headlights VOLVO V50 2009 Owner´s Manual

01 SafetyOccupant safety
0116
Volvo's concern for safetySafety is Volvo's cornerstone. Our concern
dates back to 1927 when the first Volvo rolled
off the production line. Three-point seat belts
(a Volvo invention), safety cages, and energy-
absorbing impact zones were designed into
Volvo 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 remindersHow 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 trafficenvir-
onment.
•
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 Amer-
ica, LLC. If NHTSA receives similar
complaints, it may open an investiga-
tion, 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 Trans-
portation, 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.
NHTSA can be reached at:
Internet:
http://www.nhtsa.gov
Telephone:

02 Instruments and controls
Lighting panel
02``61
G026415
Pos.
LightingDaytime running lights off. High
beam flash only.Parking lightsDaytime running lights. High
beams and high beam flash can
be used in this position.
Parking lightsThe front and rear parking lights can be turned
on even when the ignition is switched off.
±
Turn switch (1) to the parking light position.
The license plate lights also illuminate when the
parking lights are switched on.Headlights1.
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 the parking
light position
1.
NOTE
See page 64 for information on switching
between high and low beams.
Active Bi-Xenon Lights (ABL)–option
G026507
Lighting panel, vehicles with Active Bi-Xenon
Ÿ
headlightsWhen the ABL function is activated, the head-
light 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 the
lighting switch counterclockwise to one of the
other lighting positions.
1On Canadian models, the daytime running lights will remain on with the light switch in this position.

02 Instruments and controlsLighting panel
0262
G020789
Headlight pattern with ABL deactivated (left) and
activated (right)
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 indi-
cates a fault in the ABL system. A text
message will also be displayed.
Brake lightsThe brake lights come on automatically when
the brakes are applied.Fog lightsFront 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 lightThe single rear fog light is located in the driver's
side taillight cluster.
The rear fog light will only function in combi-
nation 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 lightingThe instrument panel lighting illuminates when
the ignition is in position II and the light switch
(1) is in either position
or
.
NOTE
To make it easier to read the odometer, trip
odometer, clock, and ambient temperature,
these gauges illuminate when the vehicle is
unlocked and when the key has been
removed from the ignition switch. The light-
ing will go out when the vehicle is locked.Move the thumb wheel (2) up to increase
brightness or down to decrease brightness.

02 Instruments and controlsLeft-side steering wheel lever
0264
Lever positions
G026954
Turn signals, lane change positionTurn signals, position for normal turnsHigh beam flashToggle between high and low beams,
Home Safe lighting
Turn signalsWhen turning±
Move the lever as far up or down as pos-
sible (to position 2) to start the turn signals.
The turn signals will be cancelled automatically
by the movement of the steering wheel, or the
lever can be returned to its initial position by
hand.When changing lanesThe driver can automatically flash the turn sig-
nals 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 posi-
tion.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 headlightsContinuous high beams1.
Turn the ignition key to position II.
2.
With the light switch (1) in position
,
see page 61, pull the turn signal lever
toward the steering wheel (position 4) to
toggle between high and low beams.
High beam flash1.
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.Home safe lightingWhen 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
1Factory setting

02 Instruments and controlsRight-side steering wheel lever
0270
Windshield wipers
00
A
C
D
B
G025411
Windshield/headlight washersRain sensor (option) – on/of, see page 70Thumb wheelTailgate wiper/washer
Windshield wipers off
The windshield wipers are off when
the lever is in position 0.
Manual wiper function
From position 0, move the lever
upward. The windshield wipers will
sweep one stroke at a time for as
long as the lever is held up.
Intermittent wiper function
With the lever in this position, you
can set the wiper interval by mov-
ing the thumb wheel (C) upward to
increase wiper speed or down-
ward to decrease the speed.
Continuous wiper function
The wipers operate at "normal"
speed.
High speed wiper function.
A–Windshield washersPull 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.
CAUTION
•
Use ample washer fluid when washing
the windshield. The windshield should
be thoroughly wet when the wipers are
in operation.
•
Before using the wipers, ice and snow
should be removed from the wind-
shield/rear window. Be sure the wiper
blades are not frozen in place.
Headlight washers (certain models)When the lever has been pulled, high pressure
jets mounted in the bumper will spray the head-
lights.
The following applies to conserve washer fluid,
see page 61 for information on the light switch
positions:Low/high beam headlights onThe headlights will be washed the first time the
windshield is washed. Thereafter, the head-
lights will only be washed once for every five
times the windshield is washed within a 10-
minute period.Parking lights onOptional Bi-Xenon
Ÿ headlights will be washed
once for every five times the windshield is
washed.
Normal halogen headlights will not be washed.

02 Instruments and controls
Mirrors
02``77 Rearview mirror
G020146
Day/night controlNormal positionNight position, reduces glare from follow-
ing traffic
Night positionTo reduce glare from the headlights of follow-
ing vehicles, use control (1) to switch between
the normal and night-driving positions.Auto-dim function (option)An optional integrated sensor reacts to head-
lights from following traffic and automatically
reduces glare.
Rearview mirror with compass (option)
G029930
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 dis-
played:
N,NE
,E,SE
,S,SW
,W and
NW
. The
display shows your car's orientation with
respect to true north.
Calibrating the compass
G031045
The earth is divided into 15 magnetic zones.
The compass is initially set for the zone to
which the car was delivered, and should
always be adjusted if the car is driven to a new
magnetic zone. A "
C" will be displayed if cali-
bration becomes necessary.
To calibrate the compass:
1. Stop the car in a large, open area, away
from traffic.
2. Using a pen or similar object, hold the but-
ton (1) depressed for at least 6 seconds.
"
C" will be displayed.

