03 Your driving environment
Transmission
03
116
•If you hold the gear selector toward "–", the
transmission will downshift one gear at a
time and will utilize the braking power of
the engine. If the current speed is too high
for using a lower gear, the downshift will
not occur until the speed has decreased
enough to allow the lower gear to be used.
•If you slow to a very low speed, the trans-
mission will automatically shift down.
Shiftlock – Neutral (N)If the gear selector is in the N position and the
vehicle has been stationary for at least 3 sec-
onds (irrespective of whether the engine is run-
ning) then the gear selector is locked.
To be able to move the gear selector from N to
another gear position, the brake pedal must be
depressed and the ignition must be in posi-
tion II, see page 82.
Geartronic–Sport mode (S)2
This transmission mode provides sportier shift-
ing characteristics and enables a more active
driving style by making it possible to drive at
higher rpm in each gear before shifting up. The
engine also responds faster when the throttle
pedal is pressed.
To access Sport mode from Drive (D), move the
gear selector to the right. The transmission willnot switch to manual shifting mode until the
gear selector is moved forward or rearward
toward + or –.
Sport mode can be selected any time.
NOTE
•When the transmission is in Sport
mode, the transmission symbol in the
main instrument panel will change from
D to S (see page 75).
•Please be aware that using Sport mode
may result in a slight decrease in fuel
economy. Driving in D can help improve
fuel economy.
Geartronic–starting on slippery surfacesSelecting 3rd gear in Geartronic’s manual shift-
ing mode can help provide better traction when
starting off on slippery surfaces. To do so:
1. Depress the brake pedal and move the
gear selector to the right from the D posi-
tion to the manual shifting position. The
text in the instrument panel display will
change from
D to 1.
2. Press the gear selector forward and
release it (this selects 2nd gear). Press theselector forward again and release it to
select 3rd gear.
3. Release the brake pedal and press gently
on the accelerator pedal.
Shiftlock override
If the vehicle cannot be driven, for example
because of a dead battery, the gear selector
must be moved from the P position before the
vehicle can be moved
3.
Lift away the rubber mat on the floor of the
storage compartment behind the center
console to expose the small opening for
overriding the shiftlock system.
2Certain models only3If the battery is dead, the electric parking brake cannot be applied or released. Connect an auxiliary battery if the battery voltage is too low, see page 113.
04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Menus and messages
04
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.129 Main instrument panel
G022908
Information display and menu controls
READ – access to the list of messages and
message confirmation.
Thumbwheel – browse among menus and
options in the list of functions.
RESET – reset the active function. Used in
certain cases to select/activate a function,
see the explanation under each respective
function.
The menus shown on the information displays
in the instrument panel are controlled with the
left lever. The menus shown depend on ignition
mode. Press READ to erase a message and
return to the menus.
Menu overviewDriving distance on current fuel reserveAverage
Instantaneous
Average speed
Current speed in mph (Canadian models
only)
Engine oil level*
Calibrate tire pressure
Messages
G028940
When a warning, information or indicator sym-
bol comes on, a corresponding message
appears on the information display. An error
message is stored in a memory list until the
fault is rectified.Press READ to acknowledge and scroll among
the messages.
NOTE
If a warning message appears while you are
using the trip computer, the message must
be read and confirmed by pressing READ
before the previous activity can be
resumed.
MessageDescription
Stop safelyStop and switch off
the engine. Serious
risk of damage.
Contact an author-
ized Volvo work-
shop.
Stopping the
engineStop and switch off
the engine. Serious
risk of damage.
Contact an author-
ized Volvo work-
shop.
Service urgentHave the vehicle
checked by an
authorized Volvo
workshop immedi-
ately.
04 Comfort and driving pleasure
The MY CAR menus
04
134
Calibrate tire pressure
See page 311 for more information.
Steering wheel force
High
Medium
Low
See page 150 for more information.
Reset car settings
This feature returns the "Car settings" menu to
the original factory settings.
MY CARSettingsDriver support
systems
Collision Warning
Collision Warning
Warning distance
Long
Normal
Short
Warning sound
See page 173 for more information.Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Warning
On at start-up
Increased sensitivity
See page 182 for more information.
