air conditioning VOLVO S40 2008 Owners Manual

After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place. If this cap is not closed tightly
or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp ("Check Engine" light) may
indicate a fault.
Points to keep in mind
Before you operate your vehicle for the first time, please familiarize yourself with the new-engine oil consumption
information on page 205
. You should also be familiar with the information found in the chapters "Instruments and
controls," and "Starting and driving."
Information contained in the balance of the manual is extremely useful and should be read after operating the
vehicle for the first time.
The manual is structured so that it can be used for reference. For this reason, it should be kept in the vehicle for
ready access.
Do not export your Volvo to another country before investigating that country's applicable safety and emission
control 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.
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.
7 Introduction
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 CFCs, lead chromates, asbestos, and cadmium; and reduced the number 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 95-99% 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 and cleaner
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VOLVO S40
84 03 Climate
General information 86
Air vents88
Manual climate control89
Electronic Climate Control (ECC) - option92
Air distribution95
85 03 Climate
86 03 Climate
General information
Air conditioning - A/C
Your car is equipped with a climate control system that includes either manually adjustable air conditioning or optional
Electronic Climate Control (ECC).
The air conditioning system can be switched off, but for optimal air quality in the passenger compartment and to
prevent the windows from fogging, the air conditioning should be left on - even in cool weather.
NOTE
In warm weather, a small amount of water may accumulate under the car when it has been parked. This water is
condensation from the A/C system and is normal.
Ice and snow
Always keep the air intake grille at the base of the windshield free of snow.
Fog on the inside of the windows
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The defroster function should be used to remove fog or mist from the inside of the windows. Keeping the windows
clean with a commercially available window washing spray will also help prevent fogging or misting.
Climate control maintenance
Special tools and equipment are required to maintain and carry out repairs on the climate system. Work of this type
should only be done by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Refrigerant
Volvo cares about the environment. The air conditioning system in your car contains a CFC-free refrigerant - R134a.
This substance will not deplete the ozone layer. The system contains 1.2 lbs (530 g) R134a (HFC 134a), and uses PAG
oil.
Passenger compartment filter
Replace the cabin air filter with a new one at the recommended intervals. Please refer to your Warranty and Service
Records Information booklet, or consult your Volvo retailer for these intervals. The filter should be replaced more
often when driving under dirty and dusty conditions. The filter cannot be cleaned and therefore should always be
replaced with a new one.
NOTE
There are different types of cabin air filters. Ensure that the correct type is installed.
Display
The display above the climate control panel shows the climate settings that have been made.
Personal settings
There are two functions in the climate system that can be set to your preferences:
Blower speed to Auto mode (models with ECC only).
Timer controlled recirculation of the air in the passenger compartment.
For information about how to make these settings, see the Personal settings section on page 77
.
87 03 Climate
General information
Models equipped with ECC (option)
Sensors
The sunlight sensor is on the upper side of the dashboard
The passenger compartment temperature sensor is located behind the climate system control panel.
The ambient temperature sensor is in the driver's side door mirror.
The humidity sensor is in the rearview mirror.
These sensors should never be obstructed.
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NOTE
The sunlight sensor monitors the side of the vehicle from which the sun shines into the passenger compartment. This
means that the temperature may differ slightly between the left and right air vents, even if the climate system
temperature is set to be the same for both sides of the passenger compartment.
Side windows and optional moonroof
The electronic climate control system will function best if the windows and moonroof are closed. If you drive with the
windows or moonroof open, it may be preferable to manually adjust the temperature and blower control (the LED in
the AUTO switch should be off).
Acceleration
The air conditioning system is temporarily switched off during full throttle acceleration.
88 03 Climate
Air vents
Air vents in the dashboard
A. Open
B. Closed
C. Horizontal air flow
D. Vertical air flow
Direct the outer air vents toward the side windows to defrost.
89 03 Climate
Manual climate control
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1. Blower speed
2. Recirculation
3. Defroster
4. Airflow controls
5. A/C - ON/OFF
6. Heated driver's seat
7. Heated front passenger's seat
8. Rear window and door mirror defrosters
9. Temperature selector
Manual climate system functions
1. Blower
The blower speed can be increased or decreased by turning the knob. If the knob is turned counterclockwise and the
indicator light in the display goes out, the blower and the air conditioning are switched off. The display shows the
blower symbol and OFF.
2. Recirculation
This function can be used to shut out exhaust fumes, smoke, etc from the passenger compartment. The air in the
passenger compartment is then recirculated, i.e. no air from outside the car is taken into the car when this function is
activated. Recirculation (together with the air conditioning system) cools the passenger compartment more quickly in
very warm weather. If the air in the car recirculates for too long, there is a risk of condensation
90 03 Climate
Manual climate control
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forming on the insides of the windows, especially in winter.
Timer
The timer function minimizes the risk of misting, or stale air when the recirculation function is selected. See page 77
for information on setting the recirculation timer. Recirculation is always disengaged when you select Defroster (3).
3. Defroster
Directs airflow to the windshield and side windows and increases blower speed. When the defroster is activated:
Air flows to the windows at high blower speed.
The LED in the defroster button lights up when this function is activated. The air conditioning system is controlled
to provide maximum air dehumidification.
The air conditioning is automatically switched on (can be switched off by pressing button 5).
The air is not recirculated.
4. Airflow controls
Press one of the three buttons in the illustration to activate the selected airflow. A symbol in the display above the
climate control panel and a lit LED in the selected button indicate that the manual function has been selected. With
manually selected airflow both warm and cool air can be selected. The desired temperature is selected using control 9.
