warning VOLVO S40 2006 Owner's Manual
Page 47 of 127
1. Storage pocket (also  on front  side of seat cushion)
2. Compartment in door panel
3. Ticket clip
4. Glove  compartment
5. Waste bin (accessory), located behind the center  instrument panel
6. Storage compartment and  cup  holders
7. Storage compartment and  cup  holders.WARNING!
Anchor any  heavy objects to prevent them from  moving during sudden stops.
Packages on the rear parcel  shelf  can obscure vision  and  may become dangerous projectiles in the event of a  sudden
stop or an  accident.
Glove compartment
The owners manual  and  maps can be  stored  here. There are also holders  for coins, pens and  fuel cards. The glove
compartment can only be  locked and  unlocked using the detachable key  blade from  the central locking system's remote
control. See  the chapter  "Locks and  alarm" for further information about the key  blade.
pg. 78 Rear seat
Adjust the head  restraint  vertically
Rear seat head restraints
Each of the rear seat head restraints can be  adjusted vertically to suit  the height of the passenger.  The upper edge of
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the head restraint should be  on a  level  with the midpoint of the rear side of the passenger's  head (see illustration).
 To raise: slide the head restraint up to the desired height.
 To lower: Press the catch at the base of the right support and  press the head restraint down.
 To remove: Pull the head restraint up far as possible. Press the catch at the base of the right support and  pull the
head restraint out of the its  holders.  
NOTE: When the seat backs are folded down, the head restraints may be  damaged if they are not removed. The center
head restraint must  also be  removed when transporting heavy loads.
Folding down the rear seat backrests
Both  sections of the rear seat backrest can be  folded down, together or separately, to enable you to transport long
objects. Before folding down the rear seat backrests, the outboard seat belts can be  attached to the clothes hook as
shown in the middle illustration. To fold down one  or both sections: 
1. Grasp the rear edge of the seat cushions and  pull it forward.
2. Pull the catch on the upper outboard edge of the backrest upward and  forward to release the backrest lock. A red
lock indicator is visible when the backrest is not  locked in the upright position.
3. Fold the backrest down partially and  remove the outer head restraints. Press the center  head restraint down
completely  or remove it.
pg. 79 Rear seat
4. Place the head restraints in the plastic tubes, which  are now accessible on the under side of the seat cushions.
WARNING!
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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 (D)rive  position as often as possible and  avoid using kickdown.
 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 consumption.
 At highway  driving speeds, fuel consumption 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.
Weight distribution affects handling
At 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.
WARNING!
Driving with the trunk  open: Driving with the trunk open  could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the
passenger  compartment. If the trunk 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 windows and  the blower control to its
highest setting.
CAUTION!
Drive slowly and  carefully if going through standing water (i.e. flooded roadways, etc.). Damage to the engine could
result if excess water is drawn in through the air intake  system. Never  drive the vehicle in water deeper than 18
inches (48 cm).
pg. 93 General information
Handling,  roadholding
Vehicle 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  distributed
so that capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
Cold weather  precautions
If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the following advice is worth noting:
 Make sure that the engine coolant  contains 50 percent  antifreeze.  Any other mixture will reduce freeze  protection.
This gives protection against freezing down to -31°F (-35°C). See  section "Coolant". The use of "recycled" antifreeze
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is not approved by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze  must  not be  mixed.
 Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze  in your vehicle's radiator.
 Try  to keep the fuel tank well filled - this  prevents the formation  of condensation in the tank. In addition, in
extremely cold weather conditions it is worthwhile to add  fuel line de -icer before refueling.
 The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weather starting as
well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine is warming up. For winter use, 5W -30 oil, particularly the
synthetic type
1 , is recommended. Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use cold-weather oil for hard driving or in
warm weather. See  page 179
 for more information.
 The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the windshield wipers, lighting, etc. are used more
often. Moreover,  the capacity of the battery decreases as the temperature drops. In very cold weather, a  poorly charged
battery can freeze  and  be  damaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state of charge more frequently and  spray an
anti-rust oil on the battery posts.
 Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving - see the chapter  "Wheels and  tires."
