Volvo VN 2012 User manual

VOLVO VN / VHD / VAH
Driver’s handbook
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
PV776-22014970

FOREWORD
This quick reference guide details basic information for operating your
VN, VHD or VAH vehicle. Please keep this guide in the vehicle at all times.
Note: Illustrations in this guide are used for reference only and may differ slightly
from the actual vehicle. However, key components addressed in this
document are represented as accurately as possible.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Volvo Trucks
North America should be informed immediately if you believe the vehicle has a
defect that could cause a crash, injury or death.
Contact NHTSA by calling the Auto Safety Hotline at 1(888) 327-4236, by writing
to NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590, by TTY at
1(800) 424-9153, or by visiting their website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
Volvo Trucks North America, a division of Volvo Group North America, Inc.
Greensboro, NC USA
©2012 Volvo Group North America, Inc., Greensboro, NC USA
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of Volvo Trucks North America, a division of
Volvo Group North America, Inc.

contents
Starting the Engine.................................... 4-6
Cab Doors, Door Locks and Keys .....................7-11
Panel Arrangement ...................................... 12
Instrument Panel Gauge Layout.......................... 13
Panel A ................................................. 14
Panel B ............................................. 14 -15
Panel C.................................................16
Panel D .................................................17
Panel E .................................................18
I-Shift Transmission Features ........................ 19-21
Cruise Control ..................................... 22-23
Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone Mode (Optional Feature).......24
Steering Wheel Controls ................................25
Miscellaneous Switches................................ 26

4
starting the engine
Start Procedure
For cold weather starting, refer to the VN/VHD/VAH operator’s manual.
The following starting and operating procedures should be followed for
all engines. For more information about the design and function of a non-
VOLVO engine, refer to the operator’s manual from the engine manufacturer.
Before starting the engine, see “Instruments and Controls” section (pages
12–23) for detailed information on how the gauges and tell-tales work.
Never operate the starter without first placing the transmission in
neutral or depressing the clutch pedal. Failure to so could result in the
unintentional movement of the vehicle resulting in property damage,
personal injury or death.
DANGER
STARTING THE ENGINE
DO NOT use ether or other combustible starting aids
in any VOLVO engine. Doing so could cause a fire or
explosion resulting in severe property damage, serious
personal injury or death.
DANGER

ee Phone
5
starting the engine
1. Before starting the engine, perform the engine pre-trip inspection and daily
maintenance checks. For more information on the pre-trip inspection, refer
to the VN/VHD/VAH operator’s manual.
2. Make sure the parking brakes are engaged.
3. Place the transmission in neutral or depress the clutch pedal.
NOTE: Some starters are equipped with starter protection. If the engine is
running and the starter temperature is too high, or the transmission
is not in neutral, or the clutch pedal is not depressed, starter
engagement is inhibited. When the key is turned to the start position,
there is a one-second delay before the starter is engaged.
NOTE: The starter will not operate if the PTO is engaged.
4. Turn on the ignition with the switch key. Some tell-tales will come on in a
routine check that shows the bulbs and systems are OK. If any of the tell-
tales remain on, that function of the vehicle may not be operable. DO NOT
operate the vehicle until the problem is repaired. For an explanation of the
tell-tales, refer to the VN/VHD/VAH operator’s manual.
5. Turn the key to the start position. Release key as soon as the engine has
started. For the VOLVO engine, the preheater can be engaged to assist
starting in cold temperatures.
DO NOT crank the engine for more than 30 seconds at a time. Wait
two minutes after each try to allow the starter to cool. Failure to follow
these instructions could cause starter damage.
CAUTION
STARTING THE ENGINE

6
If at start-up, or any time thereafter,
the oil pressure gauge indicates
a drop in oil pressure, shut the
engine down immediately. Failure
to stop the engine may cause
major engine damage.
CAUTION
6. When the engine has started, it takes a while to send lubricating oil to
all bearings and shafts and between pistons and liners. Wait for the oil
pressure gauge to settle at a normal level, then gradually increase engine
speed. Continue to increase speed slowly as the engine warms up. Check
all gauges during warm-up.
7. During warm-up, apply load gradually until the oil temperature reaches
60°C (140°F). To move a loaded vehicle, the minimum coolant temperature
must be approximately 50°C (120°F).
starting the engine
STARTING THE ENGINE
Engine Break-In
Engines are tested on dynamometers before being shipped from the
manufacturer. In most applications, the engine can be put to work immediately,
but the operator should be extra observant of the operating conditions shown
on the gauges during the initial 100 hours or 5,000 Km (3,000 miles).
A more frequent check of the engine compartment for fluid leaks, fluid levels
and fastener tightness is also recommended during the break-in period.

