pg. 4:6 Automatic transmission


P (Park)


Use this position when starting the engine or parking the car.
Never use P while car is in motion.
The transmission is mechanically locked when in position P. Also use the parking brake when parking on grades.
The gear selector is locked in the P position (Shift lock). To release the selector, start the engine and depress the brake pedal. See page 6:19 for instructions on manually releasing the gear selector.


CAUTION:

  • Never select P or R while the car is in motion.
  • When initially selecting positions D, 3, L or R, your right foot should press firmly on the brake pedal to ensure that the car is standing still with the engine idling.
  • The gear selector should not be downshifted to L at speeds above 75 mph (125 km/h).*
    * Always observe posted speed limits!

    • WARNING!
    Never leave the car when the engine is running. If, by mistake, the gear selector is moved from P the car may start moving.


    R (Reverse)


    Never engage R while is moving forward.


    N (Neutral)


    Neutral position = no gear is engaged. Use parking brake. The engine can be started with the gear selector in this position.


    D (Drive)


    D is the normal driving position and should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy. When modes E or S are selected, upshift and downshift of the forward gears occur automatically and are governed by accelerator pedal position and vehicle speed.


    3 (Intermediate position)


    Automatically shifts up and down between first second and third gears when driving mode E or S. There is no upshift from third gear. Position 3 can be used for driving in hilly terrain, for towing trailers or for increased engine braking power.



    L (Low gear)


    No upshift can occur when L is engaged. Select position L for driving in first and second gears. Use this position to select low gear with no upshift, e.g. when ascending and descending steep grades.

    pg. 4:7 Automatic transmission


    Shift gate positions


    The gear selector can be moved freely between D and 3. Selections of other positions are obtained by depressing the selector knob prior to moving the selector.
    Slightly depressing the selector knob allows selection of positions N, D, 3 and L. Fully depressing the selector knob allows selection of positions R and P. This is also necessary when initially bringing the selector out of position P. Fully depressing the selector knob thus permits shifting freely between all positions.


    Kick-down


    Automatic shift to a lower gear (kick-down) is achieved by depressing the accelerator pedal fully and briskly.
    An up-shift will be achieved when approaching the top speed for a particular gear or by releasing the accelerator pedal slightly. Kick-down can be used for maximum acceleration or when passing at highway speeds.


    Mode selector


    The push-buttons to the left of the gear lever are for selection of modes E, S and W. Any mode can be selected while the car is on the move.


    Economy Mode


    This mode is used normally. The gearbox changes gears at a lower engine speed to achieve the best possible fuel consumption.


    Sport Mode


    This mode is adapted to "sporty" driving characteristics. The transmission upshifts at higher engine speeds and less accelerator pedal pressure is required to initiate a downshift.


    Winter/Wet mode Enhanced Vehicle Traction


    This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads or to lower downshift speeds if the transmission is in "L".
    In this mode:
    * In position D, the gearbox starts in third gear and changes up to forth gear.
    * In position 3, second gear is locked and there is no change up to third gear. In position L, first gear is locked.


    * These positions always offer the kick-down feature.


    CAUTION: Driveability and fuel economy will be adversely affected by prolonged driving in mode W . Volvo recommends using this mode only when starting in extremely slippery conditions.


    The indicator lamp in the instrument panel lights up when mode W is selected. Press button W in order to disengage the Winter mode.
    When mode W is disengaged, the gearbox automatically reverts to the previously selected S or E mode. If the indicator lamp begins to flash, this is an indication of a fault in the automatic gearbox. Please contact your Volvo retailer if this occurs.


    "Lock-up"


    The automatic gearbox has a "lock-up" function. It reduces engine speed and saves fuel. The principle of "lock-up" is based on the fact that the gearbox's torque converter is disengaged for changes between 3nd and 4th gears. The "lock-up" function can sometimes be felt as an additional gear change.

    pg. 4:8 Points to remember

    "Special Tips"


  • For steep hills and when driving for prolonged periods at low speeds, position L should be selected. Avoid, however, repeated changes since this can cause overheating of the transmission oil. For driving on long continuous uphill gradients, select position 3.
  • The transmission may shift down automatically (ECONOMY mode only) on certain downgrades if no pressure is exerted on the accelerator pedal, to help maintain constant vehicle speed.
  • Do not hold the car stationary on an incline by using the accelerator pedal. Instead, apply the hand brake (parking brake). This prevents the transmission oil from becoming overheated.
  • When towing a trailer, select shift position 3.
  • The (E)conomy mode should be selected when the cruise control is engaged.


    Cooling system


    The risk for overheating is greatest, especially in hot weather, when:

  • towing a trailer up steep inclines for prolonged periods at wide open throttle and low engine rpm.
  • stopping the engine suddenly after high speed driving (so-called "after-boiling" can occur).
    To avoid overheating, the following rules should be followed:
  • Reduce speed and downshift when towing a trailer up long, steep inclines. The risk of overheating can be reduced by switching off the air conditioning system for a short time.
  • Do not let the engine idle unnecessarily for prolonged periods.
  • Do not mount auxiliary lamps in front of the grill.
    When the risk of overheating is imminent, or in the event of overheating, (the temperature gauge goes repeatedly into, or stays continually in, the red section) the following precautions should be taken:
  • Switch off the air conditioning system.
  • Stop the car and put the gear lever into neutral. Do not stop the engine!
  • Switch the heater to full (maximum) position. Increase the engine speed to approx. 2000 rpm (twice idling speed) until the temperature begins to drop.