DSTC
See page 148 for more information.
City Safety
See page 166 for more information.
BLIS
See page 193 for more information.
Distance Alert
See page 163 for more information.
Driver Alert
See page 179 for more information.
MY CARSettingsSystem options
Set/change time
See page 80 for more information.
Time format
12 h
24 hScreensaver
The contents of the screen are replaced by
another image if this selection is marked. The
contents of the screen will be displayed again
if one of the buttons (1-4) is pressed, see
page 131.
Uncheck the selection to turn the screen saver
off.
Language
Select the language for menu texts.
Show help text
This displays help texts for the current menu.
Distance and fuel units
MPG (UK)
MPG (US)
km/l
l/100km
See page 146 for more information about the
trip computer.
Temperature unit
Celsius
Fahrenheit
Select the temperature scale to be displayed
by the climate control unit.
04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Trip computer
04
146
Introduction
G022909
Information display and controls
READ–press to acknowledge/confirm/
erase a message)
Thumb wheel (used to scroll among the trip
computer menus)
RESET–resets certain functions
To scroll through trip computer information,
move the thumb wheel up or down. Continue
turning to return to the starting point.
Functions
NOTE
If a warning message appears while you are
using the trip computer, this message must
be acknowledged in order to return to the
trip computer function. Acknowledge a
message by pressing READ.
To change the unit of measure specified for
distance and speed, contact an authorized
Volvo workshop.
Average speedThe system calculates the average speed from
the last resetting. Reset using RESET.
Current speed in mph (Canadian models
only)
This function provides the driver with an instan-
taneous conversion of the car's current speed
from km/h to mph.
Current speed in km/h (U.S. models only)This function provides the driver with an instan-
taneous conversion of the car's current speed
from mph to km/h.
Current fuel consumption
(Instantaneous)
Current fuel consumption is calculated every
second. The information on the display isupdated every few seconds. When the vehicle
is stationary, "
----" appears on the display.
Average fuel consumptionThe average fuel consumption since the last
reset. Reset using RESET.
Driving distance on current fuel reserveThis function shows the approximate distance
that can be driven on the fuel remaining in the
tank. The calculation is based on average fuel
consumption during the last 20 miles (30 km)
of driving and the amount of fuel remaining in
the tank when the reading was taken. When the
message
---- miles to empty tank appears in
the display, refuel as soon as possible.
NOTE
The actual distance that can be driven on
the usable fuel remaining in the tank may be
influenced by a change in driving style.
See also page 262 for information on driving
economically.
Resetting1.
Select --- mph average speed or --.-
mpg average.
2.
Press and hold RESET for approx. 1 sec-
ond to reset the selected function. If
RESET is kept depressed for at 3 three
04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Trip computer
04
147
seconds, Average speed and Average fuel
consumption are reset simultaneously.
04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Passenger compartment convenience
04
198
Compartment in door panel
Storage pocket on the front edge of the
front seat cushions
Glove compartment
Storage compartment, 12-volt socket and
AUX input
Jacket holder
Rear seat cup holders
Storage pocket
Jacket holderThe jacket hanger is located on the inboard
side of the front passenger's seat head
restraint. It is only intended for hanging light
garments.
Tunnel console
G021436
Storage compartment (for CDs, etc.) under
armrest.
Includes cup holder for driver and passen-
ger, 12 V socket and small storage com-
partment.
Glove compartment
The owner's manual and maps can be kept
here. There are also holders for pens and fuel
cards. The glove compartment can be locked
manually with the key blade, see page 66.
260
Driving recommendations..................................................................... 262
Refueling............................................................................................... 266
Loading................................................................................................. 271
Cargo area ........................................................................................... 276
Towing a trailer...................................................................................... 280
Emergency towing................................................................................ 283
06 During your trip
Driving recommendations
06
262
General information
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.
•Using the transmission's Sport mode1 may
increase fuel consumption somewhat. Use
the transmission's Drive (D) position as
often as possible. See page 116 for addi-
tional information about Sport mode.
•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:
•Close the windows
•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 handlingAt 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.
Handling, roadholdingVehicle 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-
1Models with the T6 turbo engine only.