sensor VOLVO S40 2005 Owners Manual

ready access.
Do not export your Volvo to another country before investigating that country's applicable safety and exhaust
emission requirements. In some cases it may be difficult or impossible to comply with these requirements.
Modifications to the emission control system(s) may render your Volvo not certifiable for legal operation in the U.S.,
Canada and other countries.
All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are based on the latest product information
available at the time of publication. Please note that some vehicles may be equipped differently, depending on special
legal requirements. Optional equipment described in this manual may not be available in all markets.
Volvo reserves the right to make model changes at any time, or to change specifications or design without notice and
without incurring obligation.
WARNING!
If your vehicle is involved in an accident, unseen damage may affect its driveability and safety.
Introduction
WARNING!
CALIFORNIA proposition 65
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the
state of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained
in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Volvo and the environment
Volvo is committed to the well being of its customers. As a natural part of this commitment, we care about the
environment in which we all live. Caring for the environment means an everyday involvement in reducing our
environmental impact. Volvo's environmental activities are based on a holistic view, which means we consider the
overall environmental impact of a product throughout its complete life cycle. In this context, design, production,
product use, and recycling are all important considerations. In production, Volvo has partly or completely phased out
several chemicals including freons, lead chromates, naphtanates, asbestos, mercury and cadmium; and reduced the
amount of chemicals used in our plants 50% since 1991.
Volvo was the first in the world to introduce into production a three-way catalytic converter with a Lambda sond, now
called the heated oxygen sensor, in 1976. The current version of this highly efficient system reduces emissions of
harmful substances (CO, HC, NOx) from the exhaust pipe by approximately 95% and the search to eliminate the
remaining emissions continues. Volvo is the only automobile manufacturer to offer CFC-free retrofit kits for the air
conditioning system of all models as far back as the 1975 model 240. Advanced electronic engine controls, refined
purification systems and cleaner fuels are bringing us closer to our goal. After Volvo cars and parts have fulfilled their
use, recycling is the next critical step in completing the life cycle. The metal content is about 75% of the total weight
of a car, which makes the car among the most recycled industrial products. In order to have efficient and well
controlled recycling, many Volvo variants have printed dismantling manuals, indicating the weight and material of
individual components. For Volvo, all homogeneous plastic parts weighing more than 1.7 oz. (50 grams) are marked
with international symbols that indicate how the component is to be sorted for recycling. In addition to continuous
environmental refinement of conventional gasoline-powered internal combustion engines, Volvo is actively looking at
advanced technology alternative-fuel vehicles.
When you drive a Volvo, you become our partner in the work to lessen the car's impact on the environment. To reduce
your vehicle's environmental impact, you can:
Maintain proper air pressure in your tires. Tests have shown decreased fuel economy with improperly inflated tires.
Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your Warranty and Service Records Information booklet.
ProCarManuals.com

2 0 0 5
VOLVO S40
Chapter 2 - Safety
Occupant safety12
Seat belts14
Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)17
Occupant Weight Sensor - disabling the passenger's side front airbag19
Side impact protection (SIPS) airbags25
Volvo Inflatable Curtain (VIC)26
WHIPS28
Collision status30
Inspecting safety system components31
Child safety32
pg. 12 Safety
Occupant safety
Volvo's concern for safety
Safety is Volvo's cornerstone. Our concern dates back to 1927 when the first Volvo rolled off the production line.
Three-point seat belts (a Volvo invention), safety cages, and energy-absorbing impact zones were designed into Volvo
cars long before it was fashionable or required by government regulation.
We will not compromise our commitment to safety. We continue to seek out new safety features and to refine those
already in our cars. You can help. We would appreciate hearing your suggestions about improving automobile safety.
We also want to know if you ever have a safety concern with your car. Call us in the U.S. at: 1-800-458-1552 or in
Canada at: 1-800-663-8255.
Occupant safety reminders
How safely you drive doesn't depend on how old you are but rather on:
How well you see.
Your ability to concentrate.
How quickly you make decisions under stress to avoid an accident. The following suggestions are intended to help
you cope with the ever changing traffic environment.
Never drink and drive.
If you are taking any medication, consult your physician about its potential effects on your driving abilities.
Take a driver-retraining course.
Have your eyes checked regularly.
ProCarManuals.com

