Volvo S80 2003 Owner Manual
2003 Volvo S80
2 0 0 3
VOLVO
S80
This manual deals with the operation and care of your Volvo.
Welcome to the world-wide family of Volvo owners. We trust that you will enjoy many years of safe
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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 evidenced by the
certification labels attached to the driver's door opening and on the left wheel housing in the engine
compartment.
For further information please contact your
retailer, or:
In the USA: In Canada:
Volvo Cars of North America Volvo Canada Ltd.
Customer Relations 175 Gordon Baker Road
P.O. Box 914 North York, Ontario M2H 2N7
Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647-
0914
800-663-8255
800-458-1552
We also invite you to visit our Home Page on the Internet at:
http://www.volvocars.com
Contents
Contents
Chapter 1 - Safety
Chapter 2 - Instruments, switches and controls
Chapter 3 - Climate control system
Chapter 4 - Interior
Chapter 5 - Keys, Locks, Alarm
Chapter 6 - Starting and driving
Chapter 7 - Wheels and tires
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Chapter 8 - Maintenance/Servicing
Chapter 9 - Specifications
Chapter 10 - Audio systems
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver (option)
Index
Back Cover
© 2002 Volvo Cars of North America LLC.
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
This means that when you switch off the ignition, 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
The fuel filler door, located on the right rear fender, is connected to your car's central locking system.
Press the button on the light switch panel (see
page 32) when the car is at a standstill to unlock the fuel
filler door. Please note that the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the car begins to move
forward.
An audible click will be heard when the fuel filler door relocks.
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.
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Important
Before you operate your car for the first time, please familiarize yourself with the new-engine oil
consumption information on
page 120. You should also be familiar with the information in the
chapters one, two and four of this manual.
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 car 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 and that 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.
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING! 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 our 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
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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.
In use, Volvo was the first in the world to introduce into production a three-way catalytic converter with
a Lambda sond, now called 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 for all models as far back as
the M/Y 1975 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.
● 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.
PremAir®
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On the surface of the radiator in the engine compartment, there is a special coating called PremAir®.
PremAir® works as a catalytic converter, converting most of the ozone passing through the radiator into
oxygen, thereby reducing harmful ground-level ozone.
For additional information regarding the environmental activities in which Volvo Cars of North
America, LLC. and Volvo Car Corporation are involved, visit our Internet Home Page at:
http://www.volvocars.com
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2 0 0 3
VOLVO
S80
Chapter 1 - Safety
pg. 1 Safety
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 adult occupants of your car 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 car.
Fact: In every state and province, some type of child-restraint legislation has been passed. Additionally,
most states and provinces have already made it mandatory for occupants of a car to use seat belts.
So, urging you to "buckle up" is not just our recommendation - legislation in your state or province may
mandate seat belt usage. The few seconds it takes to buckle up may one day allow you to say, "It's a
good thing I was wearing my seat belt."
Seat belts 2
Center head restraint 3
Front airbags (SRS) 4
Side impact airbags (SIPS) 8
Volvo Inflatable Curtain (VIC) 9
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) 10
Occupant safety 11
Child safety 12
Brake system 16
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Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) 17
Stability Traction Control (STC) 18
Dynamic Stability and Traction Control
(DSTC)
18
pg. 2 Seat belts
Seat belts
Always fasten the seat belts before you drive or ride. A chime will sound several times if the driver
has not fastened his seat belt.
To buckle:
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.
When wearing the seat belt remember:
● The belt should not be twisted or turned.
● The lap 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 car, check that the seat belt retracts fully after being unbuckled.
If necessary, guide the belt back into the retractor slot.
NOTE: Legislation in your state or province may mandate seat belt usage.
Adjusting shoulder belt
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Lap portion of the belt should sit low
Child seats: Please refer to
page 14 for information on securing child seats with the seat belts.
During pregnancy
Pregnant women should always wear seat belts. Remember that the belt should always be positioned in
such a way as to avoid any possible pressure on the abdomen. The lap portion of the belt should be
located low, as shown in the above illustration.
pg. 3 Seat belts, Center head restraint
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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 the 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.
● 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.
Adjust head restraint height
Center head restraint
The center head restraint can be adjusted according to the passenger's height. The restraint should be
carefully adjusted to support the occupant's head.
The head restraint can be raised by pulling straight up or lowered by pressing the catch at the base of
the left head restraint support and pushing down.
