pg. 71 Automatic transmission





Automatic transmission - shift gate positions

The gear selector can be moved freely between N and D.

Depressing the selector knob enables you to move the gear selector to positions P, R, N, D, 4, 3 and L.


W Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction

  • Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D)rive position.
  • Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode (see illustration).
  • An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and this will also be displayed in the instrument panel.
  • This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.

    Kickdown

    Automatic shift to a lower gear (kickdown) is achieved by depressing the accelerator pedal fully and briskly. An upshift will occur when approaching the top speed for a particular gear or by releasing the accelerator pedal slightly.
    Kickdown can be used for maximum acceleration or when passing at highway speeds.

    pg. 72 Points to remember



    Special tips automatic transmission

  • For driving down steep hills and when driving for prolonged periods at low speeds, position L should be selected. Avoid, however, repeated changes since this can cause overheating of the transmission oil. For driving on long continuous uphill gradients, select position 4 or 3.
  • Never select P or R while the car is in motion.
  • When initially selecting positions D, 4 ,3 ,L or R, your right foot should press firmly on the brake pedal to ensure that the car is standing still with the engine idling.
  • The gear selector should not be downshifted to L at speeds above 75 mph (125 km/h). Always observe posted speed limits.
  • Do not use the accelerator pedal to hold the car stationary on an incline. If stopped briefly, use the brake pedal. If stopped for an extended period, put the transmission in Park and apply the parking brake. This will help prevent overheating of the transmission oil.
  • While towing a trailer in hilly terrain, do not drive continuously at engine speeds above 4500 rpm to help avoid high engine oil temperatures.

    Weight distribution affects handling

    At the specified curb weight your car has a tendency to understeer, which means that the

    steering wheel has to be turned more than might seem appropriate for the curvature of a bend. This ensures good stability and reduces the risk of rear wheel skid. Remember that these properties can alter with the vehicle load. The heavier the load in the trunk (max. 220 lbs, 100 kg), the less the tendency to understeer.

    Handling, roadholding

    Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore, check that the tires are inflated to the recommended pressure according to the vehicle load. See "Tire pressure" section.

    Loads should be distributed so that capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.

    WARNING!
    It is recommended that tires of the same make and dimensions be used on all four wheels (including the use of snow tires). Do not use bias ply tires as this will adversely alter vehicle handling characteristics.



    WARNING! Floor mats
    An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause the accelerator pedal to catch. Check that the movement of the accelerator pedal is not impeded. Not more than one protective floor covering may be used at one time.

    * To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not insect your car's transmission oil yourself. Have your car's transmission fluid level inspected by a qualified Volvo service technician.

    pg.73 Points to remember



    Cooling system

    The risk for engine overheating is greatest, especially in hot weather, when:

  • Towing a trailer up steep inclines for prolonged periods at wide open throttle and low engine rpm.
  • Stopping the engine suddenly after high speed driving (so-called "after-boiling" can occur).
  • To avoid overheating, the following rules should be followed:

    Do not drive for prolonged periods at engine speeds above 4500 rpm if you are towing a trailer in hilly terrain.

    Reduce speed and downshift when towing a trailer up long, steep inclines. The risk of overheating can be reduced by switching off the air conditioning system for a short time.

    Do not let the engine idle unnecessarily for prolonged periods.

    Do not mount auxiliary lamps in front of the grill.

    When the risk of overheating is imminent, or in the event of overheating (the temperature gauge goes repeatedly into, or stays continually in, the red section), the following precautions should be taken:

  • Switch off the air conditioning system.
  • Pull off the road, away from traffic, stop the car and put the gear lever into neutral. Do not stop the engine!
  • Switch the heater to full (maximum) position. Increase the engine speed to approx. 2000 rpm (twice idling speed) until the temperature begins to drop.

    WARNING!
    Do not remove coolant expansion tank cap. The coolant will be extremely hot.

    See "Coolant" to check and top-up the coolant level if necessary.

    CAUTION: Drive slowly and carefully if going through standing water (i.e. flooded roadways, etc.). Damage to engine could result if excess water is ingested through the air intake system.

    Never drive the vehicle in water deeper than 1 foot (300 mm). See flood warning on page 7.

    WARNING!
    Do not drive with trunk lid open! A warning light in the instrument panel will indicate that the trunk is open. Poisonous exhaust gases may enter via the open trunk lid.
    If the trunk lid must be kept open for any reason, proceed as follows:

  • Close the windows.
  • Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side windows and blower control to its highest setting.

