headlights VOLVO S40 2008 Owners Manual

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.
Keep your windshield and headlights clean.
Replace wiper blades when they start to leave streaks.
Take into account the traffic, road, and weather conditions, particularly with regard to stopping distance.
Reporting safety defects in the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Volvo Cars
of North America, LLC. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a
safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot
become involved in individual problems between you, your retailer, or Volvo Cars of North America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153)
or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington D.C. 20590.
You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from:
http://www.safercar.gov
Volvo strongly recommends that if your vehicle is covered under a service campaign, safety or emission recall or
similar action, it should be completed as soon as possible. Please check with your local retailer or Volvo Cars of North
America, LLC if your vehicle is covered under these conditions.
13 01 Safety
Occupant safety
NHTSA can be reached at:
Internet:
http://www.nhtsa.gov
Telephone:
1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
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The front and rear parking lights can be turned on even when the ignition is switched off.
Turn switch (1) to position .
The license plate lights also illuminate when the parking lights are switched on.
Headlights
1. Turn the ignition key to position II.
2. The low beam headlights (daytime running lights) illuminate automatically, except when the light switch (1) is in
position
1.
NOTE
See page 62
for information on switching between high and low beams.
1On Canadian models, the daytime running lights will remain on with the light switch in this position.
Active Bi -Xenon® Lights (option)
When the ABL function is activated, the headlight beams adjust laterally to help light up a curve according to
movements of the steering wheel.
This function can be activated by turning the lighting switch to the ABL position (indicated by the arrow in the
illustration). The indicator light
in the ABL symbol will illuminate. The function can be deactivated by turning
60 02 Instruments and controls
Lighting panel
the lighting switch counterclockwise to one of the other lighting positions.
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NOTE
This function can only be activated in twilight or dark conditions, and only when the vehicle is in motion.
If the indicator light flashes, this indicates a fault in the ABL system. A text message will also be displayed.
Brake lights
The brake lights come on automatically when the brakes are applied.
Fog lights
Front fog lights (option)
The front fog lights can be used in combination with either the headlights or the parking lights.
1. Turn the ignition key to position II.
2. Press button 3 to turn on the front fog lights.
An indicator light in the button illuminates when the front fog lights are on.
Rear fog light
The single rear fog light is located in the driver's side taillight cluster.
The rear fog light will only function in combination with the high/low beam headlights or the optional front fog lights.
1. Turn the ignition key to position II.
2. Press button 5 to turn on the rear fog light.
An indicator light in the button illuminates when the rear fog light is on.
NOTE
The rear fog light is considerably brighter than the normal taillights and should be used only when conditions such as
fog, rain, snow, smoke or dust reduce visibility for other vehicles to less than 500 ft. (150 meters).
Instrument panel lighting
The instrument panel lighting illuminates when the ignition is in position II and the light switch (1) is in either position
.
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When changing lanes
The driver can automatically flash the turn signals 3 times by:
Moving the turn signal lever up or down to position 1 and releasing it.
Moving the lever up or down to position 2 and immediately back to its original position.
NOTE
This automatic flashing sequence can be interrupted by immediately moving the lever in the opposite direction.
If the turn signal indicator flashes faster than normal, check for a burned-out turn signal bulb.
High/low beam headlights
Continuous high beams
1. Turn the ignition key to position II.
2. With the light switch (1) in position
, (see page 59) pull the turn signal lever toward the steering wheel (position
4) to toggle between high and low beams.
High beam flash
1. Turn the ignition key to position II.
2. Pull the turn signal lever to position
3. The high beams will remain on until the lever is released.
NOTE
The high beam flash only functions when the key is in the ignition.
Home safe lighting
When you leave your car at night, you can make use of the home safe lighting function to illuminate the area in front
of the car.
1. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
2. Pull the direction indicator lever as far as possible towards the steering wheel (to position 4) and release it.
3. Exit the car and lock the doors.
The headlights and parking lights will illuminate and remain on for 30
1, 60 or 90 seconds. The time interval can be
changed according to your preferences by using the Personal Settings function, see page 77
for more information.
1Factory setting
63 02 Instruments and controls
Trip computer
Trip computer (option)
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Windshield washers (A)
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 59
for information on the light switch positions):
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.
68 02 Instruments and controls
Rain sensor
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.
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73 02 Instruments and controls
Mirrors
Rearview mirror
Night position
To reduce glare from the headlights of following vehicles, use control (1) to switch between the normal and night-
driving positions.
2. Normal position
3. Night position, reduces glare from following traffic
Auto-dim function (option)
An optional integrated sensor reacts to headlights from following traffic and automatically reduces glare.
Rearview mirror with compass (option)
The upper right-hand corner of the rearview mirror has an integrated display that shows the compass direction toward
which the car is pointing. Eight different directions can be displayed: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W and NW. The display
shows your car's orientation with respect to true north.
Calibrating the compass
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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.
160 06 Starting and driving
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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The system is activated automatically when the vehicle is started. The indicator light in the button in the center console
illuminates.
The front park assist system is active from the time the engine is started until the vehicle exceeds a speed of
approximately 10 mph (15 km/h). It is also active when the vehicle is backing up.
Rear park assist is active when the engine is running and reverse gear has been selected.
Rear park assist
The distance monitored behind the vehicle is approximately 5 ft (1.5 m). The signal comes from the rear speakers.