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WARNING!
● Please note that the lowest head restraint position is only intended for use when the backrest is to
be folded down, or when the seat is not occupied.
● The head restraint is intended to help protect the head/neck in a collision. Ensure that it is properly
adjusted for the occupant of the seat.
pg. 4 Front airbags - SRS
As an enhancement to the three-point seat belt system, your Volvo is equipped with a Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS). The Volvo SRS consists of an airbag (2) on both the driver's and passenger's
sides and seat belt tensioners in both front door pillars (4). The system is designed to supplement the
protection provided by the three-point seat belt system. All three 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 far right side of the dash.
The airbags are folded and located in the steering wheel hub and above the glove compartment. They 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 airbag system includes gas generators (1) surrounded by the airbags (2) and front seat belt
tensioners for both of the front seats (4). 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 any seat belt slack.
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The entire process, including inflation and deflation of the airbags, takes approximately two-tenths of a
second.
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.
● When installing any optional equipment, make sure that the SRS system is not damaged. Do not
attempt to service any component of the SRS yourself. Attempting to do so may result in serious
personal injury. If a problem arises, take your car to the nearest authorized Volvo retailer for
inspection as soon as possible.
pg. 5 Front airbags - SRS
A self-diagnostic system incorporated in the sensor monitors the SRS. This system does not, however,
monitor the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) airbags. 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 SRS warning lamp should light up when the ignition key is turned to positions I, II or III and should
go out after 7 seconds or when the engine is started. Check that this light is functioning properly every
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time the car is started.
The following items are monitored by the self-diagnostic system:
● Sensor unit
● Cable harness
● Gas generator igniters
WARNING!
● Never drive an SRS equipped car with your hands on the steering wheel pad / airbag housing.
● No objects, accessory equipment or stickers may be placed on, attached to or installed near the
SRS cover in the center of the steering wheel, the SRS cover above the glove compartment or the area
affected by airbag deployment.
● If the SRS warning light stays on after the engine has started or if it comes on while you are
driving, drive the car 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 seatbelt tensioners. This service must be performed by an authorized Volvo retailer.
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 Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd.
Customer Relations 175 Gordon Baker Road
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P.O. Box 914 North York, Ontario M2H 2N7
Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647-
0914
1-800-663-8255
800-458-1552
pg. 6 Front airbags - SRS
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WARNING!
Do not use child safety seats or child booster cushions/backrests in the front passenger's seat. We also
recommend that children under 4 feet 7 inches (140 cm) in height who have outgrown these devices
sit in the rear seat with the seat belt fastened.
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.
NOTE: Volvo's dual-threshold airbags use special sensors that are integrated with the front seat
buckles. The point at which the air bag 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.
NOTE: Volvo's dual-stage airbags: If the impact is less severe, but severe enough to present a clear
injury risk, the dual-stage airbags are triggered at just 70% of its total capacity. If the impact is more
severe, the dual-stage airbags are triggered with full capacity.
WARNING!
● Children must never be allowed in the front passenger 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 front passenger-side front airbag. See
page 14 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.
● No objects or accessory equipment, e.g. dash 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 illustration on
page 4).
● There should be no loose articles, e.g. coffee cups, on the floor, seat or dash area.
● Never try to open the SRS cover on the steering wheel or the passenger side dash. This should only
be done by an authorized Volvo service technician.
● Failure to follow these instructions can result in injury to the vehicle occupants.
pg. 7 Front airbags - SRS
NOTE: The information on this page does not pertain to the Side Impact Protection System airbags.
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When are the airbags deployed?
The SRS system is designed to deploy during certain frontal or front-angular collisions, impacts, or
decelerations, depending on the crash severity, angle, speed and object impacted. The SRS sensor is
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 airbags to be deployed.
WARNING!
The SRS is designed to help prevent serious injury. Deployment occurs very quickly and with
considerable 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.
If the airbags have been deployed, we recommend the following:
● Have the car 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.).
When are the airbags NOT deployed?
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.
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
car. The SRS system is a supplement to the seat belts.
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WARNING!
If your car has been subjected to flood conditions (e.g. soaked carpeting/standing water on the floor
of the vehicle) or if your car 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 car towed to an authorized Volvo
retailer for repairs.
Automatic transmission:
Before attempting to tow the car, 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.
WARNING!
Never drive with the airbags deployed. The fact that they hang out can impair the steering of your car.
