VOLVO V50 2009 Owner´s Manual

06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
06``141 Deposit control gasoline (detergent
additives)
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gas-
oline to control engine deposits. Detergent
gasoline is effective in keeping injectors and
intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit
control gasolines will help ensure good driva-
bility and fuel economy. If you are not sure
whether the gasoline contains deposit control
additives, check with the service station oper-
ator.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of
store-bought fuel injector cleaning addi-
tives.Unleaded fuelEach Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter
and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and
Canadian regulations require that pumps deliv-
ering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEA-
DED". Only these pumps have nozzles which
fit your vehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dis-
pense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled
"unleaded gasoline only". Leaded gasoline
damages the three-way catalytic converter and
the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated
use of leaded gasoline will lessen the effec-tiveness of the emission control system and
could result in loss of emission warranty cov-
erage. State and local vehicle inspection pro-
grams will make detection of misfueling easier,
possibly resulting in emission test failure for
misfueled vehicles.
NOTE
Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain
an octane enhancing additive called methyl-
cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission
Control System performance may be affec-
ted, and the Check Engine Light (malfunc-
tion indicator lamp) located on your instru-
ment panel may light. If this occurs, please
return your vehicle to a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for maintenance.Gasoline containing alcohol and ethersSome fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
"oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or
ethers. In some areas, state or local laws
require that the service pump be marked indi-
cating use of alcohols or ethers. However,
there are areas in which the pumps are
unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is
alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet sea-
sonal air quality standards, some areas require
the use of "oxygenated" fuel. Volvo allows theuse of the following "oxygenated" fuels; how-
ever, the octane ratings listed on this page
must still be met. Alcohol – Ethanol: Fuels
containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may
be used. Ethanol may also be referred to as
Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol". Ethers – MTBE:
Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be
used.
Fuel filler doorPress the button on the light switch panel (see
the illustration on page 61) with the ignition
switched off to unlock the fuel filler door.
Please note that the fuel filler door will remain
unlocked until the vehicle begins to move for-
ward. An audible click will be heard when the
fuel filler door relocks.
If you intend to leave your vehicle while it is
being refueled, this feature enables you to lock
the doors/tailgate while leaving the fuel filler
door unlocked.
You can also keep the vehicle locked if you
remain inside it during refueling. The central
locking button does not lock the fuel filler door.
Be sure the fuel filler door is not obstructed and
is completely closed after refueling. Open the
fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather.

06 Starting and drivingFuel requirements
06142
RefuelingThe fuel tank is designed to accommodate
possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather,
see page 267 for fuel tank volume. Be aware
that the "usable" tank capacity will be some-
what less than the specified maximum. When
the fuel level is low, such factors as ambient
temperature, the fuel's "Reid vapor pressure"
characteristics, and terrain can affect the fuel
pump's ability to supply the engine with an
adequate supply of fuel. Therefore, it is advis-
able to refuel as soon as possible when the
needle nears the red zone, or when the fuel
warning light comes on.
CAUTION
•
Do not refuel with the engine running
1.
Turn the ignition off or to position I. If the
ignition is on, an incorrect reading could
occur in the fuel gauge
•
After refueling, close the fuel filler cap
by turning it clockwise until it clicks into
place.
•
Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Do not
press the handle on the filler nozzle
more than one extra time. Too much
fuel in the tank in hot weather conditions
can cause the fuel to overflow. Overfill-
ing could also cause damage to the
emission control systems.
•
Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling.
In addition to causing damage to the
environment, gasolines containing
alcohol can cause damage to painted
surfaces, which may not be covered
under the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
•
Do not use gasolines containing meth-
anol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol).
This practice can result in vehicle per-
formance deterioration and can dam-
age critical parts in the fuel system.
Such damage may not be covered
under the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
1If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the vehicle is refueled, the Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator lamp) may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle’s
performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps.

06 Starting and driving
Ignition switch
06
143 Ignition switch positions
0 – Locked position
Remove the key to lock the
steering wheel
1. Never turn
the key to position 0 while
driving or when the vehicle is
being towed.
NOTE
A ticking sound may be audible if the key is
turned to a position between 0 and I. To
stop this sound, turn the key to position II
and back to position 0.I – Intermediate position
2
Certain accessories, radio,
etc. on, daytime running lights
off.
II – Drive position
The key's position when driv-
ing. The vehicle's entire elec-
trical system is activated.
III – Start position
Turn the key to this position
and release it immediately.
The key returns automatically
to the Drive position.
A chime will sound if the key
is left in the ignition and the
driver's door is opened (does not apply to vehi-
cles with the optional keyless drive).
1Automatic transmission: the gear selector must be in the Park position. The optional keyless drive start control does not need to be removed.2Please be aware that leaving the key in this positions I or II will increase battery drain.

