Volvo 120 Operating Instructions Manual page 14

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Starting the engine
Move the selector lever either to the "P" or "N" position. The starter
inhibitor switch is automatically disconnected if the selector lever is
moved to any of the other positions. The lever can be moved freely
between the "N" and "D" positions, while the other positions are provided
with a catch. For this reason, the selector lever must first be lifted
towards the wheel before it can be moved into any of the other
positions. If the car is temporarily stopped and the selector lever is
moved to the "R", "D" or "L" position, apply the handbrake or the foot-
brake to stop any tendency for the car to "creep". When the selector
lever is -moved from "N" to "R", "D" or "L", a pronounced engagement
thump can be hard at high idling speed. This is not detrimental to the
car or the transmission system.
"D" position
Under normal driving conditions use your car at all times with the
selection "D" - fully automatic drive. The transmission then starts
in first gear and automatic upchanges to second and third gear occur
i n accordance with road speed and accelerator position. Automatic
downchanges from third to second and first occur with decreasing
vehicle speed.
"L" position
Normally no advantage is gained by selecting "L" (lock-up) for moving
off or low-speed driving because the available ratios (first and second)
are the same as those of "D" position. If, on the other hand, the speed
is higher and third gear is engaged, an immediate downchange to se-
cond gear will take place if the selector is moved to "L" No upchang-
ing takes place as long as "L" is used, although the transmission will
automatically downchange to first gear and remain locked in this
ratio as long as the selector remains at "L".
The main uses of the "L" position are as follows:
1. To obtain immediate changing-down manually.
2. To obtain powerful engine braking effect - for e ample,
on long, mountainous descents.
3. In order to obtain a higher engine speed when, for example,
the battery requires charging.
Never move the selector to the "L" position if the speed exceeds
90 km. p. h. (55 m.p.h.) as this will risk overrevving the engine.
"N" position
The, neutral position has the same function as on a manual gearbox,
i.e. no gear is engaged. This position can be used when starting the
engine and when parking with the handbrake applied.
2 4
"R" position
This position is used when reversing. Note the advantage offered by
"creeping" (driving with no throttle) when manoeuvring in restricted
parking spaces.
"F" position
When parking with the engine switched on or off, position "P" should
be selected. On a steep gradient the handbrake should also be applied.
Starting
The car is started by moving the selector to the desired position and
releasing the brake pedal. The car then moves off gently ("creeps").
The speed is then controlled with the accelerator pedal. If the quickest
possible acceleration is required, the accelerator pedal is pressed down
to the "kick-down" position, i.e. past the "hard-spot" in the lower
accelerator pedal position.
Stopping the car
The car is stopped by releasing the accelerator pedal and applying the
footbrake. It is not necessary to move the selector.
Driving under different conditions
Manual driving to a limited extent can also be done with the automatic
transmission. In this case starting is done with the selector in position
"L". Changing up to second gear is done by moving the selector to
"D" and quickly back to "L". Third gear is obtained by moving the
selector to position "D".
Earlier changing down from third gear to second gear and from second
gear to first can be obtained by pressing down the accelerator pedal
to the "kickdown" position.
In the same way, changing up between first gear and second, and
second gear and third can be delayed.
If the car has become stuck in snow, loose sand or similar, it can be
"rocked" loose by moving the selector alternately between the "D" and
"R" positions under continuous light accelerator pressure.
For emergency starting the car is towed with the selector in the "N"
position and the choke control pulled out slightly with the ignition
switched on.
The selector is moved to "L" and the engine pulled round until it
starts.
1. Do not select "P" or "R" positions when the car is moving.
2. Do not select "D", "L" or "R" at a higher engine speed
than idling when the car is stationary.
3. Do not select "L" positions at speeds above 90 km. p. h.
(55 m. p. h.)
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
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