Page 105 of 200

buttons for controlling these driving modes are located in center instrument panel, above the ventilation system panel
vents, see the illustration in the right column. 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 vehicle'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.
Use the button in the center console to switch between the driving modes Comfort and Sport. This can be done at any
time.
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 vehicle'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.
Advanced sport (S60 R 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. 122 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
ProCarManuals.com
Page 106 of 200

problem should occur in one of these circuits, it is still possible to stop the vehicle 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 vehicle towed to a Volvo retailer and have the brake system
inspected.
NOTE: When the vehicle 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. 123 Starting and driving
Brake system
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
(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
ProCarManuals.com
Page 107 of 200

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 vehicle 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 173
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 vehicle 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.
Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)
The EBA function is designed to provide full brake effect immediately in the event of sudden, hard braking. The
system is activated by the speed with which you depress the brake pedal.
NOTE:
When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and pressure in the brake system immediately
increases to the maximum level. You must maintain full pressure on the brake pedal in order to utilize the system
completely. There will be no braking effect if the pedal is
pg. 124 Starting and driving
Brake system
released. EBA is automatically deactivated when the brake pedal is released.
When the vehicle has been parked for some time, the brake pedal may sink more than usual when the engine is
started. This is normal and the pedal will return to its usual position when it is released.
pg. 125 Starting and driving
Stability system
Stability Traction Control (STC)/ Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)
The stability system consists of a number of functions designed help reduce wheel spin, counteract skidding, and to
generally help improve directional stability.
NOTE: A pulsating sound will be audible when the system is actively operating and is normal.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 108 of 200

1. Standard on all models except the T5 turbo and R- models. Models equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD) have an integrated traction control
function, and are not equipped with an STC button. DSTC is optional on AWD models.
2. Standard on the T5 turbo and R- models, option on all other models.
Traction control (TC)
This function is designed to help reduce wheel spin by transferring power from a drive wheel that begins to lose
traction to the wheel on the opposite side of the vehicle (on the same axle).
TC is most active at low speeds.
This is one of the STC/DSTC's permanent functions and cannot be switched off.
Spin control (SC)
The spin control function is designed to help prevent the drive wheels from spinning while the vehicle is accelerating.
Under certain circumstances, such as when driving with snow chains, or driving in deep snow or loose sand, it may be
advisable to temporarily switch off this function for maximum tractive force.
Temporarily switching off Spin control
S60R
Press the DSTC button on the center control panel (see page 50
) for at least a half a second. "DSTC SPIN CONTROL
OFF" will be displayed and the indicator light in the button will go out.
Other S60 models
- Turn the thumb wheel (1) on the left-side steering wheel lever until the STC/DSTC menu is displayed.
- Hold down the RESET button (2) to toggle between STC/DSTC SPIN CONTROL ON or OFF.
NOTE:
The message STC/DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF indicates that the stability system's spin control function has
temporarily been switched off.
The stability control indicator light will illuminate and remain on until spin control has been reactivated.
STC/DSTC ON indicates that all system functions are active1.
The spin control function is automatically enabled each time the engine is started.
1. S60R only: the indicator light in the DSTC button will illuminate to indicate that all stability system functions are on.
pg. 126 Starting and driving
ProCarManuals.com
Page 109 of 200

