2 0 0 4
VOLVO
XC70
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
Always fasten the seat belts before you drive
or ride. A chime will sound several times if
the driver's seat belt is not fastened.
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.
The seat belts are equipped with tensioners that reduce slack in the seat 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.
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
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.
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Adjust head restraint height
Center head restraint (rear)
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.
To raise, lift up to desired position. To lower the center head restraint,
press the release button behind the right-hand support while pressing
down the head restraint to the desired position.
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.
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pg. 4 Front airbags - SRS
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 Driver's side airbag - in
steering wheel hub
|  Passenger's side airbag - above
glove compartment
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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 front and 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.
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.
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pg. 5 Front airbags - SRS
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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 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.
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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.
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 |
| P.O. Box 914 | North York, Ontario M2H 2N7 |
| Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647-0914 | 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 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.
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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 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.
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 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.
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pg. 7 Front airbags - SRS
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NOTE: The information on this page does not pertain to the Side Impact
Protection System airbags.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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 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.
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NOTE: SIPS airbag deployment (one airbag)
occurs only on the side of the vehicle affected
by the impact.
*A SIPS airbag warning decal is also located
at the end of the instrument panel on the
driver's side of the car.

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.
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pg. 9 Volvo Inflatable Curtain (VIC)
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Volvo Inflatable Curtain (VIC)
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 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 (SIPS-bag) 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 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 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.
When the rear seat backrest(s) are folded down, the car should not
be loaded to a level higher than 2 in. (5 cm) below the upper edge
of the rear passenger door windows. Objects placed higher than this
level could impede the function of the inflatable curtain.
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pg. 10 Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)
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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 ("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.

Do not wedge boxes, suitcases, etc. behind front seats
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.
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