Hi, everyone!

Just a couple of quick questions about my new S40. If anyone can help, that would be great! Thanks in advance.

How do you turn on the headlight wipers?

What does the "W" next to the gear shift mean/do?

 

On my older Vovlos the headlight wipers only function when I do the window washers. Try using the window washers and see if it does the headlights. The "W" stands for winter mode. Press that when you are driving in icey conditions and the car will start out in 3rd gear instead of 1st. This keeps the wheels from spinning as much. When you push the "W" you might see an arrow on your dash letting you know you are in winter mode. The arrow also comes on when you are not in drive, but in a lower gear. This is how it is in my cars. I'm not sure about the S40 though.

 

Thanks! That's really helpful!

My headlight wipers actually didn't come on with the regular wipers so I'm guessing they're broken. Probably not terribly helpful anyway, so I'm not too worried.

Do you know the DCA button does?

 

No not with the regular wipers. Just when you do the window washers. You know where it sprays water and the wipers come on just for a few passes. Try that. Nope don't know what DCA button does.

 

Got it! Thanks, I'll try that!

Thanks a lot for your help,

Sally

 

If you are refering to the DSA button, it stands for Dynamic Stability Assistance. This is the cars traction control which will detect the front wheels spinning and start the corrective action. The DSA is on by default and can be switched off by pressing and holding the DSA button until the warning light on the dash lights up. There is rarely any need to switch off the traction control.

Perhaps you would find the following website useful

http://www.volvocars.us/_Tier2/Owners/Library.htm

It offers information on many volvo models including the owners manuals which can be read online.

 

True, I can't imagine not wanting good traction. Thanks for your answer and the URL. I'll bookmark it.

Thanks,
Sally

 

I had the same questions when i bought my s40, I was talking to my uncle who has a s70 and he had no idea what the w stood for either. I have never tried mine yet but maybe this winter I will see what happens. Hope you enjoy your new volvo.

 

I had the same question about the W and tech told me it stands for "winter" allowing the car to start in 3rd gear for better take off traction in the snow. If it's not snowing you should not use it.

 

The headlight washers turn on when you wash the front windshield and the HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. They will also only cycle once every 10 minutes no matter how much you wash the windshield to conserve windshield washer fluid.