
You can move the gear selector freely between the (MAN)ual and ( D)rive positions while driving. Gears 3, and 4
have a "lock -up" function which reduces engine speed and helps save fuel.
The currently selected gear will be displayed in the instrument panel (see page 22
).
To access the ( MAN)ual shifting position from ( D)rive, move the gear selector to the left to MAN .
To return to the (D)rive position from MAN , move the gear selector to the right.
While driving
If you select the ( MAN)ual position while driving, the gear that was being used in the ( D)rive position will also
initially be selected in ( MAN)ual position.
Move the gear selector forward (toward "+") to shift to a higher gear or rearward (toward "-") to shift to a lower
gear.
If you hold the gear selector toward "-", the transmission will downshift one gear and will utilize the braking power
of the engine. If the current speed is too high for using a lower gear, the downshift will not occur until the speed has
decreased enough to allow the lower gear to be used.
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.The gear selector
must be in the D(Drive) position.
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 22).
This mode may be selected for starting/ moving off on slippery roads.
pg. 90 Starting and driving
All Wheel Drive (option)
All Wheel Drive (AWD) - general information
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Your Volvo can be equipped with permanent All Wheel Drive, which means that power is distributed automatically
between the front and rear wheels. Under normal driving conditions, most engine's power is directed to the front
wheels. However, if there is any tendency for the front wheels to spin, an electronically controlled coupling distributes
power to the wheels that have the best traction.
Tire dimensions
Volvo recommends that you always drive on tires of the same brand, size, construction (radial), tread pattern, load-,
speed-, traction-, temperature-, and treadwear rating. Never drive on mixed tires, except for brief periods when the
temporary spare tire is in use.
Always use properly inflated tires of correct dimensions. Tire size and inflation pressures are shown on the tire
pressure label located inside the fuel filler door.
Tire Rotation
Volvo recommends rotating the tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). Tires should be rotated front -to-back/back-to-
front only. Tires must maintain the same direction of rotation throughout their lifetime, and should never be rotated
from one side of the vehicle to the other.
Temporary Spare
The temporary spare tire is for temporary, low-speed, short-distance use only. Replace it with a full-size tire as soon as
possible, in accordance with "Tire Rotation" above. Do not drive on the temporary spare at speeds above 50 mph (80
km/h) or for distances greater than 50 miles (80 km.)
Never install snow chains on a temporary spare.
pg. 91 Starting and driving
Brake system
BRAKE Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system consisting of two master cylinders and two separate brake circuits. If a
problem should occur in one of these circuits, it is still possible to stop the car with the other brake circuit.
If the brake pedal must be depressed farther than normal and requires greater foot pressure, the stopping distance will
be longer.
A warning light in the instrument panel will light up to warn the driver that a fault has occurred.
If this light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
NOTE: Press the brake pedal hard and maintain pressure on the pedal Ð do not pump the brakes.
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.
Power brakes function only when the engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure which is only created when the engine is running. Never let the vehicle roll
to a stop with the engine switched off.
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If the power brakes are not working, the brake pedal must be pressed approximately four times harder than usual to
make up for the lack of power assistance. This can happen for example when towing your vehicle or if the engine is
switched off when the vehicle is rolling. The brake pedal feels harder than usual.
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
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, 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. 92 Starting and driving
Brake system (contd)
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. The brake pedal will pulsate during braking, which is normal.
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 122
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
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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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2 0 0 3
VOLVO S60
Car care
pg. 113 Car care
Washing and cleaning the car 114
Paint touch up116
pg. 114 Car care
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.
Special sun roof cautions:
Always close the sun roof and sun shade before washing your vehicle.
Never use abrasive cleaning agents on the sun roof.
Never use wax on the rubber seals around the sun roof.
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.
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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.
Bear in mind
Take extra care when removing stains such as ink or lipstick since the coloring can spread.
Use solvents sparingly. Too much solvent can damage the seat padding.
Start from the outside of the stain and work toward the center.
pg. 116 Car care
Paint touch up
Paint damage requires immediate attention to avoid rusting. Make it a habit to check the finish regularly - when
washing the car for instance. Touch-up if necessary.
Paint repairs require special equipment and skill. Contact your Volvo retailer for any extensive damage.
Minor scratches can be repaired by using Volvo touch-up paint.
NOTE: When ordering touch-up paint from your Volvo retailer, use the paint code indicated on the model plate. The
plate is located in the engine compartment.
Color code
Make sure you have the right color. The color code number is on the data plate in the engine compartment.
Minor stone chips and scratches
Material:
Primer - can
Paint - touch-up pen
Brush
Masking tape
If the stone chip has not gone down to the bare metal and an undamaged color coat remains, you can add paint
immediately after removing dirt.
NOTE: When touching up the car, it should be clean and dry. The surface temperature should be above 60° F (15° C).
Minor scratches on the surface
If the stone chip has not penetrated down to the metal and an undamaged layer of paint remains, the touch-up paint can
be applied as soon as the spot has been cleaned.
Deep scratches
1. Place a strip of masking tape over the damaged surface. Pull the tape off so that any loose flakes of paint adhere to
it.
2. Thoroughly mix the primer and apply it with a small brush.
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engine protection.
Volvo Cars recommends Castrol.
Depending on your driving habits, premium or synthetic oils may provide superior fuel economy and engine
protection. Consult your Volvo retailer for recommendations on premium or synthetic oils.
Oil additives must not be used.
NOTE: Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at normal maintenance services. This oil is only used at
customer request, at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.
Operation in hot climates
When temperatures exceed 86° F (30° C) in your area, Volvo recommends, for the protection of your engine, that you
use a heavier weight oil, such as SAE 10W/30. See the viscosity chart below.
Oil viscosity (stable ambient temperatures)
Operation in temperate climates
Incorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life. Under normal use when temperatures do not exceed 86° F (30° C), SAE
5W/30 will provide good fuel economy and engine protection. See the viscosity chart above.
Extreme engine operation
Synthetic oils meeting SAE 10W/30 and complying with oil quality requirements are recommended for driving in
areas of sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold), when towing a trailer over long distances, and for prolonged
driving in mountainous areas.
Changing oil and oil filter
Oil and oil filter changes should be made at 7,500 mile (12,000 km) intervals.
Volvo does not recommend the use of oil additives.
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance service intervals.
The API Service Symbol "donut" is divided into three parts:
The top half describes the oil's performance level.
The center identifies the oil's viscosity.
The bottom half tells whether the oil has demonstrated energy-conserving properties in a standard test in
comparison to a reference oil.
pg. 124 Maintenance and service
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The clutch and brake fluid should always be above the MIN mark on the side of the reservoir. Check, without
removing the cap, that there is sufficient fluid in the reservoir.
Fluid type: DOT 4+ boiling point > 536° F (280° C), P/N 9437433
Replace: 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.)
Always entrust brake fluid changing to an authorized Volvo retailer.
Power steering fluid reservoir
The fluid level should always be between the MIN and MAX marks.
Fluid type: ATF
Replace: No fluid change required
NOTE: If a problem should occur in the power steering system or if the car has no electrical current and must be
towed, it is still possible to steer the car. However, keep in mind that greater effort will be required to turn the steering
wheel.
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