Volvo S40 2005 User manual

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VOLVO
S40
Introduction
Welcome to the worldwide family of Volvo owners. We hope that you will enjoy many years of safe driving in your
Volvo, an automobile designed with your safety and comfort in mind. To help ensure your satisfaction with this
vehicle, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the equipment descriptions, operating instructions and
maintenance requirements/recommendations in this manual. We also urge you and your passengers to wear seat belts
at all times in this (or any other) automobile. And, of course, please do not operate a vehicle if you may be affected by
alcohol, medication or any impairment that could hinder your ability to drive.

Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable safety and emission standards, as indicated by the certification labels
attached to the driver's door opening, and on the underside of the hood.
For further information please contact your retailer, or:
In the USA: Volvo Cars of North America
Customer Care Center
P.O. Box 914 Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647-0914
1-800-458-1552
http://www.volvocars.us
In Canada:Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd.
Customer Care Center
175 Gordon Baker Road
North York, Ontario M2H 2N7
1-800-663-8255
http://www.volvocanada.com
2005 © Volvo Cars of North America, LLC
Introduction
General information
Shiftlock
When your car is parked, the gear selector is locked in the (P)ark position. To release the selector from this position,
turn the ignition key to position II (or start the engine), depress the brake pedal, press the button on the front side of the
gear selector and move the selector from (P)ark.
Keylock
When the ignition is switched off, the gear selector must be in the (P)ark position before the key can be removed from
the ignition switch.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS system in your car performs a self-diagnostic test when the vehicle first reaches the speed of approximately
12 mph (20 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsate several times and a sound may be audible from the ABS control
module. This is normal.
Fuel filler door
Press the button on the light switch panel when the car is at a standstill to unlock the fuel filler door.
Fuel filler cap
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 187. 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 exhaust
emission 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.
Introduction
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.
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 freons, lead chromates, naphtanates, asbestos, mercury and cadmium; and reduced the
amount 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% 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, refined
purification systems and cleaner fuels are bringing us closer to our goal. After Volvo cars and parts have fulfilled their
use, recycling is the next critical step in completing the life cycle. The metal content is about 75% of the total weight
of a car, which makes the car among the most recycled industrial products. In order to have efficient and well
controlled recycling, many Volvo variants have printed dismantling manuals, indicating the weight and material of
individual components. For Volvo, all homogeneous plastic parts weighing more than 1.7 oz. (50 grams) are marked
with international symbols that indicate how the component is to be sorted for recycling. In addition to continuous
environmental refinement of conventional gasoline-powered internal combustion engines, Volvo is actively looking at
advanced technology alternative-fuel vehicles.
When you drive a Volvo, you become our partner in the work to lessen the car's impact on the environment. To reduce
your vehicle's environmental impact, you can:
Maintain proper air pressure in your tires. Tests have shown decreased fuel economy with improperly inflated tires.
Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your Warranty and Service Records Information booklet.

Drive at a constant speed whenever possible.
See an authorized Volvo retailer as soon as possible for inspection if the check engine (malfunction indicator) lamp
illuminates, or stays on after the vehicle has started.
Properly dispose of any vehicle-related waste such as used motor oil, used batteries, brake pads, etc.
When cleaning your car, use Volvo's own car care products, all of which have systematically been adapted to the
environment.
Introduction
PremAir®
The surface of the radiator in the engine compartment is treated with a special coating called Premair*. This coating
works as a catalytic converter, converting most of the ground level ozone passing through the radiator into oxygen,
thereby reducing harmful ground-level ozone.
* PremAir is a registered trademark of Engelhard Corporation.
Contents
Contents
Chapter 1 - Instrument overview
Chapter 2 - Safety
Chapter 3 - Instruments and controls
Chapter 4 - Climate
Chapter 5 - Interior
Chapter 6 - Locks and alarm
Chapter 7 - Starting and driving
Chapter 8 - Wheels and tires
Chapter 9 - Vehicle care
Chapter 10 - Maintenance and servicing
Chapter 11 - Audio
Chapter 12 - Specifications
Index
Supplement - VALET OR SERVICE LOCKING
Supplement - ACCESSORY 18-INCH TIRE PRESSURES
Supplement - SAFETY - AIRBAG LABELS

