Gear selector

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Volvo S40, 2003 Volvo S40, 2002 Volvo S40, 2001 Volvo S40, and 2000 Volvo S40. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Driving Modes

Courtesy of VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA.

The gear selector is mechanically connected to the transmission by a cable, which operates the gear selector valve in the control system. There are two switches beside the gear selector for selecting the driving mode. One button (S) switches between the ECONOMY (E) and SPORT (S) modes. The other button makes it possible to engage the driving mode WINTER (W).

The gear selector has 6 positions, with the following functions:

P Park position.
R Back-up (reverse) position.
N Neutral position.
D Automatic shifting between all gears. (Not applicable when mode selector is in the WINTER position.)
3 In this position the 4th gear is blocked. The warning light on the instrument panel lights. Automatic shifting occurs between the other gears. (Not applicable when mode selector is in the WINTER position.)
L In this position only the 1st and 2nd gears operate. The warning light on the instrument panel lights. Automatic downshifting occurs, but upshifting is inhibited. If the gear selector is moved to position L at a road speed exceeding approximately 25-40 km/h (ECON) or 10-15 km/h (SPORT), 2nd gear will be engaged. If the speed is reduced to below approximately 25-40 km/h (ECON) or 10-15 km/h (SPORT), the transmission will shift down to 1st gear. However, upshifting will not take place, regardless of vehicle speed. (The speed variations depend on which engine the transmission is used with and do not apply when the WINTER mode is selected.)