    See "Coolant" to check and top-up the coolant level if necessary.


    WARNING! Do not remove the coolant expansion tank cap.


    WARNING! Do not drive with trunk lid or tailgate open!
    Poisonous exhaust gases may enter via the trunk lid or tailgate.
    If the trunk lid/tailgate must be kept open for any reason, proceed as follows:

  • Close the windows.
  • Set the ventilation system control to and blower control to its highest setting.

    • Driving through standing water


    CAUTION: Drive slowly and carefully if going through standing water (i.e. flooded roadways, etc.). Damage to engine could result if excess water is ingested through the air intake system. Never drive the vehicle in water deeper than 1 foot (300 mm). See the flood warning on page 3:7.

    pg. 4:9 Points to remember

    Electrical system


    When replacing the battery or when carrying out work involving the electrical system, the following should be observed:

  • A battery connection to the wrong terminal will damage the diodes. Before connections are made, check the polarity of the battery with a voltmeter.
  • If booster batteries are used for starting, they must be properly connected to minimize the risk of the diode being damaged.
    For correct connection, see "Jump starting" section.
  • Never disconnect the battery circuit (for example, to replace the battery) while the engine is running, as this will immediately ruin the generator. Always make sure that all the battery connections are properly tightened.
  • If any electrical-welding work is performed on the vehicle, the battery's ground lead (negative cable) and all the connecting cables of the generator must be disconnected and the welder cables placed as near the welding point as possible.
  • The radio must be turned off before the battery is disconnected.
  • If the radio has an anti-theft code and the battery has been disconnected, the code must be re-entered before the radio will function properly.



    WARNING!
    The Supplemental Restraint System is grounded under the driver's seat. Do not loosen the two screws grounding the unit. Do not ground other electrical components using these screws or any other points near them. Faults in the system could occur if it is improperly grounded.

    pg. 4:10 Points to remember

    Weight distribution affects handling


    At the specified curb weight your car 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 trunk, 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 "Tire pressure" section. Loads should be distributed so that capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.


    WARNING! It is recommended that tire of the same make and dimensions be used on all four wheels (including the use of snow tires). Do not use bias ply tires as this will adversely alter vehicle handling characteristics.


    WARNING!
    An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause the accelerator pedal to catch. Check that the movement of the accelerator pedal is not impeded. Not more than one protective floor covering may be used at one time.


    Roof racks


    Roof rails are standard equipment on wagon models. Load bars are available as a retailer installed option on the sedan models. Observe the following points when is use:

  • Avoid single-point loads. Distribute the load evenly.
  • Place heavier cargo at bottom of load.
  • Observe that center of gravity and handling are influenced by load weight.
  • Increasing load size increases wind resistance and, thus, adversely affects fuel economy.
  • Anchor the cargo correctly with appropriate tie-down equipment.
  • Drive carefully. Avoid rapid starts, fast cornering and hard braking.
  • Max. roof load is 220 lbs. (100 kg) for removable racks mounted on drip rails.
  • Max roof load is 77 lbs (35 kg) for permanent rack mounted directly of roof.

    pg. 4:11 Emergency towing (pulling of vehicles)


    Precautionary steps to observe when car is in tow


  • Steering must be unlocked.
  • Please 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, etc.
  • Remember that power brake and power steering assists will not be available when engine is inoperative. Brake pedal pressure required is 3 - 4 times above normal and greater steering effort must be exerted.
  • Gear selector in position N. Check transmission oil level (see section titled "Transmission oil").
  • Maximum speed: 20 mph (30 km/h).
  • Maximum distance with rear wheels on ground: 20 miles (30 km).
  • If the battery is dead, it is not possible to release the gear selector by pressing the brake pedal. Release the gear selector manually, see page 6:19.


    Cars equipped with automatic transmission/three-way catalytic converters cannot be started by pushing or pulling the car.


    CAUTION: The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling another vehicle out of a ditch or any similar purpose involving severe strain.
    Do not attempt to start the car by pushing or pulling it as damage to the three-way catalytic converter can result

    pg. 4:12 Vehicle towing information

    Only use wheel lift or flat bed equipment.


    CAUTION:
    Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air conditioning lines.
    It is equally important not to use slingtype equipment inside the rear wheels: serious damage to the rear axle may result.



    pg. 4:13 Jump starting


    CAUTION: Improper hook-up of jumper cables or use of other than 12-volt batteries could result in damage to equipment and/or battery.


    Check that cars are not touching to prevent premature completion of negative circuit. Note the position of the battery terminals and using jumper cables, first connect booster battery positive (+) terminal (1) to car battery positive (+) terminal (2). Then connect booster battery negative (-) terminal (3) to a stationary solid metal part on the engine at a point away from the battery (4).
    Do not connect booster cable to any part of fuel system or any moving parts. Avoid touching hot manifolds. After engine has started, remove first the negative (-) terminal jumper cable. Then remove the positive (+) terminal jumper cable.


    WARNING!
    To reduce the possibility of explosion, never expose battery to open flame or electric spark. Do not smoke near battery. Batteries generate hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, fabrics or painted surfaces. If contact occurs, flush affected area immediately with water.
    Obtain medical attention immediately if eyes are affected.


    WARNING!
    Failure to follow the instructions of jump starting can lead to personal injury.



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