pg. 31 Instruments and controls
Manually unlocking the fuel filler door
Manually unlocking the fuel filler door
NOTE: Cotton gloves are available in the tool kit located in the spare wheel well.
The electric motor that controls the fuel filler door locking mechanism is located on the inside of the rear fender on the
passenger side of the car, just behind the fuel filler door. To unlock this door manually:
1. Turn the knob (A) 1/4 turn counterclockwise to release the cover panel (B).
2. Fold down the cover panel to access the electric motor (C).
3. Press the catch (D) rearward to unlock the fuel filler door, or forward to lock the door.
pg. 32 Instruments and controls
Turn Signals
1. Lane change position
In maneuvers such as lane changing, the driver can flash the turn signals by moving the turn signal lever to the first
stop and holding it there. The lever will return to the neutral position when released.
2. Signal lever engaged for normal turns
3. High/low beam switch (headlights on).
Move the lever towards the steering wheel and release it.
Headlight flasher (headlights off).
Move the lever towards the steering wheel. The headlight high beam will be on until the lever is released.
NOTE:
If the turn signal indicator flashes faster than normal, check for a burned-out turn signal bulb.
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The front seat heating can be switched on and off as required.
Press the switch once for maximum seat heating. Both LEDs in the switch will be lit.
Press the switch a second time for comfort heating. One LED in the switch will be lit.
Press the switch a third time to turn the heating off completely. The seat heating for the passenger seat should be
switched off when the seat is not occupied.
pg. 35 Instruments and controls
Trip computer (option)
The trip computer stores information gathered from several systems in your car and has four menus that can be
displayed in the text window.
Driving distance on current fuel reserve
Average fuel consumption
Current fuel consumption
Average speed
Current speed in mph (Canadian models only)
NOTE: Warning messages from the car's monitoring systems will override the trip computer function. If a warning
message is displayed in the text window while you are using the trip computer, you must acknowledge the message by
pressing button A. Press button A again to return to the trip computer function.
Trip computer controls
The four* trip computer functions can be accessed by twisting control B one step at a time in either direction. Twisting
a fifth** time returns you to the original function.
The trip computer can be reset (current data will be erased from system memory) by pressing RESET (button C).
1. Driving distance on current fuel reserve
This function shows the approximate distance that can be driven on the fuel remaining in the tank. This calculation is
based on average fuel consumption during the last 12 miles (20 km) of driving and the amount of fuel remaining in the
tank when the reading was taken.
When the driving distance on current fuel reserve is less than 12 miles (20 km), "----" will be displayed in the text
window.
2. Average fuel consumption
This value indicates fuel consumption since the last time the trip computer was reset (by pressing RESET, button C).
When the engine is switched off, information on fuel consumption is stored and remains in system memory until the
RESET (button C) is pressed again.
3. Current fuel consumption
This value indicates the current fuel consumption, based on readings taken once per second. When the car is not
moving, "----" will be displayed.
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Using the remote control
Press the LOCK button once to lock all doors and trunk.
Press the UNLOCK button once to unlock the driver's door and fuel filler door. Wait for at least 1 second and press
this button again (within 10 seconds) to unlock all doors and the trunk.
To pop open the trunk (without unlocking the doors), press the OPEN trunk button twice within 3 seconds.
NOTE:
Airbag deployment will automatically unlock the doors.
The keys may also be used to lock and unlock the doors, and to activate and deactivate the alarm system.
To avoid leaving your keys in the car, make a habit of always locking the car with the remote control.
Automatic re-locking
If the doors are unlocked, the locks will automatically re-engage (re-lock) and the alarm will rearm after 2 minutes
unless a door or the trunk has been opened. * See page 75
for more information on this function.
pg. 70 Locks and alarm
FCC ID:LQNP2T-APU
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Canadian 2306104388
Model 504 2927 by Donnelly Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device
Canadian 2306104388A
Model 509 977 by Connaught Electronics Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device
WARNING!
