Volvo C70 Convertible (2010 year). Manual

06 Starting and driving

Manual transmission, 6-speed*

146

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

6-speed manual transmission

G018258

•

Depress the clutch pedal completely when
changing gears

•

Remove your foot from the clutch pedal
while driving. The shift pattern should be
followed.

•

Overdrive (5th and 6th gears) should be
used as often as possible to help improve
fuel economy.

Engaging reverse gear, 6-speed
transmission

G018259

Reverse gear should only be engaged from a
complete stop.

NOTE

Reverse gear is electronically blocked to
help prevent it from being selected while the
vehicle is moving foward.

CAUTION

Never shift into reverse while moving for-
ward.

WARNING

An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause
the accelerator, brake, and/or clutch pedal
to catch. Check that the movement of these
pedals is not impeded. Not more than one
protective floor covering may be used at
one time.

Clutch interlock: The clutch must be fully depressed before you can start your car. If the clutch is notdepressed, it will not be possible to start the engine.

06 Starting and driving

Automatic transmission*

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

147

Shiftgate positions

G020237

Depress the button on the front of the gear
selector knob to move the selector between
the R, N, D, and P positions.

The gear selector can be moved freely between
the Geartronic (manual shifting) and Drive (D)
positions while driving.

Gear selector positions

P – Park

Select the P position when starting or parking.

In P, the transmission is mechanically blocked
(Shiftlock). Always apply the parking brake
when parking.

G018264

D - left position: automatic shifting, M - right posi-
tion: manual shifting

CAUTION

The car must be stationary when selecting
position P.

R – Reverse

The car must be stationary when shifting to
position R.

N – Neutral

N is the neutral position. The engine can be
started, but no gear is selected. Apply the park-
ing brake when the car is stationary with the
gear selector in N.

NOTE

If the gear selector is in the Neutral position
and the vehicle has been at a standstill for
at least 3 seconds, the brake pedal must be
pressed before the gear selector can be
moved to another position.

In order to move the gear selector to another
position:

Turn the ignition key to position II (if the
engine is not already running).

Depress the brake pedal.

Move the gear selector to the desired posi-
tion.

D – Drive

D is the normal driving position. The Drive posi-
tion offers 5 forward gears

. The car automat-

ically shifts between the various forward gears,

T5 models have 6 forward gears.

06 Starting and driving

Automatic transmission*

148

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

based on the level of acceleration and speed.
The car must be at a standstill when shifting to
position D from position R.

Manual shifting – Geartronic

The manual shifting mode (Geartronic) can be
selected at any time to manually select forward
gears, including while the car is moving.

NOTE

Reverse, Neutral, and Park cannot be
selected in Geartronic mode.

•

To access the Manual (M) shifting position
from Drive (D), move the gear selector to
the right to M.

•

To return to the Drive (D) position from M,
move the gear selector to the left.

While driving

•

If you select the M position while driving,
the gear that was being used in the Drive
position will also initially be selected in the
M position.

•

Move the gear selector forward
(toward "+") to shift to a higher gear or
rearward (toward "–") to shift to a lower
gear.

•

If you hold the gear selector toward "–", the
transmission will downshift one gear at a

time and will utilize the braking power of
the engine. If the current speed is too high
for using a lower gear, the downshift will
not occur until the speed has decreased
enough to allow the lower gear to be used.

•

If you slow to a very low speed, the trans-
mission will automatically shift down.

Cold starts (turbo engines)

When driving before the engine has reached its
normal operating temperature, the transmis-
sion will shift up at slightly higher engine
speeds to heat the three-way catalytic con-
verter as quickly as possible.

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 acceler-
ation or when passing at highway speeds.

Safety function

To help prevent excessive engine speeds (rpm)
that could lead to engine damage, the engine
management system includes a function that
prevents kickdown from taking place if the
engine speed is too high.

Kickdown will not occur if the driver attempts
to use this function when engine speeds are
too high. The transmission will remain in the
currently selected gear.

06 Starting and driving

Shiftlock override

149

Overriding the shiftlock system

G018263

Shiftlock prevents the gear selector from being
moved out of the Pposition unless the ignition
key is in position II and the brake pedal is
depressed.

