard driv-
ing, the light may come on occasionally when
the engine is idling. This is normal, provided it
goes off when the engine speed is increased.
5. Seat belt reminderThis symbol (and the seat belt
reminder light above the rear view
mirror) will light up if either front
seat occupant has not buckled his/
her seat belt. If the car is not mov-
ing, the symbols will go out after approximately
6 seconds.
6. Generator warning lightIf the light comes on while the
engine is running, have the charg-
ing system checked by an author-
ized Volvo workshop.
1On certain engines, this symbol is not used to indicate low oil pressure. Instead, a text warning is provided in the information display, see also page 217.

02 Instruments and controls
Symbols – instrument panel
02
60
7. Brake failure warning lightIf this light comes on while driving
or braking, stop the car as quickly
as possible in a safe place, open
the hood, and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir, see
page 216 for the location of the
reservoir.
NOTE
Canadian models are equipped with the
second symbol.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the
reservoir or if a BRAKE FAILURE STOP
SAFELY message is displayed in the infor-
mation display: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the
car towed to a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician and have the brake sys-
tem inspected.
If the BRAKES and ABS warning lights come
on at the same time, this could indicate a fault
in the brake system.
In this case:
1. Stop the car in a suitable place and switch
off the engine.2. Restart the engine.
3. If both warning lights go off, no further
action is required and the car can be
driven.
4. If both lights remain on after the engine has
been restarted, switch off the engine again
and check the brake fluid level, see
page 216 for the location of the reservoir.
Door open warning
The driver will be alerted if one of the doors, the
hood or the tailgate are open or ajar.
At low speedsIf the car is moving at a speed of
less than approximately 3 mph
(5 km/h), the Information symbol in
the instrument panel will light up
and a message will be shown in the
information display indicating which door(s),
etc is not completely closed.
At higher speedsIf the car is moving at a speed
above approximately 6 mph
(10 km/h), the Warning symbol in
the instrument panel will light up
and a message will be shown in the
information display indicating which door(s),
etc is not completely closed.
Hood and tailgateIf the hood and/or tailgate is not
completely closed, the Information
symbol in the instrument panel will
light up and a message will be dis-
played, regardless of the vehicle's
speed.

05 Locks and alarm
Keyless drive*
05
128* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Locking or unlocking the vehicle with the
key blade
G020225
Keyless drive keyhole cover
The driver's door on vehicles equipped with
keyless drive can be locked or unlocked with
the remote key's detachable key blade if nec-
essary, see page 124 for information on remov-
ing the key blade from the remote key. To
access the keyhole in the driver's door:
•Pry off the keyhole cover by inserting the
key blade or a small screwdriver in the hole
on the underside of the cover (indicated by
the arrow in the inset illustration).
•Insert the key blade as far as possible in the
driver's door lock. Turn the key blade
clockwise approximately one-quarter turnto unlock the driver's door only. This will
trigger the alarm.
•To disable the alarm: Press the Unlock
button on the keyless drive remote key. If
the batteries in the remote are weak,
remove the keyless drive start control from
the ignition switch by pressing the catch
(see the illustration on page 148) and pull-
ing the control out of the ignition switch.
Insert the ignition key section of a keyless
drive remote key in the ignition switch.
Keyless drive remote key and driver's
seat memory
This function is only available on vehicles
equipped with the optional power driver's seat.
•When you leave the car with a keyless drive
remote key in your possession and lock
any door, the position of the driver's seat
will be stored in the seat's memory.
•The next time a door is opened by a person
with the same remote key in his/her pos-
session, the driver's seat will automatically
move to the position that it was in when the
door was most recently locked.
NOTE
If several people carrying keyless drive
remote keys approach the vehicle at the
same time, the driver's seat will assume the
position it was in for the person who opens
a door first.
Keyless drive information messagesIf anyone leaves the vehicle with the only key-
less drive remote key in his or her possession
while the ignition is switched on, a message will
be shown in the information display and an
audible signal will sound.
NOTE
This message will only be displayed if the
start control is in position I or II.
The message will be erased from the display
and the audible signal will stop when the
remote key has been returned to the vehicle
and one of the following has occurred:
•A door has been opened and closed
•The start control has been turned to posi-
tion 0
•The READ button (see page 61 for the
location of this button) has been pressed.

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.

06 Starting and driving
General information
06
138
Economical driving conserves natural
resources
Better 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 handling
At 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

139 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 water
The 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 precautions
If 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 272 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.