Components in the SRS system
Front airbags
Your Volvo is equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which consists of front airbags that enhance the
three-point seat belt system. The Volvo SRS system includes gas generators (1) surrounded by the airbags (2) and front
seat belt tensioners for both of the front seats. To deploy the system, the sensor (3) activates the gas generators causing
the airbags to be inflated with nitrogen gas.
As the movement of the seats' occupants compresses the airbags, some of the gas is expelled at a controlled rate to
provide better cushioning. Both seat belt tensioners also deploy, minimizing seat belt slack. The entire process,
including inflation and deflation of the airbags, takes approximately one fifth of a second.
Location of the passenger's side front airbag
The system is designed to supplement the protection provided by the three-point seat belt system. The outboard rear
seat belts are also equipped with tensioners. The SRS system is indicated by the "SRS" embossed on the steering wheel
pad and above the glove compartment, and by decals on both sun visors and on the front and far right side of the dash.
The airbags are folded and located in the steering wheel hub and above the glove compartment.
Seat belts - the heart of the Volvo safety system
The heart of the Volvo safety system is the three-point seat belt (a Volvo invention)! In order for the SRS system to
provide the protection intended, seat belts must be worn at all times by everyone in the vehicle. The SRS system is a
supplement to the seat belts.
pg. 18 Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)
WARNING!
As its name implies, SRS is designed to be a SUPPLEMENT to - not a replacement for - the three-point belt system.
For maximum protection, wear seat belts at all times. Be aware that no system can prevent all possible injuries that
may occur in an accident.
Never drive an SRS-equipped vehicle with your hands on the steering wheel pad/ airbag housing.
SRS is designed to help prevent serious injury. Deployment occurs very quickly and with considerable able force.
During normal deployment and depending on variables such as seating position, one may experience abrasions,
ProCarManuals.com

bruises, swellings, or other injuries as a result of airbag(s) deployment.
When installing any accessory equipment, make sure that the SRS system is not damaged. Any interference in the
system could cause malfunction.
Never try to repair any part of the SRS or SIPS bag systems yourself. Any interference in the system could cause
malfunction and serious injury. All work on these systems should be performed by an authorized Volvo retailer.
pg. 19 Occupant Weight Sensor - disabling the passenger's side front airbag
Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS) indicator light
Disabling the passenger's side front airbag
The passenger's side front airbag is automatically enabled/disabled by the Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS), a system
that monitors the weight of the person or object in the front passenger's seat. The system consists of a silicon-filled bag
located under the padding in the front passenger's seat cushion, a control module located under this seat, and a seat belt
tension sensor, located on the outboard side of the seat.
If the system is functioning normally, the status of the front passenger's side airbag (enabled/disabled) will be shown
by the OWS indicator light as explained in the table above.
ProCarManuals.com

NOTE: When the ignition is switched on, the OWS indicator light will go on for up to 10 seconds while the system
performs a self -diagnostic test and then go out.
However, if a fault is detected in the system:
The OWS indicator light will stay on
The safety system warning light (see page 22) will come on and stay on
The message PASS. AIRBAG OFF SERVICE URGENT will be displayed in the information display.
WARNING!
If a fault in the system is detected and indicated as explained above, be aware that the passenger's side front airbag
will not deploy in the event of a collision. In this case, the safety systems and Occupant Weight Sensor should be
inspected by an authorized Volvo retailer as soon as possible.
pg. 20 Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)
WARNING!
Never try to open, remove, or repair any components in the OWS system. This could result in system malfunction.
Maintenance or repairs should only be carried out by an authorized Volvo service technician.
WARNING!
Keep the following points in mind with respect to the OWS system. Failure to follow these instructions could
adversely affect the system's function and result in serious injury to the occupant of the front passenger's seat:
The full weight of the front seat passenger should always be on the seat cushion. The passenger should never lift
him/herself off the seat cushion using the armrest in the door or the center console, by pressing the feet on the floor,
by sitting on the edge of the seat cushion, or by pressing against the backrest in a way that reduces pressure on the
seat cushion. This could cause OWS to disable the front, passenger's side airbag.
The front passenger's seat should not be modified in any way. This could reduce pressure on the seat cushion, which
might interfere with the OWS system's function.
No objects should be placed under the front passenger's seat. This could interfere with the OWS system's function.
WARNING!
No objects that add to the total weight on the seat should be placed on the front passenger's seat. If a child is seated
in the front passenger's seat with any additional weight, this extra weight could cause the OWS system to enable the
airbag, which might cause it to deploy in the event of a collision, thereby injuring the child.
The seat belt should never be wrapped around an object on the front passenger's seat. This could interfere with the
OWS system's function.
The front passenger's seat belt should never be used in a way that exerts more pressure on the passenger than
normal. This could increase the pressure exerted on the weight sensor by a child, and could result in the airbag being
enabled, which might cause it to deploy in the event of a collision, thereby injuring the child.
pg. 21 Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)
When do the front airbags deploy?
The front airbags are designed to deploy during certain frontal or front -angular collisions, impacts, or decelerations,
depending on the crash severity, angle, speed and object impacted. The airbags may also deploy in certain non-frontal
collisions where rapid deceleration occurs. The SRS sensors are designed to react to both the impact of the collision
and the inertial forces generated by it, and to determine if the intensity of the collision is sufficient for the seat belt
tensioners and/or airbags to be deployed. If the airbags have been deployed, we recommend the following:
ProCarManuals.com

