Volvo S80 Quiz
Starting and driving

Alcohol interlock* - notes

In this manual: Starting and driving
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
~4min read

Certain rules of conduct are important for correct use of the alcohol interlock in the Volvo S80 (2nd generation, 2013–2016). This section describes how avoiding eating and drinking before the test, and avoiding washer fluid containing alcohol, helps prevent incorrect results. It also explains service and calibration intervals and the procedure in extreme temperatures. Notes on the bypass and emergency function complete the information.

For correct function and the most accurate measurement result possible:

  • Do not eat or drink for approx. 5 minutes before the breath test, if possible.
  • Avoid heavy wiper operation. The alcohol in the washer fluid can lead to an incorrect measurement result.

Driver change

To ensure that a new breath test is performed when the driver changes, press switch (2) and transmit button (3) at the same time for approx. 3 seconds.

This returns the vehicle to the start-blocked state, and a new passed breath test is required before the engine can be started.

Calibration and maintenance

The alcohol lock must be checked and calibrated at a workshop1 every 12 months.

30 days before recalibration becomes necessary, the instrument cluster displays the message Alcoguard calibration required. See manual. If calibration is not carried out within these 30 days, normal engine starting is blocked. In this case, starting is only possible using the bypass function, see the following section "Emergency situation".

The message can be hidden by pressing the send button (3). Otherwise, the message is hidden automatically after approx. 2 minutes, but it will then appear again each time the engine is started. It can only be switched off permanently during recalibration at a workshop1.

1 A Volvo authorised workshop is recommended.

Low or high outside temperatures

The lower the outside temperature, the longer it takes until the alcohol lock can be used.

Niedrige oder hohe Außentemperaturen

At temperatures below -20 °C or above +60 °C, the alcohol lock requires an additional power supply. The instrument cluster displays Connect Alcoguard power cable. In this case, connect the power supply cable from the glove compartment to the alcohol lock and wait until indicator lamp (6) lights up green.

At extremely low temperatures, the warm-up time can be reduced by taking the alcohol lock into a heated room.

Emergency situation

In an emergency situation, or if the alcohol lock does not work, the alcohol lock function can be bypassed so that the vehicle can be driven.

CAUTION

Any activation of the bypass is recorded and stored, see Recording of data

After the bypass function is activated, Alcoguard bypass activated is shown in the instrument cluster for the entire journey. This message can only be reset at a workshop1.

The bypass function can be tested without a fault message being stored. To do this, carry out all steps without starting the vehicle. The fault message is cleared when the vehicle is locked.

When the alcohol lock is installed, it is selected whether the bypass override is to be a bypass or emergency function. This setting can be changed later at a workshop1.

Activating the bypass function

  • Press and hold the OK button on the left steering wheel lever and the hazard warning light button at the same time for approx. 5 seconds. The instrument cluster first displays Bypass activated. Please wait 1 min, then Alcoguard bypass activated appears. The engine can then be started.

This function can be activated several times.

The fault message displayed while driving can only be switched off by a workshop1.

Activating the emergency function

  • Press and hold the OK button on the left steering wheel lever and the hazard warning light button at the same time for approx. 5 seconds. Alcoguard bypass activated appears in the instrument cluster and the engine can be started.

This function can be used once. After that, a reset must be carried out at a workshop1.

Related information

  • Alcohol interlock* - functions and operation
  • Alcohol interlock* - storage
  • Alcohol interlock* - before starting the engine
  • Alcohol interlock*
  • Alcohol interlock* - symbols and text messages

1 A Volvo authorised workshop is recommended.

For optimal function, the alcohol lock in the Volvo S80 (2nd gen) requires proper use: do not eat before the test, and do not use alcohol-based window cleaner shortly before driving. Regular service and calibration are also essential.

For emergencies, the system provides a bypass function, which is however recorded. This keeps the vehicle ready for use even in exceptional situations.

FAQ

How often must the alcohol lock be calibrated?
Once a year at a workshop – a Volvo authorised workshop is recommended.

What to do in severe cold?
Connect the alcohol lock to the power supply cable or take it into a warm room to ensure its function.

Test yourself

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