Demisting and defrosting the windshield. Air distribution - recirculation function. Air distribution - table

Demisting and defrosting the windshield in the Volvo S80 (2nd generation, 2013–2016) is carried out efficiently by combining the blower, the air conditioning and the optional windshield heater. This section explains the operation and the automatic activation of relevant functions. The recirculation function is also described, which protects the interior air quality when the outside air is poor. A clear table helps you select the appropriate air distribution for different conditions.

Demisting and defrosting the windshield

With the electrically heated windshield* and the Max. Defrost setting, the windshield and side windows are quickly cleared of fog and ice.

The selected setting is shown on the center console display.

1. 1
   Windshield heater*
2. 2
   Max. Defrost

The lamp in the defrost button lights up when the function is switched on.

To activate the function, press the button repeatedly.

For vehicles without windshield heater:

• Air flows against the windows – symbol (2) lights up on the display.
• Switch function off – no symbol lit.

For vehicles with windshield heater:

• Switch on windshield heater2 – symbol (1) lights up on the display.
• Switch on windshield heater2 and blower – symbols (1) and (2) light up on the display.
• Switch function off – no symbol lit.

The windshield heater and IR glass can affect the performance of the transponder and other communication devices.

At each side of the windshield, at the outer edge, there is a triangular area that is not heated. Defrosting may take longer there.

The windshield heater is not available when the engine has been stopped automatically.

If this function is selected, the air in the interior is also dehumidified to the maximum extent as follows:

• the air conditioning is switched on automatically
• the recirculation function and the air quality system are switched off automatically.

The noise level increases when the blower runs at maximum setting.

When the defrost function is switched off, the air conditioning returns to the previous settings.

Related information

- General information on climate control

2 If the symbol C appears in the rearview mirror when the electrically heated windshield is activated, the compass must be recalibrated.

Air distribution - recirculation function

Recirculation mode is selected to keep bad air, exhaust fumes, etc. out of the vehicle interior, i.e. no outside air is drawn into the interior when the function is active.

When recirculation is switched on, the orange lamp in the button lights up.

If air inside the vehicle is recirculated for too long, there is a risk of condensation forming on the inside of the windows.

Timer

When the timer function is active, the system automatically exits the activated recirculation mode after a period of time. The period depends on the outside temperature. This reduces the risk of ice or condensation forming, or of poor air quality.

The function can be activated/deactivated in the MY CAR menu system. For more information on the menu system, see MY CAR.

When max. defrost is selected, the recirculation function is always switched off.

Related information

• General information on air conditioning
• Air distribution in the vehicle interior
• Air distribution - table

Air distribution - table

These three buttons are used to select the air distribution.

	Air distribution	Use as follows
	Air flows to the windows. Some of the air flows out of the ventilation nozzles. The air is not recirculated. The air conditioning is always switched on.	for quick removal of ice and condensation.
	Air flows to the windshield via the defroster nozzle and to the side windows. Some of the air flows out of the ventilation nozzles.	to prevent the formation of condensation and ice on the windows in cold and humid climates (to achieve this, the blower speed must not be too low).
	Air flows to the windows and out of the ventilation nozzles in the dashboard.	for comfortable interior temperatures when outside temperatures are high.
	Air flows out of the ventilation nozzles in the dashboard at head and chest height.	for efficient cooling when outside temperatures are high.
	Air flows to the floor and to the windows. Some of the air flows out of the ventilation nozzles in the dashboard.	for comfortable interior temperatures and fog-free windows when outside temperatures are low.
	Air flows to the floor and out of the ventilation nozzles in the dashboard.	in sunny weather and low outside temperatures.
	Air flows to the floor. Some of the air flows out of the ventilation nozzles in the dashboard and to the windows.	for heating or cooling the footwell area.
	Air flows to the windows, out of the ventilation nozzles in the dashboard, and to the floor.	for cooling the floor in hot, dry conditions or for warming the upper area in cold conditions.

Related information

• General information on air conditioning
• Air distribution - recirculation function

The Volvo S80 (2nd generation) offers a fast and effective solution for fogged or iced-over windows with its defogging and defrosting functions. The combination of air conditioning, recirculation control and optional windshield heating ensures clear visibility in any situation.

The recirculation function and the various air distribution settings contribute to optimal air quality and comfort. The system is easy to operate and provides the best possible support to the driver.

FAQ

Why is recirculation deactivated when the defroster is used?
To ensure maximum dehumidification of the air and prevent the windows from fogging up.

Can the windshield heating be used with Stop-Start operation?
No, the function is not available when the engine has been stopped automatically.