W button & rear fog light

Ledbelly · Post by **Ledbelly** » 07 Feb 2010, 23:09

1999 S70 141000 . what does the W button do . it is behind the shifter . I have a button on the dash that in the PDF file on the 850 is identified as a rear fog light ?

Post by **kcodyjr** » 08 Feb 2010, 00:29

The "W" button is the winter driving mode, which is just about Volvo's worst idea in their entire history. It locks the transmision in higher gears to reduce wheelspin. It also beats the hell out of the torque converter, so you're better off controlling the car with a light pedal foot.

The rear fog lights are standard, I think. I've never seen a Volvo without them. They serve to advertise your presence to the maniac coming up behind you at 80mph in the rain.

Cheers,
- Kevin

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 08 Feb 2010, 06:36

That's correct, the W button is the winter mode. However, I don't agree that it was Volvo's worst idea. In fact I really like winter mode. When used correctly it doesn't damage the transmission. Don't drive around with it on all the time, though! What exactly is your question regarding the fog lights? The button does indeed turn on the rear fog lights. On the s70's though, for some reason it only comes with one fog light bulb. The 850's come with 2. DacVolvo has a write up on how to fix the problem (quite easy). The fog lights are there to let other drivers be able to see you in bad weather; they work really well. Here is the link on fixing the fog lights -> http://www.freewebs.com/dacvolvo/foglight.htm

mindshadow · Post by **mindshadow** » 08 Feb 2010, 07:50

Don't use the W button unless you are trying to move out of an area with low traction. For instance frozen water is in front of your car while you're trying to pull out of a parking lot (obviously you wouldn't just be driving over an ice sheet, but you get the idea). I think it also applies to low-traction situations with water too but I've never used it for that. Oddly enough this is my first year of Volvo ownership and we've had more freezing and snow here than we've had in almost two decades.

For the rear fog light, PLEASE don't leave it on all the time. It's very, very bright and it's quite annoying to people behind you. Only use it in strong fog and strong rain. If you have problem seeing the cars in front of you then use it. Otherwise leave it off.

wdckwrth · Post by **wdckwrth** » 08 Feb 2010, 08:00

I have found the rear fog lights effective at convincing tailgaters to back off.

Post by **kcodyjr** » 08 Feb 2010, 08:22

I've also found the rear fogs effective at not getting me smashed into.

Other threads are even more rabid against the Winter mode than I was, specifically about damaging the tranny. Could you please elaborate?

Automatic Transmissions 101 does suggest lots of extra heat.

- Kevin

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 08 Feb 2010, 12:20

As far as winter mode goes, as long as you use it for it was meant to do you'll be fine. Like a previous poster said it should only be used for getting out of a sticky situation. You shouldn't drive around town with it in winter mode, although personally I don't believe even that would ruin the trans, I'm not in a position to test my theory though.

mindshadow · Post by **mindshadow** » 08 Feb 2010, 13:30

wdckwrth wrote:I have found the rear fog lights effective at convincing tailgaters to back off.

lol I do that too. "Well, if you're going to be on my ass I'm going to shine the Volvo laser light in your eyes." *rear fog light activate!*