In certain cases it may be necessary to move
the gear selector from the Pposition manually.

To manually override the Shiftlock
system:

Apply the parking brake.

Depress the brake pedal.

There is a small cover below P-R-N-D on
the gear selector panel. Open the rear edge
of the panel.

Insert the key blade, see page 120, into the
opening and press it down until it bottoms.

With the key blade pressed down, move
the gear selector out of the P position.

06 Starting and driving

Brake system

150

Brake circuit malfunction

The brake system is a hydraulic system con-
sisting of two separate brake circuits. If a prob-
lem should occur in one of these circuits, it is
still possible to stop the vehicle with the other
brake circuit.

If the brake pedal must be depressed farther
than normal and requires greater foot pressure,
the stopping distance will be longer.

A warning light in the instrument panel will light
up to warn the driver that a fault has occurred.

If this light comes on while driving or braking,
stop immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir.

NOTE

Press the brake pedal hard and maintain
pressure on the pedal – do not pump the
brakes.

WARNING

If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the
reservoir or if a brake system message is
shown in the information display, DO NOT
DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to a Volvo
retailer and have the brake system inspec-
ted.

Power brakes function only when the
engine is running

The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure
which is only created when the engine is run-
ning. Never let the vehicle roll to a stop with the
engine switched off.

If the power brakes are not working, consider-
ably higher pressure will be required on the
brake pedal to compensate for the lack of
power assistance. This can happen for exam-
ple when towing your vehicle or if the engine is
switched off when the vehicle is rolling. The
brake pedal feels harder than usual.

Water on brake discs and brake pads
affects braking

Driving in rain and slush or passing through an
automatic car wash can cause water to collect
on the brake discs and pads. This will cause a
delay in braking effect when the pedal is
depressed. To avoid such a delay when the
brakes are needed, depress the pedal occa-
sionally when driving through rain, slush, etc.
This will remove the water from the brakes.
Check that brake application feels normal. This
should also be done after washing or starting
in very damp or cold weather.

Severe strain on the brake system

The brakes will be subject to severe strain
when driving in mountains or hilly areas, or
when towing a trailer. Vehicle speed is usually
slower, which means that the cooling of the
brakes is less efficient than when driving on
level roads. To reduce the strain on the brakes,
shift into a lower gear and let the engine help
with the braking. Do not forget that if you are
towing a trailer, the brakes will be subjected to
a greater than normal load.

Anti-lock brakes (ABS)

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to
improve vehicle control (stopping and steering)
during severe braking conditions by limiting
brake lockup. When the system "senses"
impending lockup, braking pressure is auto-
matically modulated in order to help prevent
lockup that could lead to a skid.

The system performs a self-diagnostic test
when the engine is started and when the
vehicle first reaches a speed of approxi-
mately 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.

06 Starting and driving

Brake system

151

For optimal ABS braking effect:

Press down on the brake pedal with full
force. The pedal will pulsate.

Steer the vehicle in the direction of travel
and keep the brake pedal depressed.

Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD)

EBD is an integrated part of the ABS system.
EBD regulates the hydraulic pressure to the
rear brakes to help provide optimal braking
capacity.

The switching of the ABS modulator will be
audible and the brake pedal will pulsate during
braking. Please be aware that ABS does not
increase the absolute braking potential of the
vehicle. While control will be enhanced, ABS
will not shorten stopping distances on slippery
surfaces.

If the warning lamp lights up there is a mal-
function of the ABS system (the standard brak-
ing system will still function) and the vehicle
should be driven cautiously to a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician for inspec-
tion.

WARNING

If the BRAKES and ABS warning symbols
light at the same time, there may be a prob-
lem in the brake system. If the brake fluid
level is normal in these circumstances, drive
carefully to a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician to have the brake system
checked.

Emergency Brake Assistance – EBA

EBA is designed to provide full brake effect
immediately in the event of sudden, hard brak-
ing. The system is activated by the speed with
which the brake pedal is depressed.

When the EBA system is activated, the brake
pedal will go down and pressure in the brake
system immediately increases to the maximum
level. Maintain full pressure on the brake pedal
in order to utilize the system completely. EBA
is automatically deactivated when the brake
pedal is released.

