2011 VOLVO V50 traction control

Introduction
Important warnings
15 Driver distraction
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.
Driver distraction results from driver activities
that are not directly related to controlling the
vehicle in the driving environment. Your new
Volvo is, or can be, equipped with many fea-
ture-rich entertainment and communication
systems. These include hands-free cellular tel-
ephones, navigation systems, and multipur-
pose audio systems. You may also own other
portable electronic devices for your own con-
venience. 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 provide the
following warning that reflects the strong Volvo
concern for your safety. Never use these devi-
ces 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
following 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.
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 car's
systems.
•Any of your car's performance and safety
systems could be adversely affected if you
install accessories that Volvo has not tes-
ted, or if you allow accessories to be instal-
led by someone unfamiliar with your vehi-
cle.
•Damage caused by unapproved or
improperly installed accessories may not
be covered by your new vehicle warranty.
See your Warranty and Service Records
Information booklet for more warranty
information. Volvo assumes no responsi-
bility for death, injury, or expenses that
may result from the installation of non-gen-
uine accessories.

02 Instruments and controls
Symbols – instrument panel
02
58
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.
The CHECK 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.
A CHECK ENGINE light may have many cau-
ses. Sometimes, you may not notice a change
in 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 inspection, see
page 152 for additional informa-
tion.
NOTE
Canadian models are equipped with the
second symbol.
3. Rear fog lightThis symbol indicates that the rear
fog light (located in the driver's
side taillight cluster) is on.
4. Stability system STC or DSTCThis 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 156 for more
detailed information.
5. Tire Pressure Monitoring SystemThis system monitors inflation
pressure in the tires. See page
199 for more information.
6. Fuel level warning lightWhen this light comes on, the vehi-
cle should be refueled as soon as
possible.

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.

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.

10 Audio
Bluetooth® hands-free connection
10
258
Introduction
System overview
Cell phone
Location of the microphone
Center console control panel and display
Bluetooth® hands-freeThis feature makes it possible to set up a wire-
less connection between a BluetoothŸ-ena-
bled 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.us
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 started
Use the controls in the center console (3) to
access, navigate and make selections in the
hands-free system’s menus (see page 262).
Activating/deactivatingA short press on the PHONE button in the cen-
ter console activates the hands-free system.
The text
PHONE 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 Bluetooth
® func-
tion (refer to the phone’s owner’s manual if
necessary) or go to www.volvocars.com
2.
Activate the vehicle’s Bluetooth
® 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
283
fluid..................................................... 220
general information............................. 152
Bulbs
headlights........................................... 224
list of................................................... 275
Bulbs, replacing....................................... 224
C
Capacities, fluids..................................... 271
Capacity weight............................... 184, 269
Cargo area
steel grid............................................. 117
Cargo area cover..................................... 117
Cargo area net................................. 118, 119
Catalytic converter, three-way................. 277
CD player................................................. 254
Cell phone, hands-free connection......... 258
Central locking system - remote key....... 122
Chains...................................................... 187
Changing a wheel.................................... 197
Child restraints
recalls and registration......................... 49Child restraint systems.............................. 39
booster cushions.................................. 45
convertible seats.................................. 43
infant seats........................................... 41
ISOFIX/LATCH anchors........................ 46
top tether anchors................................ 48
Child safety................................................ 37
booster cushions.................................. 45
child restraint systems.......................... 39
convertible seats.................................. 43
infant seats........................................... 41
Child safety locks....................................132
Climate system
air distribution..................................... 101
air vents................................................ 94
Electronic Climate Control.................... 98
manual climate control......................... 95
passenger compartment filter.............. 92
refrigerant.....................................92, 271
Climate system, general information......... 92
Clock
setting................................................... 84
Cold weather precautions........................ 139
Compact disc care..................................255
Compass in rearview mirror....................... 79
Conserving electrical current................... 140Convertible seats....................................... 43
Coolant.................................................... 271
changing............................................. 219
checking level of................................. 219
Courtesy lighting...................................... 109
Crash mode............................................... 36
Cruise control............................................ 71
Cup holders.....................................111, 113
Curb weight.....................................184, 269
D
Detachable key blade.............................. 124
Detachable trailer hitch............................ 163
Dimensions.............................................. 268
Disconnecting the front passenger’s air-
bag............................................................. 28
Display.......................................................61
Dolby Pro Logic II (DPL II)........................ 244
Door mirrors............................................... 80
Driver distraction warning.......................... 15
Driving economically................................ 138
Driving through water..............................139

12 Index
12
287
Refueling.................................................. 144
fuel tank volume.................................271
Registering child restraints........................ 49
Remote key.............................................. 122
battery replacement............................ 124
functions............................................. 123
key blade............................................ 124
Replacing fuses....................................... 231
Reporting safety defects
Canada................................................. 19
USA....................................................... 18
Roof loads............................................... 164
S
Safety, occupant........................................ 18
Safety defects, reporting
Canada................................................. 19
USA....................................................... 18
Safety locks, child.................................... 132
Seat belt
reminder................................................ 21
Seat belts................................................... 20
Automatic locking retractor/Emergency
locking retractor.................................... 38buckling................................................ 20
maintenance......................................... 22
pretensioners........................................ 20
unbuckling............................................ 20
use during pregnancy........................... 21
Seats, front.............................................. 104
Shiftlock
override............................................... 151
Side door mirrors....................................... 80
Side impact airbags................................... 31
Side impact protection (SIPS) airbags....... 31
Sirius satellite radio.................................. 250
Snow chains............................................ 187
Snow tires................................................ 187
Sound control, automatic........................245
Sound settings, audio system................. 244
Spare tire.........................................188, 190
Stability system....................................... 156
Dynamic Stability Traction Control
(DSTC)................................................ 156
Starting the engine..................................146
with keyless drive...............................148
Start inhibitor (immobilizer)..............122, 146
STC, stability system............................... 156Steering wheel
adjusting............................................... 76
keypad................................................ 242
Storage compartments............................ 111
Studded tires........................................... 187
Subwoofer............................................... 244
Sunroof (moonroof).................................... 82
Supplemental restraint system.................. 23
Symbols, overview................................... 278
T
Tachometer................................................ 54
Tailgate wipers................................... 74, 221
Temporary spare tire.......................188, 190
Three-way catalytic converter................. 277
Tire inflation............................................. 177
Tire inflation pressure
Canadian models................................ 180
US models.......................................... 179
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 199
Tires.........................................................174
age...................................................... 174
changing..................................... 190, 197