Volvo V50 2005 Owner Manual
2005 Volvo V50
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VOLVO
V50
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.
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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 189. 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.
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● 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
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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 - ACCESSORY 18-INCH TIRE PRESSURES
Supplement - SAFETY - AIRBAG LABELS
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Top of Page
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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
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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
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Contents | Top of Page
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Chapter 2 - Safety
Occupant safety 12
Seat belts 14
Front airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS) 17
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.
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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)
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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 threepoint 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
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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.
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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)
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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
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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)
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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.
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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 National Customer Service
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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)
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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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2 0 0 5
VOLVO
V50
pg. 25 Side impact protection (SIPS) airbags
Side impact (SIPS) airbag
Side impact airbags - front seats only
As an enhancement to the structural side impact protection 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
outboard sides of both front seat backrests, wires and gas generators/sensor units.
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.
Components in the SIPS airbag system
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NOTE: SIPS airbag deployment (one airbag) occurs only on the side of the vehicle affected by the impact. The
airbags are not designed to deploy in all side impact situations.
Components in the SIPS airbag system
This system consists of a gas generator (1), the side airbag (2), and electronic sensors/ cables (3)
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.
● Never try to open or repair any components of the SIPS airbag system. This should be done only 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.
● Failure to follow these instructions can result in injury to the occupants of the vehicle in the event of an
accident.
pg. 26 Volvo Inflatable Curtain (VIC)
The Volvo Inflatable Curtain system
This system consists of inflatable curtains located along the sides of the roof liners, stretching from the center of
both front side windows to the rear edge of the rear side door windows. It is designed to help protect the heads of
the occupants of the front seats and the occupant of the outboard rear seating positions in certain side impact
collisions.
In certain side impacts, both the Inflatable Curtain (VIC) and the Side Impact Airbag System (SIPS-bag) will
deploy, whereas, in some cases, only the Inflatable Curtain (VIC) will deploy. In cases where both the VIC and the
SIPS-bag deploy, this will occur simultaneously.
NOTE: If the inflatable curtain deploys, it remains inflated for approximately 3 seconds.
pg. 27 Volvo Inflatable Curtain (VIC)
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WARNING!
The VIC 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 VIC system. This should be done only 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 VIC 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 35 for guidelines. Failure to follow these instructions can result in
injury to the vehicle occupants in an accident.
pg. 28 WHIPS
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) - front seats only
The WHIPS system consists of specially designed hinges and brackets on the front seat backrests designed to help
absorb some of the energy generated in a collision from the rear (when the vehicle is "rear-ended"). 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.
WARNING!
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 rear-end 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.
pg. 29 WHIPS
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WARNING!
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.
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 below) could
impede the function of the WHIPS system.
pg. 30 Collision status
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Driving after a collision
If the car has been involved in a collision, the text CRASH STATUS SEE MANUAL may appear in the
information display. This indicates that the car's functionality has been reduced.
NOTE: This text can only be shown if the display is undamaged and the car's electrical system is intact.
COLLISION STATUS is a feature that is triggered if one or more of the safety systems (e.g. front or side airbags,
an inflatable curtain, or one or more of the seat belt tensioners) has deployed. The collision may have damaged an
important function in the car, such as the fuel lines, sensors for one of the safety systems, the brake system, etc.
WARNING!
Never attempt to repair the car yourself or to reset the electrical system after the car has displayed CRASH
STATUS SEE MANUAL. This could result in injury or improper system function.
Restoring the car to normal operating status should only be done by an authorized Volvo service technician.
After CRASH STATUS SEE MANUAL has been displayed, if you detect the odor of fuel vapor, or see any
signs of fuel leakage, do not attempt to start the car. Leave the car immediately.
Attempting to start the car
If damage to the car is minor, and there is no fuel leakage, you may attempt to start the car.
To do so:
1. Remove the ignition key.
2. Reinsert the key in the ignition switch. The car will then attempt to reset COLLISION STATUS to normal status.
3. Try to start the car.
Moving the car
If the electrical system is able to reset system status to normal (CRASH STATUS SEE MANUAL will no longer be
shown in the display) the car may be moved carefully from its present position, if for example, it is blocking traffic.
It should, however, not be moved farther than is absolutely necessary.
WARNING!
Even if the car appears to be drivable after COLLISION STATUS has been set, it should not be driven or towed
(pulled by another vehicle). There may be concealed damage that could make it difficult or impossible to
control. The car should be transported on a flatbed tow truck to an authorized Volvo workshop for inspection/
repairs.
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pg. 31 Inspecting safety system components
Inspection date
1. Driver's side airbag
2. Passenger's side airbag
3. Side airbag on the driver's side
4. Side airbag on the passenger's side
5. Driver's side inflatable curtain
6. Passenger's side inflatable curtain
This is a sample of the decal located in the left rear door opening.
pg. 32 Child safety
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Children should be seated safely
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/ LATCH attachments, which make it more convenient to install child seats.
Restraint systems for children are designed to be secured in the vehicle by lap belts or the lap portion of a lapshoulder 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 carefully look over the instructions that are 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.
When a child has outgrown the child safety seat, you 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
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