Automatic transmission - Geartronic*

The Geartronic automatic transmission in the Volvo S80 (2nd generation, 2013–2016) combines automatic and manual shifting options. This section explains the gear positions, Sport mode and manual mode. It also describes the function of the shift paddles and the kickdown function. Notes on safe use in different driving situations complete the information.

The Geartronic transmission has two different shift modes: automatic or manual.

D: Automatic gear positions. +/-: Manual gear positions. S: Sport mode*.

The instrument cluster shows the selector lever position with the following symbols: P, R, N, D, S*, 1, 2, 3, etc.

Gear Positions

Automatic gear positions are shown on the right side of the instrument cluster. Only one indicator lights up, the one for the current selector lever position. The "S" symbol for the active sport mode lights up ORANGE.

Park position - P

Select position P when starting the engine or when the vehicle is parked.

To move the selector lever out of position P, at least ignition position II must be switched on. See Ignition positions - functions at different levels.

In position P, the transmission is mechanically locked. To park the vehicle, also apply the parking brake.

The selector lever must be in position P to lock the vehicle and activate the alarm system.

IMPORTANT The vehicle must be stationary when selecting position P.

When parking on a slope, always apply the parking brake. Position P of the automatic transmission is not sufficient to hold the vehicle in all situations.

Reverse - R

The vehicle must be stationary when engaging position R.

Neutral - N

No gear is engaged and the engine can be started. Apply the parking brake when the vehicle is stationary and the selector lever is in position N.

Before the selector lever can be moved from position N to another gear position, the brake pedal must be depressed and ignition position II must be set. See Ignition positions - functions at different levels.

Drive - D

D is the normal driving position. Upshifting and downshifting take place automatically depending on accelerator input and speed. When engaging position D from position R, the vehicle must be stationary.

Geartronic - Manual gear positions (+S-)

With the Geartronic automatic transmission, the driver can shift manually. The engine brakes when the accelerator pedal is released.

The manual shift mode is engaged by moving the lever sideways from position D to the end position at "+S-". The "+S-" symbol in the instrument cluster changes color from WHITE to ORANGE, and the digits 1-2, 3 etc. are shown in a box corresponding to the gear that is currently engaged.

• Push the lever forward to "+" (plus) to upshift one step, then release it. The lever then returns to its neutral position between + and -.

or

• Pull the lever back to "-" (minus) to downshift one step, then release it.

The manual shift position "+S-" can be selected at any time while driving.

To prevent the vehicle from jerking and the engine from stalling, Geartronic downshifts automatically if the driver lets the speed drop further than is suitable for the selected gear.

To return to automatic driving mode:

• Move the lever to the end position at D.

If the transmission has a sport program, it only becomes a manual transmission after the selector lever is moved forward or back in the "+S-" position. The instrument cluster then no longer shows S, but the engaged gear 1, 2, 3 etc.

Shift paddles*

In addition to manual shifting with the selector lever, there are also controls on the steering wheel, known as shift paddles.

To shift using the steering wheel shift paddles, they must first be activated.

This is done by pulling a shift paddle toward the steering wheel. The instrument cluster then changes the symbol from "D" to a digit showing the currently engaged gear.

To then shift a gear:

• Pull one of the shift paddles back toward the steering wheel and release it.

The two shift paddles on the steering wheel.

1. 1
   "-": Selects the next lower gear.
2. 2
   "+": Selects the next higher gear.

A gear change occurs for each shift paddle pull, provided the engine speed is within the permitted range.

After each shift, the instrument cluster changes the digit to show the currently engaged gear.

Automatic deactivation

If the shift paddles are not used, they are deactivated after a short time. This is indicated by the symbol in the instrument cluster changing from the digit for the current gear back to "D".

The engine braking function is an exception. In this case, the shift paddles remain active for as long as the engine braking process lasts.

Manual deactivation

The shift paddles can also be deactivated manually:

• Pull both shift paddles toward the steering wheel and hold them until the instrument cluster changes from the digit for the current gear to "D".

The shift paddles can also be used when the selector lever is in sport mode*. In this case, the shift paddles are permanently active and are not deactivated.

Geartronic - Sport mode* (S)8

The sport program provides sportier driving behavior and allows higher engine speeds in each gear. At the same time, the engine responds faster to accelerator pedal movements. In sporty driving, lower gears are also preferred, and the transmission shifts up later.

To activate sport mode:

• Move the selector lever sideways from position D to the end position "+S-". The symbol in the instrument cluster changes from D to S.

The sport position can be selected at any time while driving.

Geartronic - Winter mode

To make starting easier on slippery road surfaces, 3rd gear can be engaged manually.

1. Depress the brake pedal and move the selector lever from position D to the end position at "+S-". The instrument cluster will now show the digit 1 instead of D.

2. Shift up to 3rd gear by pushing the lever forward to "+" (plus) twice. The display will now show 3 instead of 1.

3. Release the brake and apply the accelerator carefully.

In winter mode, the transmission starts off with a lower engine speed and reduced engine output to the drive wheels.

Kickdown

If the accelerator pedal is pressed fully down (beyond the normal full-throttle position), the transmission immediately downshifts automatically to a lower gear. This is called "kickdown downshift".

When the accelerator pedal is released from the kickdown position, the transmission automatically shifts up to the next higher gear.

Kickdown is used when maximum acceleration is required, for example when overtaking.

Safety function

To prevent over-revving the engine, the transmission control program has a downshift protection that prevents kickdown.

Geartronic does not allow downshifting/kickdown that could result in engine speeds high enough to risk engine damage. If the driver nevertheless attempts a shift of this type at high engine speeds, it will not be carried out and the original gear remains engaged.

During kickdown, the vehicle may downshift one or more gears, depending on engine speed. The vehicle upshifts when the engine reaches its maximum speed to prevent engine damage.

Towing

If the vehicle must be towed, see the important information in the Towing section.

Related information

- Transmission fluid - quality and fill quantity.

- Automatic transmission - Powershift*.

- Transmission.

8 Only with certain engines.

9 If the vehicle has Sport mode*, "S" is shown first.

The Geartronic transmission in the Volvo S80 (2nd generation) combines the comfort of an automatic transmission with the flexibility of manual shifting. The driver can switch between automatic and manual mode at any time to adapt the driving characteristics to their needs.

Special features such as Sport mode, shift paddles and winter mode provide additional comfort and safety in different road conditions. Volvo combines technology and driving enjoyment at a high level.

FAQ

How do I activate Sport mode?
Move the selector lever from D to the side, into the end position at "+S-". "S" appears in the display.

When do the shift paddles deactivate automatically?
If they are not used for a short time, or after the engine braking process has ended.