Top of Page

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VOLVO
S40
Chapter 1 - Instrument overview
pg. 8 Instrument overview
pg. 9 Instrument overview
1. Steering wheel adjustment
2. Hood opener
3. Controls in driver's door
4. Turn signals, high beams, trip computer
5. Lighting panel, fuel filler door opener
6. Central locking button, door open handle
7. Climate system air vents
8. Side window air vent
9. Cruise control
10. Horn, airbag
11. Main instrument panel
12. Audio controls (option)
13. Windshield wipers and washers, headlight washers (certain models)
14. Ignition key
15. Rear-view mirror and optional compass
16. Seat belt reminder
17. Driver's side reading light
18. Movement detector (option), alarm

19. Courtesy lighting switch
20. Position for accessory switch
21. Passenger's side reading light
22. Moonroof control (option)
23. Display for climate control and audio systems
24. Audio system
25. Controls for audio system
26. Climate control system
27. Gear selector
28. Side window air vent
29. Central locking button, door open handle
30. Glove compartment
31. Controls in passenger's door
32. Parking brake
33. 12-volt socket
34. Stability system STC/DSTC switch
35. Switch for optional equipment
1. Power window lockout button
2. Power windows
3. Door mirror button, driver's side
4. Door mirror adjustment control
5. Door mirror button, passenger's side
Contents | Top of Page

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VOLVO
S40
Chapter 2 - Safety
Occupant safety 12
Seat belts 14
Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS) 17
Occupant Weight Sensor - disabling the passenger's side front airbag 19
Side impact protection (SIPS) airbags 25
Volvo Inflatable Curtain (VIC) 26
WHIPS 28
Collision status 30
Inspecting safety system components 31
Child safety 32
pg. 12 Safety
Occupant safety
Volvo's concern for safety
Safety 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 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. 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. To contact NHTSA, you
may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1- 800-424-9393 (or 202-366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or
write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information
about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
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:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov
or by phone at:
pg. 13 Occupant safety
1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327- 4236) (toll free)
1-800-424-9393 (toll free)
1-202-366-0123 (in the Washington DC area)
pg. 14 Seat belts
Seat belts
Using seat belts
Not wearing a seat belt is like believing "It'll never happen to me!" Volvo, the inventor of the three-point seat belt,
urges you and all occupants of your vehicle to wear seat belts and ensure that children are properly restrained, using an
infant, car or booster seat determined by age, weight and height.
Volvo also believes no child should sit in the front seat of a vehicle.
Most states and provinces make it mandatory for occupants of a vehicle to use seat belts.
So, urging you to buckle up is not just our recommendation. The few seconds it takes to buckle your seat belt may one
day allow you to say "It's a good thing I was wearing my seat belt."
The outboard seat belts are equipped with tensioners that reduce slack in the belts.
These tensioners are triggered in situations where the airbags deploy. The front seat belts also include a tension
reducing device which, in the event of a collision, limits the peak forces exerted by the seat belt on the occupant.
WARNING!
Never use a seat belt for more than one occupant. Never wear the shoulder portion of the belt under the arm, behind
the back or otherwise out of position. Such use could cause injury in the event of an accident. As seat belts lose
much of their strength when exposed to violent stretching, they should be replaced after any collision, even if they
appear to be undamaged.

