2008 VOLVO S60 Owners Manual

NOTE
The message 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.
DSTC ON indicates that all system functions are active.
The spin control function is automatically enabled each time the engine is started.
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Stability system
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. A trained and
qualified Volvo service technician 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.
1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and switch off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
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3. If the indicator light goes out, the fault was temporary and no further action is required.
4. 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 "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.
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.
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.
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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 ( B, see illustrations).
To attach the towing eyelet:
A. Use a coin to pry open the lower edge of the cover ( A)
1.
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.
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1The opening in the cover may vary.
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.
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Towing
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 143
).
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
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.
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive/All Wheel Drive
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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.
143 06 Starting and driving
Jump starting
Jump starting
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Follow these instructions to jump start your vehicle's dead battery or to jump start another vehicle's dead battery using
your vehicle. Although your vehicle's battery is located under the floor of the trunk, jumper cables should be
connected in the engine compartment, to the points shown in the illustrations.
If the 12-volt auxiliary battery to be used is in another vehicle, check that the vehicles are not touching to prevent
premature completion of a circuit. Be sure to follow jump starting instructions provided for the other vehicle.
To jump start your vehicle:
1. Switch off the ignition.
2. First connect the auxiliary battery positive (+) terminal (1) to the positive (+) terminal in your vehicle's engine
compartment (2), located under a small black plastic cover attached to the fuse box cover, marked with a "+" sign.
Remove the cover on the main fuse box if necessary to access this terminal. Then connect the auxiliary battery's
negative (-) terminal (3) to the ground point in your vehicle's engine compartment (4).
3. Start the engine in the assisting vehicle, then start the engine in the vehicle with dead battery.
4. After the engine has started, first remove the negative (-) terminal jumper cable. Then remove the positive (+)
terminal jumper cable.
WARNING
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the state of
California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
WARNING
Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any moving parts. Avoid touching hot
manifolds.
Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
Do not smoke near the battery.
Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, fabrics or painted surfaces. If
contact occurs, flush the affected area immediately with water. Obtain medical help immediately if eyes are affected.
Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to personal injury.
144 06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehicle.
Maximum trailer weight recommended by Volvo is:
Trailers without brakes: 1650 lbs (750 kg)
Trailers with brakes:
2" (50 mm) ball - 3300 lbs* (1500 kg), 1 7/8" (47 mm) ball - 2000 lbs (900 kg). Observe the legal requirements of the
state/province in which the vehicles are
All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailer hitch installation should not
interfere with the proper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but take into consideration:
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Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See section "Wheels and tires."
When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1000 km).
Recommended hitch tongue load is:
Trailer weights below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 110lbs (50kg)
Trailer weights above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 165lbs (75kg)
Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 mph (80 km/h).
Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant temperature should be closely
watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use a lower gear and turn off the air conditioner if the
temperature gauge needle enters the red range.
If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be displayed in the text window.
Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop (check and observe
state/local regulations).
Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brake system.
More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer over long distances or in mountainous
areas.
WARNING
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safety chains be attached to the bumper.
Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.
Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle brake system, nor a trailer's lighting system
directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult your nearest trained and qualified Volvo service technician for correct
installation.
When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety wire must be correctly fastened to the hole or hook provided in the
trailer hitch on the vehicle. The safety wire should never be fastened to or wound around the drawbar ball.
NOTE
When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in P
(first/reverse gear on manual transmissions). Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
chocking.
When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in D before releasing the parking brake.
If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, make sure
145 06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
the gear you select does not put too much strain on the engine (using too high a gear).
The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may be rated for trailers heavier than the vehicle is designed to tow. Please
adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer weights.
Leveling
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If your vehicle is equipped with automatic leveling, the rear suspension always retains the correct ride height
regardless of the load. When the vehicle is stationary, the rear suspension lowers, which is normal.
146 06 Starting and driving
Detachable trailer hitch
1. Ball holder
2. Locking bolt
3. Safety wire attachment
4. Hitch assembly
5. Cotter pin
Installing the ball holder
1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch assembly.
2. Slide the ball holder into the hitch assembly.
3. Align the hole in the ball holder with the one in the hitch assembly.
4. Slide the locking bolt through the hitch assembly/ball holder.
5. Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end of the locking bolt.
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Removing the ball holder
1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the ball holder/hitch assembly.
2. Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assembly.
A cover for the hitch assembly can be purchased from your Volvo retailer.
147 06 Starting and driving
Load carriers (accessory)
Load carriers are available as Volvo accessories. Observe the following points when in use:
To avoid damaging your vehicle and to achieve maximum safety when driving, we recommend using the load
carriers that Volvo has developed especially for your vehicle.
Volvo-approved removable roof racks are designed to carry the maximum allowable roof load for this vehicle: 220
lbs (100 kg). For Non-Volvo roof racks, check the manufacturer's weight limits for the rack.
Never exceed the rack manufacturer's weigh limits and never exceed the maximum rated roof load of 220 lbs (100
kg).
Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loads evenly.
Place heavier cargo at the bottom of the load.
Secure the cargo correctly with appropriate tie-down equipment.
Check periodically that the load carriers and load are properly secured.
Remember that the vehicle's center of gravity and handling change when you carry a load on the roof.
The vehicle's wind resistance and fuel consumption will increase with the size of the load.
Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid starts, fast cornering and hard braking.
Attaching load carriers
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