
03 Your driving environment
Alcoguard*
03
108* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
General information on the alcolock
The function of the Alcolock is to prevent the
car from being driven by individuals under the
influence of alcohol. Before the engine can be
started the driver must take a breath test that
verifies that he/she is not under the influence
of alcohol. Alcolock calibration takes place in
accordance with each market's limit value in
force for driving legally.
WARNING
The Alcolock is an aid and does not exempt
the driver from responsibility. It is always the
responsibility of the driver to be sober and
to drive the car safely.
Functions
1. Nozzle for breath test.
2. Switch.
3. Transmission button.
4. Lamp for battery status.
5. Lamp for result of breath test.
6. Lamp indicates ready for breath test.
Operation
BatteryAlcolock indicator lamp (4) shows battery sta-
tus:
Indicator lamp
(4)Battery status
Green flashingCharging in pro-
gress
GreenFully charged
YellowSemi-charged
RedDischarged - fit the
charger in the holder
or connect the
power supply cable
from the glovebox.
NOTE
Store the Alcolock in its holder. This will
keep the built-in battery fully charged and
the Alcolock is activated automatically
when the car is opened.
Before starting the engineThe Alcolock is activated automatically and is
then ready for use when the car is opened.
1. When the indicator lamp (6) is green the
Alcolock is ready for use.
2. Withdraw the Alcolock from its holder. If
the Alcolock is outside the car when it is
unlocked then it must first be activated
with the switch (2).
3. Fold up the nozzle (1), take a deep breath
and blow with an even pressure until a
"click" is heard after approx. 5 seconds.
The result will be one of the alternatives in
the following table Result after breath
test.
4. If no message is shown then the transmis-
sion to the car may have failed - in which
case, press the button (3) to transmit the
result to the car manually.
5. Fold down the nozzle and refit the Alcolock
in its holder.
6. Start the engine following an approved
breath test within 5 minutes - otherwise it
must be repeated.
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03 Your driving environment
Alcoguard*
03
110* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
In extremely cold weather the heating time can
be reduced by taking the Alcolock indoors.
Emergency situationIn the event of an emergency situation, or if the
Alcolock is out of order or has been removed,
it is possible to bypass the Alcolock in order to
drive the car.
NOTE
All Bypass activation is logged and saved in
memory, see page 8 in the section, Record-
ing data.
After the Bypass function has been activated
the display shows Alcoguard Bypass
enabled the whole time while driving and can
only be reset by a workshop1.
The Bypass function can be tested without the
error message being logged - in which case,
carry out all the steps without starting the car.
The error message is cleared when the car is
locked.
When the Alcolock is installed, either the
Bypass or Emergency function is selected as
the bypassing option. This setting can be
changed afterwards at a workshop
1.
Activating the Bypass function
•Depress and hold the left-hand stalk
switch READ button and the button for
hazard warning flashers simultaneously for
approx. 5 seconds - the display first shows
Bypass activated Wait 1 minute and
then Alcoguard Bypass enabled - after
which the engine can be started.
This function can be activated several times.
The error message shown during driving can
only be cleared at a workshop
1.
Activating the Emergency function
•Depress and hold the left-hand stalk
switch READ button and the button for
hazard warning flashers simultaneously for
approx. 5 seconds - the display shows
Alcoguard Bypass enabled and the
engine can be started.
This function can be used once, after which a
reset must be made at a workshop
1.
Symbols and display messages
In addition to the previously described mes-
sages, the combined instrument panel's dis-
play can also show the following:
Display textMeaning/Action
Alcoguard Restart
possibleThe engine has been
switched off for less
than 30 minutes -
engine starting pos-
sible without new
test.
Alcoguard Service
requiredContact a work-
shop1.
Alcoguard No sig-
nalTransmission failed -
send manually with
button (3) or take a
new breath test.
Alcoguard Invalid
testTest failed - take a
new breath test.
Alcoguard Blow
longerBlowing too short -
blow for longer.
Alcoguard Blow
softerBlowing too hard -
blow more gently.
1An authorised Volvo workshop is recommended.
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03 Your driving environment
Starting the engine
03
112* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Petrol and diesel engines
Ignition switch with remote control key extracted/
inserted. and START/STOP ENGINE button.
IMPORTANT
Do not press in the remote control key incor-
rectly turned - Hold the end with the detach-
able key blade, see page 50.
1. Insert the remote control key in the ignition
switch and press it in to its end position.
Note that if the car is equipped with an
alcolock then a breath test must first be
approved before the engine can be started
- see page 108.2.
Hold the clutch pedal fully depressed
1. (For
cars with automatic gearbox - Depress the
brake pedal.)
3.
Press the START/STOP ENGINE button
and then release it.
The starter motor works until the engine starts
or until its overheating protection triggers.
IMPORTANT
If the engine fails to start after 3 attempts -
wait for 3 minutes before making a further
attempt. Starting capacity increases if the
battery is allowed to recover.
WARNING
Always remove the remote control key from
the ignition switch when leaving the car, and
make sure that the key position is 0 - in par-
ticular if there are children in the car. For
information on how this works - see
page 81.
