pg. 2:16 Folding rear seat (sedan)

Folding rear seat

The rear seat is split into two sections so that each section can be folded independently.

  • Lift the rear seat belts to the fixed section of the backrest. The center seat belt can also be folded across the fixed part of the backrest so that it does not get in the way if the right-hand backrest is folded down (see illustration above).
  • Pull the catch forward and fold the backrest down.


    Locking levers

    The two red levers on the rear side of the backrests can be used to bypass the folding mechanism and prevent the backrests from being folded down from inside the car. Push the levers down to lock the backrests in the upright position.
    This function can be used to limit access to the trunk.

  • When folding the backrests up, make sure the seat belts return to their normal positions.


    WARNING! When the backrest is returned to the upright position, check that it is properly locked in place.


    NOTE: If the backrest is folded down for prolonged periods, the seat belt locks could be covered (i.e., with a towel) to help avoid marks on the backrest upholstery.

    pg. 2:17 Folding rear seat (wagon)


    Seat cushion strap

    The rear seat is split into two sections so that each section can be folded independently.

  • Straighten front backrests if they are tilted too far to the rear.
  • Pull the strap to lift the rear seat cushion and swing the cushion up and toward the back of the front seats.
  • The outboard head restraints must be lowered before the backrest is folded down (see inset illustration above):
    1 - pull straight up, 2 - fold forward
  • Push the center head restraint straight down if it has raised.
  • Move the backrest release lever rearward and fold the backrest down.

    Release lever - backrest

  • Check that the hooks under the seat cushions engage the holes on the top edge of the backrest.
    When the backrest is raised, the outboard head restraints return to their normal positions.


    Hooks fit into holes

    The backrest must lock into place. The red lock indicator will not be visible if the seat has locked into place correctly.
    The seat belts must be correctly positioned when the seat is returned to the normal position.


    WARNING! When the rear seat is folded down, do not place heavy objects against the backs of the front seat. This places a severe strain on the folded down backrest of the rear seat. Be sure to secure cargo. Cargo must not be stacked higher than the top of seatbacks. This will reduce the possibility of luggage, etc. becoming projectiles during sudden maneuvers, rapid braking or an accident.

    The red lock indicator is VISIBLE when the backrest is NOT locked in position and not visible when the backrest is correctly locked in place. When the backrest is in the upright position, it must always be correctly locked in place.

    pg. 2:18 Removing seat cushions, Concealed storage bins (wagon)

    Removing seat cushions

    The seat cushion can be easily removed to provide a slightly larger cargo storage area.

  • Fold the seat cushion toward the back of the front seats
  • Release the red catches
  • Disconnect the connector for the rear seat heating (certain models)
  • Fold the cushion back to a nearly horizontal position
  • Lift out the cushion


    WARNING! Do not place extremely heavy articles against the front seats, as the backrest which is folded down is then placed under severe strain.
    Be sure to secure cargo. Hard and sharp articles could otherwise damage the frontseat backrest and/or cause injury to passengers in the event of rapid braking or a collision.



    The lid of the storage compartment is hinged in the middle.

    Concealed storage bin

    The storage compartment under the floor of the cargo space is hinged in the middle and can be locked with a key.

    pg. 2:19 Luggage net - wagons (certain models)



    Luggage net

    The luggage net helps prevent cargo and animals from being thrown forward should the vehicle stop suddenly or be involved in an accident. The luggage net unreels from the rear upped edge of the rear seat backrest.
    The luggage net must be accessed from the cargo storage area.

    1 Open the cover on the passenger side seat back and pull the luggage net toward you.
    2 Hook the rod onto the bracket on the right side ceiling.
    3 Pull out the left side of the rod and attach it to the bracket on the driver's side ceiling.
    4 Unreel the driver's side luggage net.
    5 Hook it to the rod.
    6 Make sure the nets are securely attached to the hooks under the covers and pulled taut.
    Use the reverse procedure procedure to retract the net.

    The luggage net can also be used when the rear seat is folded down. However, extra brackets (optional) must be installed on the upper front door hand grips.

    pg. 2:20 Securing cargo


    Eyelets in trunk (sedans)

    Securing cargo

    As a safety precaution, your car is equipped with four eyelets (six on wagons) to which straps can be attached to secure luggage.


    Eyelets inside car (sedans/wagons)


    WARNING! The eyelets are not to be used as passenger restraints or as anchorages for child restraints. See page 3:9.
    Station wagons only:
    Unless the station wagon is equipped with Volvo's auxiliary seat for children (option) passengers should not ride in the rear cargo area.


    Station wagons only:
    If the optional auxiliary seat for children is in use, fold this seat down before folding down the rear seat backrest.


    Eyelets in cargo area (wagons)

    pg. 2:21 Folding front seat (sedans/wagons), Long load storage (sedans)

    Folding front seat

    The passenger seat backrest can be folded down to the horizontal position for carrying long loads. To fold down the backrest:

  • Move the seat as far rearward as possible
  • Adjust the backrest tilt to the most upright position
  • Lift the catches on the lower rear side of the backrest
  • Without releasing the catches, push the backrest forward
  • Move the seat as far forward as possible


    WARNING! Cover sharp edges on load to help prevent injury to occupants. Secure load to help prevent shifting during sudden stops.



    A - models without booster cushion, B - models with booster cushion

    Long load storage (sedans)

    There is a flap located in the panel behind the rear seat which makes it possible to carry long loads such as skis, etc. To open, (illustration A) pull the strap forward or lower the child booster cushion (illustration B), press the catch upward (1) the pull the upper edge of the flap forward (2).
    Protective covers (for skis) should be used to avoid soiling or tearing the upholstery. Please note that the flap in the rear seat is only intended for light loads such as skis, carpets, etc.
    Max length: 6 1/2 ft (2 meters) Max weight: 55 lbs (25 kg)


    WARNING! Always turn engine off and apply parking brake when loading/unloading the vehicle. Place transmission selector in P (PARK) position to help prevent inadvertent movement of selector.




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