NOTE

•

When the EBA system is activated, the
brake pedal will go down and pressure
in the brake system immediately increa-
ses to the maximum level. You must
maintain full pressure on the brake
pedal in order to utilize the system com-
pletely. There will be no braking effect if
the pedal is released. EBA is automati-
cally deactivated when the brake pedal
is released.

•

When the vehicle has been parked for
some time, the brake pedal may sink
more than usual when the engine is
started. This is normal and the pedal will
return to its usual position when it is
released.

06 Starting and driving

Stability system

152

Dynamic Stability Traction Control
(DSTC)

The stability system consists of a number of
functions designed help reduce wheel spin,
counteract skidding, and to generally help
improve directional stability.

A pulsating sound will be audible when the
system is actively operating and is normal.

Traction control (TC)

This function is designed to help reduce wheel
spin by transferring power from a drive wheel
that begins to lose traction to the wheel on the
opposite side of the vehicle (on the same axle).

TC is most active at low speeds.

This is one of the stability system's permanent
functions and cannot be switched off.

G020349

Thumb wheel

RESET button

Spin control (SC)

The spin control function is designed to help
prevent the drive wheels from spinning while
the vehicle is accelerating.

Under certain circumstances, such as when
driving with snow chains, or driving in deep
snow or loose sand, it may be advisable to
temporarily switch off this function for maxi-
mum tractive force.

Temporarily switching off Spin control

Turn the thumbwheel (A) on the left-side
steering wheel lever until the

DSTC

is displayed.

Hold down the RESET button (B) to toggle
between

DSTC SPIN CONTROL ON

OFF

NOTE

•

The message

DSTC SPIN CONTROL

OFF

indicates that the stability sys-

tem's spin control function has tempo-
rarily been switched off.

•

The stability control indicator light
will illuminate and remain on until spin
control has been reactivated.

•

The spin control function is automati-
cally enabled each time the engine is
started.

•

DSTC ON

indicates that all system

functions are active.

Active yaw control – AYC (DSTC only)

This function helps maintain directional stabil-
ity, for example when cornering, by braking
one or more of the wheels if the vehicle shows
a tendency to skid or slide laterally.

06 Starting and driving

Stability system

153

This is one of the stability system's permanent
functions and cannot be switched off.

WARNING

The car's handling and stability characteris-
tics will be altered if the DSTC system func-
tions have been disabled.

DSTC-related messages in the text
window

•

TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY

OFF

" – The system has been temporarily

switched off due to high brake temperature
and will automatically switch on again
when the brakes have cooled.

•

ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED

" – the

system has been automatically disen-
gaged due to a fault. A trained and qualified
Volvo service technician retailer should
check the system.

Symbols used by the stability system

Stability system indicator light

Information symbol

If the

and

symbols light up at the same

time, read the message in the display.

If only the

symbol lights up, this indicates

one of the following situations:

•

The light illuminates for approximately
2 seconds to indicate that the system is
performing a self-diagnostic test when the
engine is started.

•

If the light flashes while driving, this indi-
cates that the stability system is actively
functioning to help counteract wheel spin
and/or a skid.

•

If this light stays on after the engine has
started or comes on while driving, there
may be a fault in the stability system. Con-
sult a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician.

•

If Spin control has been intentionally
switched off, a message is displayed and
the light will stay on as a reminder that this
function has been disabled by the driver.

WARNING

The stability system is intended to help
improve driving safety. It supplements, but
can never replace, the driver's judgement
and responsibility when operating the vehi-
cle. Speed and driving style should always
be adapted to traffic and road conditions.

06 Starting and driving

Towing

154

Emergency towing

G020953

The towing eyelet is located in the tool bag,
which is stowed in the ski hatch. This eyelet
must be screwed into the positions provided
on the right sides of either the front or rear
bumper (see the illustration).

To attach the towing eyelet:

Press the mark on the lower edge of the
cover (1) to open it.

Screw the towing eyelet (3) in place first by
hand and then using the tire iron until it is
securely in place.

After the vehicle has been towed, the eye-
let should be removed and returned to the
tool bag.

Press the cover back into position.