 To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from  freezing, add  washer solvents containing antifreeze  (see page 145 for the
location of the washer fluid reservoir).  This is important since dirt is often splashed  on the windshield during winter
driving, requiring the frequent use of the washers and  wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent should be  diluted as follows:
Down  to 14° F (-10° C): 1 part washer solvent and  4 parts  water, Down  to 5° F (-15° C): 1 part washer solvent and  3
parts  water, Down  to 0° F (-18° C): 1 part washer solvent and  2 parts  water, Down  to -18° F (-28° C): 1 part washer
solvent and  1 part water.
 Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
NOTE:  Avoid using de -icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
1. Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals  except at owner request and  at
additional charge.
Conserving electrical  current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize battery drain:
 When the engine is not running, avoid turning the ignition key  to position II. Many electrical systems (the audio
pg. 94 General information
system, the optional navigation system, power windows, etc) will function with the ignition key  in position I. This
position reduces drain on the battery.
 Please keep in mind that using systems, accessories, etc that consume a  great deal of current when the engine is not
running could result in the battery being completely  drained.
 The optional 12 volt socket in the trunk provides  electrical current even with the ignition switched off, which  drains
the battery.
NOTE:  If the ignition is switched on, a  warning message will be  displayed in the text window in the instrument panel
when the battery charge is low.
An energy conserving function designed into the vehicle's electrical system will switch off certain functions or reduce
the load on the battery by, e.g.,  reducing the audio system's volume.
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a  trained and  qualified Volvo service technician before
driving long distances. Your retailer will also be  able to supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark plugs and  wiper blades for
your use in the event that problems occur.
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
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 Have the transmission oil level  checked2.
 Check condition of drive belts.
 Check state of the battery's charge.
 Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and  replace  those that are worn. Check tire pressures.
 The brakes, front  wheel alignment, and  steering gear should be  checked by a  trained and  qualified Volvo service
technician only.
 Check all lights, including high beams.
 Reflective warning triangles  are legally required in some states/provinces.
 Have a  word with a  trained and  qualified Volvo service technician if you intend to drive in countries where  it may
be  difficult to obtain the correct fuel.
 Consider your destination. If you will be  driving through an  area where  snow or ice are likely to occur, consider
snow tires.
2. To prevent injury from  contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your vehicle's transmission fluid yourself. Have
your vehicle's transmission fluid level  inspected by a  trained and  qualified Volvo service technician.
pg. 95 Fuel  requirements
Octane rating
Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium gasoline with an  AKI octane rating of 91
or above. AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX)  is an  average of the Research Octane Number, RON, and  the Motor Octane
Number, MON. ((RON +  MON)/2). The minimum octane requirement is AKI 87 (RON  91).
Deposit control gasoline  (detergent  additives)
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gasoline to control engine deposits. Detergent  gasoline is effective in keeping
injectors  and  intake  valves clean. Consistent use of deposit control gasolines will help ensure good driveability and
fuel economy. If you are not sure whether the gasoline contains deposit control additives, check with the service
station operator.
NOTE:  Volvo does not recommend the use of store -bought fuel injector cleaning additives.
Unleaded fuel
Each Volvo has a  three-way catalytic converter and  must  use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and  Canadian regulations
require that pumps delivering unleaded gasoline be  labelled "UNLEADED".  Only these pumps have nozzles which  fit
your vehicle's filler  inlet. It is unlawful to dispense  leaded fuel into a  vehicle labelled "unleaded gasoline only".
Leaded  gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and  the heated oxygen  sensor system. Repeated use of
leaded gasoline will lessen  the effectiveness of the emission control system and  could result in loss of emission
warranty coverage. State and  local  vehicle inspection programs will make detection of misfueling easier, possibly
resulting in emission test failure for misfueled  vehicles.
NOTE:  Some U.S. and  Canadian gasolines contain  an  octane enhancing additive called methyl-cyclopentadienyl
manganese  tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels  are used, your Emission Control System  performance may be  affected,
and  the Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator lamp) located on your instrument panel may light. If this  occurs,
please return your vehicle to a  trained and  qualified Volvo service technician for maintenance.
Gasoline containing  alcohol and ethers
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates"  which  are usually alcohols or ethers. In some areas, state or
local  laws require that the service pump be  marked indicating use of alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas in
which  the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol  or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet  seasonal air quality standards, some areas require the use of "oxygenated"
fuel. Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated" fuels; however,  the octane ratings listed on this  page must
still  be  met. 
Alcohol - Ethanol:  Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol  by volume may be  used. Ethanol may also be  referred to as
Ethyl alcohol,  or "Gasohol". Ethers - MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be  used.