The system must be deactivated when towing a trailer, carrying bicycles in a rear-mounted carrier, etc, which could
trigger the rear park assist system's sensors.
NOTE
Rear park assist is deactivated automatically when towing a trailer if Volvo genuine trailer wiring is used.
Front park assist
The distance monitored in front of the vehicle is approximately 2.5 ft (0.8 m). The audible signal comes from the audio
system's front speakers.
It may not be possible to combine auxiliary headlights and front park assist since these lights could trigger the system's
sensors.
163 06 Starting and driving
Park assist (option/accessory)
Activating/deactivating park assist
The system is activated automatically when the vehicle is started.
If the vehicle is equipped with both front and rear park assist , press the park assist button on the center console
(see the illustration) to temporarily turn off (deactivate) the systems. The indicator light in the button will go out when
the system has been switched off.
If the vehicle is equipped with rear park assist only , a message will be displayed when reverse gear is selected
showing if the system is on or off. Press EXIT to turn rear park assist off, or ENTER to turn the system on.
Park assist will be automatically reactivated the next time the engine is started, or if the button is pressed (the
indicator light in the button will illuminate).
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NOTE
When washing the car, remember to remove dirt from the drain holes in the doors and sills.
Exterior components
Volvo recommends the use of special cleaning products, available at your Volvo retailer, for cleaning colored plastic,
rubber, or ornamental components such as chromed strips on the exterior of your vehicle. The instructions for using
these products should be followed carefully.Solvents or stain removers should not be used.
CAUTION
Avoid waxing or polishing plastic or rubber components
Polishing chromed strips can wear away or damage the surface
Polishes containing abrasive substances should not be used
193 08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the car
NOTE
During high pressure washing, the spray mouthpiece must never be closer to the vehicle than 13" (30 cm). Do not
spray into the locks.
Dirt, snow, etc., on the headlights can reduce lighting capacity considerably. Clean the headlights regularly, for
example when refueling.
When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying water or steam directly on the electrical components
or toward the rear side of the engine. Special moonroof cautions:
Always close the moonroof and sun shade before washing your vehicle.
Never use abrasive cleaning agents on the moonroof.
Never use wax on the rubber seals around the moonroof
Automatic washing - simple and quick
We do NOT recommend washing your car in an automatic wash during the first six months (because the paint will not
have hardened sufficiently). An automatic wash is a simple and quick way to clean your car, but it is worth
remembering that it may not be as thorough as when you yourself go over the car with sponge and water. Keeping the
underbody clean is most important, especially in the winter. Some automatic washers do not have facilities for washing
the underbody.
CAUTION
Before driving into an automatic car wash, turn off the optional rain sensor to avoid damaging the windshield
wipers.
Make sure that side view mirrors, auxiliary lamps, etc, are secure, and that any antenna(s) are retracted or
removed. Otherwise there is risk of the machine dislodging them.
Chromed wheels : Clean chrome-plated wheels using the same detergents used for the body of the vehicle.
Aggressive wheel-cleaning agents can permanently stain chrome-plated wheels.
WARNING
When the car is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes several times in order to remove any
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moisture from the brake linings.
Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine is warm. This constitutes a fire risk.
Exterior lighting
Condensation may form temporarily on the inside of the lenses of exterior lights such as headlights, fog lights, or
taillights. This is normal and the lights are designed to withstand moisture. Normally, condensation will dissipate after
the lights have been on for a short time.
Polishing and Waxing
Normally, polishing is not required during the first year after delivery, however, waxing may be beneficial.
Before applying polish or wax the vehicle must be washed and dried. Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar
remover. Difficult spots may require a fine rubbing compound.
After polishing use liquid or paste wax.
Several commercially available products contain both polish and wax.
Waxing alone does not substitute for polishing a dull surface.
A wide range of polymer-based waxes can be purchased today. These waxes are easy to use and produce a long-
lasting, high-gloss finish that protects the bodywork against oxidation, road dirt and fading.
194 08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the car
Do not polish or wax your vehicle in direct sunlight (the surface of the vehicle should not be warmer than 113° F
(45° C).
CAUTION
Volvo does not recommend the use of long-life or durable paint protection coatings, some of which may claim to
prevent pitting, fading, oxidation, etc. These coatings have not been tested by Volvo for compatibility with your
vehicle's clear coat. Some of them may cause the clear coat to soften, crack, or cloud. Damage caused by application
of paint protection coatings may not be covered under your vehicle's paint warranty.
Upholstery care
Fabric
Clean with soapy water or a detergent. For more difficult spots caused by oil, ice cream, shoe polish, grease, etc., use a
clothing/fabric stain remover. Consult your Volvo retailer.
Interior plastic components
Cleaning interior plastic components should be done with a cleaning agent specially designed for this purpose. Consult
your Volvo retailer.
Alcantera™ suede-like material
Suede -like upholstery can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.
Leather care
Volvo's leather upholstery is manufactured with a protectant to repel soiling. Over time, sunlight, grease and dirt can
break down the protection. Staining, cracking, scuffing, and fading can result.
Volvo offers an easy-to-use, non-greasy leather care kit formulated to clean and beautify your vehicle's leather, and to
renew the protective qualities of its finish. The cleaner removes dirt and oil buildup. The light cream protectant
restores a barrier against soil and sunlight.
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