NOTE
The idling speed can be noticeably higher
than normal for certain engine types during
cold starting. This is so that the emissions
system can reach normal operating tem-
perature as quickly as possible, which min-
imises exhaust emissions and protects the
environment.
Keyless drive*Follow steps 2–3 for starting petrol and diesel
engines. For more information on Keyless drive
- see page 55.
NOTE
A prerequisite for the car to start is that one
of the car's remote control keys with the
Keyless drive* function is in the passenger
compartment or cargo area.
WARNING
Never remove the remote control key from
the car while driving or during towing.
Stop the engineTo switch off the engine:
1If the car is moving then it is enough to press the START/STOP ENGINE button to start the car.
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03 Your driving environment
Starting the engine – Flexifuel
03
114* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
General information about starting
with Flexifuel
The engine is started in the same way as in a
petrol-engined car.
In the event of starting difficulties
If the engine does not start at the first start
attempt:
•Make further attempts to start with the
START/STOP ENGINE button.
If the engine still does not startThe outside temperature is lower than +5 °C:
1. Connect the engine block heater for at
least 1 hour.
2. Make further attempts to start with the
START/STOP ENGINE button.
IMPORTANT
If the engine does not start despite repeated
start attempts, you are recommended to
contact an authorised Volvo workshop.
Engine block heater*
Electrical input to the engine block heater.
When the temperature is expected to be lower
than –10 °C and the car has been refuelled with
bioethanol E85, an engine block heater should
be used for about 2 hours to facilitate the quick
starting of the engine.
The lower the temperature, the longer the time
required with the engine block heater. At
-20 °C the heater should be used for approx. 3
hours.
Cars intended for E85 have an electric engine
block heater*. Starting and driving with a pre-
heated engine involves significantly lower
emissions and reduced fuel consumption. For
this reason you should aim to use the engine
block heater throughout the winter months.
WARNING
The engine block heater is powered by high
voltage. Fault tracing and repair of an elec-
tric engine block heater and its electrical
connections must only be carried out by a
workshop - an authorised Volvo workshop
is recommended.
NOTE
Points to remember for carrying reserve
fuel:
•In the event of stalling due to an empty
fuel tank, bioethanol E85 from a reserve
fuel can may make the engine difficult
to start in extreme cold. This is avoided
by filling the reserve fuel can with 95
octane petrol.
For more information on Flexifuel's bioethanol
E 85 fuel, see page 275 and 363.
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03 Your driving environment
Starting the engine – external battery
03
116
Jump starting
If the battery is flat then the car can be started
with current from another battery.
When jump starting the car, the following steps
are recommended to avoid short circuits or
other damage:
1. Insert the remote control key in key posi-
tion 0, see page 80.
2. Check that the donor battery has a voltage
of 12 V.
3. If the donor battery is installed in another
car - switch off the donor car's engine and
make sure that the two cars do not touch
each other.4. Connect one of the red jump lead's clamps
to the donor battery's positive terminal (1).
IMPORTANT
Connect the start cable carefully to avoid
short circuits with other components in the
engine compartment.
5. Open the clips on the front cover of the
battery in your car and remove the cover,
see page 328.
6. Connect the red jump lead's other clamp
onto the car's positive terminal (2).
7. Connect one of the black jump lead's
clamps to the donor battery's negative ter-
minal (3).
8. Connect the other clamp to a grounding
point, e.g. right-hand engine mounting at
the top, the outer screw head (4).
9. Check that the jump lead clamps are
affixed securely so that there are no sparks
during the starting procedure.
10. Start the engine of the "donor car" and
allow it to run a few minutes at a speed
slightly higher than idle approx. 1500 rpm.
11. Start the engine in the car with the dis-
charged battery.
IMPORTANT
Do not touch the crocodile clips during the
start procedure. There is a risk of sparks
forming.
12. Remove the jump leads in reverse order -
first the black and then the red.
> Make sure that none of the black jump
lead's clamps comes into contact with
the battery's positive terminal or the
clamp connected to the red jump lead!
WARNING
•The battery can generate oxyhydrogen
gas, which is highly explosive. A spark
can be formed if a jump lead is con-
nected incorrectly, and this can be
enough for the battery to explode.
•The battery contains sulphuric acid,
which can cause serious burns.
•If sulphuric acid comes into contact
with eyes, skin or clothing, flush with
large quantities of water. If acid
splashes into the eyes - seek medical
attention immediately.
For more information on the car's battery - see
page 327.
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03 Your driving environment
Gearboxes
03
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.117 Manual gearbox
Gearshift pattern 5-speed gearbox.
Gearshift pattern 6-speed gearbox.
The 6-speed box is available in two versions -
reverse gear position differs between them.Look at the actual gearshift pattern imprinted
on the gear lever.
•Depress the clutch pedal fully during each
gear change.
•Take your foot off the clutch pedal between
gear changes.
WARNING
Get into the habit of always applying the
parking brake when parking on a slope - an
engaged gear is not sufficient to hold the car
in all situations.
Reverse gear inhibitorThe reverse gear inhibitor hinders the possibil-
ity of mistakenly attempting to engage reverse
gear during normal forward travel.
