automatic transmission VOLVO S40 2008 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: VOLVO, Model Year: 2008, Model line: S40, Model: VOLVO S40 2008Pages: 239, PDF Size: 5.94 MB
Page 128 of 239

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 136
for general information on starting the
engine.
NOTE
A keyless drive remote control must be in the passenger's compartment or in the trunk/cargo area 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 136
for
complete starting information.
139 06 Starting and driving
Manual transmission, 5-speed
5-speed manual transmission (option on certain models)
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Page 131 of 239

141 06 Starting and driving
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.
D - left position: automatic shifting
M - right position: manual shifting
CAUTION
The car must be stationary when selecting position P.
R - Reverse
The car must be stationary when shifting to position R .
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Page 132 of 239

N - Neutral
N is the neutral position. The engine can be started, but no gear is selected. Apply the
142 06 Starting and driving
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 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 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 .
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 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.
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Page 133 of 239

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.
143 06 Starting and driving
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.
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.
144 06 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission
Text messages and actions
In certain situations, the message may appear in the display and the information or warning symbol may illuminate.
The table shows two levels of severity if the transmission should overheat. In addition to the message in the display,
the driver will also be aware that the vehicle's electrical system has temporarily changed the driving characteristics.
Follow the instructions in the display.
See also page 57
for additional messages pertaining to the automatic transmission.
The message will disappear after the displayed action has been taken or if the READ button on the turn signal lever
has been pressed.
NOTE
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Page 134 of 239

The examples shown in the table indicate that a safety function has been activated to help prevent damage to the
transmission.
145 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 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.
146 06 Starting and driving
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-,
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Page 140 of 239

The towing eyelet is located under the floor of the cargo area. 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, the eyelet should be removed and returned to the tool bag. Press the cover back into
position.
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 145
,
"Shiftlock override" to allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position.
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.
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Page 143 of 239

Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any moving parts. Avoid touching hot
manifolds.
Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, fabrics or painted surfaces. If
contact occurs, flush the affected area immediately with water. Obtain medical help immediately if eyes are affected.
Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
Do not smoke near the battery.
Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to personal injury.
Do not touch the jumper cables during the attempt to start the vehicle. This could cause sparks.
154 06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
General information
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehicle.
CAUTION
Models equipped with the B5244S7 engine (engine code 39, which is the 6th and 7th digits from the left in your
vehicle's VIN number, see page 249
for the location of the VIN plate), may not be used to tow trailers or vehicles of
any kind. This could cause damage to the vehicle's emission control systems.
Maximum trailer weights recommended by Volvo are:
Trailers without brakes: 1,540 lbs (700 kg).
Trailers with brakes: 2,000 lbs (900 kg) Observe the legal requirements of the state/province in which the vehicles
are registered.
The maximum recommended hitch tongue load is 165 lbs (75 kg).
All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailer hitch installation should not
interfere with the proper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but take into consideration:
Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See the chapter "Wheels and tires."
When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).
Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).
Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant temperature should be closely
watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use a lower gear and turn off the air conditioner if the
temperature gauge needle enters the red range.
If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be displayed in the information display.
Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop (check and observe
state/local regulations).
Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brake system.
More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer over long distances or in mountainous
areas.
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Page 232 of 239

2 0 0 8
VOLVO S40
260-265 12 Index
12-volt socket 58
A
ABS6
, 147
malfunction of the ABS system53
Accessory Installation- Important Warning8
Active Bi -Xenon® headlights59
Active yaw control - AYC149
Air conditioning86
Air distribution95, 251
Air vents88
Airbag system17
Alarm124
All Wheel Drive146
Antifreeze206
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)6
Approach lighting78, 113
Audio system
CD player242
menu settings245
radio functions235
Sirius satellite radio237
system introduction230
USB/iPOD connector232
Autolock78
Automatic sound control234
Automatic transmission - Geartronic141
Autostart136
AUX (audio system)230
AUX menu245
Auxiliary equipment58
AWD146
B
Backrests, rear seat108
Battery
avoiding drain130
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Page 238 of 239

Snow chains180
Sound control, automatic234
Speedometer49
SRS warning light54
Stability and Traction Control (STC)149
Stability system149
Stability system (STC/DSTC)53
Start inhibitor (immobilizer)112
Starting the vehicle136
Steering wheel lock135
Storage compartments103, 105
Sunroof (moonroof)75
T
Tachometer49
Taillight bulb holder, removing217
Technician certification259
Temperature gauge50
Temporary spare181
Three-way catalytic converter258
Tire designations174
Tire inflation pressure
Canadian models173
US models172
Tire pressure monitoring system187
Tires
general information168
tire pressure monitoring system187, 188
tire rotation183
Traction control - TC149
Trailer hitch, detachable156
Transmission, automatic141
Tread wear indicator168, 169
Trip odometer50
Trunk109
opening from the inside122
Turn signal bulb, replacing215
Turn signals62
U
Unlocking fuel filler door60
USB connector (audio system)232
V
Valet locking116, 117
Vanity mirror lighting, replacing219
Vehicle dimensions250
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