
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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signals will flash until the lever has been released.
NOTE: If the turn signal indicator flashes faster than normal, check for a burned-out turn signal bulb.
High/low beam headlights
Continuous high beams
Turn the ignition key to position II.
With the light switch (1) in position , (see page 32) pull the turn signal lever toward the steering wheel (position 4) to
toggle between high and low beams (this also applies on models equipped with the optional Bi -Xenon headlights).
High beam flash
Turn the ignition key to position II.
Pull the turn signal lever to position 3. The high beams will remain on until the lever is released.
Home safe lighting
When you leave your car at night, you can make use of the home safe lighting function to illuminate the area in front
of the car.
Remove the key from the ignition switch.
Pull the direction indicator lever as far as possible towards the steering wheel (to position 4) and release it.
Exit the car and lock the doors.
The headlights and parking lights will illuminate and remain on for 30
1, 60 or 90 seconds. The time interval can be
changed by an authorized Volvo retailer.
1. Factory setting
pg. 35 Instruments and controls
Right-side steering wheel lever
Windshield wipers
Windshield wipers off
If the lever is in the 0 position and you move it upwards, the wipers will sweep one stroke at a time for as long as you
hold the lever up.
Intermittent wiper function
With the lever in this position, you can set the wiper interval by twisting the control ring 1 upward to increase wiper
speed or downward to decrease the speed.
Rain sensor (option)
The rain sensor automatically regulates wiper speed according to the amount of water on the windshield.
The sensitivity of the sensor can be adjusted by twisting ring 1 up (the wipers will sweep the windshield more
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Cruise control
The cruise control panel is located on the left side of the steering wheel hub.
Engaging cruise control
Press the CRUISE button. CRUISE will be displayed in the information window in the instrument panel.
NOTE: This does not set the vehicle's speed.
Setting speed
Press + or - to set the current speed. CRUISE-ON will be displayed in the information window in the instrument
panel.
Increasing or decreasing speed
Use + or - in the following ways to increase or decrease the vehicle's speed:
Press and hold down + or - until the vehicle reaches the desired speed.
Press + or - for approximately a half second and release the button to increase or decrease vehicle speed by
approximately 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
NOTE: Cruise control will not function at speeds below approximately 20 mph (30 km/h).
Braking
Cruise control is automatically disengaged when the brake pedal is depressed. The currently set speed is stored in
memory.
Pressing resume will return the vehicle to the previously set speed.
Acceleration
Momentary acceleration, such as when passing another vehicle, does not affect cruise control operation. The vehicle
will automatically return to the previously set speed when you release the accelerator pedal.
Disengaging cruise control
To disengage cruise control, press the CRUISE button. CRUISE or CRUISE-ON will no longer be displayed in the
information window in the instrument panel.
NOTE: Cruise control is automatically disengaged if:
the engine is switched off
the gear selector is placed in (N)eutral
the wheels start to spin or lock
if an increase in speed is maintained for more than one minute
if the vehicle's speed falls below approximately 20 mph (30 km/h).
Temporarily disengaging cruise control
Press 0 to temporarily disengage cruise control. CRUISE will be displayed in the information window in the
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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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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. 86 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. 87 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
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.
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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. 88 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. 89 Starting and driving
Manual transmission
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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.
pg. 96 Starting and driving
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