WARNING

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

Towing a vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground

WARNING

Volvo does not recommend towing a disa-
bled vehicle behind another vehicle. Signif-
icant difficulty in steering and braking, com-
bined with unfavorable weather, traffic, and
road conditions may make it impossible to
maintain vehicle control.

Apply the parking brake.

06 Starting and driving

Towing

155

WARNING

Towing a vehicle with a locked steering
wheel will make the vehicle impossible to
steer.

Insert the key into the ignition to unlock the
steering wheel. The steering wheel must be
unlocked. With the engine off and the vehi-
cle at a standstill, great effort will be
required to turn the steering wheel.

Turn the ignition key to position II.

Place the gear selector in neutral. For vehi-
cles with automatic transmissions, follow
instruction on page 149, "Shiftlock over-
ride" to allow the gear selector to be moved
from the Park position.

Keep firm pressure on the brake pedal
while releasing the parking brake.

When towing has been completed, return
the gear selector to Park (automatic) or
Reverse (manual) and apply the parking
brake.

The following points should also be
observed:

•

Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). Never
exceed local towing speed limits and heed
all local towing restrictions.

•

Never tow farther than 50 miles (80 km).

•

Keep the tow rope taut at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.

•

The disabled vehicle should be towed in
the forward direction only.

WARNING

•

Never allow a vehicle to be towed with-
out a driver behind the wheel of the dis-
abled vehicle.

•

Never remove the key from the ignition
while the vehicle is moving. The steering
wheel could lock, making it impossible
to steer the vehicle.

•

When the engine is not running, steering
resistance and the effort needed to
apply the brakes will be great.

•

Never attempt to tow a vehicle with a
dead battery at night.

CAUTION

•

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, marker flags, etc.

•

Never attempt to push- or tow-start a
vehicle with a dead battery. This would
inject unburned fuel into the three-way
catalytic converter(s), causing over-
heating, backfiring, and damage, see
page 157 for instructions on jump star-
ting the vehicle.

Towing vehicles with front wheel drive

Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equip-
ment for towing vehicles with front wheel drive.
If wheel lift equipment must be used, please
use extreme caution to help avoid damage to
the vehicle.

In this case, the vehicle 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.

06 Starting and driving

Towing

156

•

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 equip-
ment inside the rear wheels; serious dam-
age to the rear axle may result.

•

If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed
truck, the towing eyelets must not be used
to secure the vehicle on the flat bed. Con-
sult the tow truck operator.

WARNING

•

Remember that the power brakes and
power steering will not function when
engine is not running. The braking and
steering systems will function but con-
siderably higher pressure will be
required on the brake pedal and greater
steering effort must be exerted.

•

The towing eyelets must not be used for
pulling the vehicle out of a ditch or for
any similar purpose involving severe
strain. Do not use the towing eyelets to
pull the vehicle up onto a flat bed tow
truck.

06 Starting and driving

Jump starting

157

Jump starting the vehicle

G020298

Follow these instructions to jump start your
vehicle's dead battery or to jump start another
vehicle's dead battery using your vehicle. If the
12-volt auxiliary battery to be used is in another
vehicle, check that the vehicles are not touch-
ing to prevent premature completion of a cir-
cuit. Be sure to follow jump starting instruc-
tions provided for the other vehicle.

To jump start your vehicle:

Switch off the ignition.

First connect the auxiliary battery positive
(+) terminal (1) to the positive (+) terminal in

your vehicle's battery (2), marked with a
"+" sign.

Connect the auxiliary battery's negative (–)
terminal (3) to the ground point in your
vehicle's engine compartment near the
driver's side spring strut (4).

Start the engine in the assisting vehicle,
then start the engine in the vehicle with
dead battery.

After the engine has started, first remove
the negative (–) terminal jumper cable.
Then remove the positive (+) terminal
jumper cable.

WARNING

PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!

Battery posts, terminals, and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the state of California
to cause cancer and reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.

WARNING

•

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

•

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 con-
tact occurs, flush the affected area
immediately with water. Obtain medical
help immediately if eyes are affected.

•

Never expose the battery to open flame
or electric spark.

•

Do not smoke near the battery.

•

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

•

Do not touch the jumper cables during
the attempt to start the vehicle. This
could cause sparks.

06 Starting and driving

Towing a trailer

158

General information

•

Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the
vehicle.

