2 0 0 5
VOLVO S60
Starting and driving
pg. 83 Starting and driving
Engine oil 84
Refueling86
Starting the car87
General information89
Manual transmission91
Automatic transmission (option)92
Geartronic (option)94
All Wheel Drive (option)96
Four-C active chassis system97
Brake system98
Stability system100
Towing102
Jump starting104
Towing a trailer105
Detachable trailer hitch - installing107
Detachable trailer hitch - removing108
Attaching load carriers109
Cold weather precautions110
Before a long distance trip111
Front/rear park assist (option/accessory)112
pg. 84 Starting and driving
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 142
.
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).
ProCarManuals.com
Please refer to the information on page 93.
Sport mode (R-models only)
R-models are equipped with a (S)port button that can be used to engage/disengage the Sport shifting mode. An
indicator light in the button will go on when Sport mode is engaged.
With Sport mode engaged, the transmission will shift up at higher rpm in first and second gears, and will also shift
down at higher rpm for more immediate engine response during acceleration and deceleration.
pg. 96 Starting and driving
All Wheel Drive (option)
All Wheel Drive (AWD) - general information
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
inflation pressure placards, located on the driver's side B-pillar (the structural member at the side of the vehicle, at the
rear of the driver's door opening), or on the inside of the fuel filler door on Canadian models.
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. 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. 97 Starting and driving
Four-C active chassis system
Four-C active chassis
ProCarManuals.com
2 0 0 5
VOLVO S60
Wheels and tires
pg. 113 Wheels and tires
General information 114
Tire inflation pressure tables117
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - option on certain U.S. models only118
Changing tires119
Tire designations120
Glossary of tire terminology121
Vehicle loading122
Uniform Tire Quality Grading123
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires124
Temporary Spare125
Changing wheels126
pg. 114 Wheels and tires
General information
Your vehicle is equipped with tires according to the vehicle's tire information placard on the B-pillar (the structural
member at the side of the vehicle, at the rear of the driver's door opening), or on the inside of the fuel filler door on
Canadian models.
The tires have good road holding characteristics and offer good handling on dry and wet surfaces. It should be noted
however that the tires have been developed to give these features on snow/ice-free surfaces.
Certain models are equipped with "all-season" tires, which provide a somewhat higher degree of road holding on
slippery surfaces than tires without the "all-season" rating. However, for optimum road holding on icy or snow-
covered roads, we recommend suitable winter tires on all four wheels.
When replacing tires, be sure that the new tires are the same size designation, type (radial) and preferably from the
same manufacturer, on all four wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of altering the car's roadholding and handling
characteristics.
NOTE: When storing wheel/tire assemblies (e.g. winter tires and wheels), either stand the assemblies upright, or
suspend them off the ground. Laying wheel/tire assemblies on their sides for prolonged periods can cause wheel and/or
tire damage.
ProCarManuals.com
pg. 118 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - option on certain U.S. models only
The tire pressure monitoring system uses sensors mounted in the tire valves to check inflation pressure levels. When
the vehicle is moving at a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster, these sensors transmit inflation pressure data to a
receiver located in the vehicle.
USA - FCC ID: MRXTG315AM04
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.
When low inflation pressure is detected, TPMS will light up the tire pressure warning light (
) in the instrument
panel, and will display a message in the text window. The wording of this message is determined by the degree of
inflation pressure loss.
When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light is on, one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
You should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure as indicated on the
vehicle's tire information placard.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability. Each tire,
including the spare, should be checked monthly when cold and set to the recommended inflation pressure as specified
in the vehicle placard and owner's manual.
NOTE: TPMS indicates low tire pressure but does not replace normal tire maintenance. For information on correct tire
pressure, please refer to the table on page 117
, or consult your Volvo retailer.
Erasing warning messages
When a low tire pressure warning message has been displayed, and the tire pressure warning light has come on:
1. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the inflation pressure of all four tires.
2. Re-inflate the tire(s) to the correct pressure (consult the tire pressure placard or the table on page 117
).
3. Drive the car for at least one minute at a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster.
This will erase the warning text and the warning light will go out.
WARNING!
ProCarManuals.com
Incorrect inflation pressure could lead to tire failure, resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle.
pg. 119 Wheels and tires
Changing tires
Please note the following when changing or replacing the factory installed TPMS wheels/tires on the vehicle:
Only the factory-mounted wheels are equipped with TPMS sensors in the valves.
If the vehicle is equipped with a temporary spare tire, this tire does not have a TPMS sensor.
