Volvo C30 (2013 year). Instruction

06 Starting and driving

Brake system

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

159

Brake lights

The brake lights come on automatically when
the brakes are applied.

Adaptive brake lights

The adaptive brake lights activate in the event
of sudden braking or if the ABS system is acti-
vated. This function causes an additional tail-
light on each side of the vehicle to illuminate to
help alert vehicles traveling behind.

The adaptive brake lights activate if:

•

The ABS system activates for more than
approximately a half second

•

In the event of sudden braking while the
vehicle is moving at speeds above approx-
imately 6 mph (10 km/h)

When the vehicle has come to a stop, the brake
lights and additional taillights remain on for as
long as the brake pedal is depressed or until
braking force on the vehicle is reduced.

Brake pad inspection

On vehicles equipped with a jack*, the condi-
tion of the brake pads can be checked by rais-
ing the vehicle (see page 200 for information
about using the jack and removing a wheel)
and performing a visual inspection of the brake
pads.

WARNING

•

If the vehicle has been driven immedi-
ately prior to a brake pad inspection, the
wheel hub, brake components, etc., will
be very hot. Allow time for these com-
ponents to cool before carrying out the
inspection.

•

Apply the parking brake and put the
gear selector in the Park (P) position.

•

Block the wheels standing on the
ground, use rigid wooden blocks or
large stones.

WARNING

•

Use the jack intended for the vehicle
when changing a tire. For any other job,
use stands to support the vehicle.

•

The jack should be kept well-greased
and clean, and should not be damaged.

•

Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-
slippery surface.

•

No objects should be placed between
the base of jack and the ground, or
between the jack and the attachment
bar on the vehicle.

•

The jack must correctly engage the jack
attachment.

•

Never allow any part of your body to be
extended under a vehicle supported by
a jack.

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.

06 Starting and driving

Brake system

160

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.

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

06 Starting and driving

Brake system

161

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

Parking brake

162

Parking brake (hand brake)

G026348

The parking brake lever is located between the
front seats.

NOTE

The indicator light will illuminate even if the
parking brake has only been partially
applied.

When applying the parking brake

Press firmly on the brake pedal.

Pull the parking brake lever up firmly to its
full extent.

Release the brake pedal and ensure that
the vehicle is at a standstill.

If the vehicle rolls, the parking brake lever
must be pulled more firmly.

When parking a vehicle always put the gear
selector in first gear (for manual transmis-
sion) or P (for automatic transmission).

Parking on a hill

•

If the vehicle is pointing uphill, turn the front
wheels so that they point away from the
curb.

•

If the vehicle is pointing downhill, turn the
front wheels so that they point toward the
curb.

Releasing the parking brake

Press firmly on the brake pedal.

Pull the lever up slightly, press the button
at the end of the lever and lower the lever
completely.

WARNING

Pull up the parking brake lever up firmly to
its full extent.

06 Starting and driving

Stability system

163

Dynamic Stability Traction Control
(DSTC)

The stability system consists of a number of
functions designed to 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 menu
is displayed.

Hold down the RESET button (B) to toggle
between

DSTC ON

DSTC SPIN

CONTROL 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 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

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.

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

06 Starting and driving

Stability system

164

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 will be displayed.

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

165

Towing the vehicle

The towing eyelet (1) is located under the
floor of the cargo area.

Remove the cover over the opening for the
towing eyelet on the front bumper by pry-
ing open the lower edge with a coin, etc.

Remove the cover over the opening for the
towing eyelet on the rear bumper by press-
ing the lower right corner of the cover.

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

After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet
should be removed and returned to its storage
space.

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

166

Insert the key into the ignition to unlock the
steering wheel. With the engine off and the
vehicle 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 158, "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.

•

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 168 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.

•

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.

06 Starting and driving

Jump starting

168

Jump starting the vehicle

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

Transporting loads

169

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 cargo area 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.

•

The rear seats can be folded down to
extend the cargo compartment, see
page 117.

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
Inflatable Curtain.

