
If you slow down to a very low speed, the transmission will automatically shift down.
When starting in the (MAN) ual position, 3rd gear is the highest gear that may be selected.
NOTE: Kickdown does not function when the transmission is in the manual shift (Geartronic) mode.
Kickdown
Automatic shift to a lower gear (kickdown) is achieved by depressing the accelerator pedal fully and briskly. An
upshift will occur when approaching the top speed for a particular gear or by releasing the accelerator pedal slightly.
Kickdown can be used for maximum acceleration or when passing at highway speeds.
Kickdown does not function when the transmission is in the manual shift (Geartronic) mode.
W - Winter/ Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction
Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D) rive position.
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/ disengage this driving mode (see illustration).
When the W driving mode is engaged, this is displayed in the instrument panel (see page 30).
This mode may be selected for starting/ moving off on slippery roads.
pg. 137 Brake system
BRAKE Brake circuit malfunction
If one of the brake circuits were to malfunction, the red warning light would come on, the pedal travel would increase
slightly, the pedal would feel softer, and extra pressure would be required for normal braking. If the light comes on
while driving or braking, stop immediately and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
WARNING!
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a "Brake failure - Service urgent" message is
displayed in the text window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the car towed to a Volvo retailer and have the brake system
inspected.
NOTE: When the car is at a standstill and the engine is idling, e. g. at a traffic light and the brake pedal is depressed,
the pedal may go down slightly. This is a normal function of the power- assisted brake system.
If the brake power- assist does not function
The power assist to the brakes functions only when the engine is running. When the car is moving without the engine
running, the brake pedal pressure required to stop the car is increased by 3- 4 times and the brake pedal feels stiff.
Water on brake discs and brake pads affects braking
Driving in rain and slush or passing through an automatic car wash can cause water to collect on the brake discs and
pads. This will cause a delay in braking effect when the pedal is depressed. To avoid such a delay when the brakes are
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needed, depress the pedal occasionally when driving through rain, slush etc. This will remove the water from the
brakes. Check that brake application feels normal. This should also be done after washing or starting in very damp or
cold weather.
Severe strain on the brake system
The brakes will be subject to severe strain when driving in mountains or hilly areas or towing. Vehicle speed is
usually slower, which means that the cooling of the brakes is less efficient than when driving on level roads. To
reduce the strain on the brakes, it is advisable not to use the brakes excessively. Instead, shift into a lower gear and let
the engine help with the braking. Do not forget that, if you are towing a trailer, the brakes will be subjected to a
greater than normal load.
pg. 138 Brake system
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
If the warning lamp lights up there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system will however
function) and the vehicle should be driven cautiously to a Volvo retailer for inspection. The Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and steering) during severe braking conditions by limiting
brake lockup. When the system "senses" impending lockup, braking pressure is automatically modulated in order to
help prevent lockup, which could lead to a skid.
The system performs a self - diagnostic test when the engine is started and when the vehicle first reaches a
speed of approximately 12 mph (20 km/ h). The brake pedal will pulsate several times and a sound may be audible
from the ABS control module. This is normal.
To obtain optimal effect from the ABS system, constant pressure should be kept on the brake pedal, keep constant
pressure on the brake pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal.
The switching of the ABS modulator will be audible and the brake pedal will pulsate during braking. Please be aware
that ABS does not increase the absolute braking potential of the vehicle. While control will be enhanced, ABS will
not shorten stopping distances on slippery surfaces.
ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
EBD is an integrated part of the ABS system. EBD regulates the hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes to help provide
optimal braking capacity.
If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on at the same time, this could indicate a fault in the brake system.
Stop the car in a suitable place and switch off the engine.
Restart the engine.
If both warning lights go off, no further action is required.
If both lights are still on after the engine has been restarted, switch off the engine again and check the brake fluid
level (see page 170 for the location of the brake fluid reservoir).
If the brake fluid level is above the MIN mark, drive carefully to an authorized Volvo retailer and have the brake
system inspected.
WARNING!
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a "Brake failure - Service urgent" message is
displayed in the text window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the car towed to a Volvo retailer and have the brake system
inspected.
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week 15).
Improving tire economy:
Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler door.
Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking and tire screeching.
Tire wear increases with speed.
Correct front wheel alignment is very important.
Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and driving comfort.
If tires are rotated, they must be kept on the same side of the car so that they revolve in the same direction as before
rotation.
Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/ or wheels permanently.
Flat spots
All tires become warm during use. After cooling, when the vehicle is parked, the tires have a tendency to distort
slightly, forming flat spots. These flat spots can cause vibrations similar to the vibrations caused by unbalanced
wheels. They do, however, disappear when the tire warms up. The degree to which flat spots form depends on the
type of cord used in the tire. In cold weather, it takes longer for the tire to warm up and consequently longer for the
flat spot to disappear.
CAUTION: The car must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions or with a spare tire other than the one
that came with the car. The use of different size wheels can seriously damage your car's transmission.
pg. 153 General information
Snow chains
Snow chains can be used on your Volvo with the following restrictions:
Snow chains should be installed on front wheels only. Use only Volvo approved snow chains.
