
06 Starting and driving
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock
06
145
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock
0 – Locked position: Remove the key to lock the steering wheelA
.
I – Intermediate posi- tion B
– "radio position":
Certain accessories, radio, etc. on, daytimerunning lights off.
II – Drive position: The
key position when driv- ing. The vehicle's entireelectrical system is con-nected.
III – Start position: Release the key when the engine starts. Thekey returns automaticallyto the Drive position.
A chime will sound if the key is left in the ignition and the driver's door is opened.
A The gear selector must be in the P (Park) position (auto-
matic transmission).
B Please be aware that leaving the key in this position will increase battery drain.
AutostartThis function makes it possible to start the vehicle without holding the key in the startposition (position III) until the engine starts.
Turn the key to position III and release it. The
starter motor will then operate automatically(for up to ten seconds) until the engine starts.
Steering wheel lockThe steering wheel lock might be under ten-sion when the vehicle is parked. Turn the steering wheel slightly to free the ignition key. In order to help reduce vehicle theft, make sure the steering wheel lock is engagedbefore leaving the vehicle.
WARNING
Never switch off the ignition (turn the igni- tion key to position 0) or remove the key
from the ignition switch while the vehicle isin motion. This could cause the steeringwheel to lock, which would make the vehi-cle impossible to steer.

06 Starting and driving
All Wheel Drive*
06
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.153
All Wheel Drive (AWD) – general information
Your Volvo can be equipped with an electron- ically controlled All Wheel Drive system*,which means that power is distributed auto-matically between the front and rear wheels.Under normal driving conditions, most of theengine's power is directed to the frontwheels. However, if there is any tendency forthe front wheels to spin, an electronicallycontrolled coupling distributes power to thewheels that have the best traction.
Tire dimensionsVolvo recommends that you always drive ontires of the same brand, size, construction(radial), tread pattern, load-, speed-, traction-,temperature-, and treadwear rating. Neverdrive on mixed tires, except for brief periodswhen the temporary spare tire is in use. Always use properly inflated tires of correct dimensions. Tire size and inflation pressuresare shown on the tire inflation pressure plac-ards, located on the driver's side B-pillar (thestructural member at the side of the vehicle,at the rear of the driver's door opening), or onthe inside of the fuel filler door on Canadianmodels.
Temporary SpareThe temporary spare tire is for temporary,low-speed, short-distance use only. Replaceit with a full-sized tire as soon as possible. Donot drive on the temporary spare at speedsabove 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).
NOTE
Never install snow chains on a temporary spare.

06 Starting and driving
Brake system
06
154* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
BRAKE Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system con- sisting of two master cylinders and two sepa-rate brake circuits. If a problem should occurin one of these circuits, it is still possible tostop the vehicle with the other brake circuit. If the brake pedal must be depressed farther than normal and requires greater foot pres-sure, the stopping distance will be longer. A warning light in the instrument panel will light up to warn the driver that a fault hasoccurred. If this light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately and check the brake fluidlevel in the reservoir.
NOTE
Press the brake pedal hard and maintain pressure on the pedal – do not pump thebrakes.
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 text window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have
the vehicle towed to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician and have thebrake system inspected.
NOTE
When the vehicle is at a standstill and the engine is idling, e.g. at a traffic light andthe brake pedal is depressed, the pedalmay go down slightly. This is a normalfunction of the power-assisted brake sys-tem.
Brake pad inspectionOn vehicles equipped with a jack*, the condi- tion of the brake pads can be checked byraising the vehicle (see page 198 for informa-tion about using the jack and removing awheel) and performing a visual inspection ofthe brake pads.
WARNING
• If the vehicle has been driven immedi- ately prior to a brake pad inspection,the wheel hub, brake components,etc., will be very hot. Allow time forthese components to cool before car-rying out the inspection.
• Apply the parking brake and put thegear selector in the Park (
P) position.
• Block the wheels standing on theground, use rigid wooden blocks orlarge stones.

06 Starting and driving
Parking brake
06
157
G026992
Parking brake pedal
Handle for releasing the parking brake
The parking brake pedal is located under the dashboard, to the left of the brake pedal.
NOTE
The indicator light will light up even if the parking brake has only been partiallyap-plied.
When applying the parking brake
1. Press firmly on the brake pedal. 2. Press down pedal (1) firmly to its full
extent.
3. Release the brake pedal and ensure that the vehicle is at a standstill.
4. If the vehicle rolls, the parking brake pedal must be pushed down more firmly.
5. When parking a vehicle always put the gear selector in P.
Parking on a hill • If the vehicle is pointing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they point away fromthe curb.
• If the vehicle is pointing downhill, turn thefront wheels so that they point toward thecurb.
Releasing the parking brake
1. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
2. Pull handle (2).
NOTE
If you inadvertently pull the plastic cover, it can be pressed back into place.
WARNING
Press down the parking brake pedal firmly to its full extent.