Have the vehicle towed to an authorized Volvo retailer. Never drive with the airbags deployed.
Have an authorized Volvo retailer replace the SRS system components.
Use only new, Genuine Volvo Parts when replacing SRS components (airbags, seat belts, tensioners, etc.).
NOTE:
Deployment of SRS components occurs only one time during an accident. In a collision where deployment occurs,
the airbags and seat belt tensioners activate. Some noise occurs and a small amount of powder is released. The release
of the powder may appear as smoke-like matter. This is a normal characteristic and does not indicate fire.
Volvo's dual-threshold, dual-stage front airbags use special sensors that are integrated with the front seat buckles.
The point at which the airbag deploys is determined by whether or not the seat belt is being used, as well as the
severity of the collision. Collisions can occur where only one of the airbags deploys. If the impact is less severe, but
severe enough to present a clear injury risk, the dual-stage airbags are triggered at 70% of their total capacity. If the
impact is more severe, the dual-stage airbags are triggered at full capacity.
WARNING!
Do not use child safety seats or child booster cushions/backrests in the front passenger's seat. We also recommend
that occupants under 4 feet 7 inches (140 cm) in height who have outgrown these devices sit in the rear seat with the
seat belt fastened.
Never drive with the airbags deployed. The fact that they hang out can impair the steering of your vehicle. Other
safety systems can also be damaged.
The smoke and dust formed when the airbags are deployed can cause skin and eye irritation in the event of
prolonged exposure.
When do the front airbags not deploy?
Not all frontal collisions activate the SRS system. If the collision involves a nonrigid object (e.g., a snow drift or
bush), or a rigid, fixed object at a low speed, the SRS system will not necessarily deploy. Front airbags do not
normally deploy in a side impact collision, in a collision from the rear or in a rollover situation. The amount of
damage to the bodywork does not reliably indicate if the airbags should have deployed or not.
pg. 22 Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)
Safety system warning light in the instrument panel
A self -diagnostic system incorporated in the sensor monitors certain safety system components. A check is performed
on components such as seat belt locks, SRS, SIPS, OWS, and/or the VIC system. If a fault is detected, the warning
light will illuminate. The light is included in the warning/indicator light cluster in the instrument panel. Normally, the
safety system warning lamp should light up when the ignition key is turned to positions I, II or III and should go out
after approximately 7 seconds or when the engine is started. Check that this light is functioning properly every time the
ProCarManuals.com

1. Speedometer
2. Turn signal, left
3. Warning symbol
See the next page for additional information.
4. Information display
The display presents information and warning messages, the ambient temperature, and the clock, etc. When the
ambient temperature is between 23° and 36°F (-5° and +2°C), a snowflake symbol is shown in the display. This
symbol serves as a warning for possible slippery road surfaces. Please note that this symbol does not indicate a fault
with your car. At low speeds, or when the car is not moving, the temperature readings may be slightly higher than the
actual ambient temperature.
5. Information symbol
See the next page for additional information.
6. Turn signal, right
7. Tachometer
The tachometer shows engine speed in thousands of revolutions per minute (rpm). Do not drive continuously with the
needle in the red area of the dial, which indicates maximum allowable engine rpm range. Instead, shift to a higher gear
or slow the vehicle down. The engine management system will automatically prevent excessively high engines speeds.
This will be noticeable as a pronounced unevenness in engine speed.
8. Indicator and warning symbols
9. Fuel gauge
The fuel tank holds approximately 15.9 US gallons (60 liters)
1. When a warning light in the gauge comes on, there are
approximately 2.1 US gallons (8 liters) of fuel remaining in the tank.
10. Trip odometer reset button
The trip odometers are used to measure short distances. Press the button briefly to switch between the odometer for the
car's total mileage and the two trip odometers, T1 and T2. A long press (more than 2 seconds) resets the currently
selected trip odometer.
11. Function display
This window displays information on functions such as the odometer, trip odometers, optional rain sensor, and cruise
control.
12. High beam indicator
13. Clock setting button
Turn the button to set the time.
ProCarManuals.com

