warning VOLVO S40 2008 Manual PDF

WARNING
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safety chains be attached to the bumper.
Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle's rear axle must not be used.
Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle brake system, nor a trailer's lighting system
directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult your nearest trained and qualified Volvo service technician for correct
installation.
When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety wire must be correctly fastened to the hole or hook provided in the
trailer hitch on the vehicle. The safety wire should never be fastened to or wound around the drawbar ball.
155 06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
NOTE
When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in Park
( P ) or in reverse on models with a manual transmission. Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations
for wheel chocking.
If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, or if the vehicle is equipped with a
manual transmission, make sure the gear you select does not put too much strain on the engine (using too high a
gear).
The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may be rated for trailers heavier than the vehicle is designed to tow. Please
adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer weights.
Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines exceeding 15%.
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Detachable trailer hitch
Installing the ball holder
1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch assembly.
2. Slide the ball holder into the hitch assembly.
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3. Align the hole in the ball holder with the one in the hitch assembly.
4. Slide the locking bolt through the hitch assembly/ball holder.
5. Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end of the locking bolt.
Removing the ball holder
1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the ball holder/hitch assembly.
2. Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assembly.
NOTE
A cover for the hitch assembly is also included in the kit.
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Transporting loads
Loading the car
Your vehicle's load-carrying capacity is affected by factors such as:
the number of passengers
tire inflation
the amount of optional or accessory equipment installed
the amount of cargo
See the chapter "Wheels and tires" for more detailed information.
Before loading the car, turn off the engine, and apply the parking brake when loading or unloading long objects. The
gear selector can be inadvertently knocked out of position by long cargo, causing the car to move.
Keep the following in mind when loading the vehicle:
Load the cargo in the cargo area against the rear seat backrest.
Load heavy cargo as low as possible.
Center wide loads.
Secure all cargo with restraining straps anchored to the load securing eyelets.
Cover sharp edges on the load.
Seats can be folded down and head restraints removed to extend the cargo compartment. See page 107.
WARNING
Remember that an object weighing 44 lbs (20 kg) produces a force of 2,200 lbs (1,000 kg) in a head-on collision
at 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h)!
When the rear backrest(s) are folded down, the vehicle should not be loaded to a level higher than 2 in. (5 cm)
below the upper edge of the rear side windows. Objects placed higher than this level could impede the function of
the Volvo Inflatable Curtain.
Load carriers (accessory)
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Load carriers are available as Volvo accessories. Follow the installation instructions supplied with the load carriers.
Observe the following points when using load carriers:
To avoid damaging your car and to achieve maximum safety when driving, we recommend using the load carriers
that Volvo has developed especially for your car.
Volvo-approved removable roof racks are designed to carry the maximum allowable roof load for this vehicle: 165
lbs (75 kg). For Non-Volvo roof racks, check the manufacturer's weight limits for the rack.
Never exceed the rack manufacturer's weigh limits and never exceed the maximum rated roof load of 165 lbs (75
kg).
Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loads evenly.
Place heavier cargo at the bottom of the load.
Secure the cargo correctly with appropriate tie-down equipment.
Check periodically that the load carriers and load are properly secured.
Remember that the car's center of gravity and handling change when you carry a load on the roof.
The car's wind resistance and fuel consumption will increase with the size of the load.
Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid starts, fast cornering and hard braking.
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Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)-option
Introduction
1. BLIS camera
2. Indicator light
3. BLIS symbol
The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is an information system that indicates the presence of another vehicle
moving in the same direction as your vehicle in the sideview mirror's "blind area."
CAUTION
The BLIS system should only be repaired by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
WARNING
BLIS is an information system, NOT a warning or safety system.
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BLIS does not eliminate the need for you to visually confirm the conditions around you, and the need for you to
turn your head and shoulders to make sure that you can safely change lanes.
As the driver, you have full responsibility for changing lanes in a safe manner.
The system is based on digital camera technology. The cameras (1) are located beneath the side-view mirrors.
When one (or both) of the cameras have detected a vehicle in the blind area (up to approximately 10 ft. (3 meters)
from the side of your vehicle, and up to approximately 31 ft. (9.5 meters) behind the side-view mirror), the indicator
light in the door panel (2) illuminates. The light will glow continuously to alert the driver of the vehicle in the blind
area.
NOTE
The door panel indicator light illuminates on the side of the vehicle where the system has detected another vehicle. If
your vehicle is passed on both sides at the same time, both lights will illuminate.
BLIS has an integrated function that alerts the driver if a fault should occur with the system. For example, if one or
both of the system's cameras are obscured, a message (see the table on page 161
) will appear in the information
display in the instrument panel. If this occurs, clean the camera lenses. If necessary, the system can be temporarily
switched off (for instructions, see page 161
).
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Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)-option
When does BLIS function
The system functions when your vehicle is moving at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).
When you pass another vehicle:
The system reacts when you pass another vehicle at a speed of up to 6 mph (10 km/h) faster than that vehicle.
When you are passed by another vehicle:
The system reacts if your vehicle is passed by another vehicle at a speed of up to 43 mph (70 km/h) faster than your
vehicle.
WARNING
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BLIS does not function in sharp curves.
BLIS does not function when your vehicle is backing up.
If you are towing a wide trailer, this may prevent the BLIS cameras from detecting other vehicles in adjacent
lanes.
How BLIS functions in daylight and darkness
Daylight
BLIS reacts to the shape of surrounding vehicles. The system is designed to help detect motor vehicles such as cars,
trucks, buses, motorcycles, etc.
Darkness
BLIS reacts to the headlights of surrounding vehicles. In order to be detected by BLIS, a vehicle in the blind area
must have its headlights on. This means, for example, that the system will not detect a trailer without headlights that is
being towed behind a car or truck.
