08 Starting and driving
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* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.253
Geartronic: steering wheel paddles*In addition to the manual gearshift function using the gear selector, this option makes itpossible to manually shift gears from thesteering wheel.
Steering-wheel mounted gear shift paddles
" – ": Shift down to a lower gear.
"+ ": Shift up to a higher gear.
In order to shift gears with the paddles, they have to first be activated. The gear selector
can be in either the D or S position. Activating the paddles:
• Pull either paddle toward the steering wheel and release it; the
D in the instru-
ment panel will change to the number ofthe gear currently being used.
Shifting gears: •
Pull the paddle toward the steering wheeland release it.
Deactivating the paddles: • Hold the "
+" paddle for approximately
3 seconds.
NOTE
If the gear selector was in D when paddle
shifting was activated ( D changed to the
number of the gear being used), the trans- mission will automatically revert to D after
approximately 5 seconds if the paddlesare not used to shift gears. This will not occur:
• during active driving (e.g., on a wind- ing road, while accelerating, etc)
• if the gear selector was in
S when the
paddles were activated
If the transmission reverts to D, the pad-
dles will have to be reactivated (pull either paddle toward the steering wheel andrelease it) before they can be used to shiftgears again. The paddles can also be manually deacti- vated by pulling both paddles toward thesteering wheel and holding them until thegear number shown in the instrumentpanel changes to D.
Geartronic: Sport mode (S) 7This transmission mode provides sportier shifting characteristics and enables a moreactive driving style by making it possible todrive at higher rpm in each gear before shift-ing up. The engine also responds faster whenthe accelerator pedal is pressed. To access Sport mode from Drive (
D), move
the gear selector to the left. The transmission will not switch to manual shifting mode untilthe gear selector is moved forward or rear-ward toward + or –. Sport mode can be selected any time.
NOTE
• On vehicles equipped with Sport mode, the transmission symbol in themain instrument panel will changefrom
D to S when the gear selector is
moved to the manual shifting mode. Ifthe gear selector is moved toward "+"or "-", the number of the gear currentlybeing used will be displayed, see Infor-mation displays – introduction (p. 62).
• Please be aware that using Sportmode may result in a slight decrease infuel economy. Driving in
D can help
improve fuel economy.
7 Certain models only
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08 Starting and driving
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254
Geartronic: starting on slippery
surfaces
Selecting 3rd gear in Geartronic’s manual shifting mode can help provide better tractionwhen starting off on slippery surfaces. To doso:
1. Depress the brake pedal and move the gear selector to the side from D toward
+S– .
2. Press the gear selector forward and release it (this selects 2nd gear). Press the selector forward again and release itto select 3rd gear. The optional steeringwheel paddles can also be used; see theprevious section "Geartronic: steeringwheel paddles."
3. Release the brake pedal and press gently on the accelerator pedal.
Related information
• Transmission – general information (p. 250)
• Transmission – positions (p. 250)
• Transmission – shiftlock override (p. 254)
• Fuel tank volume – specification and vol-ume (p. 374)
Transmission – shiftlock override
If the vehicle cannot be driven, for example because of a dead battery, the gear selectormust be moved from the
P position before the
vehicle can be moved 8
.
Shiftlock override
Lift away the rubber mat on the floor of the storage compartment behind the cen-ter console to expose the small openingfor overriding the shiftlock system.
Insert the key blade into the opening. Press the key blade down as far as possi-ble and keep it held down.
Move the gear selector from the P posi-
tion. For information on the key blade, see Detachable key blade – general infor-mation (p. 144).
Related information
• Transmission – general information (p. 250)
• Transmission – positions (p. 250)
• Transmission – Geartronic (p. 252)
• Fuel tank volume – specification and vol-ume (p. 374)
8
If 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 Jump starting (p. 249).
08 Starting and driving
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}}
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.257
Condition/situation
The driver is turning the steering wheel hard.
The road's incline is very steep.
A trailer's electrical system is connected to the vehicle.
The hood has been opened A
.
The transmission has not reached its nor- mal operating temperature.
Atmospheric pressure is below a level equivalent to an altitude of approx. 4,900–8,200 ft (1500–2500 m) above sea level.The actual pressure is also affected by cur-rent weather conditions.
The Adaptive Cruise Control's* Queue Assist feature is activated.
The gear selector is in the SB
or " +/–" posi-
tion.
A Certain engines only
B Sport mode (where applicable)
Related information
• Start/Stop – introduction (p. 255)
• Start/Stop – function (p. 255)
• Start/Stop – settings (p. 258)
• Start/Stop – Auto-start exceptions (p. 257) •
Start/Stop – Hill Start Assist (HSA)(p. 255)
• Start/Stop – symbols and messages(p. 259)
Start/Stop – Auto-start exceptions
In certain situations or conditions, the engine may auto-start
even though the driver is still
pressing the brake pedal, such as if:
Condition/situation
Condensation forms on the windows.
The climate system cannot keep the desired settings in the passenger compart-ment.
