2003 VOLVO S60 warning

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
ProCarManuals.com

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.
Contents | Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com

Vehicle loading The tires on your Volvo will perform to specifications at all normal loads when inflated as
recommended on the tire information label located on the inside of the fuel filler door. This label lists both tire and
vehicle design limits. Do not load your car beyond the load limits indicated.
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires will reduce tire life, adversely affect vehicle handling and can possibly lead to failure
resulting in loss of vehicle control without prior warning.
Temporary Spare
The spare tire in your car is called a "Temporary Spare". It has the following designation: T125/80 R17.
Recommended tire pressure (see decal on Fuel filler door) should be maintained irrespective of which position on the
car the Temporary Spare tire is used on. In the event of damage to this tire, a new one can be purchased from your
Volvo retailer.
WARNING!
Current legislation prohibits the use of the "Temporary Spare" tire other than as a temporary replacement for a
punctured tire. It must be replaced as soon as possible by a standard tire. Road holding and handling may be affected
with the "Temporary Spare" in use. Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not drive farther than 50 miles (80 km) on
a temporary spare tire.
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.
NOTE: Certain models may be equipped with a full-size spare tire. When used, it should be inflated to the same
pressure as the tire it is replacing.
pg. 109 Wheels and tires
Tread wear indicators
Tires have tread
wear indicators The tires have wear indicator strips running across or parallel to the tread.
When approx. 1/16" (1.6 mm) is left on the tread, these strips become visible and indicate that the tire should be
replaced.
Tires with less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread have a very poor grip in rain or snow.
When replacing worn tires, it is recommended that the tire be identical in type (radial) and size as the one being
replaced. Using a tire of the same make (manufacturer) will prevent alteration of the driving characteristics of the
ProCarManuals.com

Attaching the jack
Position the jack correctly on the bar in the attachment (see illustration above) and crank while simultaneously
guiding the base of the jack to the ground. The base of the jack must be flat on a level, firm, non-slippery surface.
Before raising the car, check that the jack is still correctly positioned in the attachment.
Raise the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is lifted off the ground.
Unscrew the wheel bolts completely and carefully remove the wheel so as not to damage the threads on the studs.
NOTE: To avoid excessive wear and the necessity of rebalancing, mark and reinstall wheels in the same location and
position as before removal. To lessen the chance of imbalance, each wheel hub is equipped with a guide stud to ensure
that a removed wheel can be reinstalled in its original position (as when changing over to winter tires/wheels).
Installing the wheel
Clean the contact surfaces on the wheel and hub.
Lift the wheel and place it on the hub.
Install the wheel bolts and tighten hand -tight. Using the lug wrench, tighten crosswise until all bolts are snug.
Lower the vehicle to the ground and alternately tighten the bolts crosswise to 102 ft. lbs. (140 Nm).
Install the wheel cap (where applicable).
WARNING!
The jack must correctly engage the bar in the jack attachment. The car's weight must not rest on the jack attachment.
See illustration "Attaching the jack" to the left.
Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-slippery surface.
Never allow any part of your body to be extended under a car supported by a jack. Use the jack intended for the car
when replacing a wheel. For any other job, use stands to support the side of the car being worked on.
Apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in the ( P)ark position (or reverse on manual transmissions).
Block the wheels standing on the ground, use rigid wooden blocks or large stones. The jack should be kept well-
greased.
ProCarManuals.com

pg. 112 Wheels and tires
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
ALL PASSENGER CAR TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN
ADDITION TO THESE GRADES
Quality grades can be found, where applicable, on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one half (1 1/2) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and many depart significantly from the norm due to variation in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
TRACTION
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C, as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and is not a measure of
cornering (turning) traction.
TEMPERATURE
The temperature grades are AA (the highest), A, B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a minimum level of performance that all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible
tire failure.
Contents | Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com

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.
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.
pg. 115 Car care
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
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 the bodywork 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 (alcanteraTM) 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.
ProCarManuals.com

Working on your car
Note the following before you begin working on your car:
Battery
Ensure that the battery cables are correctly connected and tightened.
Never disconnect the battery when the engine is running (e.g. when replacing the battery).
Never use a fast charger to charge the battery. The battery cables should be disconnected when recharging.
The battery contains acid that is both corrosive and poisonous. It is important that the battery is handled in an
environmentally friendly way. Let your Volvo dealer assist you.
Hoisting the car
If a garage jack is used to lift the car, the two jack attachments points should be used. They are specially reinforced to
bear the weight of the car. A garage jack can also be placed under the front of the engine support frame. Take care not
to damage the splash guard under the engine. Ensure that the jack is positioned so that the car cannot slide off it.
Always use axle stands or similar structures.
If a two-post hoist is used to lift the car, the front and rear lift arm pads should be centered under the reinforced lift
plates on the inboard edge of the sill rail (see illustration).
WARNING!
The car ignition system has very high voltage!
The voltage in the ignition system is dangerous!
Do not touch spark plugs, ignition cables or the ignition coil when the engine is running or the ignition is switched
on!
The ignition should be switched off when:
Conducting engine tests.
Replacing parts in the ignition system, such as spark plugs, ignition coil, distributor, ignition cables, etc.
WARNING!
Never try to repair any part of the SRS or SIPS bag systems yourself. Any interference in the system could cause
malfunction and serious injury. Any work should only be performed by an authorized Volvo workshop.
ProCarManuals.com

pg. 121 Maintenance and service
Belt check
Check the belt regularly to make sure it is in good condition and is clean. A worn or dirty belt can cause poor cooling
and low alternator output as well as impair the operation of the power steering and the air conditioning unit.
NOTE: The drive belt is equipped with a self -tensioning mechanism and requires no adjustment between changes!
WARNING!
The engine must not be running when this check is performed.
Check coolant level
The cooling system must be filled with coolant and not leak to operate at maximum efficiency. Check the coolant level
regularly. The level should be between the "MAX" and "MIN" marks on the expansion tank. The check should be
made with particular thoroughness when the engine is new or when the cooling system has been drained.
Do not remove the filler cap other than for topping up with coolant. Frequent removal may prevent coolant circulation
between the engine and the expansion tank during engine warm up and cooling.
Changing coolant
Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be drained, consult your Volvo retailer.
NOTE: Do not top off with water only. This reduces the rust-protective and antifreeze qualities of the coolant and has
a lower boiling point. It can also cause damage to the cooling system if it should freeze. Top off with Volvo Genuine
Coolant/Antifreeze only (a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze).
CAUTION:
The cooling system must always be kept filled to the correct level. If it is not kept filled, there can be high local
temperatures in the engine which could result in damage. Different types of antifreeze/coolant may not be mixed.
WARNING!
Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is warm. Wait until the car cools.
pg. 122 Maintenance and service
Hood and engine compartment
ProCarManuals.com