If, for example, winter wheels/tires are used that are not equipped with TPMS sensors, the message TIRE PRESSURE
SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED will be displayed after the car has been driven for several minutes at approximately
35 mph (50 km/h) or faster.
This message will remain on until wheels with TPMS sensors are mounted on the vehicle and it has been driven for at
least one minute at a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster.
TPMS valves can be fitted on winter wheels or full-size spare wheels/tires. Consult your Volvo retailer.
CAUTION:
When inflating tires with TPMS valves, press the pump's mouthpiece straight onto the valve to help avoid bending or
otherwise damaging the valve.
Self supporting run flat tires (option)
Certain models equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can also be equipped with self supporting
run flat tires. Tires of this type have specially reinforced sidewalls that make it possible to continue driving in the
event of a drop in inflation pressure. Tires of this type are mounted on special rims.
NOTE: Self supporting run flat tires are only available in conjunction with TPMS. If a self supporting run flat tire
should lose inflation pressure, the yellow TPMS warning symbol (
) in the instrument panel lights up to alert the
driver, and a message will be shown in the text window in the instrument panel.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed to a maximum of 50 mph (80 km/h). The vehicle can be driven approximately 50
miles (80 km), or somewhat farther if the vehicle is not heavily loaded. The tire should be replaced as soon as
possible.
Hard braking and sudden steering maneuvers should be avoided.
In certain cases, it may be difficult to see which self supporting run flat tire is defective. To determine which tire is
damaged, check the inflation pressure of all four tires.
WARNING!
Only specially trained persons should mount self supporting run flat tires.
If self supporting run flat tires are mounted, the vehicle must be equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System.
After a low pressure warning has been displayed, do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
Avoid severe cornering and hard braking, and minimize the distance traveled before replacing the self supporting
run flat tire.
Self supporting run flat tires cannot be repaired. They must be replaced if damaged or punctured.
ProCarManuals.com
pg. 120 Wheels and tires
Federal law mandates that tire manufacturers place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires (see the
illustration).
The following information is listed on the tire sidewall:
The tire designation (the following figures are examples of a tire designation):
1. 215: the width of the tire (in millimeters) from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. The larger the number, the wider the
tire.
2. 65: The ratio of the tire's height to its width.
3. R: Radial tire.
4. 15: The diameter of the wheel rim (in inches).
5. 95: The tire's load index. In this example, a load index of 95 equals a maximum load of 1521 lbs (690 kg).
6. H: The tire's speed rating, or the maximum speed at which the tire is designed to be driven for extended periods of
time, carrying a permissible load for the vehicle, and with correct inflation pressure. For example, H indicates a speed
rating of 130 mph (210 km/h).
NOTE: This information may not appear on the tire because it is not required by law.
7. M+S or M/S = Mud and Snow, AT = All Terrain, AS = All Season
8. U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN): This begins with the letters "DOT" and indicates that the tire meets all
federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code where it was manufactured, the next two are the
tire size code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example, the numbers 317
mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th week of
2001. The numbers in between are marketing codes used at the manufacturer's discretion. This information helps a tire
manufacturer identify a tire for safety recall purposes.
9. Tire Ply Composition and Material Used: Indicates the number of plies indicates or the number of layers of rubber-
coated fabric in the tire tread and sidewall. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the ply materials in the tire and the
sidewall, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
10. Maximum Load: Indicates the maximum load in pounds and kilograms that can be carried by the tire. Refer to the
vehicle's tire information placard or the safety certification label, located on the B-Pillar or the driver's door or on the
inside of the fuel filler door on Canadian models, for the correct tire pressure for your vehicle.
ProCarManuals.com
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
1
Tires for winter use:
Owners who live in or regularly commute through areas with sustained periods of snow or icy driving conditions are
strongly advised to fit suitable winter tires to help retain the highest degree of traction.
It is important to install winter tires on all four wheels to help retain traction during cornering, braking, and
accelerating. Failure to do so could reduce traction to an unsafe level or adversely affect handling.
Do not mix tires of different design as this could also negatively affect overall tire road grip.
Winter tires wear more quickly on dry roads in warm weather. They should be removed when the winter driving
season has ended.
Studded tires should be run-in 300-600 miles (500-1000 km) during which the car should be driven as smoothly as
possible to give the studs the opportunity to seat properly in the tires. The tires should have the same rotational
direction throughout their entire lifetime.
NOTE: Please consult state or provincial regulations restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such
tires.
1 Where permitted
pg. 125 Wheels and tires
Temporary Spare
The spare tire in your car is called a "Temporary Spare".
Recommended tire pressure (see the placard on the B-pillar or on the 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.
ProCarManuals.com