If the brake fluid level is above the MIN mark, drive carefully to an authorized Volvo retailer and have the brake
system inspected.
pg. 29 Instruments and controls
Supplemental Restraint System SRS
If the light comes on (or stays on after the vehicle has started), the SRS diagnostic system has detected a fault. Drive to
an authorized Volvo retailer for an inspection of the system. See the SRS section for more information.
Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charging system checked.
Seat belt reminder
This symbol lights up to indicate that the driver has not fastened his/her seat belt.
Tire pressure monitoring light
See page 118
for more information on this function.
PARK BRAKE Parking brake applied
This light will be on when the parking brake (hand brake) is applied. The parking brake lever is situated between the
front seats.
Canadian models are equipped with this symbol.
Rear fog light
This light indicates that the fog light is on.
Turn signal indicator - trailer (certain models)
If you are towing a trailer, this light will flash simultaneously with the turn signals on the trailer. If the light does not
flash when signaling, neither the trailer's turn signals nor the car's turn signals are functioning.
Oil pressure warning light
If the light comes on while driving, stop the car and then stop the engine immediately and check the engine oil
level. See page 142
. R-models are also equipped with an oil level warning system. If the light stays on after restart,
have the car towed to the nearest authorized Volvo retailer. After hard driving, the light may come on occasionally
when the engine is idling. This is normal, provided it goes off when the engine speed is increased.
CHECK ENGINE Malfunction indicator light
On-Board Diagnostic II (OBDII): As you drive, a computer called "OBDII" monitors your car's engine, transmission,
electrical and emission systems. The CHECK ENGINE light will light up if the computer senses a condition that
potentially may need correcting. When this happens, please have your car checked by a Volvo retailer as soon as
possible.
A CHECK ENGINE light may have many causes. Sometimes, you may not notice a change in your car's behavior.
Even so, an uncorrected condition could hurt fuel economy, emission cleanliness, and driveability. Extended driving
without correcting the cause could even damage other components in your car.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light.
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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).
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The transmission will shift automatically between gears 3, 2 and 1 from this position. The transmission cannot shift up
to fourth gear or (D)rive from third gear.
L (Low gears)
The transmission is locked in gears 1 and 2 when the selector is in this position.
NOTE: Gears 4, 3, or L can be used if you are driving in a mountainous area, towing a trailer or to increase engine
braking effect.
The transmission has a built-in limiter designed to help prevent excessive engine speeds (high rpm) when gears 4, 3 or
L are selected.
pg. 93 Starting and driving
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 26).
This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
NOTE: R-models are not equipped with this button.
Automatic transmission AW55- 50 - shift gate positions
The gear selector can be moved freely between N and D.
Depressing the button on the front of the gear selector knob enables you to move the gear selector to positions P, R, N,
D, 4, 3 and L.
"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.
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pg. 98 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 - 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.
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. 99 Starting and driving
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
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Capacity weight
All weight added to the curb weight, including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer hitch tongue load
is also part of cargo weight.
NOTE: For trailer towing information, please refer to the section "Towing a trailer" on page 105
.
Permissible axle weight
The maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). These numbers are shown on the
Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label. The total load on each axle must never
exceed its maximum permissible weight.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)
The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passengers.
NOTE:
The location of the various labels in your vehicle can be found on page 162.
A table listing important weight limits for your vehicle can be found on page 164.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
(1) Locate the statement "the combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds'' on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the "XXX''
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual
1 to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
WARNING!
- Exceeding the permissible axle weight, gross vehicle weight, or any other weight rating limits can cause tire
overheating resulting in permanent deformation or catastrophic failure.
- Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the tires that were original equipment on the
vehicle because this will lower the vehicle's GVW rating. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the vehicle's GVW rating limitations.
1. See "Towing a trailer" on page 105
WARNING!
pg. 123 Wheels and tires
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN
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pg. 141 Maintenance and service
Oils and fluids
Oil quality
Engine oil must meet the minimum ILSAC specification GF-2, including ACEA A1, API SJ, SJ/CF and SJ/ Energy
Conserving.
Your Volvo has been certified to standards using ILSAC oil specification GF-2 5W -30. Volvo recommends use of oil
with a quality rating equal to or higher than ILSAC GF-2. Equivalent and better oils include ACEA A1, API SJ,
SJ/CF, and SJ/Energy conserving. Lower quality oils may not offer the same fuel economy, engine performance, or
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.
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VOLVO S60
Index
pg. 195 Index
A
A/C (air conditioning) 54
, 57
ABSii , 27 , 99
Adjustable steering wheel33
Air bags - dual threshold/stage8
Air distribution51 , 54 , 58
Air quality sensor55
Air vents51
Airbag - Side Impact (SIPS)12
Airbags4
Alarm73 , 80
All Wheel Drive96
All Wheel Drive - towing103
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)ii , 27
Approach lighting36
Ashtray42
Audio173
AUTO (climate control)53
Automatic Climate Control, ECC52
Automatic gearbox89
Automatic transmission92
Automatic transmission - adaptive system93
Automatic transmission - kickdown93
Automatic transmission - Sport mode95
Average speed39
AWD96
B
Back up light153
Backrest, rear seat, folding69
Battery138 , 146 , 170
Battery - replacing147
Belt check139
Blower (fan)53, 57
Booster cushion (integrated)20
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Stability systems100
Stability Traction Control (STC)100
Start inhibitor (immobilizer)74
Starting the car87
STC31
Steering wheel adjustment33
Steering wheel lock88
Stone chips, touching up133
STOP ENGINE30
Storage compartments67
Studded tires124
Sun visor47
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)4
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - warning light29
Suspension168
Switches in the center console31
T
Tachometer26
Temperature control53
Temperature gauge26
Text window - messages30
TIME FOR REGULAR SERVICE30
Tire designations120
Tires economy - improving114
Tires inflation115
Tire inflation pressure tables117
Tire inflation pressure, checking116
Tire pressure monitoring system29
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)118
Tire terminology, glossary of121
Tires - tread wear indicators126
Towing - cars with All Wheel Drive103
Towing a trailer105
Towing the car102
Trailer indicator lamp29
Trailer towing105
Transmission - automatic92
Transmission - Geartronic94
Transmission - manual91
Tread wear indicator114
Trip computer39
Trip odometer26
Trunk69
Trunk - opening from the inside78
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