Maximum trailer weights recommended by
Volvo are:

•

Trailers without brakes: 1,540 lbs
(700 kg).

•

Trailers with brakes: 2,000 lbs (900 kg)
Observe the legal requirements of the
state/province in which the vehicles are
registered.

•

The maximum recommended hitch
tongue load is 165 lbs (75 kg).

•

All Volvo models are equipped with
energy-absorbing shock-mounted bump-
ers. Trailer hitch installation should not
interfere with the proper operation of this
bumper system.

Trailer towing does not normally present any
particular problems, but take into considera-
tion:

•

Increase tire pressure to recommended
full. See the chapter "Wheels and tires."

•

When your vehicle is new, avoid towing
heavy trailers during the first 620 miles
(1,000 km).

•

Maximum speed when towing a trailer:
50 mph (80 km/h).

•

Engine and transmission are subject to
increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant
temperature should be closely watched
when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain.
Use a lower gear and turn off the air con-
ditioner if the temperature gauge needle
enters the red range.

•

If the automatic transmission begins to
overheat, a message will be displayed in
the information display.

•

Avoid overload and other abusive opera-
tion.

•

Hauling a trailer affects handling, durabil-
ity, and economy.

•

It is necessary to balance trailer brakes
with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a
safe stop (check and observe state/local
regulations).

•

Do not connect the trailer's brake system
directly to the vehicle's brake system.

•

More frequent vehicle maintenance is
required.

•

Remove the ball and drawbar assembly
when the hitch is not being used.

•

Volvo recommends the use of synthetic
engine oil when towing a trailer over long
distances or in mountainous areas.

WARNING

•

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's
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 trained
and qualified Volvo service technician
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 vehicle. The safety wire should
never be fastened to or wound around
the drawbar ball.

06 Starting and driving

Towing a trailer

159

NOTE

•

When parking the vehicle with a trailer
on a hill, apply the parking brake before
putting the gear selector in Park (P) or
in reverse on models with a manual
transmission. Always follow the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations for
wheel chocking.

•

If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift
positions while towing a trailer, or if the
vehicle is equipped with a manual trans-
mission, 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
vehicle is designed to tow. Please
adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer
weights.

•

Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines
exceeding 15%.

06 Starting and driving

Detachable trailer hitch

160

Installing the ball holder

G030864

Ball holder

Cotter pin

Hitch assembly

Safety wire attachment

Locking bolt

If necessary, remove the cotter pin from
the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt
out of the hitch assembly.

Slide the ball holder into the hitch assem-
bly.

Align the hole in the ball holder with the one
in the hitch assembly.

Slide the locking bolt through the hitch
assembly/ball holder.

Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end
of the locking bolt.

Removing the ball holder

Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt
and slide the locking bolt out of the ball
holder/hitch assembly.

Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assem-
bly.

NOTE

A cover for the hitch assembly is also
included in the kit.

06 Starting and driving

Transporting loads

161

Loading the vehicle

Your vehicle's load-carrying capacity is affec-
ted by factors such as:

•

the number of passengers

•

tire inflation

•

the amount of optional or accessory equip-
ment installed

•

the amount of cargo.

See the chapter "Wheels and tires" for more
detailed information.

Before loading the car, turn off the engine, and
apply the parking brake when loading or
unloading long objects. The gear selector can
be inadvertently knocked out of position by
long cargo, causing the car to move.

Keep the following in mind when
loading the vehicle:

•

Load objects in the trunk against the rear
seat backrest.

•

Load heavy cargo as low as possible.

•

Center wide loads.

•

Secure all cargo with restraining straps
anchored to the load securing eyelets.

•

Cover sharp edges on the load.

WARNING

•

Remember that an object weighing
44 lbs (20 kg) produces a force of
2,200 lbs (1,000 kg) in a head-on colli-
sion at 30 mph (50 km/h)!

•

When the rear backrest(s) are folded
down, the vehicle should not be loaded
to a level higher than 2 in. (5 cm) below
the upper edge of the rear side win-
dows. Objects placed higher than this
level could impede the function of the
Volvo Inflatable Curtain.

Volvo C70 Convertible (2010 year). Manual - part 9