WARNING
BLIS does not react to cyclists or mopeds.
BLIS does not react to vehicles that are standing still.
The function of the BLIS cameras may be affected by intense light, or when driving at night in areas where there
are no external sources of light (e.g., street lights, other vehicles, etc.). In such cases, the system may react as if the
cameras were obscured.
In both of the above mentioned conditions, a message will appear in the information display.
When driving in such conditions, the system's function will be limited or it may be temporarily switched off. See
page 161
for instructions.
When the message is no longer displayed, BLIS will return to normal function.
The BLIS cameras have the same limitation as the human eye. In other words, their "vision is impaired" by
adverse weather conditions such as heavy snowfall, dense fog, etc.
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Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)-option
Limitations
In certain situations, the BLIS indicator light(s) may illuminate even when there are no other vehicles in the area
monitored by the system.
NOTE
If the BLIS indicator lights illuminate occasionally even when there are no other vehicles in the blind area, this does
not indicate a fault in the system.
In the event of a fault, Blind spot syst. service required will be displayed.
The following are several examples of situations in which the BLIS indicator light(s) may illuminate even when there
are no other vehicles in the area monitored by the system.
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162 06 Starting and driving
Park assist (option/accessory)
Introduction
The park assist system is designed to assist you when driving into parking spaces, garages, etc. It utilizes four
ultrasound sensors located in one or both bumpers to measure the distance to a vehicle, object, or a person who may
be close to the front or rear of your vehicle.
Park assist is available in two versions:
Rear bumper only
Front and rear bumpers
WARNING
Park Assist is an information system, NOT a safety system. This system is designed to be a supplementary aid when
parking the vehicle. It is not, however, intended to replace the driver's attention and judgement.
Function
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NOTE
Front park assist is disengaged automatically when the parking brake is applied.
If the vehicle is equipped with front and rear park assist, both systems will be deactivated by pressing the button.
Audible signals from the park assist system
The Park Assist system uses an intermittent tone that pulses faster as you come close to an object, and becomes
constant when you are within approximately 1 ft (30 cm) of an object in front of or behind the vehicle. If the volume
of another source from the audio system is high, this will be automatically lowered.
If there are objects within this distance both behind and in front of the vehicle, the signal alternates between front and
rear speakers.
Faults in the system
If the information symbol illuminates and PARK ASSIST SERVICE REQUIRED is shown on the information
display, this indicates that the system is not functioning properly and has been disengaged. Consult a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician.
CAUTION
In certain circumstances, the park assist system may give unexpected warning signals that can be caused by external
sound sources that use the same ultrasound frequencies as the system. This may include such things as the horns of
other vehicles, wet tires on asphalt, pneumatic brakes, motorcycle exhaust pipes, etc. This does not indicate a fault in
the system.
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Park assist (option/accessory)
Cleaning the sensors
The sensors must be cleaned regularly to ensure that they work properly. Clean them with water and a suitable car
washing detergent.
NOTE
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If the sensors are obstructed by e.g., dirt, snow, or ice, this could result in false warning signals from the park assist
system.
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Contents | Top of Page
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When replacing tires, be sure that the new tires are the same size designation, type (radial) and preferably from the
same manufacturer, on all four wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of altering the car's roadholding and handling
characteristics.
Storing wheels and tires
When storing complete wheels (tires mounted on rims), they should be suspended off the floor or placed on their sides
on the floor.
Tires not mounted on rims should be stored on their sides or standing upright, but should not be suspended.
WARNING
Tires should preferably be stored in a cool, dry, dark place, and should never be stored in close proximity to
solvents, gasoline, oils, etc.
WARNING
The wheel and tire sizes for your Volvo are specified to meet stringent stability and handling requirements.
Unapproved wheel/tire size combinations can negatively affect your vehicle's stability and handling. Approved tire
sizes are shown in the Tire inflation pressure tables on pages 172 and 173
.
Any damage caused by installation of unapproved wheel/tire size combinations will not be covered by your new
vehicle warranty. Volvo assumes no responsibility for death, injury, or expenses that may result from such
installations.
Tread wear indicator
The tires have wear indicator strips running across or parallel to the tread. The letters TWI are printed on the side of
the tire. When approximately 1/16" (1.6 mm) is left on the tread, these strips become visible and indicate that the tire
should be replaced. Tires with less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread offer very poor traction.
When replacing worn tires, it is recommended that the tire be identical in type (radial) and size as the one being
replaced. Using a tire of the same make (manufacturer) will prevent alteration of the driving characteristics of the
vehicle.
169 07 Wheels and tires
General information
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NOTE
The placards shown indicate inflation pressure for the tires installed on the car at the factory only.
Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation pressure, including the spare, at least once a month and before long trips.
You are strongly urged to buy a reliable tire pressure gauge, as automatic service station gauges may be inaccurate.
Use the recommended cold inflation pressure for optimum tire performance and wear.
Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause uneven treadwear patterns.
WARNING
Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire failure and may result in severe tire cracking, tread separation,
or "blowout," with unexpected loss of vehicle control and increased risk of injury.
Under-inflated tires reduce the load carrying capacity of your vehicle.
When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also change. A 10-degree temperature drop causes a
corresponding drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check your tire pressures frequently and adjust them to the
proper pressure, which can be found on the vehicle's tire information placard or certification label.
Checking tire pressure
Cold tires
Inflation pressure should be checked when the tires are cold.
The tires are considered to be cold when they have the same temperature as the surrounding (ambient) air.
171 07 Wheels and tires
Tire inflation
This temperature is normally reached after the car has been parked for at least 3 hours.
After driving a distance of approximately 1 mile (1.6 km), the tires are considered to be hot. If you have to drive
farther than this distance to pump your tire(s), check and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate air
pressure when you get to the pump.
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