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.
pg. 8 Side impact airbags (SIPS)
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SIPS airbag *
SIPS airbag (front seats only)
As an enhancement to the structural Side Impact Protection System built into your car, the car is also
equipped with Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) airbags. The SIPS airbag system consists of airbag
modules built into the sides of both front seat backrests (1), wires (2) and gas generators/sensor units (3).
The SIPS airbag system is designed to help increase occupant protection in the event of certain side
impact collisions. The SIPS airbags are designed to deploy only during certain side-impact collisions,
depending on the crash severity, angle, speed and point of impact. The airbags are not designed to
deploy in all side impact situations.
NOTE: SIPS airbag deployment (one airbag) occurs only on the side of the vehicle affected by the
impact.
WARNING!
● The SIPS airbag system is a supplement to the Side Impact Protection System and the three-point
seat belt system. It is not designed to deploy during collisions from the front or rear of the car or in
rollover situations.
● The use of seat covers on the front seats may impede SIPS airbag deployment.
● No objects, accessory equipment or stickers may be placed on, attached to or installed near, the
SIPS airbag system or in the area affected by SIPS airbag deployment (see illustration below).
Never try to open or repair any components of the SIPS airbag system. This should only be done by
an authorized Volvo service technician.
● In order for the SIPS airbag to provide its best protection, both front seat occupants should sit in an
upright position with the seat belt properly fastened.
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1 - Airbag, 2 - wire, 3 - gas generator/sensor unit
WARNING!
● Never drive with the airbags deployed. The fact that they hang out can impair the steering of your
car. 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.
● If your car has been subjected to flood conditions (e.g. soaked carpeting/standing water on the floor
of the vehicle) or if your car 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. This may cause airbag
deployment which could result in personal injury. Have the car towed to an authorized Volvo retailer
for repairs.
*A SIPS airbag warning decal is also located at the end of the instrument panel on the driver's side of the
car.
pg. 9 Volvo Inflatable curtain (VIC)
Volvo Inflatable curtain (VIC)
This system consists of inflatable curtains located along the sides of the roof liners, stretching from the
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center of both front side windows to the rear edge of the rear side windows. It is designed to help protect
the heads of the occupant of the front seat and the occupant of the outboard rear seat position in certain
side impact collisions.
NOTE: IC system deployment occurs only on the side of the vehicle affected by the impact.
In certain side impacts, BOTH the Inflatable Curtain (IC) and the Side Impact Airbag System (SIPSbag) will deploy, whereas, in some cases, ONLY the Inflatable Curtain (IC) will deploy. In cases where
BOTH the IC and the SIPS-bag deploy, deployment will occur simultaneously.
If the inflatable curtain deploys, it remains inflated for approximately 3 seconds.
WARNING!
● The IC system is a supplement to the Side Impact Protection System. It is not designed to deploy
during collisions from the front or rear of the car or in rollover situations.
● Never try to open or repair any components of the IC system. This should only be done by an
authorized Volvo service technician.
● The inflatable curtains are designed to deploy only during certain side-impact collisions, depending
on the crash severity, angle, speed and impact. The inflatable curtains are not designed to deploy in
all side impact situations.
● In order for the IC to provide its best protection, both front seat occupants and both outboard rear
seat occupants should sit in an upright position with the seat belt properly fastened; adults using the
seat belt and children using the proper child restraint system. Only adults should sit in the front seats.
Children must never be allowed in the front passenger seat. See page 14 for guidelines. Failure to
follow these instructions can result in injury to the vehicle occupants in an accident.
Previous
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Contents | Top of Page
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pg. 10 Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) - front seats only
The WHIPS system consists of specially designed hinges and brackets on the front seat backrests and
head restraints designed to help absorb some of the energy generated in a collision from the rear ("rearended").
In the event of a collision of this type, the hinges and brackets of the front seat backrests are designed to
change position slightly to allow the backrest/head restraint to help support the occupant's head before
moving slightly rearward. This movement helps absorb some of the forces that could result in the
whiplash effect.
Do not wedge boxes, suitcases, etc. behind front seats
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WARNING!
● Any contact between the front seat backrests and the folded rear seat could impede the function of
the WHIPS system. If the rear seat is folded down, the occupied front seats must be adjusted forward
so that they do not touch the folded rear seat.
● Boxes, suitcases, etc. wedged behind the front seats (see illustration above) could impede the
function of the WHIPS system.