Sample label on all seat belts with tensioners
Buckling a seat belt
Pull the belt out far enough to insert the latch plate into the receptacle until a distinct click is heard. The seat belt
retractor is normally "unlocked" and you can move freely, provided that the shoulder belt is not pulled out too far. The
retractor will lock up as follows:
if the belt is pulled out rapidly
during braking and acceleration
if the vehicle is leaning excessively
when driving in turns
For the seat belt to provide maximum protection in the event of an accident, it must be worn correctly.
pg. 15 Seat belts
When wearing the seat belt remember:
The belt should not be twisted or turned.
The lap section of the belt must be positioned low on the hips (not pressing against the abdomen).
Make sure that the shoulder belt is rolled up into its retractor and that the shoulder and lap belts are taut. Before
exiting the vehicle, check that the seat belt retracts fully after being unbuckled. If necessary, guide the belt back into
the retractor slot.
Tightening the lap belt
WARNING!
Never repair the belt on your own; have this work done by an authorized Volvo retailer only.
Any device used to induce slack into the shoulder belt portion of the three-point belt system will have a detrimental
effect on the amount of protection available to you in the event of a collision.
The seat back should not be tilted too far back. The shoulder belt must be taut in order to function properly.
Do not use child safety seats or child booster cushions/backrests in the front passenger's seat. We also recommend
that children who have outgrown these devices sit in the rear seat with the seat belt properly fastened.

Child seats
Please refer to page 35 for information on securing child seats with the seat belts.
Seat belt use during pregnancy
Pregnant women should always wear seat belts. Remember that the belt should be positioned in such a way as to avoid
any possible pressure on the abdomen. The lap section of the belt should be located low, as shown in the illustration.
pg. 16 Seat belts
Seat belt reminder light in ceiling console
Seat belt reminder
A light, located above the rear view mirror in the ceiling console, will light up if either of the front seat occupants has
not buckled his/her seat belt. A light will also illuminate in the instrument panel. If the car is not moving, the lights will
go out after approximately 6 seconds.
Front seats
The seat belt reminder lights will remain on until the driver and/or front seat passenger has buckled his/her seat belt.
There is also an audible tone that changes frequency, depending on the speed of the car.
Seat belt maintenance
Check periodically that the seat belts are in good condition. Use water and a mild detergent for cleaning. Check seat
belt mechanism function as follows: attach the seat belt and pull rapidly on the strap.
pg. 17 Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)

Components in the SRS system
Front airbags
Your Volvo is equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which consists of front airbags that enhance the
three-point seat belt system. The Volvo SRS system includes gas generators (1) surrounded by the airbags (2) and front
seat belt tensioners for both of the front seats. To deploy the system, the sensor (3) activates the gas generators causing
the airbags to be inflated with nitrogen gas.
As the movement of the seats' occupants compresses the airbags, some of the gas is expelled at a controlled rate to
provide better cushioning. Both seat belt tensioners also deploy, minimizing seat belt slack. The entire process,
including inflation and deflation of the airbags, takes approximately one fifth of a second.
Location of the passenger's side front airbag
The system is designed to supplement the protection provided by the three-point seat belt system. The outboard rear
seat belts are also equipped with tensioners. The SRS system is indicated by the "SRS" embossed on the steering wheel
pad and above the glove compartment, and by decals on both sun visors and on the front and far right side of the dash.
The airbags are folded and located in the steering wheel hub and above the glove compartment.
Seat belts - the heart of the Volvo safety system
The heart of the Volvo safety system is the three-point seat belt (a Volvo invention)! In order for the SRS system to
provide the protection intended, seat belts must be worn at all times by everyone in the vehicle. The SRS system is a
supplement to the seat belts.
pg. 18 Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)
WARNING!
As its name implies, SRS is designed to be a SUPPLEMENT to - not a replacement for - the three-point belt system.
For maximum protection, wear seat belts at all times. Be aware that no system can prevent all possible injuries that
may occur in an accident.
Never drive an SRS-equipped vehicle with your hands on the steering wheel pad/ airbag housing.
SRS is designed to help prevent serious injury. Deployment occurs very quickly and with considerable able force.
During normal deployment and depending on variables such as seating position, one may experience abrasions,

bruises, swellings, or other injuries as a result of airbag(s) deployment.
When installing any accessory equipment, make sure that the SRS system is not damaged. Any interference in the
system could cause malfunction.
Never try to repair any part of the SRS or SIPS bag systems yourself. Any interference in the system could cause
malfunction and serious injury. All work on these systems should be performed by an authorized Volvo retailer.
pg. 19 Occupant Weight Sensor - disabling the passenger's side front airbag
Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS) indicator light
Disabling the passenger's side front airbag
The passenger's side front airbag is automatically enabled/disabled by the Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS), a system
that monitors the weight of the person or object in the front passenger's seat. The system consists of a silicon-filled bag
located under the padding in the front passenger's seat cushion, a control module located under this seat, and a seat belt
tension sensor, located on the outboard side of the seat.
If the system is functioning normally, the status of the front passenger's side airbag (enabled/disabled) will be shown
by the OWS indicator light as explained in the table above.