Stability system
Active Yaw Control (AYC) - DSTC only
This function helps maintain directional stability, for example when cornering, by braking one or more of the wheels if
the vehicle shows a tendency to skid or slide laterally.
R-models only
The AYC function can be deactivated. This is done by pressing the DSTC button on the center control panel (see the
illustration on page 50) for approximately one second. This procedure must be repeated 5 times, after which "DSTC
REDUCED FUNCTION" will be displayed in the text window. AYC will be automatically reactivated the next time
the ignition is switched on.
The indicator light in the DSTC button will be off.
WARNING!
The car's handling and stability characteristics will be altered if the STC or DSTC system functions have been
disabled.
STC/DSTC-related messages in the text window
"TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY OFF" - The system has been temporarily switched off due to high brake
temperature and will automatically switch on again when the brakes have cooled.
"ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED" - the system has been automatically disengaged due to a fault. An authorized
Volvo retailer should check the system.
Symbols in the instrument panel
The Stability Control indicator light
This light indicates different conditions, depending on how it illuminates.
The Stability Control indicator light illuminates for approximately 2 seconds
This indicates that the system is performing a self -diagnostic test when the ignition is switched on.
The Stability Control indicator light flashes
This indicates that the stability system is actively functioning to help counteract wheel spin and/or a skid.
The Stability Control indicator light glows steadily
"ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED" will be displayed in the text window at the same time.
A fault is indicated in the stability system.
- Stop the vehicle in a safe place and switch off the engine.
- Restart the engine.
- If the indicator light goes out, the fault was temporary and no further action is required.
- If the indicator light remains on, drive to an authorized Volvo workshop as soon as possible to have the system
checked.
The Stability Control indicator light glows steadily
If "STC/DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF" is displayed in the text window at the same time, this is a reminder that spin
control has been disabled by the driver.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 110 of 200

The warning symbol
The warning symbol glows steadily yellow
The system has been temporarily switched off due to high brake temperature. "TRACTION CONTROL
TEMPORARILY OFF" will be displayed. The system will automatically switch on again when the brakes have cooled.
pg. 127 Starting and driving
Stability system
WARNING!
The stability system is intended to help improve driving safety. It supplements, but can never replace, the driver's
judgement and responsibility when operating the vehicle. Speed and driving style should always be adapted to
traffic and road conditions.
pg. 128 Starting and driving
Towing
Emergency towing
The towing eyelet is located in the tool bag, under the floor of the trunk, with the spare tire. This eyelet must be
screwed into the positions provided on the right sides of either the front or rear bumper (see illustrations).
To attach the towing eyelet:
A. Use a coin to pry open the lower edge of the cover.
B. Screw the towing eyelet (C) in place, first by hand and then using the tire iron until it is securely in place.
After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet should be removed and returned to the tool bag. Press the cover back into
position.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 111 of 200

Precautions when the vehicle is in tow
The steering wheel must be unlocked. Turn the ignition key to position I or II.
The gear selector must be in position N.
Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not exceed the maximum allowable towing speed.
Maximum distance with front wheels on ground: 50 miles (80 km).
While the vehicle is being towed, try to keep the tow rope taut at all times.
The vehicle should only be towed in forward direction.
CAUTION!
- Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this type of towing, as vehicles being towed are
subject to regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length and type of towing device, lighting, etc.
- If the vehicle's battery is dead, do not attempt to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it as this will damage the
three-way catalytic converter(s). The engine must be jump started using an auxiliary battery (see page 130
).
- If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the vehicle on the
flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
pg. 129 Starting and driving
Towing
WARNING!
Remember that the power brakes and power steering will not function when engine is not running. The braking
and steering systems will function but the brake pedal pressure required is 3 - 4 times above normal and greater
steering effort must be exerted.
The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling another vehicle out of a ditch or for any similar purpose
involving severe strain.
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 112 of 200

Towing vehicles with front wheel drive/All Wheel Drive
Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equipment.
If wheel lift equipment must be used, please use extreme caution to help avoid damage to the vehicle. In this case, the
vehicle should be towed with the rear wheels on the ground if at all possible.
If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, please refer to the towing
information on the previous page.CAUTION!
- Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air conditioning lines.
- It is equally important not to use sling -type equipment at the rear or apply lifting equipment inside the rear wheels;
serious damage to the rear axle may result.
- If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the vehicle on the
flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
WARNING!
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.
pg. 130 Starting and driving
Jump starting
Jump starting
Follow these instructions to jump start your vehicle's dead battery or to jump start another vehicle's dead battery using
ProCarManuals.com