● The WHIPS system is designed to supplement the other safety systems in your car. For this system
to function properly, the three-point seat belt must be worn. Please be aware that no system can
prevent all possible injuries that may occur in an accident.
● If your car has been involved in a collision, the front seat backrests must be inspected by an
authorized Volvo retailer even if the seats appear to be undamaged. Certain components in the
WHIPS system may need to be replaced. Do not attempt to service any component in the WHIPS
system yourself.
● If the rear seat backrests are folded down, cargo must be secured to prevent it from sliding forward
against the front seat backrests in the event of a collision from the rear. This could interfere with the
action of the WHIPS system.
● The WHIPS system is designed to function in certain collisions from the rear, depending on the
crash severity, angle and speed.
● Occupants in the front seats must never 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.
pg. 11 Occupant safety
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.
Volvo Concern for Safety
Safety is the Volvo 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: 800-458-1552 or in Canada at: 800-663-8255.
Occupant safety How safely you drive doesn't depend on how old you are but rather on:
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● How well you see.
● Your ability to concentrate.
● How quickly you make decisions under stress to avoid an accident.
The tips listed below are suggestions 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:
Internet :
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov
Telephone:
1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) (toll free)
1-800-424-9393 (toll free)
1-202-366-0123 (in Washington DC area)
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pg. 12 Child safety
Child restraint anchorages
Volvo cars are or can be fitted with child restraint top tether anchorages in the rear seat.
Refer to the child seat manufacturer's instruction for information on securing the child seat.
WARNING!
Child Restraint Anchorages are designed to withstand only those loads imposed by correctly fitted
Child Restraints. Under no circumstances are they to be used for adult seat belts or harnesses. The
anchorages are not able to withstand excessive forces on them in the event of collision if full harness
seat belts or adult seat belts are installed to them. An adult who uses a belt anchored in a Child
Restraint Anchorage runs a great risk of suffering severe injuries should a collision occur. Do not
install rear speakers which would require the removal of the top tether anchors or interfere with the
proper use of the top tether strap.
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ISOFIX fasteners and seat guide
ISOFIX fasteners are installed in the rear seat on the outboard positions. One set of ISOFIX guides is
also provided. Consult your Volvo retailer for more information on child safety accessories.
pg. 13 Child safety
Integrated booster cushion
Integrated booster cushion (optional)
Volvo's own integrated booster cushion has been specially designed to help safeguard a child seated in
the center position of the rear seat. When using the integrated booster cushion, the child must be secured
with the vehicle's three-point seat belt. The booster cushion is approved for children weighing between
33 and 80 lbs (15 and 36 kg) and between 38 and 54 in (97 and 137 cm) in height.
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The child should be properly seated on the booster cushion (see illustration above). It is essential that the
head restraint be adjusted properly to help support the child's head (see page 3).
The hip section of the three-point seat belt must fit snugly across the child's hips, not across the stomach.
The shoulder section of the three-point seat belt should be positioned across the chest and shoulder (see
illustration). The shoulder belt must never be placed behind the child's back or under the arm.
WARNING!
● Failure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the use of this child restraint system can result
in your child striking the vehicle's interior during a sudden stop or crash.
● In the event of a collision while the integrated booster cushion was occupied, the entire booster
cushion and seat belt must be replaced. The booster cushion should also be replaced if it is badly
worn or damaged in any way. This work should be performed by an authorized Volvo retailer only.
The booster cushion should be cleaned while in place in the vehicle if possible. If not, please consult
your Volvo retailer.
Storing the booster cushion
Fold the seat up - it will lock automatically to the backrest.
pg. 14 Child safety
Keeping child seats in place (ALR/ELR*)
To make child seat installation easier, each seat belt (except for the driver's belt) is equipped with a
locking mechanism to help keep the seat belt taut.
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When attaching the seat belt to a child seat:
● Attach the seat belt to the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions.
● Pull the seat belt out as far as possible.
● Insert the seat belt latch plate into the buckle (lock) in the usual way.
● Release the seat belt and pull it taut around the child seat.
A sound from the seat belt retractor will be audible at this time and is normal.
The belt will now be locked in place.
This function is automatically disabled when the seat belt is unlocked and the belt is fully
retracted.
WARNING!
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.
* Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor
Important!
Why Volvo believes no child should sit in the front seat of a car.