1. Headlights and parking lights
All lighting off.
Models with daytime running lights:
Low beam headlights will automatically come on if the ignition key is in position II. Front and rear parking lights
and license plate lights will also be on. Volvo recommends the use of daytime running lights. If, however, you would
prefer to have these lights turned off (USA only), please consult your Volvo retailer. Please note that the use of
daytime running lights is mandatory in Canada.
NOTE: Bi -Xenon headlights (option): Turn the headlight switch to position 0 to activate a daylight sensor, which
automatically switches the low beams on or off, depending on ambient light conditions. When driving in daylight, the
headlights will switch off and the daytime running lights will come on. In darkness, the daytime running lights will
switch off and the Bi -Xenon headlights will switch on.
Parking lights
When the switch is in this position, the front and rear parking lights, license plate lights, and instrument panel
lighting will be on. The parking lights should be switched off when you leave the car to help avoid battery drain.
High/low beam headlights
The headlights, front and rear parking lights, license plate lights, and instrument panel lighting will be on if
the ignition key is in position II. If the headlight switch is in this position, all lights will go out when the ignition is
switched off.
NOTE: The headlight switch must be in position
before the high beams will function (this also applies on models
equipped with the optional Bi -Xenon headlights).
Switch from high to low beams and vice versa by pulling the turn signal switch lever on the left side of steering
column toward you.
2. Instrument panel lighting
Move the thumb wheel up to increase brightness or down to decrease brightness.
There is also an instrument panel illumination sensor that automatically adjusts the level of illumination.
The background of the center console's display automatically becomes lighter or darker, depending on the amount of
ambient light.
3. Front fog lights (option)
ProCarManuals.com

WARNING!
Cruise control should not be used in heavy traffic or when driving on wet or slippery roads. Cruise control may not
maintain set speed on steep downgrades.
pg. 51 Right -side steering wheel lever
Windshield wipers
A. Windshield/headlight washers
B. Rain sensor (option) - on/off
C. Thumb wheel
D. Not in use
Windshield wipers off
The windshield wipers are off when the lever is in position 0
Manual wiper function
From position 0, move the lever upward. The windshield wipers will sweep one stroke at a time for as long as
the lever is held up.
Intermittent wiper function
With the lever in this position, you can set the wiper interval by moving the thumb wheel (C) upward to
increase wiper speed or downward to decrease the speed.
Continuous wiper function
The wipers operate at "normal" speed.
High speed wiper function.
A -Windshield washers
Pull the lever toward the steering wheel and release it. The wipers will make 2-3 sweeps across the windshield after the
lever has been released.
Headlight washers (certain models)
When the lever has been pulled, high pressure jets mounted in the bumper will spray the headlights.
The following applies to conserve washer fluid (see page 45 for information on the light switch positions):
ProCarManuals.com

Low/high beam headlights on
The headlights will be washed the first time the windshield is washed. Thereafter, the headlights will only be washed
once for every five times the windshield is washed within a 10-minute period.
Parking lights on
Optional Bi -Xenon headlights will be washed once for every five times the windshield is washed.
Normal halogen headlights will not be washed.
Headlights off
Optional Bi -Xenon headlights will be washed once for every five times the windshield is washed.
Normal halogen headlights will not be washed.
pg. 52 Right -side steering wheel lever
B - Rain sensor (option)
The rain sensor regulates windshield wiper speed according to the amount of water on the windshield. The sensitivity
of the rain sensor is adjusted by moving the thumb wheel (C in the illustration on the previous page) up (the wipers
will sweep the windshield more frequently) or down (the wipers will sweep the windshield less frequently).
On/Off
To activate the rain sensor:
1. Switch on the ignition.
2. Put the windshield wiper lever in position 0.
3. Press button B (see the illustration on the previous page). The rain sensor symbol will appear in the lower display.
The rain sensor can be deactivated by:
Pressing button (B).
or
ProCarManuals.com