transmission VOLVO C30 2008 User Guide

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.
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
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 cargo area 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.
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General information
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. An authorized Volvo 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 the engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
Have the transmission oil level checked1.
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.
1To 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 qualified Volvo service technician.
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Fuel requirements
Octane rating
MINIMUM
Volvo recommends premium for best performance, but using 87 octane or above will not affect engine reliability.
Volvo engines are designed to achieve rated horsepower, torque, and fuel economy performance using premium 91
octane fuel.RECOMMENDED
In demanding driving conditions, such as operating the vehicle in hot weather, towing a trailer, or driving for extended
periods at higher altitudes than normal, it may be advisable to switch to higher octane fuel (91 or higher) or to change
gasoline brands to fully utilize your engine's capacity, and for the smoothest possible operation.
NOTE

After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place.
Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Do not press the handle on the filler nozzle more than one extra time. Too much
fuel in the tank in hot weather conditions can cause the fuel to overflow. Overfilling could also cause damage to the
emission control systems.
Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. In addition to causing damage to the environment, gasolines containing
alcohol can cause damage to painted surfaces, which may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Do not use gasolines containing methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice can result in vehicle
performance deterioration and can damage critical parts in the fuel system. Such damage may not be covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
1If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the vehicle is refueled, the Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator
lamp) may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps.
139 06 Starting and driving
Ignition switch/Steering wheel lock
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock
0 - Locked position
Remove the key to lock the steering wheel
1. Never turn the key to position 0 while driving or when the vehicle is
being towed.
NOTE
A ticking sound may be audible if the key is turned to a position between 0 and I. To stop this sound, turn the key to
position II and back to position 0.
I - Intermediate position2
Certain accessories, radio, etc. on, daytime running lights off.
1Automatic transmission: the gear selector must be in the Park position. The optional keyless drive start control does not need to be removed.
2Please be aware that leaving the key in positions I or II will increase battery drain
II - Drive position
The key's position when driving. The vehicle's entire electrical system is activated.
III - Start position

141 06 Starting and driving
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 should be locked in the (P)ark position (Shiftlock). See
also page 147
.
Manual transmission : the clutch must be fully depressed.
3. The vehicle is equipped with an autostart feature. Without touching the throttle pedal, 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. If the
engine fails to start, repeat this step.
NOTE
After a cold start, idle speed may be noticeably 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 possible, which
enables them to control emissions and help reduce the vehicle's impact on the environment.
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: Models equipped an automatic transmission have 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
1.
When starting in cold weather, the 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.
1The optional keyless drive start control does not need to be removed from the ignition switch.
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Starting the vehicle

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.
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 (manual transmission: first or reverse gear) 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.
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Starting the vehicle (keyless drive)
Starting a vehicle with keyless drive (option as available)
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 141
for general information on starting the
engine.
NOTE
A keyless drive remote control must be in the passenger's compartment 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 seconds) 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:
1. 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 141
for
complete starting information.
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Manual transmission, 6-speed
6-speed manual transmission
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
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 (option)
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 (D)rive 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.
D - left position: automatic shifting
M - right position: manual shifting
CAUTION
The vehicle must be stationary when selecting position P.
R - Reverse
The vehicle must be stationary when shifting to position R .
N - Neutral
N is the neutral position. The engine can be started, but no gear is selected. Apply the
146 06 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission (option)
parking brake when the vehicle 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 position.
D - Drive
D is the normal driving position. The Drive position offers 5 forward gears
1.The vehicle automatically shifts between
the various forward gears, based on the level of acceleration and speed. The vehicle must be at a standstill when
shifting to position D from position R.
1T5 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 vehicle is moving.
NOTE
Reverse, Neutral, and Park cannot be selected in Geartronic mode.
To access the ( M)anual shifting position from ( D)rive, 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.
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.
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.

Safety function
To help prevent excessive engine speeds (rpm) that could lead to engine damage, the engine management system
includes a function that prevents kickdown from taking place if the engine speed is too high.
Kickdown will not occur if the driver attempts to use this function when engine speeds are too high. The transmission
will remain in the currently selected gear.
147 06 Starting and driving
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.
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 119
) 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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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