It's quite simple really. A front air bag is a very powerful device designed, by law, to help protect an
adult. Because of the size of the airbag and its speed of inflation, a child should never be placed in the
front seat, even if he or she is properly belted or strapped into a child safety seat. Volvo has been an
innovator in safety for over fifty years, and we'll continue to do our part. But we need your help. Please
remember to put your children in the back seat, and buckle them up.
Volvo has some very specific recommendations:
● Always wear your seat belt.
● Air bags are a SUPPLEMENTAL safety device which, when used with a three-point seat belt can
help reduce serious injuries during certain types of accidents. Volvo recommends that you do not
disconnect the air bag system in your vehicle.
● Volvo strongly recommends that ALL children sit in the rear seat of any vehicle and that they be
properly restrained.
● A child should NEVER sit in the front passenger seat of any vehicle equipped with a passenger-side
front airbag.
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● Volvo recommends that ALL occupants (adults and children) shorter than four feet seven inches (140
cm) be seated in the back seat of any vehicle with a front passenger side airbag.
Drive safely!
pg. 15 Child safety
Child safety
Volvo recommends the proper use of restraint systems for all occupants including children. Remember
that, regardless of age and size, a child should always be properly restrained in a car.
Your car is also equipped with ISOFIX attachments, which make it more convenient to install child seats
(see
page 12).
Restraint systems for children are designed to be secured in the vehicle by lap belts or the lap portion of
a lap-shoulder belt. Such child restraint systems can help protect children in cars in the event of an
accident only if they are used properly. However, children could be endangered in a crash if the child
restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle. Failure to follow the installation instructions for your
child restraint can result in your child striking the vehicle's interior in a sudden stop.
Holding a child in your arms is NOT a suitable substitute for a child restraint system. In an accident, a
child held in a person's arms can be crushed between the vehicle's interior and an unrestrained person.
The child could also be injured by striking the interior, or by being ejected from the vehicle during a
sudden maneuver or impact. The same can also happen if the infant or child rides unrestrained on the
seat. Other occupants should also be properly restrained to help reduce the chance of injuring or
increasing the injury of a child.
All states and provinces have legislation governing how and where children should be carried in a car.
Find out the regulations existing in your state or province. Recent accident statistics have shown that
children are safer in rear seating positions than front seating positions when properly restrained. A child
restraint system can help protect a child in a vehicle. Here's what to look for when selecting a child
restraint system:
● It should have a label certifying that it meets applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(FMVSS 213) or in Canada, CMVSS 213.
● Make sure the child restraint system is approved for the child's height, weight and development the
label required by the standard or regulation, or instructions for infant restraints, typically provide this
information.
● In using any child restraint system, we urge you to look carefully over the instructions that are
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provided with the restraint. Be sure you understand them and can use the device properly and
safely in this vehicle. A misused child restraint system can result in increased injuries for both the
infant or child and other occupants in the vehicle.
A child who has outgrown the child safety seat should use the rear seat with the standard seat belt
fastened. The best way to help protect the child here is to place the child on a cushion so that the seat
belt is properly located on the hips (see page 2). Legislation in your state or province may mandate the
use of a child seat or cushion in combination with the seat belt, depending on the child's age and/or size.
Please check local regulations.
A specially designed and tested booster cushion (not available in Canada ) for children between 50 - 80
lbs (22.7 - 36 kg) and 38-54 inches (97 - 137 cm) in height can be obtained from your Volvo retailer.
WARNING!
● Do not use child safety seats or child booster cushions/backrests in the front passenger's seat. We
also recommend that children under 4 feet 7 inches (140 cm) in height who have outgrown these
devices sit in the rear seat with the seat belt fastened.
● Keep vehicle doors and trunk locked and keep keys out of a child's reach. Unsupervised children
could lock themselves in an open trunk and risk injury. Children should be taught not to play in
vehicles.
● On hot days, the temperature in the trunk or vehicle interior can rise very quickly. Exposure of
people to these high temperatures for even a short period of time can cause heat-related injury or
death. Small children are particularly at risk.
pg. 16 Brake system
Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system consisting of two master cylinders and two separate brake
circuits. If a problem should occur in one of these circuits, it is still possible to stop the car with the other
brake circuit.
If the brake pedal must be depressed farther than normal and requires greater foot pressure, the stopping
distance will be longer.
A warning light in the instrument panel will light up to warn the driver that a fault has occurred.
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