
Instrument panel lighting
The instrument panel lighting illuminates when the ignition key is in position II and the light switch (1) is in either
position
or .
Move the thumb wheel (4) up to increase brightness or down to decrease brightness.
Unlocking the fuel filler door
Press button 5 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.
NOTE: If the fuel filler door does not unlock after the button has been pressed, drive the car
1. On Canadian models, the daytime running lights will remain on with the light switch in this position.
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pg. 33 Instruments and controls
Manually unlocking the fuel filler door
at a speed of at least 5 mph (8 km/h), stop the car, and press the button again.
See the information to the right on unlocking the fuel filler door manually.
Manually unlocking the fuel filler door
The electric motor that controls the fuel filler door locking mechanism is located on the inside of the rear fender on the
passenger side of the car, just behind the fuel filler door. To unlock this door manually:
1. Turn the knob (A) 1/4 turn counterclockwise to release the cover panel (B).
2. Fold down the cover panel to access the electric motor (C).
3. Press the catch (D) rearward to unlock the fuel filler door, or forward to lock the door.
pg. 34 Instruments and controls
Left-side steering wheel lever
Lever positions
1. Turn signals, lane change position
2. Turn signals, position for normal turns
3. High beam flash
4. Toggle between high and low beams, Home Safe lighting
Turn signals
When turning
Move the lever as far up or down as possible (to position 2) to start the turn signals. The turn signals will be cancelled
automatically by the movement of the steering wheel, or the lever can be returned to its initial position by hand.
When changing lanes
The driver can flash the turn signals by moving the turn signal lever up or down to position 1 and releasing it. The turn
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Hazard warning flashers
The four-way flasher should be used to indicate that the vehicle has become a traffic hazard. To activate the flashers,
press the triangular button in the center dash. Press the button again to turn off the flashers.
NOTE: Regulations regarding the use of the hazard warning flasher may vary, depending on where you live.
Sideview mirror and rear window defroster
Press the switch to start heating the rear window and sideview mirrors to remove ice or condensation. An LED in the
switch will light up.
A timer automatically switches off the heating to the sideview mirrors after approximately 6 minutes and to the rear
window after approximately 12 minutes. The LED will go out correspondingly.
Heated front seats (option)
The front seat heating can be switched on and off as required.
Press the switch once for maximum seat heating. Both LEDs in the switch will be lit.
Press the switch a second time for comfort heating. One LED in the switch will be lit.
Press the switch a third time to turn the heating off completely. The seat heating for the passenger seat should be
switched off when the seat is not occupied.
pg. 38 Instruments and controls
Trip computer (option)
The trip computer stores information gathered from several systems in your car and has four menus that can be
displayed in the text window.
Driving distance on current fuel reserve
Average fuel consumption
Current fuel consumption
Average speed
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Current speed in mph (Canadian models only)
NOTE: Warning messages from the car's monitoring systems will override the trip computer function. If a warning
message is displayed in the text window while you are using the trip computer, you must acknowledge the message by
pressing button A. Press button A again to return to the trip computer function.
Trip computer controls and functions
The four* trip computer functions can be accessed by twisting control B one step at a time in either direction. Twisting
a fifth** time returns you to the original function.
The trip computer can be reset (current data will be erased from system memory) by pressing RESET (button C).
1. Driving distance on current fuel reserve
This function shows the approximate distance that can be driven on the fuel remaining in the tank. This calculation is
based on average fuel consumption during the last 12 miles (20 km) of driving and the amount of fuel remaining in the
tank when the reading was taken.
When the driving distance on current fuel reserve is less than 12 miles (20 km), "----" will be displayed in the text
window.
2. Average fuel consumption
This value indicates fuel consumption since the last time the trip computer was reset (by pressing RESET, button C).
When the engine is switched off, information on fuel consumption is stored and remains in system memory until the
RESET (button C) is pressed again.
3. Current fuel consumption
This value indicates the current fuel consumption, based on readings taken once per second. When the car is not
moving, "----" will be displayed.
4. Average speed
This value indicates average speed since the last time the trip computer was reset (by pressing RESET, button C).
When the engine is switched off, information on average speed is stored and remains in system memory until the
RESET (button C) is pressed again.