06 Starting and driving
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)–option
06``165 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
•
BLIS does not function in sharp curves.
•
BLIS does not function when your vehi-
cle is backing up.
•
If you are towing a wide trailer, this may
prevent the BLIS cameras from detect-
ing other vehicles in adjacent lanes.
How BLIS functions in daylight and
darkness
DaylightBLIS reacts to the shape of surrounding vehi-
cles. The system is designed to help detect
motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses,
motorcycles, etc.
DarknessBLIS reacts to the headlights of surrounding
vehicles. In order to be detected by BLIS, a
vehicle in the blind area must have its head-
lights on. This means, for example, that the
system will not detect a trailer without head-
lights 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 condi-
tions, a message will appear in the infor-
mation display.
•
When driving in such conditions, the
system's function will be limited or it
may be temporarily switched off, see
page 166 for instructions.
•
When the message is no longer dis-
played, BLIS will return to normal func-
tion.
•
The BLIS cameras have the same limi-
tation as the human eye. In other words,
their "vision is impaired" by adverse
weather conditions such as heavy
snowfall, dense fog, etc.

06 Starting and drivingPark assist (Option/accessory)
06168
Introduction
G020294
Front/rear park assistThe 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 dis-
tance 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 judge-
ment.FunctionThe system is activated automatically when the
vehicle is started. The indicator light in the but-
ton in the center console illuminates.•
The front park assist system is active from
the time the engine is started until the vehi-
cle 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 assistThe 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 automati-
cally when towing a trailer if Volvo genuine
trailer wiring is used.Front park assistThe distance monitored in front of the vehicle
is approximately 2.5 ft (0.8 m). The audible sig-
nal 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.

08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the car
08``203
CAUTION
•
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.
•
Always close the moonroof (option) 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 quickWe do NOT recommend washing your car in an
automatic wash during the first six months
(because the paint will not have hardened suf-
ficiently).
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 impor-
tant, 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 wip-
ers.
•
Make sure that side view mirrors, auxil-
iary 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 deter-
gents 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 moisture
from the brake linings.
•
Engine cleaning agents should not be
used when the engine is warm. This
constitutes a fire risk.
Exterior lightingCondensation may form temporarily on the
inside of the lenses of exterior lights such as
headlights, fog lights, or taillights. This is nor-
mal and the lights are designed to withstand
moisture. Normally, condensation will dissi-
pate 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, wax-
ing 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 pol-
ishing 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.
•
Do not polish or wax your vehicle in direct
sunlight (the surface of the vehicle should
not be warmer than 113 °F (45 °C).

09 Maintenance and servicingMaintaining your car
09212
Owner maintenancePeriodic maintenance requirements and inter-
vals are described in your vehicle's Warranty
and Service Records Information booklet.
The following points can be carried out
between the normally scheduled maintenance
services.Each time the car is refueled:•
Check the engine oil level.
•
Clean the windshield, windshield wipers,
headlights, and taillights.
Monthly:•
Check cold tire pressure in all tires. Inspect
the tires for wear.
•
Check that engine coolant and other fluid
levels are between the indicated "min" and
"max" markings.
•
Clean interior glass surfaces with a glass
cleaner and soft paper towels.
•
Wipe driver information displays with a soft
cloth.
•
Visually inspect battery terminals for cor-
rosion. Corrosion may indicate a loose ter-
minal connector, or a battery near the end
of its useful service life. Consult a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician for
additional information.
As needed:•
Wash the car, including the undercarriage,
to reduce wear that can be caused by a
buildup of dirt, and corrosion that can be
caused by salt residues.
•
Clean leaves and twigs from air intake
vents at the base of the windshield, and
from other places where they may collect.NOTE
Complete service information for qualified
technicians is available online for purchase
or subscription at www.volvotechinfo.com.Emission inspection readinessWhat is an Onboard Diagnostic System
(OBD II)?OBD II is part of your vehicle's computerized
engine management system. It stores diagnos-
tic information about your vehicle's emission
controls. It can light the Check Engine light
(MIL) if it detects an emission control "fault." A
"fault" is a component or system that is not
performing within an expected range. A fault
may be permanent or temporary. OBD II will
store a message about any fault.
How Do States Use OBD II for Emission
Inspections?Many states connect a computer directly to a
vehicle's OBD II system. The inspector can
then read "faults." In some states, this type of
inspection has replaced the tailpipe emission
test.How Can My Vehicle Fail OBD II Emission
Inspection?Your vehicle can fail OBD II emission inspec-
tion for any of the following reasons.•
If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit, your
vehicle may fail inspection.
•
If your vehicle's Check Engine light was lit,
but went out without any action on your
part, OBD II will still have a recorded fault.
Your vehicle may pass or fail, depending
on the inspection practices in your area.
•
If you had recent service that required dis-
connecting the battery, OBD II diagnostic
information may be incomplete and "not
ready" for inspection. A vehicle that is not
ready may fail inspection.
How Can I Prepare for My Next OBD II
Emission Inspection?•
If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit – or
was lit but went out without service, have