Special snow chains must be mounted on 195/ 65 R15. For tires of other dimen- sions, consult your Volvo retailer.
If accessory, aftermarket or "custom" tires and wheels are installed and are of a size different than the original tires
and wheels, chains in some cases CANNOT be used. Sufficient clearances between chains and brakes, suspension and
body components must be maintained.
Some strap - on type chains will interfere with brake components and therefore CANNOT be used.
NOTE: Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information
CAUTION:
Check local regulations regarding the use of snow chains before installing
Always follow the chain manufacturer's installation instructions carefully. Install chains as tightly as possible and
retighten periodically.
Never exceed the chain manufacturer's specified maximum speed limit. (Under no circumstances should you exceed
31 mph (50 km/ h)
Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns when driving with snow chains.
The handling of the vehicle can be adversely affected when driving with chains. Avoid fast or sharp turns as well as
locked wheel braking.
Snow tires, studded tires *
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2 0 0 1
VOLVO S60
Car care
pg. 159 Car care
Washing and cleaning the car 160
Paint touch up162
pg. 160 Washing and cleaning the car
Washing and cleaning the car
The car should be washed at regular intervals since dirt, dust, insects and tar spots adhere to the paint and may
cause damage. It is particularly important to wash the car frequently in the wintertime to prevent corrosion, when salt
has been used on the roads.
When washing the car, do not expose it to direct sunlight. Use lukewarm water to soften the dirt before you wash
with a sponge, and plenty of water, to avoid scratching.
Bird droppings: Remove from paintwork as soon as possible. Otherwise the finish may be permanently damaged.
A detergent can be used to facilitate the softening of dirt and oil.
A water- soluble grease solvent may be used in cases of sticky dirt. However, use a wash place equipped with a
drainage separator.
Dry the car with a clean chamois and remember to clean the drain holes in the doors and rocker panels.
Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar remover after the car has been washed.
A stiff- bristle brush and lukewarm soapy water can be used to clean the wiper blades. Frequent cleaning improves
visibility considerably.
Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheel housings, fenders, etc.).
In areas of high industrial fallout, more frequent washing is recommended.
CAUTION:
During high pressure washing, the spray mouthpiece must never be closer to the vehicle than 13" (30 cm). Do not
spray into the locks.
When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying water or steam directly on the electrical components or
toward the rear side of the engine.
After cleaning the engine, the spark plug wells should be inspected for water and blown dry if necessary.
Suitable detergents: Special car washing detergents should be used. A suitable mixture is about 2.5 fl. oz. (8.5 cl) of
detergent to 2.6 US gal. (10 liters) of warm water. After washing with a detergent the car should be well rinsed with
clean water.
Bumpers: Wash the bumpers with the same cleaning agent used on the rest of the car. Never clean the bumpers with
gasoline or paint thinner. Difficult spots can be removed with denatured alcohol. To avoid scratches, do not dry the
bumpers with paper.
NOTE: When washing the car, remember to remove dirt from the drain holes in the doors and sills.
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Automatic car wash
An automatic car wash is a simple and quick way of washing the car. Bear in mind, however, that an automatic car
wash can never replace a proper handwashing. During the first months of the car's life - while the paint is still curing
- we recommend that you handwash the car.
WARNING!
When the car is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes several times in order to remove any
moisture from the brake linings. Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine is warm. This
constitutes a fire risk.
Automatic washing - simple and quick
We do NOT recommend washing your car in an automatic wash during the first six months (because the paint will
not have hardened sufficiently).
An automatic wash is a simple and quick way to clean your car, but it is worth remembering that it may not be as
pg. 161 Washing and cleaning the car
thorough as when you yourself go over the car with sponge and water. Keeping the underbody clean is most
important, especially in the winter. Some automatic washers do not have facilities for washing the underbody.
Before driving into an automatic car wash, make sure that side view mirrors, auxiliary lamps, etc, are secure, and
that any antenna( s) are retracted or removed. Otherwise there is risk of the machine dislodging them.
Polishing and Waxing
Normally, polishing is not required during the first year after delivery, however, waxing may be beneficial.
Before applying polish or wax the car must be washed and dried. Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar
remover. Difficult spots may require a fine rubbing compound.
After polishing use liquid or paste wax.
Several commercially available products contain both polish and wax.
Waxing alone does not substitute for polishing a dull surface.
A wide range of polymer- based car waxes can be purchased today. These waxes are easy to use and produce a
long-lasting, high- gloss finish that protects thebodywork against oxidation, road dirt and fading.
Do not polish or wax your car in direct sunlight (the surface of the car should not be warmer than 113° F (45° C).
Cleaning the upholstery
The fabric can be cleaned with soapy water or a detergent. For more difficult spots caused by oil, ice cream, shoe
polish, grease, etc., use a clothing/ fabric stain remover.
The plastic in the upholstery can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.
Leather upholstery/ suede- like upholstery (alcanteraª) can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution. For
more difficult spots, Volvo offers a leather care kit.
Under no circumstances should gasoline, naphtha or similar cleaning agents be used on the plastic or the leather
since these can cause damage.