06 Starting and driving
Stability system
06
158
Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)
The stability system consists of a number of functions designed help reduce wheel spin,counteract skidding, and to generally helpimprove directional stability.
NOTE
A pulsating sound will be audible when the system is actively operating and is normal.
Traction control (TC)This function is designed to help reduce wheel spin by transferring power from a drivewheel that begins to lose traction to thewheel on the opposite side of the vehicle (onthe same axle). TC is most active at low speeds.This is one of DSTC's permanent functions and cannot be switched off.
Spin control (SC)The spin control function is designed to helpprevent the drive wheels from spinning whilethe vehicle is accelerating. Under certain circumstances, such as when driving with snow chains, or driving in deepsnow or loose sand, it may be advisable totemporarily switch off this function for maxi-mum tractive force.
Temporarily switching off Spin control1. Turn the thumbwheel (1) on the left-side
steering wheel lever until the DSTC menu
is displayed.
2. Hold down the RESET button (2) to tog-
gle between
DSTC ON or DSTC SPIN
CONTROL OFF.
NOTE
• The message DSTC SPIN CONTROL
OFF indicates that the stability sys-
tem's spin control function has tempo- rarily been switched off.
• The stability control indicator light willilluminate and remain on until spincontrol has been reactivated.
• The spin control function is automati-cally enabled each time the engine isstarted.
•
DSTC ON indicates that all system
functions are active.
Active Yaw Control (AYC)This function helps maintain directional stabil- ity, for example when cornering, by brakingone or more of the wheels if the vehicleshows a tendency to skid or slide laterally. This is one of DSTC's permanent functions
and cannot be switched off.
WARNING
The car's handling and stability characte- ristics will be altered if the DSTC systemfunctions have been disabled.

06 Starting and driving
Stability system
06
159
DSTC-related messages in the text window
•TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY OFF : The system has been temporarily
switched off due to high brake tempera- ture and will automatically switch onagain when the brakes have cooled.
•
ANTI-SKID SERVICE REQUIRED: The
system has been automatically disen- gaged due to a fault. A trained and quali-fied Volvo service technician shouldcheck the system.
Symbols in the instrument panel
The Stability Control indicator lightThis light indicates different con- ditions, depending on how it illu-minates.
The Stability Control indicator light illuminates for approximately 2 seconds
This indicates that the system is performing a self-diagnostic test when the ignition isswitched on.
The Stability Control indicator light
flashes
This indicates that the stability system is actively functioning to help counteract wheelspin and/or a skid.
The Stability Control indicator light glows steadily
ANTI-SKID SERVICE REQUIRED will be
displayed in the text window at the same time. A fault is indicated in the stability system.
• Stop the vehicle in a safe place and switch off the engine.
• Restart the engine.
• If the indicator light goes out, the faultwas temporary and no further action isrequired.
• If the indicator light remains on, drive toan authorized Volvo workshop as soon aspossible to have the system checked.
The Stability Control indicator light
glows steadily
If DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF is displayed
in the text window at the same time, this is a reminder that spin control has been disabledby the driver.
The warning symbolThe warning symbol glowssteadily yellow
The system has been temporarily switched off due to high brake temperature.
TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY OFF will be displayed. The system will auto-
matically switch on again when the brakes have cooled.
WARNING
The stability system is intended to help improve driving safety. It supplements, butcan never replace, the driver's judgementand responsibility when operating the vehi-cle. Speed and driving style should alwaysbe adapted to traffic and road conditions.

06 Starting and driving
Towing
06
162
G027042
Positions for attaching towing eyelets
Emergency towingThe towing eyelet is located in the tool bag, under the floor of the cargo area. This eyeletmust be screwed into the positions providedon the right sides of either the front or rearbumper (see illustrations).
To attach the towing eyelet:1. Use a coin to pry open the lower edge ofthe cover (A)
2. Screw the towing eyelet (C) in place (B), first by hand and then using the tire ironuntil it is securely in place. After the vehicle has been towed, the eyeletshould be removed and returned to the toolbag. Press the cover back into position.
WARNING
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.
Precautions when the vehicle is in tow
•
The steering wheel must be unlocked. Turn the ignition key to position
I or II.
• The gear selector must be in position
N. •
Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Donot exceed the maximum allowable tow-ing speed.
• Maximum distance with front wheels onground: 50 miles (80 km).
• While the vehicle is being towed, try tokeep the tow rope taut at all times.
• The vehicle should only be towed in theforward direction.

06 Starting and driving
Towing
06
163
CAUTION
Vehicles with AWD (All Wheel Drive) with the front wheels off the ground should notbe towed at speeds above 50 mph(70 km/h) or for distances longer than30 miles (50 km).
CAUTION
•Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this typeof towing, as vehicles being towed aresubject to regulations regarding maxi-mum towing speed, length and type oftowing device, lighting, etc.
• If the vehicle's battery is dead, do notattempt to start the vehicle by pushingor pulling it as this will damage thethree-way catalytic converter(s). Theengine must be jump started using anauxiliary battery (see page 152).
• If the vehicle is being towed on a flatbed truck, the towing eyelets must notbe used to pull the vehicle up onto theflat bed or to secure the vehicle on theflat bed. Consult the tow truck opera-tor.
WARNING
•The power brakes and power steering will not function when the engine is notrunning. Approximately 5 times morepressure will be required on the brakepedal and the steering wheel will beconsiderably harder to turn.
• The towing eyelets must not be usedfor pulling the vehicle out of a ditch orfor any similar purpose involvingsevere strain.
G030862
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive/All Wheel Drive
Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equip- ment. If wheel lift equipment must be used, please use extreme caution to help avoid damage tothe vehicle.
In this case, the vehicle should
be towed with the rear wheels on theground if at all possible. If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, pleaserefer to the towing information on the previ-ous page.
CAUTION
• Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air con-ditioning lines.
• It is equally important not to use sling-type equipment at the rear or apply lift-ing equipment inside the rear wheels;serious damage to the rear axle mayresult.
• If the vehicle is being towed on a flatbed truck, the towing eyelets must notbe used to secure the vehicle on theflat bed. Consult the tow truck opera-tor.