Volvo S80 Quiz
Driver assistance

Distance alert* - Limitations. Distance alert* - Symbols and messages. City Safety. City Safety - Function

In this manual: Driver assistance
Introduction — 9Safety — 9Instruments and controls — 29Climate control — 12Loading and storage. Storage compartments. Center console. Glove compartment. Center console 12 V socket — 1Loading and storage. Loading. Loading - ski hatch. Roof load. Cargo tie-down eyes — 1Loading and storage. Loading - shopping bag holder*. 12 V socket in luggage compartment* — 1Locks and Alarm System — 14Driver assistance — 33Starting and driving — 29Wheels and tires — 15Care and Service — 24Technical data. Type designations. Weights. Towing weight and nose weight. Engine technical data — 1Technical data. Engine oil - severe operating conditions. Engine oil - quality and capacity. Coolant - quality and capacity. Transmission fluid - quality and capacity — 1Technical Data. Technical data for the air conditioning system. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Tires - approved tire pressure — 1
~6min read

The distance alert on the Volvo S80 (2nd generation, 2013–2016) is subject to technical limitations that the driver should be aware of. This section describes typical restrictions caused by weather or visibility and gives tips for safe use. The symbols and messages that indicate faults are also explained. Recommendations on how to respond to warnings support active monitoring of the distance.

Distance alert* - Limitations

This function uses the same radar sensor as adaptive cruise control (ACC) and the collision warning with full auto brake, and is subject to certain limitations.

CAUTION

Strong sunlight, reflections or intense changes in light, as well as wearing sunglasses, may prevent the warning lamp in the windshield from being seen.

Bad weather or winding roads can impair the radar sensor's ability to detect vehicles ahead.

The size of vehicles can also affect the ability to detect them, e.g. motorcycles. This may cause the warning lamp to light up at a shorter distance than set, or the warning to be temporarily absent.

Very high speeds can also cause the lamp to light up at a shorter distance than set, due to limitations in the sensor's range.

For more information on the radar sensor's limitations, see Radar sensor - Limitations.

Related information

  • Distance alert*
  • Distance alert* - Symbols and messages

Distance alert* - Symbols and messages

Various symbols and messages are assigned to this function and may appear in the instrument panel when it is restricted due to its limitations.

Symbol A Message Meaning
Radar blocked See manual The distance alert is temporarily out of
operation.

The radar sensor is blocked and cannot detect other vehicles, e.g. in heavy rain or when slush builds up in front of the radar sensor.

Find out about the limitations of the radar sensor
Collision warning service required The distance alert and the collision warning with full auto brake are fully or partially out of
operation.

Contact a workshop if the message continues to appear. A Volvo Retailer is recommended.

A The symbols are shown schematically and may vary depending on market/country and vehicle model.

Related information

  • Distance alert*
  • Distance alert* - Limitations

City Safety

City Safety is a function that helps the driver avoid a collision, for example when driving in traffic jams, where changes in the traffic ahead combined with inattention can lead to an accident.

The City Safety function is active at speeds below 50 km/h and helps the driver. If there is a risk of collision with the vehicle ahead and the driver does not react in time by braking and/or steering, the system automatically brakes the vehicle.

City Safety is activated in situations where the driver should have started braking significantly earlier. For this reason, the function cannot help the driver in all situations.

City Safety is activated as late as possible to avoid unnecessary interventions.

City Safety must not be used to change the driver's driving style. If the driver relies solely on City Safety and lets the system do the braking, a collision will sooner or later occur.

Drivers and passengers normally only notice City Safety in situations where a collision is very close.

If the vehicle is also equipped with collision warning with full auto brake, the two systems complement each other.

IMPORTANT

Maintenance and replacement of City Safety system components must only be carried out by a workshop, preferably a Volvo Retailer.

WARNING

City Safety does not work in all driving situations, nor in all traffic, weather and road conditions.

City Safety does not react to vehicles travelling in a different direction from your own, to vehicles that are too small, motorcycles, people or animals.

City Safety can prevent a collision at a speed difference below 15 km/h. At a higher speed difference, it can only reduce the impact speed. For full braking force, the driver must press the brake pedal.

Never wait for City Safety to intervene. The driver is always responsible for maintaining the correct distance and the correct speed.

Related information

  • City Safety - Limitations
  • City Safety - Function
  • City Safety - Operation
  • City Safety - Laser sensor
  • City Safety - Symbols and messages

City Safety - Function

City Safety scans the traffic ahead of the vehicle with a laser sensor mounted at the upper edge of the windshield. If a collision is imminent, City Safety automatically brakes the vehicle. This braking maneuver can be perceived as very forceful.

Sender- und Empfängerfenster des Lasersensors13.
Transmitter and receiver windows of the laser sensor13.

If the speed difference relative to the vehicle ahead is 4-15 km/h, City Safety can fully prevent a collision.

City Safety triggers a brief, strong braking action and normally brings the vehicle to a stop directly behind the vehicle ahead. This does not match the normal driving style of most drivers and may therefore feel unpleasant.

If the speed difference between the vehicles is greater than 15 km/h, City Safety cannot prevent the collision on its own. To receive full braking force, the driver must press the brake pedal fully.

Only then is it possible to avoid a collision at speed differences greater than 15 km/h.

When the function is activated and intervenes by braking, the instrument cluster in the dashboard displays a text message indicating that the function is or was active.

13 Note! The illustration is schematic. Details may vary depending on the vehicle model.

NOTICE When City Safety brakes, the brake lights illuminate.

Related information

  • City Safety - Limitations
  • City Safety
  • City Safety - Operation
  • City Safety - Laser sensor
  • City Safety - Symbols and messages

Distance Alert in the Volvo S80 (2nd gen) is a valuable driver assistance system, but it has certain limitations. Poor visibility, winding roads or small vehicles can make detection more difficult. Strong sunlight or reflections also reduce the visibility of the warning light.

Together with City Safety, Distance Alert provides a comprehensive safety package that supports the driver in situations where a rear-end collision threatens. The two systems complement each other optimally for a safe driving experience.

FAQ

Why does Distance Alert sometimes not respond?
It only works within the active speed range and when a vehicle ahead is detected. Faults can be caused by weather conditions or covered sensors.

What are the limitations of City Safety?
City Safety does not work in all traffic, weather and road conditions. It is deactivated at speeds below 4 km/h and when reversing.

Test yourself

A quick Volvo S80 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.