5. Current speed in miles per hour (Canadian models only)
This function provides the driver with an instantaneous conversion of the car's current speed from km/h to mph.
NOTE: Trip computer readings may vary slightly depending on the circumferences of the tires on the car.
*Five functions on Canadian models
**A sixth time on Canadian models
pg. 39 Instruments and controls
Cruise control
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2 0 0 6
VOLVO S60
Starting and driving
pg. 81 Starting and driving
General information 82
Refueling84
Starting the car85
General information87
Manual transmission89
Automatic transmission (option)90
Geartronic (option)92
All Wheel Drive (option)94
Four-C active chassis system95
Brake system96
Stability system98
Towing100
Jump starting102
Towing a trailer103
Detachable trailer hitch105
Attaching load carriers106
Cold weather precautions107
Before a long distance trip108
Front/rear park assist (option/accessory)109
pg. 82 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 143
.
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).
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
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Volvo recommends the use of detergent gasoline to control engine deposits. Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping
injectors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit control gasolines will help ensure good driveability and
fuel economy. If you are not sure whether the gasoline contains deposit control additives, check with the service
station operator.
NOTE: Volvo does not recommend the use of external fuel injector cleaning systems.
Unleaded fuel
Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and Canadian regulations
require that pumps delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit
your car's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labeled "unleaded gasoline only". Leaded
gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of leaded
gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of the emission control system and could result in loss of emission warranty
coverage. State and local vehicle inspection programs will make detection of misfueling easier, possibly resulting in
emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.
NOTE: Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive called methyl-cyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission Control System performance may be affected,
and the Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator lamp) located on your instrument panel may light. If this occurs,
please return your vehicle to an authorized Volvo retailer for service.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers
"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or ethers. In some areas, state or
local laws require that the service pump be marked indicating use of alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas in
which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet seasonal air quality standards, some areas require the use of "oxygenated"
fuel.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed on this page must still be
met.
Alcohol - Ethanol: Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be used. Ethanol may also be referred to as
Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol".
Ethers - MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
pg. 83 Starting and driving
Carbon Monoxide - Important Warning
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust gases. If you ever smell
exhaust fumes inside the vehicle, make sure the passenger compartment is ventilated, and immediately return the
vehicle to your retailer for correction.
Fuel Formulations
Do not use gasoline that contains lead as a knock inhibitor, and do not use lead additives. Besides damaging the
exhaust emission control systems on your car, lead has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer.
Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent. Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer. If you
live in an area where you must fill your own gas tank, take precautions. These may include:
standing upwind away from the filler nozzle while refueling
refueling only at gas stations with vapor recovery systems that fully seal the mouth of the filler neck during refueling
wear neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
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Use of Additives
With the exception of gas line antifreeze during winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or other store -bought
additives to your car's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse may damage your engine, and some of these
additives contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.
WARNING!
Never carry a cell phone that is switched on while refueling your vehicle. If the phone rings, this may cause a spark
that could ignite gasoline fumes, resulting in fire and injury.
pg. 84 Starting and driving
Fuel filler door
Press the button on the light switch panel (see illustration on page 32
) 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.
If you intend to leave your car while it is being refueled, this feature enables you to lock the doors/trunk while leaving
the fuel filler door unlocked.
You can also keep the car locked if you remain inside during refueling. The central locking button does not lock the
fuel filler door. Be sure the fuel filler door is not obstructed and is completely closed after refueling.
Open the fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather.
NOTE: During a transitional period, a small number of service stations may still have fuel nozzles that are not
compatible with the fuel filler neck on cars equipped with the evaporative control system.
Refueling
The fuel tank holds approximately 18 US gal. (68 liters) with sufficient volume left over to accommodate possible
expansion of the fuel in hot weather. with sufficient volume left over to accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in
hot weather. Be aware that the "usable" tank capacity will be somewhat less than the specified maximum. When the
fuel level is low, such factors as ambient temperature, the fuel's "Reid vapor pressure" characteristics, and terrain can
affect the fuel pump's ability to supply the engine with an adequate supply of fuel. Therefore, it is advisable to refuel
as soon as possible when the needle nears the red zone, or when the fuel warning light comes on.
CAUTION:
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
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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. 85 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 58,
60.
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.
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.
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