NOTE: When the ignition is switched on, the OWS indicator light will go on for up to 10 seconds while the system
performs a self-diagnostic test and then go out.
However, if a fault is detected in the system:
The OWS indicator light will stay on
The safety system warning light (see page 22) will come on and stay on
The message PASS. AIRBAG OFF SERVICE URGENT will be displayed in the information display.
WARNING!
If a fault in the system is detected and indicated as explained above, be aware that the passenger's side front airbag
will not deploy in the event of a collision. In this case, the safety systems and Occupant Weight Sensor should be
inspected by an authorized Volvo retailer as soon as possible.
pg. 20 Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)
WARNING!
Never try to open, remove, or repair any components in the OWS system. This could result in system malfunction.
Maintenance or repairs should only be carried out by an authorized Volvo service technician.
WARNING!
Keep the following points in mind with respect to the OWS system. Failure to follow these instructions could
adversely affect the system's function and result in serious injury to the occupant of the front passenger's seat:
The full weight of the front seat passenger should always be on the seat cushion. The passenger should never lift
him/herself off the seat cushion using the armrest in the door or the center console, by pressing the feet on the floor,
by sitting on the edge of the seat cushion, or by pressing against the backrest in a way that reduces pressure on the
seat cushion. This could cause OWS to disable the front, passenger's side airbag.
The front passenger's seat should not be modified in any way. This could reduce pressure on the seat cushion, which
might interfere with the OWS system's function.
No objects should be placed under the front passenger's seat. This could interfere with the OWS system's function.
WARNING!
No objects that add to the total weight on the seat should be placed on the front passenger's seat. If a child is seated
in the front passenger's seat with any additional weight, this extra weight could cause the OWS system to enable the
airbag, which might cause it to deploy in the event of a collision, thereby injuring the child.
The seat belt should never be wrapped around an object on the front passenger's seat. This could interfere with the
OWS system's function.
The front passenger's seat belt should never be used in a way that exerts more pressure on the passenger than
normal. This could increase the pressure exerted on the weight sensor by a child, and could result in the airbag being
enabled, which might cause it to deploy in the event of a collision, thereby injuring the child.
pg. 21 Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)
When do the front airbags deploy?
The front airbags are designed to deploy during certain frontal or front-angular collisions, impacts, or decelerations,
depending on the crash severity, angle, speed and object impacted. The airbags may also deploy in certain non-frontal
collisions where rapid deceleration occurs. The SRS sensors are designed to react to both the impact of the collision
and the inertial forces generated by it, and to determine if the intensity of the collision is sufficient for the seat belt
tensioners and/or airbags to be deployed. If the airbags have been deployed, we recommend the following:

Have the vehicle towed to an authorized Volvo retailer. Never drive with the airbags deployed.
Have an authorized Volvo retailer replace the SRS system components.
Use only new, Genuine Volvo Parts when replacing SRS components (airbags, seat belts, tensioners, etc.).
NOTE:
Deployment of SRS components occurs only one time during an accident. In a collision where deployment occurs,
the airbags and seat belt tensioners activate. Some noise occurs and a small amount of powder is released. The release
of the powder may appear as smoke-like matter. This is a normal characteristic and does not indicate fire.
Volvo's dual-threshold, dual-stage front airbags use special sensors that are integrated with the front seat buckles.
The point at which the airbag deploys is determined by whether or not the seat belt is being used, as well as the
severity of the collision. Collisions can occur where only one of the airbags deploys. If the impact is less severe, but
severe enough to present a clear injury risk, the dual-stage airbags are triggered at 70% of their total capacity. If the
impact is more severe, the dual-stage airbags are triggered at full capacity.
WARNING!
Do not use child safety seats or child booster cushions/backrests in the front passenger's seat. We also recommend
that occupants under 4 feet 7 inches (140 cm) in height who have outgrown these devices sit in the rear seat with the
seat belt fastened.
Never drive with the airbags deployed. The fact that they hang out can impair the steering of your vehicle. Other
safety systems can also be damaged.
The smoke and dust formed when the airbags are deployed can cause skin and eye irritation in the event of
prolonged exposure.
When do the front airbags not deploy?
Not all frontal collisions activate the SRS system. If the collision involves a nonrigid object (e.g., a snow drift or
bush), or a rigid, fixed object at a low speed, the SRS system will not necessarily deploy. Front airbags do not
normally deploy in a side impact collision, in a collision from the rear or in a rollover situation. The amount of
damage to the bodywork does not reliably indicate if the airbags should have deployed or not.
pg. 22 Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)
Safety system warning light in the instrument panel
A self-diagnostic system incorporated in the sensor monitors certain safety system components. A check is performed
on components such as seat belt locks, SRS, SIPS, OWS, and/or the VIC system. If a fault is detected, the warning
light will illuminate. The light is included in the warning/indicator light cluster in the instrument panel. Normally, the
safety system warning lamp should light up when the ignition key is turned to positions I, II or III and should go out
after approximately 7 seconds or when the engine is started. Check that this light is functioning properly every time the

vehicle is started.
WARNING!
If the safety system warning light stays on after the engine has started or if it comes on while you are driving, drive
the vehicle to the nearest authorized Volvo retailer for inspection as soon as possible.
There is no maintenance to perform on the SRS yourself. The month and year shown on the decal on the door pillar
indicate when you should contact your Volvo retailer for specific servicing or replacement of airbags and seat belt
tensioners. This service must be performed by an authorized Volvo retailer.
WARNING!
If your vehicle has been subjected to flood conditions (e.g. soaked carpeting/ standing water on the floor of the
vehicle) or if your vehicle has become flood-damaged in any way, do not attempt to start the vehicle or put the key
in the ignition before disconnecting the battery (see below). This may cause airbag deployment which could result in
personal injury. Have the vehicle towed to an authorized Volvo retailer for repairs.
Automatic transmission:
Before attempting to tow the vehicle, use the following procedure to override the shiftlock system to move the gear
selector to the neutral position.
Switch off the ignition for at least 10 minutes and disconnect the battery
Wait at least one minute.
Insert the key in the ignition and turn it to position II.
Press firmly on the brake pedal.
Move the gear selector from (P)ark to the (N)eutral position. See page 111 for information on manually overriding
the shiftlock system.
pg. 23 Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)
SRS text on passenger's dash
Should you have any questions about the SRS system, please contact your authorized Volvo retailer or Volvo
Customer Support:
In the USA In Canada
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd.
Customer Care Center Customer Care Center
P.O. Box 914 175 Gordon Baker Rd.
Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647-091 North York, Ontario M2H 2N7

1-800-458-1552 1-800-663-8255
SRS text on outside of both sun visors
SRS text on inside of both sun visors
WARNING!
Children must never be allowed in the front passenger's seat. Volvo recommends that ALL occupants (adults and
children) shorter than 4 feet 7 inches (140 cm) be seated in the back seat of any vehicle with a passenger-side front
airbag. See 35 for guidelines.
Occupants in the front passenger's seat must never sit on the edge of the seat, sit leaning toward the instrument panel
or otherwise sit out of position.
The occupant's back must be as upright as comfort allows and be against the seat back with the seat belt properly
fastened.
Feet must be on the floor, e.g. not on the dash, seat or out of the window.
pg. 24 Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)
WARNING!
No objects or accessory equipment, e.g. dashboard covers, may be placed on, attached to, or installed near the SRS
hatch (the area above the glove compartment) or the area affected by airbag deployment (see the illustration on page
17).
There should be no loose articles, e.g. coffee cups, on the floor, seat, or dashboard area.
Never try to open the SRS cover on the steering wheel or the passenger's side dashboard. This should only be done
by an authorized Volvo service technician. Failure to follow these instructions can result in injury to the vehicle
occupants.
Contents | Top of Page

