brake VOLVO C70 2008 Owner's Guide

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.
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Automatic transmission
Shift gate 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.
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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 .
D - left position: automatic shifting
M - right position: manual shifting
R - Reverse
The car 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 parking brake when the car is
stationary with the gear selector in N .
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Automatic transmission
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 6 forward gears.The car automatically shifts between the
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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 115
) 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
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 trained and qualified Volvo service technician and have the
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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.
2. Steer the vehicle in the direction of travel and keep the brake pedal depressed.
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 trained and qualified Volvo service technician for inspection.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
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EBD is an integrated part of the ABS system. EBD regulates the hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes to help provide
optimal braking capacity.
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 a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician 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
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.
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.
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A - thumb wheel
B - RESET button
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.
Temporarily switching off Spin control
1. Turn the thumbwheel ( A) on the left-side steering wheel lever until the DSTC menu is displayed.
2. Hold down the RESET button ( B) to toggle between DSTC SPIN CONTROL ON or OFF.
NOTE
The message 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.
DSTC ON indicates that all system functions are active.
Active yaw control - AYC
This function helps maintain directional stability, for example when cornering, by braking one or more of the wheels if
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 DSTC system functions have been disabled.
DSTC-related messages in the text window
TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY OFF - The system has been temporarily switched off due to high brake
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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. A trained and
qualified Volvo service technician 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 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
The system has been temporarily switched off due to high brake temperature. TRACTION CONTROL
TEMPORARILY OFF will be displayed. The system will automatically switch on again when the brakes have cooled.
WARNING
The stability system is intended to help improve driving safety. It supplements, but can never replace, the driver's
judgement and responsibility when operating the vehicle. Speed and driving style should always be adapted to traffic
and road conditions.
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Towing
Emergency towing
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The towing eyelet is located under the floor of the cargo area with the optional temporary spare tire or in the bag
stowed in the ski hatch. This eyelet must be screwed into the positions provided on the right sides of either the front or
rear bumper (see illustrations).
To attach the towing eyelet:
1. Press the mark on the lower edge of the cover (1) to open it
2. Screw the towing eyelet in place first by hand and then using the tire iron until it is securely in place.
After the vehicle has been towed
1. The eyelet should be removed and returned to the tool bag.
2. Press the cover back into position.
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Towing
Towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground
WARNING
Volvo does not recommend towing a disabled vehicle behind another vehicle. Significant difficulty in steering and
braking, combined with unfavorable weather, traffic, and road conditions may make it impossible to maintain vehicle
control.
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Insert the key into the ignition to unlock the steering wheel. The steering wheel must be unlocked. With the engine
off and the vehicle at a standstill, great effort will be required to turn the steering wheel.
WARNING
Towing a vehicle with a locked steering wheel will make the vehicle impossible to steer.
3. Turn the ignition key to position II.
4. Place the gear selector in neutral. For vehicles with automatic transmissions, follow instruction on page 146
, "
Shiftlock override" to allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position.
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5. Keep firm pressure on the brake pedal while releasing the parking brake.
6. When towing has been completed, return the gear selector to Park (automatic) or Reverse (manual) and apply the
parking brake.
The following points should also be observed:
Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). Never exceed local towing speed limits and heed all local towing restrictions.
Never tow farther than 50 miles (80 km) .
Keep the tow rope taut at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
The disabled vehicle should be towed in the forward direction only.
WARNING
Never allow a vehicle to be towed without a driver behind the wheel of the disabled vehicle.
Never remove the key from the ignition while the vehicle is moving. The steering wheel could lock, making it
impossible to steer the vehicle.
When the engine is not running, steering resistance and the effort needed to apply the brakes will be great.
Never attempt to tow a vehicle with a dead battery at night.
CAUTION
Check with state and local authorities before attempting this type of towing, as vehicles being towed are subject to
regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length and type of towing device, lighting, marker flags, etc.
Never attempt to push- or tow-start a vehicle with a dead battery. This would inject unburned fuel into the three-
way catalytic converter(s), causing overheating, backfiring, and damage. See page 154
for instructions on jump
starting the vehicle
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Towing
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive
Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equipment for towing vehicles with front wheel drive. If wheel lift equipment
must be used, please use extreme caution to help avoid damage to the vehicle.
In this case, the vehicle should be towed with the rear wheels on the ground if at all possible.
If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, please refer to the towing
information on the previous page.
Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air conditioning lines.
It is equally important not to use sling -type equipment at the rear or apply lifting equipment inside the rear wheels;
serious damage to the rear axle may result.
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the vehicle on the flat
bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
WARNING
Remember that the power brakes and power steering will not function when engine is not running. The braking
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and steering systems will function but the brake pedal pressure required is 3 - 5 times above normal and greater
steering effort must be exerted.
The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling the vehicle out of a ditch or for any similar purpose involving
severe strain.
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.
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Jump starting
Follow these instructions to jump start your vehicle's dead battery or to jump start another vehicle's dead battery using
your vehicle. If the 12-volt auxiliary battery to be used is in another vehicle, check that the vehicles are not touching to
prevent premature completion of a circuit. Be sure to follow jump starting instructions provided for the other vehicle.
To jump start your vehicle:
1. Switch off the ignition.
2. First connect the auxiliary battery positive (+) terminal (1) to the positive (+) terminal in your vehicle's battery (2),
marked with a "+" sign.
3. Connect the auxiliary battery's negative (-) terminal (3) to the ground point in your vehicle's engine compartment
near the driver's side spring strut (4).
4. Start the engine in the assisting vehicle, then start the engine in the vehicle with dead battery.
5. After the engine has started, first remove the negative (-) terminal jumper cable. Then remove the positive (+)
terminal jumper cable.
WARNING
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the state of
California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
WARNING
Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any moving parts. Avoid touching hot
manifolds.
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