Never use the transmitter to lock the doors from inside the car
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2 0 0 3
VOLVO S60
Starting and driving
pg. 77 Starting and driving
Refueling 78
Starting the car81
General information83
Manual transmission85
Automatic transmission (option)86
Geartronic (option)88
All Wheel Drive (option)90
Brake system91
Stability system93
Towing95
Jump starting97
Towing a trailer98
Detachable trailer hitch - installing100
Detachable trailer hitch - removing101
Attaching load carriers102
Cold weather precautions103
Before a long distance trip104
pg. 78 Starting and driving
Refueling
ENGINE OIL
Although some oil consumption occurs during normal engine operation, more oil is consumed when the engine is new
as the internal parts generate higher friction while wearing-in to each other. From the time the engine is new until the
first service is performed, the oil consumption could be higher than normal. For this reason, it is especially important
to check the oil every time you refuel your car during this period. See page 124
.
Fuel requirements
Octane rating
Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium gasoline with an AKI octane rating of 91
or above. AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of the Research Octane Number, RON, and the Motor Octane
Number, MON. (RON + MON/2). The minimum octane requirement is AKI 87 (RON 91).
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gasoline to control engine deposits. Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping
injectors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit control gasolines will help ensure good driveability and
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fuel economy. If you are not sure whether the gasoline contains deposit control additives, check with the service
station operator.
NOTE: Volvo does not recommend the use of external fuel injector cleaning systems. Unleaded fuel Each Volvo has a
three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and Canadian regulations require that pumps
delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit your car's filler
inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labeled "unleaded gasoline only". Leaded gasoline damages
the three-way catalytic converter and the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of leaded gasoline will lessen the
effectiveness of the emission control system and could result in loss of emission warranty coverage. State and local
vehicle inspection programs will make detection of misfueling easier, possibly resulting in emission test failure for
misfueled vehicles.
NOTE: Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive called methyl-cyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission Control System performance may be affected,
and the Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator lamp) located on your instrument panel may light. If this occurs,
please return your vehicle to an authorized Volvo retailer for service.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers
"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or ethers. In some areas, state or
local laws require that the service pump be marked indicating use of alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas in
which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet seasonal air quality standards, some areas require the use of "oxygenated"
fuel.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed on this page must still be
met.
Alcohol - Ethanol: Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be used. Ethanol may also be referred to as
Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol".
Ethers - MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
pg. 79 Starting and driving
Carbon Monoxide - Important Warning
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust gases. If you ever smell
exhaust fumes inside the vehicle, make sure the passenger compartment is ventilated, and immediately return the
vehicle to your retailer for correction.
Fuel Formulations
Do not use gasoline that contains lead as a knock inhibitor, and do not use lead additives. Besides damaging the
exhaust emission control systems on your car, lead has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer.
Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent. Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer. If you
live in an area where you must fill your own gas tank, take precautions. These may include:
standing upwind away from the filler nozzle while refueling
refueling only at gas stations with vapor recovery systems that fully seal the mouth of the filler neck during refueling
wear neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
Use of Additives
With the exception of gas line antifreeze during winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or other store -bought
additives to your car's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse may damage your engine, and some of these
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additives contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.
pg. 80 Starting and driving
Refueling (contd)
Fuel filler door
Press the button on the light switch panel (see illustration on page 30
) when the car is at a standstill to unlock the fuel
filler door. Please note that the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the car begins to move forward. An audible
click will be heard when the fuel filler door relocks.
If you intend to leave your car while it is being refueled, this feature enables you to lock the doors/trunk while leaving
the fuel filler door unlocked.
You can also keep the car locked if you remain inside during refueling. The central locking button does not lock the
fuel filler door.
Be sure the fuel filler door is not obstructed and is completely closed after refueling.
Open the fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather.
NOTE: During a transitional period, a small number of service stations may still have fuel nozzles that are not
compatible with the fuel filler neck on cars equipped with the evaporative control system.
Refueling
The fuel tank is designed to hold approximately 18.5 US gals (70 liters) or 19 US gals (72 liters) on models equipped
with All Wheel Drive, with sufficient volume left over to accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather.
Be aware that the "usable" tank capacity will be somewhat less than the specified maximum. When the fuel level is
low, such factors as ambient temperature, the fuel's "Reid vapor pressure" characteristics, and terrain can affect the fuel
pump's ability to supply the engine with an adequate supply of fuel. Therefore, it is advisable to refuel as soon as
possible when the needle nears the red zone, or when the fuel warning light comes on.