Electrical current consumption is tempo- rarily high or the main battery's charge isbelow the minimum level.
The brake pedal is pumped repeatedly.
The hood has been opened A
.
The vehicle begins to move or increases speed slightly (if the engine auto-stoppedbefore the vehicle was at a standstill (seeECO* (p. 260))).
The driver unbuckles his/her seat belt while the gear selector is in the D or N positions.
The steering wheel is turned A
.
08 Starting and driving
08
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.261
This feature is primarily intended to be used in driving situations where a decrease inspeed is expected, such as when approach-ing an intersection or a traffic light.
Eco Coast enables proactive driving with as little braking as possible.
Combinations of On and OffDepending on the driving situation, Eco can be used in different ways to help reduce fuelconsumption:
• With Eco activated
: this enables Eco
Coast, which allows the vehicle to roll
freely for as far as possible when the
driver releases the accelerator pedal (e.g., when approaching a traffic light or inter-section).
or
• With Eco deactivated
: engine braking
can be used when the vehicle will only
roll for a short distance (in heavy traffic,
etc.) or when driving down hills .
To help keep fuel consumption as low as possible, Eco Coast should not be used intraffic situations where the brakes have to beused frequently.
Activating Eco CoastEco Coast is activated when the accelerator pedal is released completely if:
• Eco is activated
• The gear selector is in
D •
The vehicle's speed is between approxi- mately 40–85 mph (65–140 km/h). Alwaysobserve posted speed limits
• The gradient of a down-slope is less thanapproximately 6%
Deactivating Eco CoastIn certain situations, it may be advisable to switch off the Eco Coast function, such as:
• When driving down steep hills, in order to utilize engine braking
• Prior to passing another vehicle, in orderto do so as safely as possible
Deactivating Eco Coast (and reactivating engine braking) can be done in the followingways:
• Press the
ECO button on the center con-
sole
• Move the gear selector to the manual "
S
+/– " position
• Change gears using the steering wheel paddles*
• Press the brake or accelerator pedal
Eco Coast limitationsThis function will not be available if:
• Cruise control is activated
• The gradient of a down-slope is morethan approximately 6%
• The steering wheel paddles* are used tomanually change gears •
The engine and/or transmission have notreached their normal operating tempera-ture
• The gear selector is moved from
D to the
manual " S+/–" position
• The vehicle's speed is not within the40–85 mph (65–140 km/h). interval
Additional information and settings
Other ECO-related settings can be made in the vehicle's
MY CAR menu. See My Car –
introduction (p. 70) for more information.
Related information
• Climate – general information (p. 118)
• Transmission – general information (p. 250)
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08 Starting and driving
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264
braking gently for a short period while the vehicle is moving.
Related information
•Parking brake – general information (p. 266)
• Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)(p. 265)
• Brakes – general (p. 262)
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) (p. 264)
Brakes – symbols
Symbols in the instrument panel
SymbolSpecification
Steady glow – Check the brake fluid level. If the level is low, fillwith brake fluid and check forthe cause of the brake fluidloss.
Automatic function check: steady glow for two secondswhen the engine is started.
WARNING
If and come on at the
same time and the brake level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a brake sys-
tem-related message is shown in the infor-mation display: DO NOT DRIVE . Have the
vehicle towed to a trained and qualifiedVolvo service technician and have thebrake system inspected.
Related information
• Brakes – general (p. 262)
• Parking brake – general information (p. 266)
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
The ABS system helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and steering) during severebraking conditions by limiting brake lockup. When the system "senses" impending lockup, braking pressure is automatically modulatedin order to help prevent lockup that couldlead to a skid. The system performs a brief self-diagnostic test when the engine has been started anddriver releases the brake pedal. Another auto-matic test may be performed when the vehi-cle first reaches a speed of approximately6 mph (10 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsateseveral times and a sound may be audiblefrom the ABS control module, which is nor-mal.
Related information
• Parking brake – general information (p. 266)
• Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)(p. 265)
• Brakes – general (p. 262)
08 Starting and driving
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271
Engine and cooling system
Under special conditions, for example when driving in hilly terrain, extreme heat or withheavy loads, there is a risk that the engine andcooling system will overheat. Proceed as follows to avoid overheating the engine. •Maintain a low speed when driving with a trailer up long, steep hills. For informa-tion, see Towing a trailer (p. 279)
• Do not turn the engine off immediatelywhen stopping after a hard drive.
WARNING
The cooling fan may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 minutes) after theengine has been switched off.
•
Remove any auxiliary lights from in front of the grille when driving in hot weatherconditions.
• Do not exceed engine speeds of4500 rpm if driving with a trailer in hillyterrain. The oil temperature could becometoo high.
Conserving electrical current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize battery drain:
• When the engine is not running, avoid using ignition mode
II. Many electrical
systems (the audio system, the optionalnavigation system, power windows, etc)will function in ignition modes 0 and I.
These modes reduce drain on the battery.
• Please keep in mind that using systems,accessories, etc., that consume a greatdeal of current when the engine is notrunning could result in the battery beingcompletely drained. Driving or having theengine running for approximately15 minutes will help keep the batterycharged.