7
cab doors, door locks and keys
Keyless Remote Entry
1. Press the remote button once to
unlock driver side. Press twice to
unlock both doors.
2. Press the remote button once to
lock doors.
Note: The vehicle is delivered with two
identical keys. Additional keys
may be ordered through your
authorized VOLVO Truck dealer.
le
r.
To lessen the chance of being thrown from the vehicle in the event
of an accident, always lock the doors and wear the safety belt while
driving. Failure to do so can cause serious personal injury or death in
the event of an accident.
DANGER
CAB DOORS, DOOR LOCKS AND KEYS
Keys
The cab doors can be locked and unlocked with the same key used for the
ignition. Keyless remote entry is also available. Keys can be made to fit just
one vehicle or all the vehicles in a VOLVO fleet. The key fits in the door lock
in either orientation. Insert the key and turn it ¼ turn counterclockwise to
unlock the door, or clockwise to lock it.

8
Mechanical Locks
With mechanical locks, to lock either
door from inside the cab, push the door
lock handle forward. The handle will stay
in place, indicating the door is locked.
It can be unlocked without opening the
door by moving the door lock handle to
the middle position.
Pull the handle back to unlock the door.
Push the handle forward to lock the door.
cab doors, door locks and keys
CAB DOORS, DOOR LOCKS AND KEYS
Door Locks
The door locks are mechanically or electronically operated. The lock is
activated by the key from outside the truck, or by the door lock handle from
inside. With mechanical locks, only one door can be locked and unlocked at
a time. With electronic locks, both doors can be locked and unlocked by the
key or by the inner door lock handle on the driver’s and passenger’s sides.
Note: Neither door can be locked while it is still open. The door must be
closed for the lock to work.

9
cab doors, door locks and keys
Electronic Locks
With electronic locks, to lock both doors
from inside the cab, push the door lock
handle forward on either door. The handle
will stay in place, indicating the door is
locked.
Either door can be unlocked without
opening the door by moving the door lock
handle to the middle position. Each door
must be unlocked individually from inside
the cab.
To unlock the doors using the key, insert
the key in either door lock. Turn the key to
the unlock position to unlock that door (1).
To unlock both doors, turn the key to the
unlock position (1), turn the key to the lock
position (2) and turn the key to the unlock
position (3).
CAB DOORS, DOOR LOCKS AND KEYS

10
cab doors, door locks and keys
To close the door from the inside,
place your hand in the handhold and
pull the door toward you.
To close the door from the outside,
place your hand against the door lock
area and push the door shut.
DO NOT shut the door by pushing on the door panel. Doing so may
distort the door panel metal.
CAUTION
CAB DOORS, DOOR LOCKS AND KEYS
Door Operation
Each door has a position lock that enables the door to remain open in
two different positions. An indented bar holds the door partially open at
approximately 30° and fully open at approximately 85°.

11
cab doors, door locks and keys
Power Door Locks
(Optional)
Power door locks are operated by a remote control
button located on the control panel on the driver’s
door. Press button 1(shown on panel diagram) to
lock both doors, or press button 2to unlock them.
In the event of a power failure, the electrical lock
system reverts back to a mechanical system.
Central Locking
The central locking feature is operated using a
remote control button located on the driver’s door
control panel. There is no alarm in this unit. The
central locking unit allows the driver to control the
vehicle’s door locks electronically for convenience
and increased personal safety.
l
CAB DOORS, DOOR LOCKS AND KEYS
Unlock Doors Using Remote Control
To unlock the driver’s door, press the UNLOCK button. The side
indicators will flash.
To unlock the passenger door, press the UNLOCK button again.
The side indicators will flash.
Lock Doors Using Remote Control
Press the LOCK button. The side indicators will flash.
1 2

12
PANEL ARRANGEMENT
Your view from the driver seat will look similar to the illustrations shown on
page 13. The layout is designed to provide the operator with a good view of
the gauges and controls, which are placed within easy reach. The instrument
panel, as shown in the drawing, is broken down into five sections. For easy
identification we refer to them, from left to right, as Panels A, B, C, D and E.
Note: This guide shows instruments and controls available for this vehicle at
the time of publication. Depending on options, your vehicle may not
have all the instruments and controls shown, and they may not be in
the same position.
PANEL ARRANGEMENT

