VOLVO S40 2007 Owners Manual
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Depress the clutch pedal completely when changing gears1.
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.
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Manual transmission, 6-speed
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6-speed manual transmission (option on certain models)
Depress the clutch pedal completely when changing gears1.
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.
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, 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 (20km/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
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movement of these pedals is not impeded. Not more than one protective floor covering may be used at one time.
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Automatic transmission
Shiftgate positions
Depress the button on the front of the gear selector knob to move the selector between the R, N, D, and P positions.
The gear selector can be moved freely between the Geartronic (manual shifting) and Drive (D) positions while driving.
Gear selector positions
P - Park
Select the P position when starting or parking.
In P , the transmission is mechanically blocked (Shiftlock). Always apply the parking brake when parking.
CAUTION
The car must be stationary when selecting position P.
R - Reverse
The car must be stationary when shifting to position R .
N - Neutral
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N is the neutral position. The engine can be started, but no gear is selected. Apply the
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Automatic transmission
parking brake when the car is stationary with the gear selector in N .
NOTE
If the gear selector is in the Neutral position and the car has been at a standstill for at least 3 seconds (regardless of
whether the engine is running or not), the gear selector will be locked in Neutral.
In order to move the gear selector to another position:
1. Turn the ignition key to position II (if the engine is not already running).
2. Depress the brake pedal.
3. Move the gear selector to the desired position.
D - Drive
D is the normal driving position. The Drive position offers 5 forward gears
1.The car automatically shifts between the
various forward gears, based on the level of acceleration and speed. The car must be at a standstill when shifting to
position D from position R .
1 T5 models have 6 forward gears.
Manual shifting - Geartronic
The manual shifting mode (Geartronic) can be selected at any time to manually select forward gears, including while
the car is moving.
NOTE
Reverse, Neutral, and Park cannot be selected in Geartronic mode.
To access the ( M)anual shifting position from Drive ( D), move the gear selector to the right to M.
To return to the ( D)rive position from M , move the gear selector to the left.
While driving
If you select the M position while driving, the gear that was being used in the Drive position will also initially be
selected in the M position.
Move the gear selector forward (toward "+") to shift to a higher gear or rearward (toward "-") to shift to a lower
gear.
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 transmission will automatically shift down.
W - Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction
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Mode W reduces torque at the wheels, which helps improve traction when starting off on a slippery surface.
Press the button near the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode.
A "W" will be displayed in the instrument panel when Winter/Wet driving mode is engaged.
Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the Drive (D) position.
Once underway, turn off mode W to improve vehicle performance and fuel economy.
Cold starts (turbo engines)
When driving before the engine has reached its normal operating temperature, the transmission will shift up at slightly
higher engine speeds to heat the three-way catalytic converter as quickly as possible.
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Automatic transmission
Kickdown
Automatic shift to a lower gear (kickdown) is achieved by depressing the accelerator pedal fully and briskly. An
upshift will occur when approaching the top speed for a particular gear or by releasing the accelerator pedal slightly.
Kickdown can be used for maximum acceleration or when passing at highway speeds.
NOTE
The gear selector must be in the D (Drive) position for kickdown to function.
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Shiftlock override
Overriding the shiftlock system
Shiftlock prevents the gear selector from being moved out of Park unless the ignition key is in position II and the
brake pedal is depressed.
In certain cases it may be necessary to move the gear selector from the Park position manually.
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To manually override the Shiftlock system:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Depress the brake pedal.
3. There is a small cover below P-R-N-D on the gear selector panel. Open the rear edge of the panel.
4. Insert the key blade (see page 109
) into the opening and press it down until it bottoms.
5. With the key blade pressed down, move the gear selector out of the P position.
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All Wheel Drive (option)
All Wheel Drive (AWD) - general information
Your Volvo can be equipped with permanent All Wheel Drive (option), which means that power is distributed
automatically between the front and rear wheels. Under normal driving conditions, most of the engine's power is
directed to the front wheels. However, if there is any tendency for the front wheels to spin, an electronically controlled
coupling distributes power to the wheels that have the best traction.
Tire dimensions
Volvo recommends that you always drive on tires of the same brand, size, construction (radial), tread pattern, load-,
speed-, traction- , temperature-, and treadwear rating. Never drive on mixed tires, except for brief periods when the
temporary spare tire is in use.
Always use properly inflated tires of correct dimensions. Tire size and inflation pressures are shown on a placard
located on the driver's side B-pillar (the structural member at the side of the vehicle, at the rear of the driver's door
opening). See also the tire inflation pressure tables beginning on page 158
.
Temporary Spare
The temporary spare tire is for temporary, low-speed, short-distance use only. Replace it with a full-sized tire as soon
as possible. Do not drive on the temporary spare at speeds above 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) or for distances greater than 50
miles (80 km).
Never install snow chains on a temporary spare.
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Brake system
Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system consisting of two separate brake circuits. If a problem should occur in one of
these circuits, it is still possible to stop the vehicle with the other brake circuit.
If the brake pedal must be depressed farther than normal and requires greater foot pressure, the stopping distance will
be longer.
A warning light in the instrument panel will light up to warn the driver that a fault has occurred.
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If this light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
NOTE
Press the brake pedal hard and maintain pressure on the pedal - do not pump the brakes.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a brake system message is shown in the information
display: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to a Volvo retailer and have the brake system inspected.
Power brakes function only when the engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure which is only created when the engine is running. Never let the vehicle roll
to a stop with the engine switched off.
If the power brakes are not working, the brake pedal must be pressed approximately five times harder than usual to
make up for the lack of power assistance. This can happen for example when towing your vehicle or if the engine is
switched off when the vehicle is rolling. The brake pedal feels harder than usual.