Load carriers (accessory)

Load carriers are available as Volvo accesso-
ries. Follow the installation instructions sup-
plied with the load carriers.

Observe the following points when using load
carriers:

•

To avoid damaging your car and to achieve
maximum safety when driving, we recom-
mend using the load carriers that Volvo has
developed especially for your car.

•

Volvo-approved removable roof racks are
designed to carry the maximum allowable
roof load for this vehicle: 165 lbs (75 kg).
For Non-Volvo roof racks, check the man-
ufacturer's weight limits for the rack.

•

Never exceed the rack manufacturer's
weigh limits and never exceed the maxi-
mum rated roof load of 165 lbs (75 kg).

•

Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loads
evenly.

•

Place heavier cargo at the bottom of the
load.

•

Secure the cargo correctly with appropri-
ate tie-down equipment.

•

Check periodically that the load carriers
and load are properly secured.

•

Remember that the car's center of gravity
and handling change when you carry a
load on the roof.

•

The car's wind resistance and fuel con-
sumption will increase with the size of the
load.

•

Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid starts, fast
cornering and hard braking.

06 Starting and driving

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)*

170

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

Introduction

G020295

BLIS camera

Indicator light

BLIS symbol

The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is an
information system that indicates the presence
of another vehicle moving in the same direction
as your vehicle in the side-view mirror's "blind
area".

CAUTION

The BLIS system should only be repaired by
a trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician.

WARNING

•

BLIS is an information system, NOT a
warning or safety system.

•

BLIS does not eliminate the need for
you to visually confirm the conditions
around you, and the need for you to turn
your head and shoulders to make sure
that you can safely change lanes.

•

As the driver, you have full responsibility
for changing lanes in a safe manner.

The system is based on digital camera tech-
nology. The cameras (1) are located beneath
the side-view mirrors.

When one (or both) of the cameras have
detected a vehicle in the blind area (up to
approximately 10 ft. (3 meters) from the side of
your vehicle, and up to approximately 31 ft.
(9.5 meters) behind the side-view mirror), the
indicator light in the door panel (2) illuminates.
The light will glow continuously to alert the
driver of the vehicle in the blind area.

NOTE

The door panel indicator light illuminates on
the side of the vehicle where the system has
detected another vehicle. If your vehicle is
passed on both sides at the same time, both
lights will illuminate.

A = approx. 10 ft. (3 meters), B = approx. 31 ft.
(9.5 meters)

BLIS has an integrated function that alerts the
driver if a fault should occur with the system.
For example, if one or both of the system's
cameras are obscured, a message (see the
table on page 172) will appear in the informa-
tion display in the instrument panel. If this
occurs, clean the camera lenses. If necessary,
the system can be temporarily switched off (for
instructions see page 172).

06 Starting and driving

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)*

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

171

When does BLIS function

The system functions when your vehicle is
moving at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).

When you pass another vehicle:

The system reacts when you pass another
vehicle at a speed of up to 6 mph (10 km/h)
faster than that vehicle.

When you are passed by another vehicle:

The system reacts if your vehicle is passed by
another vehicle at a speed of up to 43 mph
(70 km/h) faster than your vehicle.

WARNING

•

BLIS does not function in sharp curves.

•

BLIS does not function when your vehi-
cle is backing up.

•

If you are towing a wide trailer, this may
prevent the BLIS cameras from detect-
ing other vehicles in adjacent lanes.

How BLIS functions in daylight and
darkness

Daylight

BLIS reacts to the shape of surrounding vehi-
cles. The system is designed to help detect
motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses,
motorcycles, etc.

Darkness

BLIS reacts to the headlights of surrounding
vehicles. In order to be detected by BLIS, a
vehicle in the blind area must have its head-
lights on. This means, for example, that the
system will not detect a trailer without head-
lights that is being towed behind a car or truck.

WARNING

•

BLIS does not react to cyclists or
mopeds.

•

BLIS does not react to vehicles that are
standing still.

