Volvo S80 Quiz
Instruments and controls

Compass*

In this manual: Instruments and controls
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
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The compass in the Volvo S80 (2nd generation, 2013–2016) is discreetly integrated into the rear-view mirror and accurately shows the current direction of travel. Drivers can see at a glance which compass direction the front of the vehicle is facing, which is especially helpful on unfamiliar routes. In addition to the direction display, this section provides useful information on calibrating the compass system. Calibration is necessary when the vehicle has been driven through different magnetic zones and helps ensure reliable orientation on every journey.

A display is integrated into the upper right corner of the rear-view mirror, showing the compass direction the front of the vehicle is facing.

Operation

Rückspiegel mit Kompass.
Rear-view mirror with compass.

Eight different directions are shown using English abbreviations: N (North), NE (Northeast), E (East), SE (Southeast), S (South), SW (Southwest), W (West) and NW (Northwest).

The compass is activated automatically when the engine is started or when key position II is active, see Key positions - functions in different stages (p. 79).

To deactivate or activate the compass, press the small button on the underside of the rear-view mirror using a paper clip or similar object.

Calibration

To display the correct direction, the compass may need to be calibrated.

The earth is divided into 15 magnetic zones. The compass should be calibrated when the vehicle is driven through several magnetic zones.

To calibrate, proceed as follows:

  1. Stop the vehicle on a large, open area that is free of steel structures and high-voltage power lines.

  2. Start the vehicle and switch off all electrical equipment (air conditioning, windshield wipers, etc.), and make sure all doors are closed.

CAUTION

Calibration may fail or not start at all if the electrical equipment is not switched off.

  1. Press and hold the button at the bottom of the rear-view mirror for approx. 3 seconds (e.g. with a paper clip). The number of the current magnetic zone is displayed.

Magnetzonen.
Magnetic zones.

  1. Press the button several times until the desired magnetic zone (1–15) is displayed, see compass magnetic zone map.
  2. Wait until the display shows the C symbol again, or press and hold the button at the bottom of the rear-view mirror for approx. 6 seconds until the C symbol is displayed.
  3. Drive slowly in a circle at a speed of no more than 10 km/h until a compass direction is shown in the display. The calibration is now complete.

    Then drive two more circles to fine-tune the calibration.

  4. Vehicles with heated windshield*: If the symbol C is shown in the display while windshield heating is activated, perform the calibration as described in step 6 above with windshield heating activated, see Defogging and defrosting the windshield
  5. Repeat the above procedure if necessary.

The compass in the Volvo S80 (2nd gen) provides a practical orientation aid that blends harmoniously into the design of the rear-view mirror. With the display of eight compass points, the driver is always well informed about the direction the vehicle is heading.

Thanks to simple calibration and adaptation to magnetic zones, the compass remains accurate even when the vehicle is driven in different regions. This increases driving comfort on long journeys.

The combination of technical precision and user-friendly operation makes the Volvo S80 a well-thought-out companion, ideal for drivers who value details.

Test yourself

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