
NOTE: The auxiliary sockets can also be used for cigarette lighters, which are available at your Volvo retailer.
pg. 33 Instruments and controls
Steering wheel adjustment
Both the height and the reach of the steering wheel can be adjusted to a comfortable position for the driver. Pull down
the lever on the left of the steering column. Adjust the steering wheel to a suitable position and press the lever back
into place to lock the steering wheel in the new position. Check that the steering wheel is locked in the new position.
WARNING!
Never adjust the steering wheel while driving.
pg. 34 Instruments and controls
Lighting panel
A - Headlights and parking lights
All lighting off.
Models with daytime running lights:
Low beam headlights will automatically come on if the ignition key is in position II. Front and rear parking lights and
license plate lights will also be on. Volvo recommends the use of daytime running lights. If, however, you would
prefer to have these lights turned off (USA only), please consult your Volvo retailer. Please note that the use of
daytime running lights is mandatory in Canada.
NOTE: Bi -Xenon headlights (option): Turn the headlight switch to position 0 to activate a daylight sensor, which
automatically switches the low beams on or off, depending on ambient light conditions. When driving in daylight, the
headlights will switch off and the daytime running lights will come on. In darkness, the daytime running lights will
switch off and the Bi -Xenon headlights will switch on.
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Parking lights on. The parking lights should be switched off when you leave the car to help avoid battery
drain.
Headlights, parking lights, license plate lights and instrument panel illumination are on if the ignition key is in
position II.
If the headlight switch is in this position, all lights will go out when the ignition is switched off.
The headlight switch must be in this position before the high beams will function (this also applies on models equipped
with the optional Bi -Xenon headlights).
Switch from high to low beams and vice versa by pulling the turn signal switch lever on the left side of steering
column toward you.
B - Instrument lighting
Move the thumb wheel up to increase brightness or down to decrease brightness. There is also an instrument panel
illumination sensor (see illustration on page 52
) which automatically adjusts the level of illumination.
The symbols have maximum illumination in daylight (only the background lighting can be adjusted). At night, both the
symbol light and background lighting can be adjusted.
C - Unlocking the fuel filler door
Press this button 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.
See also page 86
.
NOTE: If the fuel filler door does not unlock after the button has been pressed, please see page 35
for information on
manually unlocking this door.
D - Front fog lights *
The front fog lights will function only in combination with the low beam headlights.
An LED in the switch indicates when the front fog lights are on.
* Standard on T5, R models/accessory on the other models.
These lights will be automatically switched off the next time the car is started.
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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.
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. 87 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 60,
62.
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.
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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.
WARNING!
Always place the gear selector in Park or in reverse on models with a manual transmission, and apply the parking
brake before leaving the vehicle. Never leave the car unattended with the engine running.
Always open garage doors fully before starting the engine inside a garage to ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless but very poisonous
Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting.
* If two of the keys to your car are close together, e.g., on the same key ring, when you try to start the car, this could
cause interference in the immobilizer system and result in the car not starting. If this should occur, remove one of the
keys from the key ring before trying to start the car again.
pg. 88 Starting and driving
Starting the car (contd)
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock
0 - Locked position:
Remove the key to lock the steering wheel*.
WARNING!
Never turn the key to position O while driving or when the car is being towed.
I - Intermediate position** - "radio position":
Certain accessories, radio, etc. on, daytime running lights off.
II - Drive position: The key position when driving. The car's entire electrical system is connected.
III - Start position: Release the key when the engine starts. The key returns automatically to the Drive position.
A chime will sound if the key is left in the ignition and the driver's door is opened.
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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.
WARNING!
Never switch off the ignition (turn the ignition key to position 0) or remove the key from the ignition switch while
the car is in motion. This could cause the steering wheel to lock, which would make the car impossible to steer
* 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. 89 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
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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.
CAUTION: Drive slowly and carefully if going through standing water (i.e. flooded roadways, etc.). Damage to the
engine could result if excess water is drawn in through the air intake system. Never drive the vehicle in water deeper
than 1 foot (300 mm).
pg. 90 Starting and driving
General information (contd)
Weight distribution affects handling
At the specified curb weight your car has a tendency to understeer, which means that the steering wheel has to be
turned more than might seem appropriate for the curvature of a bend.
This ensures good stability and reduces the risk of rear wheel skid. Remember that these properties can alter with the
vehicle load.
The heavier the load in the trunk (max. 220 lbs, 100 kg), the less the tendency to understeer.
Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore, check that the tires are inflated to
the recommended pressure according to the vehicle load. See "Tire pressure" section.
Loads should be distributed so that capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
Speed-sensitive power steering
(Option on certain models)
With this feature, the steering is most responsive at lower speeds to make parking, driving in city traffic, etc, easier.
The effect of the power steering diminishes as you accelerate for greater stability at highway speeds.
pg. 91 Starting and driving
Manual transmission
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The FOUR-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) active chassis system, consisting of Comfort and Sport
modes, is available as an option.
NOTE:
The S60 R has a standard FOUR-C system consisting of Comfort, Sport, and Advanced sport modes. The buttons for
controlling these driving modes are located in center instrument panel, above the ventilation system panel vents, see
the illustration below. These buttons can be pressed at any time to change driving modes. An indicator light in the
selected button will come on to indicate the driving mode that is currently selected.
This system is based on a number of sensors that continuously monitor factors such as the car's lateral and vertical
movements, speed, and movements of the wheels. The sensors receive data up to 500 times per second, which is used
to provide extremely fast and precise adjustment of each shock absorber. The system adjusts the stiffness of the shock
absorbers approximately 100 times per second.
Comfort
The Comfort mode chassis setting offers the greatest amount of shock absorption and the softest ride. This mode is
recommended for long-distance driving, or when driving in slippery conditions. The indicator light in the button will
be off when this mode is selected.
If Comfort mode was selected when the engine was switched off, this mode will still be active when the engine is
restarted.
Sport
In this mode, shock absorption is stiffer to reduce the car's body sway during cornering and to provide more immediate
steering response. The indicator light in the button will come on to indicate that Sport mode has been selected.
If this setting was selected when the engine was switched off, Sport mode will still be active when the engine is
restarted.
S60 R buttons on the dashboard
Advanced Sport (S60R only)
In this mode, movement of the shock absorbers is minimal, response from pressure on the throttle pedal is more direct,
and body sway in curves or when cornering is sharply reduced.
If Advanced sport mode was selected when the engine was switched off, Sport mode will be active when the engine
is restarted.
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(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. 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 140
for the location of the brake fluid 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.
If the brake fluid level is above the MIN mark, drive carefully to an authorized Volvo retailer and have the brake
system inspected.
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