brake VOLVO V50 2009 Owner´s Manual

06 Starting and driving
General information
06
139
•
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 your
Volvo retailer only.
•
Check all lights, including high beams.
•
Reflective warning triangles are legally
required in some states/provinces.
•
Have a word with your Volvo retailer 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.

06 Starting and drivingStarting the vehicle
06144
To start the engine
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.1. Fasten the seat belt.
2. Apply the parking brake if not already set.
The gear selector should be locked in the
Park (P) position (Shiftlock). See also page
151.
Manual transmission: The clutch must be
fully depressed.
NOTE
After a cold start, idle speed may be notice-
ably higher than normal for a short period.
This is done to help bring components in the
emission control system to their normal
operating temperature as quickly as possi-
ble, which enables them to control emis-
sions and help reduce the vehicle's impact
on the environment.3. The vehicle is equipped with an autostart
feature. Without touching the throttlepedal, turn the key to position III and
release it. The starter motor will then oper-
ate automatically (for up to ten seconds)
until the engine starts. If the engine fails to
start, repeat this step.
4. To release the gear selector from the Park
(P) 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: Models equipped an auto-
matic transmission have a keylock sys-
tem. When the engine is switched off,
the gear selector must be in the Park
(P) position before the key can be
removed from the ignition switch
1.
•
When starting in cold weather, the
transmission may shift up at slightly
higher engine speeds than normal until
the automatic transmission fluid rea-
ches 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.
1The optional keyless drive start control does not need to be removed from the ignition switch.

06 Starting and driving
Starting the vehicle
06
145
WARNING
Volvo's floor mats are specially manufac-
tured 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.•
Always place the gear selector in Park
(P) (manual transmission: first or reverse
gear) and apply the parking brake
before leaving the vehicle.and apply the
parking brake before leaving the vehi-
cle. 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 monox-
ide, which is invisible and odorless but
very poisonous.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 trans-
mission wear. Selecting P or N when idling
at a standstill for prolonged periods of time
will help prevent overheating of the auto-
matic transmission fluid.

06 Starting and drivingStarting the vehicle with keyless drive (option as available)
06146
Starting a vehicle with keyless drive
G019410
Starting a vehicle with keyless drive
Keyless drive makes it possible to unlock, start
and lock the vehicle without using a remote
control.
A start control is fitted in the ignition switch on
vehicles equipped with the optional keyless
drive. This control is used in the same way as
the ignition key to start the engine. See also
page 144 for general information on starting
the engine.
NOTE
A keyless drive remote control must be
inside the vehicle in order to start the
engine.1. Press the brake pedal (the clutch pedal
must also be fully depressed on models
with a manual transmission).
2. Press in the keyless drive start control and
turn it to position III.
NOTE
The vehicle is equipped with an autostart
function that makes it possible to start the
engine without holding the start control in
position III. Turn the start control to position
III and release it. The starter motor will then
operate automatically (for up to ten sec-
onds) until the engine starts.Starting the vehicle with the ignition key
(remote control)A vehicle with keyless drive can also be started
with the ignition key (if, for example, the battery
in the keyless drive remote control is weak). To
do so:
G019420
Removing the keyless drive start control1. Press the catch on the side of the start
control (see the illustration).
2. Pull the keyless drive start control out of
the ignition switch.
3. Insert the remote control into the ignition
switch and turn it to position III to start the
engine. See also page 144 for complete
starting information.

06 Starting and driving
Manual transmission, 5-speed (certain markets only)
06
147 5-speed manual transmission (option
on certain models)
G018256
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.
Engaging reverse gear, 5-speed
transmission
G018257
Reverse gear should only be engaged from a
complete stop.
NOTE
Reverse gear is electronically blocked to
help prevent it from being selected while the
vehicle is moving foward.
CAUTION
Never shift into reverse while moving for-
ward.
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.
1Clutch 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.

06 Starting and drivingManual transmission, 6-speed (certain markets only)
06148
6-speed manual transmission (option
on certain models)
G018258
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 econ-
omy.
Engaging reverse gear, 6-speed
transmission
G018259
Reverse gear should only be engaged from a
complete stop.
NOTE
Reverse gear is electronically blocked to
help prevent it from being selected while the
vehicle is moving foward.
CAUTION
Never shift into reverse while moving for-
ward.
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.
1Clutch interlock: The clutch must be fully depressed before you can start your car. If the clutch is notdepressed, it will not be possible to start the engine.

06 Starting and drivingAutomatic transmission (option)
06``149 Shiftgate positions
G020237
Depress the button on the front of the gear
selector knob to move the selector between
theR,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 positionsP – ParkSelect the P position when starting or parking.
InP, the transmission is mechanically blocked
(Shiftlock). Always apply the parking brake
when parking.
G018264
D- left position: automatic shifting, M- right posi-
tion: manual shifting
CAUTION
The car must be stationary when selecting
positionP.
R – ReverseThe car must be stationary when shifting to
positionR.N – NeutralN is the neutral position. The engine can be
started, but no gear is selected. Apply the park-
ing brake when the car is stationary with the
gear selector in N.
NOTE
If the gear selector is in the Neutral position
and the vehicle has been at a standstill for
at least 3 seconds, the brake pedal must be
pressed before the gear selector can be
moved to another position.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 posi-
tion.D – DriveD is the normal driving position. The Drive posi-
tion offers 5 forward gears
1. The car automat-
ically shifts between the various forward gears,
1T5 models have 6 forward gears.

06 Starting and driving
Shiftlock override
06
151 Overriding the shiftlock system
G018263
Shiftlock prevents the gear selector from being
moved out of Park unless the ignition key is in
positionII and the brake pedal is depressed.
In certain cases it may be necessary to move
the gear selector from the Park position man-
ually.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 120, 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.

06 Starting and driving
Brake system
06``153 Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system con-
sisting of two separate brake circuits. If a prob-
lem 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.
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 inspec-
ted.
Power brakes function only when the
engine is runningThe power brakes utilize vacuum pressure
which is only created when the engine is run-
ning. 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 roll-
ing. The brake pedal feels harder than usual.Water on brake discs and brake pads
affects brakingDriving 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 occa-
sionally 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 systemThe 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 auto-
matically 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 approxi-
mately 12 mph (20 km/h). The brake pedal will
pulsate several times and a sound may be
audible from the ABS control module. This is
normal.

06 Starting and drivingBrake system
06154
For optimal ABS braking effect:1. Press down on the brake pedal with full
force. The pedal will pulsate.
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 mal-
function of the ABS system (the standard brak-
ing system will still function) and the vehicle
should be driven cautiously to a trained and
qualified Volvo service technicianfor inspec-
tion.
WARNING
If the BRAKES and ABS warning symbols
light at the same time, there may be a prob-
lem in the brake system. If the brake fluid
level is normal in these circumstances, drive
carefully to a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician to have the brake system
checked.Emergency Brake Assistance – EBAEBA is designed to provide full brake effect
immediately in the event of sudden, hard brak-
ing. 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 increa-
ses to the maximum level. You must
maintain full pressure on the brake
pedal in order to utilize the system com-
pletely. There will be no braking effect if
the pedal is released. EBA is automati-
cally 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.