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VOLVO
S40
Chapter 3 - Instruments and controls
pg. 37 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel 38
Indicator and warning symbols 39
Symbols on the left side of the instrument panel 40
Symbols on the right side of the instrument panel 41
Information display 43
Center console controls 44
Lighting panel 45
Left-side steering wheel lever 47
Cruise control (option) 49
Right-side steering wheel lever 51
Steering wheel adjustment, Hazard warning flashers 53
Parking brake, 12 volt socket 54
Power windows 55
Mirrors 57
Power moonroof (option) 59
Personal settings 61
Home Link® Universal Transceiver (option) 63
pg. 38 Instrument panel

1. Speedometer
2. Turn signal, left
3. Warning symbol
See the next page for additional information.
4. Information display
The display presents information and warning messages, the ambient temperature, and the clock, etc. When the
ambient temperature is between 23° and 36°F (-5° and +2°C), a snowflake symbol is shown in the display. This
symbol serves as a warning for possible slippery road surfaces. Please note that this symbol does not indicate a fault
with your car. At low speeds, or when the car is not moving, the temperature readings may be slightly higher than the
actual ambient temperature.
5. Information symbol
See the next page for additional information.
6. Turn signal, right
7. Tachometer
The tachometer shows engine speed in thousands of revolutions per minute (rpm). Do not drive continuously with the
needle in the red area of the dial, which indicates maximum allowable engine rpm range. Instead, shift to a higher gear
or slow the vehicle down. The engine management system will automatically prevent excessively high engines speeds.
This will be noticeable as a pronounced unevenness in engine speed.
8. Indicator and warning symbols
9. Fuel gauge
The fuel tank holds approximately 15.9 US gallons (60 liters)1. When a warning light in the gauge comes on, there are
approximately 2.1 US gallons (8 liters) of fuel remaining in the tank.
10. Trip odometer reset button
The trip odometers are used to measure short distances. Press the button briefly to switch between the odometer for the
car's total mileage and the two trip odometers, T1 and T2. A long press (more than 2 seconds) resets the currently
selected trip odometer.
11. Function display
This window displays information on functions such as the odometer, trip odometers, optional rain sensor, and cruise
control.
12. High beam indicator
13. Clock setting button
Turn the button to set the time.

14. Temperature gauge
The gauge indicates the temperature of the engine cooling system. If the temperature is abnormally high and the needle
enters the red zone, a message is shown in the display. Bear in mind that extra lamps in front of the air intake reduce
the cooling capacity at high outside temperatures and high engine loads.
15. Indicator and warning symbols
1. Models with All Wheel Drive have a tank volume of 15 US gallons (57 liters).
Models with engine code 39 have a fuel tank capacity of 14.5 US gallons (55 liters). This code is the 6th and 7th digits
from the left in your vehicle's VIN number. See page 184 for the location of the VIN plate.
pg. 39 Indicator and warning symbols
Function check
The indicator and warning symbols light up when you turn the ignition key to the driving position (position II) before
starting. This shows that the symbols are functioning. When the engine starts, all symbols go out. If the engine is not
started within 5 seconds, all of the symbols except CHECK ENGINE and will go out. Certain symbols may not
have their functions illustrated, depending on the car's equipment. The PARK BRAKE symbol will not go out until the
parking brake has been released.
Symbols in the center of the instrument panel
Warning symbol
The red warning symbol lights up to indicate a fault that could affect the car's driveability. A text explaining the nature
of the fault will also be shown in the information display. This symbol may also light up in combination with other
indicator or warning symbols.
If the red warning symbol lights up:
1. Stop the car as soon as possible in a suitable location.
2. Read the message in the information display.
3. Follow the instructions provided, or contact an authorized Volvo Retailer or workshop.
Information symbol
The yellow information symbol lights up to alert the driver to a message in the information display. This symbol may
also light up in combination with other indicator or warning symbols.
NOTE: The car can still be driven after the information symbol has come on. The car can be driven for 1-2 weeks
after service-related information has been displayed.