Is there an indicator that Winter/Wet Weather Button is Pressed?
 

I bought a used 2003 S40. When I press the "W" button, it goes down slightly (maybe about 1/8 inch?) and I don't see any indicator light by the button or on the dashboard telling me it's been activated. Am I supposed to see something?

The owner's manual doesn't mention anything.
https://volvo.custhelp.com/app/manua...nual/om_id/651

I'm worried that it might be stuck.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/volvofo...31adb4d0b4.jpg



Thanks.

I have the same question in my 2009 XC90

dunno about the 2003s but on my 2000 S40 there's an indicator light on the dash. Does your car have a DSC button? If so it may be tied to the traction control light. Its pretty easy to tell if Winter mode is on or not as the car will start in 3rd gear when the shifter is in D postion - the engine will almost sound like it bogs down (a bit of motorboating) vs the normal quick reving in 1st gear.

Thanks!

What's a "DSC" button?

I see nothing light up on my dash when I press the W button, and while the button does depress about 1/8 inch, it appears to come back to the same height, and I don't feel/hear a click.

And no, it does not feel like it's starting in 3rd gear. The car just drives the same whether W is pressed or not.

I guess my W button is broken? I wonder if that is why I have the check engine light on.

I doubt if the check engine has anything to do with the W button. That's just a switch to control the transmission's program. You'll need to find an OBD2 code reader to see what the fault code is for the CEL. Sounds like the W mode button has gotten gunked up or failed and may need to be cleaned or replaced.

Look at the small window on the bottom (between the tach and speedo). It should read "W" when you have the button pushed. Normally it will tell you which gear you're in.

I don't see that anywhere.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/volvofo...6ea90fefe1.png

if your car is starting out normally, then W is not engaged. If you feel it start in 3rd gear and there's no indicator light, then you may have a bulb issue on the dash. If your button doesn't change the car's behavior, then you likely have a switch issue or wiring from the switch to the TCU.

Ah! Some of the proverbial fog is clearing for me ... for one, I just found a youtube video ( ) that shows that the winter mode is indicated by the "up arrow" in the instrument panel. That never turns on/off for me in my car (other than as a flashing yellow that comes on with CEL). AND my car does not respond to the W button being pressed. So I would guess that there is something wrong w/ the W switch, possibly along w/ other tranny issues. Thanks for your response!

Sorry - I didn't catch that your S40 was a 2003 (my advice would apply to 2005 and up)