• The optional 12-volt socket in thetrunk (p. 134) area provides electrical cur-rent even with the ignition switched off,which drains the battery.
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvo serv-ice technician before driving long distances.Your retailer will also be able to supply youwith bulbs, fuses, spark plugs and wiperblades for your use in the event that problemsoccur. As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip:
• Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
• Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
• Have the transmission oil level (p. 374)checked.
• Check condition of drive belts.
• Check state of the battery's charge.
• Examine tires carefully (the spare tire aswell), and replace those that areworn (p. 287). Check tire pres-sure (p. 294).
• The brakes, front wheel alignment, andsteering gear should be checked by atrained and qualified Volvo service techni-cian only.
• Check all lights, including high beams.
• Reflective warning triangles are legallyrequired in some states/provinces.
• Have a word with a trained and qualifiedVolvo service technician if you intend to
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08 Starting and driving
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278* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
•
Using the transmission's Sport mode 14
may increase fuel consumption some- what. Use the transmission's Drive ( D)
position as often as possible. For addi-tional information about Sport mode, seeTransmission – Geartronic (p. 252).
• Using the engine's optional Eco func- tion15
can help improve fuel economy. For
additional information, see ECO* (p. 260).
• Do not exceed posted speed limits.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the vehicle.
• Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tirepressure regularly (when tires are cold).
• Remove snow tires when threat of snowor 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 conditioningon and the windows closed than with theair conditioning off and the windowsopen.
• Using the onboard trip computer's fuelconsumption modes can help you learnhow 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 oth-ers are checked at the standard maintenanceintervals.
WARNING
Driving with the trunk open: Driving with
the trunk open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the passengercompartment. If the trunk must be keptopen 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 itshighest setting.
Handling and roadholdingAt the specified curb weight your vehicle has a tendency to understeer, which means thatthe steering wheel has to be turned morethan might seem appropriate for the curva-ture of a bend. This ensures good stabilityand reduces the risk of rear wheel skid.Remember that these properties can alterwith the vehicle load. The heavier the load in the trunk, the less the tendency to under-steer. •
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling.Therefore, check that the tires are inflatedto the recommended pressure accordingto the vehicle load. Loads should be dis-tributed so that capacity weight or maxi-mum permissible axle loads are notexceeded.
• At the specified curb weight your vehiclehas a tendency to understeer, whichmeans that the steering wheel has to beturned more than might seem appropriatefor the curvature of a bend. This ensuresgood stability and reduces the risk of rearwheel skid. Remember that these proper-ties can alter with the vehicle load. Theheavier the load in the trunk, the less thetendency to understeer.
Related information
• Climate – general information (p. 118)
14
Certain models only.
15 Available on certain 4-cyl. engines
||
08 Starting and driving
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280
CAUTION
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to 3,280 ft(1000 m) above sea level. With increasingaltitude the engine power and thereforethe car's climbing ability are impairedbecause of the reduced air density, so themaximum trailer weight has to be reducedaccordingly. The weight of the vehicle andtrailer must be reduced by 10% for everyfurther 3,280 ft (1000 m) (or part thereof).When towing 5,950 lbs (2,700kg) hill incli-nation is restricted to 14%.
WARNING
•Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor shouldsafety chains be attached to thebumper.
• Trailer hitches attaching to the vehiclerear axle must not be used.
• Never connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to the vehiclebrake system, nor a trailer's lightingsystem directly to the vehicle lightingsystem. Consult your nearest author-ized Volvo retailer for correct installa-tion.
• When towing a trailer, the trailer'ssafety chains or wire must be correctlyfastened to the attachment points pro-vided in the trailer hitch on the vehicle.The safety chain or wire must never befastened to or wound around the tow-ing ball.
Trailer cableAn adapter is required if the vehicle's trailer hitch has a 13-pin connector and the trailerhas 7 pins. Use an adapter cable approvedby Volvo. Make sure the cable does not dragon the ground.
Related information
•
Loading – general (p. 135)
Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
Trailer Stability Assist is a system designed to help stabilize a vehicle that is towing a trailerwhen the vehicle and trailer have begun tosway and is part of the stability system. Forinformation on the stability system, see Stabil-ity system – introduction (p. 162)
FunctionA vehicle towing a trailer may begin to swayfor various reasons. Normally this only occursat high speeds but, for example, if the traileris overloaded or if the load is unevenly dis-tributed in the trailer, there is risk of swayingat speeds between approximately 45-55 mph(70-90 km/h). Swaying may be caused by factors such as: •
The vehicle and trailer are hit by a sud- den, strong crosswind
• The vehicle and trailer are traveling on anuneven road surface or drive over a bump
• Sudden movements of the steering wheel
Facts about TSA
• TSA intervenes at speeds above approxi-mately 40 mph (60 km/h)
• The stability system symbol in the instru-ment panel will flash when TSA is working
• If the driver switches off the stability sys-tem's Spin Control function, TSA will also