06 Starting and drivingStarting the vehicle
06144
To start the engine
WARNING
Before starting, check that the seat, steering
wheel and mirrors are adjusted properly.
Make sure the brake pedal can be
depressed completely. Adjust the seat if
necessary.1. Fasten the seat belt.
2. Apply the parking brake if not already set.
The gear selector should be locked in the
Park (P) position (Shiftlock). See also page
151.
Manual transmission: The clutch must be
fully depressed.
NOTE
After a cold start, idle speed may be notice-
ably higher than normal for a short period.
This is done to help bring components in the
emission control system to their normal
operating temperature as quickly as possi-
ble, which enables them to control emis-
sions and help reduce the vehicle's impact
on the environment.3. The vehicle is equipped with an autostart
feature. Without touching the throttlepedal, turn the key to position III and
release it. The starter motor will then oper-
ate automatically (for up to ten seconds)
until the engine starts. If the engine fails to
start, repeat this step.
4. To release the gear selector from the Park
(P) position, the engine must be running (or
the ignition key must be in position II) and
the brake pedal must be depressed.
5. Select the desired gear. On models with an
automatic transmission, the gear engages
after a very slight delay which is especially
noticeable when selecting R.
NOTE
•
Immobilizer: If two of the keys to your
vehicle are close together, e.g., on the
same key ring when you try to start the
vehicle, this could cause interference in
the immobilizer system and result in the
vehicle not starting. If this should occur,
remove one of the keys from the key
ring before trying to start the vehicle
again.
•
Keylock: Models equipped an auto-
matic transmission have a keylock sys-
tem. When the engine is switched off,
the gear selector must be in the Park
(P) position before the key can be
removed from the ignition switch
1.
•
When starting in cold weather, the
transmission may shift up at slightly
higher engine speeds than normal until
the automatic transmission fluid rea-
ches normal operating temperature.
•
Do not race a cold engine immediately
after starting. Oil flow may not reach
some lubrication points fast enough to
prevent engine damage.
1The optional keyless drive start control does not need to be removed from the ignition switch.

06 Starting and driving
Starting the vehicle
06
145
WARNING
Volvo's floor mats are specially manufac-
tured for your car. They must be firmly
secured in the clips on the floor so that they
cannot slide and become trapped under the
pedals on the driver's side.•
Always place the gear selector in Park
(P) (manual transmission: first or reverse
gear) and apply the parking brake
before leaving the vehicle.and apply the
parking brake before leaving the vehi-
cle. Never leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running.
•
Always open garage doors fully before
starting the engine inside a garage to
ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monox-
ide, which is invisible and odorless but
very poisonous.CAUTION
Automatic transmission: The engine
should be idling when you move the gear
selector. Never accelerate until after you
feel the transmission engage! Accelerating
immediately after selecting a gear will cause
harsh engagement and premature trans-
mission wear. Selecting P or N when idling
at a standstill for prolonged periods of time
will help prevent overheating of the auto-
matic transmission fluid.

06 Starting and drivingStarting the vehicle with keyless drive (option as available)
06146
Starting a vehicle with keyless drive
G019410
Starting a vehicle with keyless drive
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 144 for general information on starting
the engine.
NOTE
A keyless drive remote control must be
inside the vehicle 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 sec-
onds) 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:
G019420
Removing the keyless drive start control1. 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 144 for complete
starting information.

06 Starting and driving
Manual transmission, 5-speed (certain markets only)
06
147 5-speed manual transmission (option
on certain models)
G018256
Depress the clutch pedal completely when
changing gears
1.
Remove your foot from the clutch pedal while
driving. The shift pattern should be followed.
Overdrive (5th gear) should be used as often as
possible to help improve fuel economy.
Engaging reverse gear, 5-speed
transmission
G018257
Reverse gear should only be engaged from a
complete stop.
NOTE
Reverse gear is electronically blocked to
help prevent it from being selected while the
vehicle is moving foward.
CAUTION
Never shift into reverse while moving for-
ward.
WARNING
An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause
the accelerator, brake, and/or clutch pedal
to catch. Check that the movement of these
pedals is not impeded. Not more than one
protective floor covering may be used at
one time.
1Clutch interlock: The clutch must be fully depressed before you can start your car. If the clutch is not depressed, it will not be possible to start the engine.

06 Starting and drivingManual transmission, 6-speed (certain markets only)
06148
6-speed manual transmission (option
on certain models)
G018258
Depress the clutch pedal completely when
changing gears
1.
Remove your foot from the clutch pedal while
driving. The shift pattern should be followed.
Overdrive (5th and 6th gears) should be used
as often as possible to help improve fuel econ-
omy.
Engaging reverse gear, 6-speed
transmission
G018259
Reverse gear should only be engaged from a
complete stop.
NOTE
Reverse gear is electronically blocked to
help prevent it from being selected while the
vehicle is moving foward.
CAUTION
Never shift into reverse while moving for-
ward.
WARNING
An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause
the accelerator, brake, and/or clutch pedal
to catch. Check that the movement of these
pedals is not impeded. Not more than one
protective floor covering may be used at
one time.
1Clutch interlock: The clutch must be fully depressed before you can start your car. If the clutch is notdepressed, it will not be possible to start the engine.

06 Starting and drivingAutomatic transmission (option)
06``149 Shiftgate positions
G020237
Depress the button on the front of the gear
selector knob to move the selector between
theR,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 positionsP – ParkSelect the P position when starting or parking.
InP, the transmission is mechanically blocked
(Shiftlock). Always apply the parking brake
when parking.
G018264
D- left position: automatic shifting, M- right posi-
tion: manual shifting
CAUTION
The car must be stationary when selecting
positionP.
R – ReverseThe car must be stationary when shifting to
positionR.N – NeutralN is the neutral position. The engine can be
started, but no gear is selected. Apply the park-
ing 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 posi-
tion.D – DriveD is the normal driving position. The Drive posi-
tion offers 5 forward gears
1. The car automat-
ically shifts between the various forward gears,
1T5 models have 6 forward gears.

06 Starting and drivingAutomatic transmission (option)
06150
based on the level of acceleration and speed.
The car must be at a standstill when shifting to
positionD from position R.Manual shifting – GeartronicThe 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 Manual (M) shifting position
from Drive (D), move the gear selector to
the right to M.
•
To return to the Drive (D) 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 ofthe 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 trans-
mission will automatically shift down.
Cold starts (turbo engines)When driving before the engine has reached its
normal operating temperature, the transmis-
sion will shift up at slightly higher engine
speeds to heat the three-way catalytic con-
verter as quickly as possible.KickdownAutomatic 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 acceler-
ation or when passing at highway speeds.Safety functionTo 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.