Volvo V50 Owner's Manual page 111

Starting and driving
Manual gearbox
Reverse gear inhibitor, six-speed
(petrol)
Only engage reverse gear when the car is
stationary.
110
Gear positions, six-speed
(diesel)
Depress the clutch pedal completely for each
gear change. Remove your foot from the
clutch pedal between gear changes. Follow
the indicated gear pattern. For optimum fuel
economy use the highest possible gear as
often as possible.
Important!
The spring-loaded inhibitor can be forced
when engaging 1st or 2nd gear if you
apply too much pressure to the left when
changing gear. This can lead to reverse
being engaged when driving forwards.
Reverse gear inhibitor, six-speed
(diesel)
Only engage reverse gear when the car is
stationary. To engage reverse gear, press the
gear lever to the left past the spring-loaded
inhibitor.