Water on brake discs and brake pads affects braking
Driving in rain and slush or passing through an automatic car wash can cause water to collect on the brake discs and
pads. This will cause a delay in braking effect when the pedal is depressed. To avoid such a delay when the brakes are
needed, depress the pedal occasionally when driving through rain, slush, etc. This will remove the water from the
brakes. Check that brake application feels normal. This should also be done after washing or starting in very damp or
cold weather.
Severe strain on the brake system
The brakes will be subject to severe strain when driving in mountains or hilly areas, or when towing a trailer. Vehicle
speed is usually slower, which means that the cooling of the brakes is less efficient than when driving on level roads.
To reduce the strain on the brakes, shift into a lower gear and let the engine help with the braking. Do not forget that if
you are towing a trailer, the brakes will be subjected to a greater than normal load.
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and steering) during severe braking
conditions by limiting brake lockup. When the system "senses" impending lockup, braking pressure is automatically
modulated in order to help prevent lockup that could lead to a skid.
The system performs a self -diagnostic test when the engine is started and when the vehicle first reaches a speed
of approximately 12 m.p.h. (20 km/h) . The brake pedal will pulsate several times and a sound may be audible from
the ABS control module. This is normal.
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Brake system
For optimal ABS braking effect:
1. Press down on the brake pedal with full force. The pedal will pulsate.
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2. Steer the vehicle in the direction of travel and keep the brake pedal depressed.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
EBD is an integrated part of the ABS system. EBD regulates the hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes to help provide
optimal braking capacity.
The switching of the ABS modulator will be audible and the brake pedal will pulsate during braking. Please be aware
that ABS does not increase the absolute braking potential of the vehicle. While control will be enhanced, ABS will not
shorten stopping distances on slippery surfaces.
If the warning lamp lights up there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system will still function)
and the vehicle should be driven cautiously to a Volvo retailer for inspection.
WARNING
If the BRAKE and ABS warning symbols light at the same time, there may be a problem in the brake system. If the
brake fluid level is normal in these circumstances, drive carefully to the nearest Volvo workshop to have the brake
system checked.
Emergency Brake Assistance - EBA
EBA is designed to provide full brake effect immediately in the event of sudden, hard braking. The system is activated
by the speed with which the brake pedal is depressed.
When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and pressure in the brake system immediately
increases to the maximum level. Maintain full pressure on the brake pedal in order to utilize the system completely.
EBA is automatically deactivated when the brake pedal is released.
NOTE
When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and pressure in the brake system immediately
increases to the maximum level. You must maintain full pressure on the brake pedal in order to utilize the system
completely. There will be no braking effect if the pedal is released. EBA is automatically deactivated when the brake
pedal is released.
When the vehicle has been parked for some time, the brake pedal may sink more than usual when the engine is
started. This is normal and the pedal will return to its usual position when it is released.
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Stability system
Stability Traction Control (STC)/Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)
The stability system consists of a number of functions designed help reduce wheel spin, counteract skidding, and to
generally help improve directional stability.
A pulsating sound will be audible when the system is actively operating and is normal.
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Traction control - TC
This function is designed to help reduce wheel spin by transferring power from a drive wheel that begins to lose
traction to the wheel on the opposite side of the vehicle (on the same axle).
TC is most active at low speeds.
This is one of the stability system's permanent functions and cannot be switched off.
Spin control (SC)
The spin control function is designed to help prevent the drive wheels from spinning while the vehicle is accelerating.
Under certain circumstances, such as when driving with snow chains, or driving in deep snow or loose sand, it may be
advisable to temporarily switch off this function for maximum tractive force
1.
1 Models equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD) have an integrated traction control function that cannot be disabled. DSTC is optional on AWD
models.
Temporarily switching off Spin control
1. Turn the thumbwheel (A) on the left-side steering wheel lever until the STC/DSTC menu is displayed.
2. Hold down the RESET button (B) to toggle between STC/DSTC SPIN CONTROL ON or OFF.
NOTE
The message STC/DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF indicates that the stability system's spin control function has
temporarily been switched off.
The stability control indicator light will illuminate and remain on until spin control has been reactivated.
The spin control function is automatically enabled each time the engine is started.
STC/DSTC ON indicates that all system functions are active.
Active yaw control - AYC (DSTC only)
This function helps maintain directional stability, for example when cornering, by braking one or more of the wheels if
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the vehicle shows a tendency to skid or slide laterally.
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Stability system
This is one of the stability system's permanent functions and cannot be switched off.
WARNING
The car's handling and stability characteristics will be altered if the STC/DSTC system functions have been disabled.
STC/DSTC-related messages in the text window
" TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY OFF " - The system has been temporarily switched off due to high
brake temperature and will automatically switch on again when the brakes have cooled.
" ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED " - the system has been automatically disengaged due to a fault. An authorized
Volvo retailer should check the system.
Symbols in the instrument panel
The Stability Control indicator light
This light indicates different conditions, depending on how it illuminates.
The Stability Control indicator light illuminates for approximately 2 seconds
This indicates that the system is performing a self -diagnostic test when the ignition is switched on.
The Stability Control indicator light flashes
This indicates that the stability system is actively functioning to help counteract wheel spin 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.
1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and switch off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
3. If the indicator light goes out, the fault was temporary and no further action is required.
4. If the indicator light remains on, drive to an authorized Volvo workshop as soon as possible to have the system
checked.
The Stability Control indicator light glows steadily
If " STC/DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF " is displayed in the text window at the same time, this is a reminder that spin
control has been disabled by the driver.
The warning symbol
The warning symbol glows steadily yellow
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