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Fuel Formulations
Do not use gasoline that contains lead as a  knock  inhibitor,  and  do not use lead additives. Besides damaging  the
exhaust emission control systems on your vehicle, lead has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer. Many fuels
contain  benzene as a  solvent. Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer. If you live in an
area where  you must  fill your own gas tank, take precautions.
These may include:
 standing upwind away from  the filler  nozzle while refueling
pg. 96 Fuel  requirements (contd.)
 refueling only at gas stations with vapor recovery systems that fully seal the mouth of the filler  neck during
refueling
 wearing neoprene gloves while handling a  fuel filler  nozzle.
WARNING!
Carbon  monoxide is a  poisonous, colorless, and  odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust gases. If you ever smell
exhaust fumes  inside the vehicle, make sure the passenger  compartment is ventilated,  and  immediately return the
vehicle to your retailer for correction.
Use of Additives
With the exception of fuel line antifreeze  during winter months,  do not add  solvents, thickeners, or other store -bought
additives to your vehicle's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse may damage your engine, and  some of these
additives contain  organically volatile chemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.
Fuel filler door
Press the button on the light switch panel (see the illustration on page 41
) with the ignition switched off  to unlock the
fuel filler  door. Please note that the fuel filler  door will remain unlocked until the vehicle begins to move forward. An
audible  click  will be  heard when the fuel filler  door relocks.
If you intend to leave your vehicle while it is being refueled, this  feature enables you to lock the doors/trunk while
leaving  the fuel filler  door unlocked.
You can also keep the vehicle locked if you remain inside it during refueling. The central locking button does not lock
the fuel filler  door.
Be sure the fuel filler  door is not obstructed and  is completely  closed after refueling.
Open the fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather.
Refueling
The fuel tank is designed to hold approximately 15.9 US gallons (60 liters)
1 with sufficient volume left over to
accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. Be aware  that the "usable" tank capacity will be  somewhat
less than the specified maximum. When the fuel level  is low, such factors as ambient temperature, the fuel's "Reid
vapor pressure" characteristics, and  terrain can affect the fuel pump's ability to supply the engine with an  adequate
supply of fuel. Therefore,  it is advisable to refuel as soon as possible when the needle nears the red zone, or when the
fuel warning light comes on.
1. Models with All Wheel Drive have a  tank volume of 15 US gallons (57 liters).
Models with engine code 39 have a  fuel tank capacity of 14 US gallons (53 liters). This code is the 6th and  7th digits
from  the left in your vehicle's VIN number. See  page 176
 for the location of the VIN plate.
pg. 97 Fuel  requirements
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Release the key  when the engine starts. The key  returns automatically  to the Drive position.
A chime  will sound if the key  is left in the ignition and  the driver's door is opened.
Steering wheel  lock
When the key  is removed from  the ignition, the steering wheel locks so that it cannot be  turned.
If the front  wheels are hard up against a  curb, the steering wheel lock may be  under too much tension to unlock.
If so, the key  will turn in the ignition switch but the car will not start.
At the same time, a  message "Steering locked"  will appear in the driver information text display.
If this  happens:
1. Remove the key  from  the ignition.
2. Turn  the steering wheel slightly  and  hold it to relieve pressure on the lock mechanism. Reinsert it the key.
The steering should immediately unlock. If not, try again.
NOTE: In order to help reduce vehicle theft, make sure the steering wheel lock is engaged before leaving  the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never  switch off the ignition (turn  the ignition key  to position 0) or remove the key  from  the ignition switch while
the vehicle is in motion. This could cause the steering wheel to lock, which  would make the vehicle impossible to
steer.
pg. 99 Starting the vehicle
Starting the vehicle
To start the engine:
1. Fasten the seat belt. WARNING!
Before starting, check that the seat, steering wheel and  mirrors  are adjusted properly. Make sure the brake pedal can
be  depressed  completely.  Adjust the seat if necessary.
2. Apply the parking brake if not already  set. The gear selector (automatic transmission) is locked in the (P)ark position
(SHIFTLOCK). See  also page 103.
Manual transmission:  the clutch  must  be  fully depressed.
3. Without touching the accelerator  pedal, turn the ignition key  to the starting position. Allow the starter to operate  for
up to 10 seconds. Release the key  as soon as the engine starts. If the engine fails to start, repeat  this  step.