•

The BLIS cameras have the same limi-
tation as the human eye. In other words,
their "vision is impaired" by adverse
weather conditions such as heavy
snowfall, intense light directly into the
camera, dense fog, etc.

Limitations

In certain situations, the BLIS indicator light(s)
may illuminate even when there are no other
vehicles in the area monitored by the system.

NOTE

If the BLIS indicator lights illuminate occa-
sionally even when there are no other vehi-
cles in the blind area, this does not indicate
a fault in the system.

In the event of a fault,

Blind spot syst.

Service required

will be displayed.

The following are several examples of situa-
tions in which the BLIS indicator light(s) may
illuminate even when there are no other vehi-
cles in the area monitored by the system.

Light reflected from a wet road surface

06 Starting and driving

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)*

172

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

G018177

The vehicle's own shadow against a large, light,
smooth surface such as barriers between lanes on
a highway

Sunlight directly in the camera when the sun is low
on the horizon

Cleaning the BLIS camera lenses

In order to function optimally, the BLIS camera
lenses must be kept clean. They can be wiped
clean with a soft cloth or wet sponge.

CAUTION

•

Clean the lenses carefully to avoid
scratching.

•

The lenses are electrically heated to
help melt ice or snow. If necessary, gen-
tly brush away snow from the lenses.

Switching BLIS on and off

G018270

BLIS button (left button in the illustration)

BLIS is automatically activated when the igni-
tion is switched on. The indicator lights will
provide confirmation by flashing 3 times.

•

The system can be switched off by press-
ing the BLIS button in the center console.
The indicator light in the button goes out

when the system is switched off, and a text
message is displayed.

•

BLIS can be switched on again by pressing
the button. The indicator light in the button
will illuminate and a new text message will
be displayed. Press the READ button, see
page 61, to erase the message.

BLIS system messages

Text in the
display

System status

BLIS SERVICE
REQUIRED

BLIS not functioning
properly. Contact an
authorized Volvo serv-
ice technician.

BLIS CAMERA
BLOCKED

BLIS camera obscured.
Clean the lenses.

BLIS ON

BLIS system on

06 Starting and driving

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)*

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

173

Text in the
display

System status

BLIS OFF

BLIS system off

BLIS REDUCED
FUNCTION

The BLIS cameras'
function has been
reduced due to weak or
impaired data transfer
between the BLIS sys-
tem's cameras and the
vehicle's electrical sys-
tem. The cameras will
reset themselves when
this data transfer has
returned to normal.

06 Starting and driving

Rear park assist*

174

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

Introduction

Rear park assist

The park assist system is designed to assist
you when driving into parking spaces, garages,
etc. It utilizes four ultrasound sensors located
in the rear bumper to measure the distance to
a vehicle, object or a person who may be close
to the rear of your vehicle.

WARNING

Park Assist is an information system, NOT a
safety system. This system is designed to
be a supplementary aid when parking the
vehicle. It is not, however, intended to
replace the driver's attention and judge-
ment.

Function

The system is activated automatically when the
vehicle is started. The indicator light in the but-
ton in the center console illuminates. Park
assist monitors the area behind the vehicle
when the engine is running and reverse gear
has been selected.

The distance monitored behind the vehicle is
approximately 5 ft (1.5 m). The signal comes
from the rear speakers.

The system must be deactivated when towing
a trailer, carrying bicycles in a rear-mounted
carrier, etc., which could trigger the rear park
assist system's sensors.

NOTE

Rear park assist is deactivated automati-
cally when towing a trailer if Volvo genuine
trailer wiring is used.

Activating/deactivating park assist

G021267

Park Assist button (right button in the illustration)

The system is activated automatically when the
vehicle is started.

–

Press the Park assist button on the center
console to temporarily deactivate the sys-
tem. The indicator light in the button will go
out when the system has been deacti-
vated.

–

Park assist will be automatically reactiva-
ted the next time the engine is started, or if
the button is pressed (the indicator light in
the button will illuminate).

Volvo C30 (2013 year). Instruction - part 9