CAUTION:
Do not refuel with the engine running *. Turn the ignition off or to position I. If the ignition is on, an incorrect reading
could occur in the fuel gauge After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place*.
Allow for fuel expansion by not overfilling the tank. Overfilling could also cause damage to the emission control
systems. Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. In addition to causing damage to the environment, gasolines
containing alcohol can cause damage to painted surfaces, which may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
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Do not use gasolines containing methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice can result in vehicle
performance deterioration and can damage critical parts in the fuel system. Such damage may not be covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
* If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Check Engine Light
(malfunction indicator lamp) may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected. Use only
Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps.
pg. 81 Starting and driving
Starting the car
Starting the engine
1. Fasten the seat belt.
WARNING!
Before starting, check that the seat, steering wheel and mirrors are adjusted properly. Make sure the brake pedal can
be depressed completely. Adjust the seat if necessary. See pages 54, 56.
2. Apply the parking brake (hand brake) if not already set. The gear selector (automatic transmission) is locked in the
(P)ark position (SHIFTLOCK).
Manual transmission: the clutch must be fully depressed.
3. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key* to the starting position. Allow the starter to operate for
up to 10 seconds. Release the key as soon as the engine starts. If the engine fails to start, repeat this step.
NOTE: On certain models, when the car is started, idle speed may be noticeably higher than normal for a short period,
depending on the temperature of the engine. This has been done to help bring components in the emission control
system to their normal operating temperature as quickly as possible, which enables them to function normally.
For cold starts at altitudes above 6000 ft (1800 meters), depress the accelerator pedal halfway and turn the key to the
starting position. Release the pedal slowly when the engine starts.
4. To release the gear selector from the ( P)ark position, the engine must be running (or the ignition key must be in
position II) and the brake pedal must be depressed.
5. Select the desired gear. The gear engages after a very slight delay which is especially noticeable when selecting R.
NOTE: Your car is equipped with a KEYLOCK system (automatic transmission). When the engine is switched off,
the gear selector must be in the ( P)ark position before the key can be removed from the ignition switch.
When starting in cold weather, the transmission may shift up at slightly higher engine speeds than normal until the
automatic transmission fluid reaches normal operating temperature.
CAUTION:
Automatic transmission
The engine should be idling when you move the gear selector. Never accelerate until after you feel the transmission
engage! Accelerating immediately after selecting a gear will cause harsh engagement and premature transmission wear.
Selecting P or N when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help prevent overheating of the
automatic transmission fluid.
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Steering wheel lock
The steering wheel lock might be under tension when the car is parked.
Turn the steering wheel slightly to free the ignition key.
In order to help reduce car theft, make sure the steering wheel lock is engaged before leaving the car.
* The gear selector must be in the (P)ark position (automatic transmission).
** Please be aware that leaving the key in this position will increase battery drain.
pg. 83 Starting and driving
General information
Economical driving conserves natural resources
Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops and adjusting the speed of
your vehicle to immediate traffic conditions. Observe the following rules:
Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by driving with a light foot on the accelerator
pedal for the first few minutes of operation. A cold engine uses more fuel and is subject to increased wear.
Whenever possible, avoid using the car for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach normal
operating temperature.
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
Do not exceed posted speed limits.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the car.
Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (when tires are cold).
Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc, increase air resistance and also fuel consumption.
Avoid using automatic transmission kickdown feature unless necessary.
However, at higher driving speeds, fuel consumption will be lower with the air conditioning on and the windows
closed than with the air conditioning off and the windows open.
Using the onboard trip computer's fuel consumption modes can help you learn how to drive more economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage are:
Dirty air cleaner
Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
Dragging brakes
Incorrect front end alignment Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard
Maintenance Service intervals.
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions should use ( D)rive as often as possible and avoid using
"kickdown" to help improve fuel economy.
WARNING!
Driving with the trunk open: Driving with the trunk open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the
passenger compartment.
If the trunk must be kept open for any reason, proceed as follows
- Close the windows
- Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side windows and blower control to its
highest setting.
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