•Start from neutral position N and only
engage reverse gear R when the car is sta-
tionary.
NOTE
With the upper variant of the shifting pattern
for 6-speed gearbox (see previous illustra-
tion) - first press down the gear lever in the
N position in order to engage reverse gear.
Automatic gearbox Geartronic*
D: Automatic gear positions. M (+/–): Manual gear
positions.
The information display shows the position of
the gear selector using the following indica-
tions:
P, R, N, D, S, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, see
page 73.
Gear positions
Parking position (P)
Select P when starting the engine or when the
car is parked. The brake pedal must be
depressed to disengage the gear selector from
the P position.
The gearbox is mechanically blocked when the
P position is engaged. Apply the parking brake
as well, as a precaution - see page 133.
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03 Your driving environment
Gearboxes
03
118
IMPORTANT
The car must be stationary when position
P is selected.
WARNING
Get into the habit of always applying the
parking brake when parking on a slope - the
automatic transmission's P position is not
sufficient to hold the car in all situations.
Reverse (R)The car must be stationary when position R is
selected.
Neutral position (N)No gear is engaged and the engine can be
started. Apply the parking brake if the car is
stationary with the gear selector in position N.
Drive (D)D is the normal driving position. Shifting up and
down takes place automatically based on the
level of acceleration and speed. The car must
be stationary when the gear selector is moved
to position D from position R.
Geartronic – Manual gear positions (+/-)The driver can also change gear manually
using the Geartronic automatic gearbox. Thecar engine-brakes when the accelerator pedal
is released.
Manual gearshift mode is obtained by moving
the lever to the side from position D to the end
position at +/–. The information display shifts
the indication from
D to one of the figures 1 –6, which is equivalent to the gear that is
engaged just then, see page 73.
•Move the lever forwards towards + (plus)
to change up a gear and release the lever,
which returns to its rest position between
+ and –.
or
•Pull the lever back towards – (minus) to
change down a gear and release it.
The manual gearshift mode (+/–) can be
selected at any time while driving.
Geartronic automatically shifts down if the
driver allows the speed to decrease lower than
a level suitable for the selected gear, in order
to avoid jerking and stalling.
To return to automatic driving mode:
•Move the lever to the side to the end posi-
tion at D.
NOTE
f the gearbox has a Sport programme then
the gearbox will only become manual after
the lever has been moved forwards or back-
wards in its (-+/–) position. The information
display then shifts the indication from
S to
show which of the gears 1-6 is engaged.
Geartronic - Sport mode (S)1
The Sport programme provides sportier cha-
racteristics and allows higher engine speed for
the gears. At the same time it responds more
quickly to acceleration. During active driving,
the use of a lower gear is prioritised, leading to
a delayed upshift.
Sport mode is obtained by moving the lever to
the side from D position to the end position at
+/–. The information display shifts the indica-
tion from
D to S.
Sport mode can be selected at any time while
driving.
Geartronic - Winter modeIt can be easier to pull away on slippery roads
if 3rd gear is engaged manually.
1. Depress the brake pedal and move the
gear lever from the D position to the end
position at +/– - the instrument panel dis-
1Only models D5 and T6.
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03 Your driving environment
Gearboxes
03
120* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Deactivate automatic gear selector
inhibitor
If the car cannot be driven, e.g. due to a flat
battery, the gear selector must be moved from
the P position so that the car can be moved.
Lift the rubber mat in the compartment
behind the centre console and open the
hatch.
Fully insert the key blade. Press the key
blade down and hold (For information on
the key blade, see page 50.)
Move the gear selector from the P position.
Automatic gearbox Powershift*
D: Automatic gear positions. M (+/–): Manual gear
positions.
Powershift is a six-stage automatic gearbox
that has double mechanical clutch discs in
contrast to a conventional automatic gearbox.
A conventional automatic gearbox has a
hydraulic torque converter instead that trans-
fers power from engine to gearbox.
Powershift transmission operates in the same
way and has similar controls and functions as
the Geartronic automatic transmission, descri-
bed in the previous section.
Powershift or Geartronic?In the event of uncertainty as to whether or not
the car is equipped with Powershift transmis-
sion, this can be verified by checking the des-
ignation on the decal number (5) under thebonnet - see page 352. The designa-
tion ”MPS6” means that it is Powershift trans-
mission - otherwise it is Geartronic automatic
transmission.
HSAThe HSA (Hill Start Assist) function means that
the pressure in the brake system remains for
several seconds while the foot is moved from
the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal before
setting off or reversing uphill.
The temporary braking effect releases after
several seconds or when the driver acceler-
ates.
To bear in mindThe transmission's double clutch has overload
protection that is activated if it becomes too
hot, e.g. if the car is held stationary with the
accelerator pedal on an uphill gradient for a
long time.
Overheated transmission causes the car to
shake and vibrate, and the warning symbol illu-
minates and the information display shows a
message. The transmission can also overheat
during slow driving in queues (10 km/h or
slower) on an uphill gradient, or with a trailer
hitched. The transmission cools down when
the car is stationary, with foot brake depressed
and the engine running at idling speed.
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