    • Electrical system

    When replacing the battery or when carrying out work involving the electrical system, the following should be observed:

  • A battery connection to the wrong terminal will damage the diodes. Before connections are made, check the polarity of the battery with a voltmeter.
  • If booster batteries are used for starting, they must be properly connected to minimize the risk of the diodes being damaged. For correct connection, see "Jump starting" section.
  • Never disconnect the battery circuit (for example, to replace the battery) while the engine is running or the ignition is switched on, as this will immediately ruin the generator. Always make sure that all the battery connections are properly tightened.
  • If any electrical welding work is performed on the vehicle, the battery's ground lead (negative cable) and all the connecting cables of the generator must be disconnected and the welder cables placed as near the welding points as possible.
  • The radio must be turned off before the battery is disconnected.
  • The anti-theft code must be re-entered before the radio will function properly.
  • The electrical system in your car is designed to accommodate Volvo accessories. It also has an accessory connector located beneath the dashboard on the driver's side.

    pg. 74 Roof/trunk-mounted luggage racks




    C70 Coupe

    Roof/Trunk mounted* luggage racks

    Roof racks are available as Volvo accessories. Observe the following points when in use:

  • Avoid single-point loads. Distribute the load evenly.
  • Place heavier cargo at the bottom of the load.
  • Observe that the center of gravity and handling are influenced by load weight.
  • Increasing load size increases wind resistance and thus adversely affects fuel economy.
  • Anchor the cargo correctly with appropriate tie-down equipment.
  • Drive carefully. Avoid rapid starts, fast cornering and hard braking.
  • Max. roof load is 220 lbs (100 kg) when Volvo approved removable roof racks are attached to the points indicated in the illustration.

    Trunk-mounted luggage rack (C70 Convertible)

    Trunk-mounted luggage racks - special information

  • Use sturdy luggage racks that can be securely attached to the car. Luggage racks specially designed for the Volvo C70 convertible are available at your Volvo retailer.
  • Regularly check that the luggage rack is securely attached.
  • The maximum permitted load is 110 lbs (50 kg).
  • Objects on the luggage rack should be positioned so that they do not cover the tail lights or obstruct the movement of the convertible top or the Roll Over Protection System (ROPS).

    NOTE: A luggage rack is a supplementary loading space intended for light loads only. It is not intended for use with, or as a bicycle rack.

    WARNING!

  • Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loads evenly.
  • Volvo-approved removable roof racks are designed to carry the maximum roof load allowable for this vehicle: 220 lbs (100 kg.). For Non-Volvo roof racks, check the manufacturer's weight limits for the rack.
  • Never exceed the roof rack manufacturer's weight limits and never exceed the maximum rated roof load of 220 lbs (100 kg).

    • * Volvo's trunk-mounted luggage rack is intended for use on the C70 Convertible only.

    pg. 75 Emergency towing (pulling of vehicle)




    Front eyelet

    Precautions when the car is in tow

  • Steering must be unlocked.

    Automatic transmissions only:

  • Gear selector in position N. Check transmission oil level (see section titled "Transmission oil".
  • Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h).
  • Maximum distance with front wheels on ground: 50 miles (80 km).
  • If the battery is dead, it is not possible to release the gear selector by pressing the brake pedal. Release the gear selector manually, by pressing the OVERRIDE button near the base of the gear selector.

    Rear eyelet


    WARNING!

  • Remember that the power brakes and power steering will not function when engine is not running. The braking system will function but the brake pedal pressure required is 3 - 4 times above normal and greater steering effort must be exerted.
  • The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling another vehicle out of a ditch or for any similar purpose involving severe strain.
  • Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the car up onto a flat bed tow truck.


    • CAUTION:
  • Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this type of towing, as vehicles being towed are subject to regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length and type of towing device, lighting, etc.
  • If the car's battery is dead, the engine must be jump started using an auxiliary battery (see page 77). Do not attempt to start the car by pushing or pulling it as this will damage the three-way catalytic converter(s).
  • If the car is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the car on the flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.

    pg. 76 Vehicle towing information



    Towing cars with front wheel drive

    Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equipment. If wheel lift equipment must be used, please use extreme caution to help avoid damage to the car. In this case, the car should be towed with the rear wheels on the ground if at all possible.

    If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, please refer to the towing information on the previous page. CAUTION:

  • Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air conditioning lines.
  • It is equally important not to use sling-type equipment at the rear or apply lifting equipment inside the rear wheels; serious damage to the rear axle may result.
  • If the car is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the car on the flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
  • If it is necessary to have your car towed, a flat bed tow truck should be used if at all possible.
  • In the event that flat bed equipment is not available, the car should be towed with the rear wheels on the ground, if at all possible.
  • If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, please refer to the towing information on the previous page.




    WARNING!

    Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the car up onto a flat bed tow truck.



    pg. 77 Jump starting





    Jump starting

    If the 12-volt booster battery to be used is in another car, check that the cars are not touching to prevent premature completion of a negative circuit. Note the position of the battery terminals and using jumper cables:

  • First connect the booster battery positive (+) terminal (1) to car battery positive (+) terminal (2).
  • Then connect the booster battery negative (-) terminal (3) to a stationary solid metal part on the engine at a point away from the battery (4).

    Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any moving parts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.

    After the engine has started, first remove the negative (-) terminal jumper cable. Then remove the positive (+) terminal jumper cable.
    CAUTION: Improper hookup of jumper cables or use of other than 12-volt batteries could result in damage to equipment and/or the battery.

    WARNING!

  • Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
  • Do not smoke near the battery.
  • Batteries generate hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive.
  • Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, fabrics or painted surfaces. If contact occurs, flush the affected area immediately with water. Obtain medical help immediately if eyes are affected.

    Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to personal injury.

    • PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!
    Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

    NOTE: Refer to page 126 for information on properly maintaining the battery.


    Previous Page   Next Page

    Contents | Top of Page