Autostart (T5 turbo with automatic transmission  only) 
This function makes it possible to start the vehicle without holding the key  in position III. 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.
NOTE:
On certain models, when the vehicle is started, idle speed may be  noticeably higher than normal for a  short period,
depending on the temperature of the engine. This has been done  to help bring components in the emission control
system to their normal operating temperature as quickly as possible, which  enables them to function normally.
 For cold starts at altitudes above 6000 ft. (1800 meters), depress the accelerator  pedal halfway and  turn the key  to
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the starting position. Release the pedal slowly when the engine starts.
4. To release the gear selector from  the (P)ark position, the engine must  be  running (or the ignition key  must  be  in
position II) and  the brake pedal must  be  depressed.
5. Select  the desired gear. On models with an  automatic  transmission, the gear engages after a  very slight delay which
is especially noticeable when selecting R.
NOTE:
Immobilizer: If two of the keys to your vehicle are close together, e.g.,  on the same key  ring when you try to start
the vehicle, this  could cause interference in the immobilizer system and  result in the vehicle not starting. If this  should
occur, remove one  of the keys from  the key  ring before trying to start the vehicle again.
Keylock: Your vehicle is equipped with a  keylock system. When the engine is switched off, the gear selector must
be  in the (P)ark position before the key  can be  removed from  the ignition switch.
 When starting in cold weather, the automatic  transmission may shift up at slightly  higher engine speeds than normal
until the automatic  transmission fluid reaches normal operating temperature.
 Do not race a  cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubrication points  fast  enough  to
prevent engine damage.
WARNING!
Volvo's  floor  mats are specially manufactured for your car. They must  be  firmly secured in the clips on the floor  so
that they cannot slide and  become trapped under the pedals on the driver's side.
pg. 100 Starting the vehicle
CAUTION!
Automatic transmission: The engine should be  idling when you move the gear selector. Never  accelerate until after
you feel the transmission engage! Accelerating immediately after selecting a  gear will cause harsh engagement and
premature transmission wear.  Selecting P or N when idling at a  standstill for prolonged periods  of time will help
prevent overheating of the automatic  transmission fluid.
WARNING!
Always place the gear selector in Park and  apply the parking brake before leaving  the vehicle. Never  leave the
vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Always open  garage doors fully before starting the engine inside a  garage to ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain  carbon monoxide, which  is invisible  and  odorless but very poisonous.
pg. 101 Manual transmission, 5-speed
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5-speed manual transmission  (option on certain models)
Depress the clutch  pedal completely  when changing gears
1.
Remove your foot from  the clutch  pedal while driving. The shift pattern should be  followed.
Overdrive (5th gear) should be  used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy.
1. Clutch interlock  The  clutch must  be  fully depressed  before  you can  start your car.  If the clutch is not depressed, it  will  not be  possible to  start
the engine.
 
Engaging reverse gear, 5-speed transmission
Reverse gear should only be  engaged from  a  complete stop.
CAUTION!
Never  shift into reverse  while moving forward.
WARNING!
An extra mat on the driver's floor  can cause the accelerator,  brake, and/or clutch  pedal to catch. Check that the
movement of these pedals is not impeded.  Not more than one  protective floor  covering may be  used at one  time.
pg. 102 Manual transmission, 6-speed
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6-speed manual transmission  (option on certain models)
Depress the clutch  pedal completely  when changing gears
1. 
Remove your foot from  the clutch  pedal while driving. The shift pattern should be  followed. Overdrive (5th and  6th
gears)  should be  used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy. 
Engaging reverse gear, 6-speed transmission  
Reverse gear should only be  engaged from  a  complete stop.
NOTE:  Reverse gear is electronically  blocked and  cannot be  selected if the vehicle is moving at a  speed of
approximately 13 mph (20 km/h).
CAUTION!
Never  shift into reverse  while moving forward.
WARNING!
An extra mat on the driver's floor  can cause the accelerator,  brake, and/or clutch  pedal to catch. Check that the
movement of these pedals is not impeded.  Not more than one  protective floor  covering may be  used at one  time.
1. Clutch interlock The clutch  must  be  fully depressed  before you can start your car. If the clutch  is not depressed,  it
will not be  possible to start the engine.
pg. 103 Automatic transmission  - Geartronic
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