13
INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGE LAYOUT
Panel arrangement, showing location of Panels A, B, C, Dand E.
INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGE LAYOUT

14
PANEL A
1. Light Control Panel
2. Instrument Cluster
3. Trailer Air Supply
4. Tractor Parking Brake
PANEL A & B

15
PANEL B
5. Inter-Wheel Differential Lock
6. Inter-Axle Differential Lock
7. VN: Idle Management Indicator
Lamp (ISX ICON) or Optional
Switch or Electronically
Controlled Suspension (ECS)
On/Off or Lift Axle #1 (Pusher)
8. VN: Optional Switch or
Electronically Controlled
Suspension (ECS) Up/Down
9. Auxiliary #1
10. VN: Auxiliary #2 or Temp-A-Start
(TAS) Indicator Lamps
11. VN: Auxiliary #3 or Temp-A-Start
(TAS) On/Off
12. Secondary Gauge Cluster
13. Secondary Gauge Cluster
14. Engine Brake or I-Shift Eco-Roll®
15. VN: Engine Brake Mode Select
(ISX) or I-Shift Hill Start Assist
16. VN: Fifth Wheel Touch Lock
(Unlock)
17. Marker Interrupt or Secondary
Gauge Cluster
18. Optional Switch or Secondary
Gauge Cluster
19. Traction Control
20. Suspension Dump
21. Fifth Wheel Slide or Engine
Inside/Outside Air Control
22. Air Vent
23. Radio
24. Fan Speed
25. Recirculation
26. Air Distribution
27. AC ON/OFF
28. Temperature Knob
29. Trailer Hand Brake Control
PANEL B

16
PANEL C
30. VN: Optional Switch or Passenger Window Lift
31. Water in Fuel (Purge Switch)
32. Optional Switch or AUX/USB Port
33. VN: Sleeper Fan Speed
34. VN: Optional Switch or Beacon Lamps
PANEL C

17
PANEL D
35. Back-of-Cab Light
36. Optional Switch
37. Optional Switch or Power Take-Off (PTO)
38. VN: Overhead Bunk Lamp or Passenger Side Mirror In/Out
39. VN: Side Mirror Heat or Power Take-Off (PTO)
PANEL D

18
PANEL E
40. AC Inverter 120 V
41. Optional Switch
42. Optional Switch
43. Power Outlet
44. Microphone
Note: Before driving this vehicle, locate the various instruments and controls
and become familiar with their operation. After starting and while
driving, be sure the instrument readings are normal.
Note: The instruments and controls shown were available for this vehicle
at the time of publication. Depending on the options selected, not all
gauges and tell-tales may be used in all vehicles.
Note: The dash layout is the same for all VOLVO vehicles. However, the
switches and certain switch positions are different depending on
vehicle options specified.
p
PANEL E

19
I-SHIFT TRANSMISSION FEATURES
I-SHIFT TRANSMISSION FEATURES
Gear Selector
Note: The I-Shift transmission is available with optional features. Customer-
requested options are available. Contact your VOLVO Truck dealer for
more information about standard and optional features.
I-Shift transmission optional feature packages can be upgraded to add
additional benefits.
Gear Selectors
Two gear selectors are available with the
I-Shift transmission: Premium and Basic.
The gear selector is attached to the
drivers seat. There are four gear selector
positions: R, N, D and M. When the gear
lever is in the R position, the reverse
gears are engaged. The N position places
the transmission in neutral. The D position
is the automatic drive mode. With the
Premium gear selector, the M position
allows the operator to manually select
the operating and starting gear. With the
Basic gear selector, the M position holds
the current operating gear and puts the
transmission in first gear when starting
from a stop.
Basic Gear Selector Shown
n

20
Gear Selector Movement
The gear selector lock must be depressed to move the gear lever from
the N position.
The gear lever can be moved from the R position to N, back and forth
between the D and M positions, and from the D position to N without
pressing the gear selector lock.
1. Gear Lever
2. Economy/Performance Button (Premium gear selector only)
3. Gear Selector Lock
4. Manual Gear Selection Buttons (Premium gear selector only)
5. Fold Button
I-SHIFT TRANSMISSION FEATURES
I-SHIFT TRANSMISSION FEATURES
Premium Gear Selector Shown