5. A/C - On or Off
ON: The air conditioning system is engaged when the ON light is lit.
OFF: The system is disengaged when the OFF lights up.
If Defroster (3) is activated the air conditioning is always engaged.
6/7. Heated front seats (option)
Maximum heating: Press the button once - both LEDs light up.
Reduced heating: Press the button a second time - one LED lights up.
Seat heating off: Press the button a third time - no LEDs are lit.
8. Heated rear window and door mirrors
Press to defrost the rear window and door mirrors.
The rear window and door mirrors are defrosted simultaneously if the switch is pressed once. The defrost function is
active if the LED in the switch is illuminated.
The function can be switched off manually by pressing the button,
The defrost function switches off automatically after 12-20 minutes, depending on the outside temperature.
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10. Temperature selector
ECC functions
1. Auto - On/Off
The AUTO function automatically regulates climate control to maintain the desired temperature. The automatic
function controls heating, air conditioning, blower speed, recirculation, and air distribution.
If you select one or more manual functions, the remaining functions continue to be controlled automatically. All
manual settings are switched off when AUTO is switched on. AUTO CLIMATE is shown in the display.
2. Blower speed
The blower speed can be increased or decreased by turning the knob. The blower speed is regulated
93 03 Climate
Electronic Climate Control (ECC) - option
automatically if AUTO is selected. The previously set blower speed is disconnected.
NOTE
If the knob is turned counterclockwise and the blower indication in the display goes out, the blower and the air
conditioning are switched off. The display shows the blower symbol and OFF.
3. Recirculation
This function can be used to shut out exhaust fumes, smoke, etc from the passenger compartment. The air in the
passenger compartment is then recirculated, i.e. no air from outside the car is taken into the car when this function is
activated.
If the air in the car recirculates for too long, there is a risk of condensation forming on the insides of the windows,
especially in winter.
Timer
The timer function minimizes the risk of fogging, or stale air when the recirculation function is selected. See page 77
for information on setting the recirculation timer.
NOTE
Recirculation is always disengaged if the defroster button is engaged to clear ice or condensation from the side
windows.
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4. Defroster
Directs airflow to the windshield and side windows and increases blower speed. When the defroster is activated:
Air flows to the windows at high blower speed.
The LED in the defroster button lights up when this function is activated. The air conditioning system is controlled
to provide maximum air dehumidification.
The air conditioning is automatically switched on (can be switched off by pressing button 6).
The air is not recirculated.
5. Airflow controls
Press one of the three buttons in the illustration to activate the selected airflow. A symbol in the display above the
climate control panel and a lit LED in the selected button indicate that the manual function has been selected. With
manually selected airflow both warm and cool air can be selected. See also the table on page 95
.
6. Air conditioning On/Off
ON: The air conditioning system is engaged when the ON light is lit and is controlled automatically by the system to
maintain the selected temperature.
OFF: The system is disengaged when the OFF lights up.
When OFF is selected and the OFF LED is lit, the air conditioning system is deactivated. Other functions are still
controlled automatically.
When Defroster (4) is selected, the air conditioning system is activated for maximum dehumidifying.
94 03 Climate
Electronic Climate Control (ECC) - option
7 and 8. Heated front seats (option)
Maximum heating: Press the button once - both LEDs light up.
Reduced heating: Press the button a second time -one LED lights up.
Seat heating off: Press the button a third time - no LEDs are lit.
9. Rear window and door mirror defrosters
Press to defrost the rear window and door mirrors.
The rear window and door mirrors are defrosted simultaneously if the switch is pressed once. The defrost function is
active if the LED in the switch is illuminated.
The function can be switched off manually by pressing the button.
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Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops and adjusting the speed of
your vehicle to immediate traffic conditions.
Observe the following rules:
Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by driving with a light foot on the accelerator
pedal for the first few minutes of operation. A cold engine uses more fuel and is subject to increased wear.
Whenever possible, avoid using the vehicle for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach
normal operating temperature.
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
Use the transmission's Drive ( D) position as often as possible and avoid using kickdown.
Do not exceed posted speed limits.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the vehicle.
Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (when tires are cold).
Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc, increase air resistance and also fuel consumption.
At highway driving speeds, fuel consumption will be lower with the air conditioning on and the windows closed
than with the air conditioning off and the windows open.
Using the onboard trip computer's fuel consumption modes can help you learn how to drive more economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage are:
Dirty air cleaner
Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
Dragging brakes
Incorrect front end alignment
Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard maintenance intervals.
Weight distribution affects handling
WARNING
Driving with the trunk open: Driving with the trunk open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the
passenger compartment. If the trunk must be kept open for any reason, proceed as follows:
Close the windows
Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side windows and the blower control to its
highest setting.
At the specified curb weight your vehicle has a tendency to understeer, which means that the steering wheel has to be
turned more than might seem appropriate for the curvature of a bend. This ensures good stability and reduces the risk
of rear wheel skid. Remember that these properties can alter with the vehicle load. The heavier the load in the cargo
area, the less the tendency to understeer.
Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore, check that the tires are inflated to
the recommended pressure according to the vehicle load. See the "Tire pressure" section. Loads should be distributed
so that capacity weight
129 06 Starting and driving
General information
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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.
152 06 Starting and driving
Towing
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 153
for instructions on jump
starting the vehicle.
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.
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