Stability and Traction
Control (STC) - Anti-spin
system - T5 (option on 2.4/2.4T)
The STC system is designed to help reduce
wheel spin by limiting power to the drive
wheels if they begin to lose traction. At speeds
over 25 mph (40 km/h), the STC system
monitors and compares all four wheels. If one
of the drive (front) wheels shows any tendency
to slip, such as when driving on slippery roads,
the difference in speed is immediately detected.
This triggers a signal to the engine management
system, which will reduce engine torque (by
reducing fuel) until the differential is corrected.
This torque reduction is handled in stages, and
reaction time is extremely fast. The system can
be switched on or off by pressing the button on
the center console for at least half a second (see
page 37). The text window will briefly display
"STC off" and the indicator light
in the
instrument panel will be ON when you have
switched the system off. The STC system
comes on each time you start your car.
The STC indicator light
will come on for
approximately 2 seconds when the engine is
started as the system performs a self-diagnostic
test.
This system should be switched off if you, for any reason, temporarily have to drive with tires of different dimensions (e. g., spare tire).
The symbol
will flash when STC is
actively regulating power to the drive wheels.
Normal power may be reduced at this time. This
is normal as power is momentarily reduced to
help keep the drive wheels from losing traction
and spinning.
If the STC system has been switched on using the button in the center console (the indicator light will normally go off) and the indicator light remains on, there is a fault in the system. In this case:
Dynamic Stability
Traction Control (DSTC)
- option
The DSTC system performs all of
the functions of the STC system.
In addition, DSTC also applies the brakes to one
or more of the wheels to help maintain stability
if a wheel begins to lose traction. The system
functions at speeds above 12 mph (20 km/h)
and works on all four wheels, on any road
surface. When DSTC is active, brake pressure is
regulated automatically and the brake pedal will
move slightly. If you press the brake pedal
while DSTC is automatically regulating brake
pressure, the pedal will feel stiffer than normal.
A pulsating sound will be audible at this time,
which is quite normal.
Switching off DSTC
DSTC comes on each time you start your car, and should be left on at all times. If for any reason the steering wheel position or the front wheels are not properly aligned, DSTC should be switched off since the system may receive incorrect signals.
When the LED in the button is on, this indicates that DSTC is switched on (the light will also come on if a fault has been detected in the system). To avoid inadvertently switching the system off, the button must be pressed for at least half a second before DSTC is deactivated.
The text window will briefly display "DSTC
off" and the symbol
will come on to
indicate that DSTC has been switched off. The
system is automatically switched back on when
the engine is restarted.
The DSTC indicator light
will flash
when:
The DSTC indicator light
will stay on
when:
Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)
The EBA function is an integrated part of the DSTC system. EBA is designed to provide full brake effect immediately in the event of sudden, hard braking. The system is activated by the speed with which you depress the brake pedal.
NOTE:

Emergency towing
The towing eyelet is located in the tool bag,
under the floor of the trunk, with the spare tire.
This eyelet must be screwed into the positions
provided on the right sides of either the front or
rear bumper (see illustrations).
To attach the towing eyelet:
A Use a coin to pry open the lower edge of the. B Screw the towing eyelet (C) in place, first by hand and then using the tire iron until it is securely in place.
After the car has been towed, the eyelet should be removed and returned to the tool bag. Press the cover back into position.

Precautions when the car is in tow
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, do not attempt to
start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it as
this will damage the three-way catalytic
converter( s). The engine must be jump
started using an auxiliary battery (see page
147).
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.
Remember that the power brakes and power steering will not function when engine is not running. The braking and steering systems 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. |

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

Jump starting
Follow these instructions to jump start your
car's dead battery or to jump start another car's
dead battery using your car. Although your car's
battery is located under the floor of the trunk,
jumper cables should be connected in the
engine compartment, to the points shown in
the illustrations.
If the 12-volt auxiliary battery to be used is in another car, check that the cars are not touching to prevent premature completion of a circuit. Be sure to follow jump starting instructions provided for the other vehicle. To jump start your car:
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING! |
Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any moving parts. Avoid touching hot manifolds. 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. |
Towing a trailer
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the car.
Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but take into consideration:
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safety chains be attached to the bumper. Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used. Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle brake system, nor a trailer's lighting system directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult your nearest authorized Volvo retailer for correct installation. When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety wire must be correctly fastened to the hole or hook provided in the trailer hitch on the car. The safety wire should never be fastened to or wound around the drawbar ball. |
NOTE! When parking the car with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in (P) ark (first/reverse gear on manual transmissions). When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in (D) rive before releasing the parking brake.
If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, make sure the gear you select does not put too much strain on the engine (using too high a gear). The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may be rated for trailers heavier than the car is designed to tow. Please adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer weights.

Leveling
If you car is equipped with automatic leveling,
the rear suspension always retains the correct
ride height regardless of the load. When the car
is stationary, the rear suspension sinks, which is
normal.


Attaching load carriers
The attachment brackets for the load carriers are
located under the roof molding.
1. Make sure that the load carriers are placed in the right direction. See the mark on the decal under the cover.
2. Press the guide lugs into the holes (1). 3. Carefully lower the opposite side of the load carrier to the roof.
4. Loosen the tightening wheel slightly. Slide the hook on the load carrier attachment into the attachment bracket under the roof molding.
5. Turn the tightening wheel to secure the load carrier in the attachment bracket.
6. Repeat this procedure for the other load carrier attachments.
7. Check that the hooks on all four load carrier attachments are securely tightened in the respective attachment brackets on the roof of the car.
8. Press down the covers.
Check periodically that the load carriers and load are properly secured.

Load carriers (accessory)
Load carriers are available as Volvo accessories. Observe the following points when in
use:

Cold weather precautions
If you wish to check your car before the
approach of cold weather, the following advice
is worth noting:
NOTE! Avoid the use of de-icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
W Winter/Wet driving mode -
enhanced vehicle traction
(automatic transmission)
* Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance service intervals.
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your car
checked at a Volvo retailer before driving long
distances. Your retailer will also be able to
supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark plugs and
wiper blades for your use in the event that
problems occur.
As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip:
* To prevent injury from contact with hot
surfaces, do not inspect your car's transmission
fluid yourself. Have your car's transmission
fluid level inspected by a qualified Volvo
service technician.