Cleaning the seat belts
Clean only with lukewarm water and a mild soap solution.
Cleaning floor mats
The floor mats should be vacuumed or brushed clean regularly, especially during winter when they should be taken
out for drying. Spots on textile mats can be removed with a mild detergent.
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(thousand km)(12)(24)(36) (48)(60) (72)(84) (96)(108) (120)(132)(144)
EMISSION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Engine
Fuel line filter
1
PCV nipple (orifice)/hoses, clean I I
Battery (check charge and electrolyte level) II II II II I III
Brakes
Inspect brake pads, replace components as necessary I II II II I III
Brake fluid level
2 - check
I I I I I I
Steering/suspension
Tires
3, check pressure, wear and condition I
I II II II I III
Check power steering fluid level I I I I I I
Body
Power antenna (clean) L L L L L L
Trunk/hood, hinges and latches L L L L
Cabin air filter (see page 167
) R R R R R R
1) Replace at 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
2) Brake fluid should be changed at owner request every second year or 30,000 miles (48,000 km). The fluid
should be replaced once a year or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) when driving under extremely hard
conditions (mountain driving, etc.).
3) Rotate tires at owner request.
The following items should be checked weekly by the driver (it takes only a few minutes):
Engine oil level, brake fluid level, radiator coolant level, operation of all lights, horns, windshield wipers, tire
pressure (all five tires), windshield washer fluid level
The following should also be carried out at regular intervals:
Washing (check all drain holes), polishing, cleaning
pg. 167 Maintenance Schedule
Air cleaner
Replace the air cleaner cartridge with a new one every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). The cartridge should be replaced
more often when driving under dirty and dusty conditions. The filter cannot be cleaned and therefore should always
be replaced with a new one.
Timing belt
For proper functioning of the vehicle and its emission control systems, the timing belt must be replaced every 105,000
miles (168,000 km). Engine damage will occur if the belt fails.
Fuel filler cap, tank and lines and
connections The effectiveness of the fuel system to contain hydrocarbons is dependent largely on a leak- free system.
Check for proper sealing of the fuel filler cap which contains "O" ring type seals. NOTE: If the fuel filler cap is not
closed tightly or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (" Check Engine")
may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo original or approved
fuel filler caps.
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Opening the hood
Pull the lever located under the left side of the dash to release the hood lock.
Lift the hood slightly.
Press up the release control located under the front edge of the hood (at the center) and lift.
WARNING!
Check that the hood locks properly when closed!
Engine compartment
1. Expansion tank - coolant
2. Power steering fluid reservoir
3. Washer fluid reservoir
4. Dipstick - engine oil
5. Radiator
6. Cooling fan
7. Oil filler cap - engine
8. Clutch/ brake fluid reservoir
9. Relay/ fuse box
10. Air cleaner
11. Battery (in trunk)
12. Data plate
WARNING!
The cooling fan (6) may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine has been switched off.
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three- way catalytic converter.
Do not park your car over combustible materials, such as grass or leaves, which can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system and cause such materials to ignite under certain wind and weather conditions.
Excessive starter cranking (in excess of one minute), or an intermittently firing or flooded engine can cause three-
way catalytic converter or exhaust system overheating.
Remember that tampering or unauthorized modifications to the engine, the Electronic Control Module, or the
vehicle may be illegal and can cause three- way catalytic converter or exhaust system overheating. This includes:
- Altering fuel injection setting or components.
- Altering emission system components or location or removing components.
- Repeated use of leaded fuel.
NOTE: Unleaded fuel is required for cars with three-way catalytic converters.)
pg. 197 Suspension
Wheel dimension 15"16"
Rim diameter (mm) 415440
tire side diameter(mm) 515540
Toe- in front (degrees) 0.1°± 0. 1°0.1°± 0. 1°
Toe- in rear (degrees) 0.2°+± 0.2°0.2+± 0. 2°
Toe- in front (mm) rim measurement 2. 2± 0. 72.3± 0.8
tire side measurement 2.7± 0.92. 8± 0. 9
Toe- in rear (mm) rim measurement 1. 4± 1. 41.5± 1.5
tire side measurement 1.8± 1.81. 9± 1. 9
Rear suspension
Individual rear wheel suspension with longitudinal support arms, double link arms and track rods.
Front suspension
Spring strut suspension with integrated shock absorbers and control arms linked to the support frame. Power-assisted
rack and pinion steering. Safety type steering column.
pg. 198 Bulbs
Bulbs OutputSocket
Low beam 55 WH 7
High beam 55 WHB3
Fog lights, front 55 WH 1
Parking lights, front W5 W-
Side indicator lamps P10 W-
Turn signals, front 21 WPY
Turn signals, rear 21 WPY
Parking lights, rear 5 WBA 15 s
Brake light 21 W BA 15 s
Back up lights 21 WBA 15 s
Fog light/ Parking lights, rear 5 WBA 15 s
License plate lighting 5 WW 2.1x9.5 d
Courtesy lighting, front 5 WSV 8.5
Trunk lighting 5 WSV 8.5
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