2008 VOLVO S60 ESP

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 92 and 94
.
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
1 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.
1If two of the keys to your vehicle are close together, e.g. on the same key ring, when you try to start the vehicle, this could cause interference in
the immobilizer system and result in the vehicle not starting. If this should occur, remove one of the keys from the key ring before trying to start
the vehicle again.
NOTE
If the key blade section of the remote is not fully folded out when starting the vehicle, the immobilizer function
may make it impossible to start the engine.
After a cold start, idle speed may be noticeably higher than normal for a short period. This is done to help bring
components in the emission control system to their normal operating temperature as quickly as possible, which
enables them to control emissions and help reduce the vehicle's impact on the environment.
To release the gear selector from the P position, the engine must be running (or the ignition key must be in
position II) and the brake pedal must be depressed.
Select the desired gear. The gear engages after a very slight delay which is especially noticeable when selecting R.
NOTE
Your vehicle is equipped with a KEYLOCK system (automatic transmission). When the engine is switched off, the
gear selector must be in the P 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.
WARNING
An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause the accelerator pedal to catch. Check that the movement of the
accelerator pedal is not impeded. No more than one protective floor covering may be used at one time.
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 vehicle 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
128 06 Starting and driving
Starting the vehicle
CAUTION
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Weight distribution affects handling
At the specified curb weight your vehicle 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.
Driving through water
The vehicle can be driven through water up to a depth of approximately 9 in. (25 cm), at a maximum speed of 6 mph
(10 km/h).
Take particular care when driving through flowing water.
Clean the electrical connections for trailer wiring after driving in mud or water.
When driving through water, maintain low speed and do not stop in the water.
WARNING
After driving through water, press lightly on the brake pedal to ensure that the brakes are functioning normally.
Water or mud can make the brake linings slippery, resulting in delayed braking effect.
CAUTION
Engine damage will occur if water is drawn into the air cleaner.
If the vehicle is driven through water deeper than 9 in (25 cm), water may enter the differential and the
transmission. This reduces the oil's lubricating capacity and may shorten the service life of these components.
Do not allow the vehicle to stand in water up to the door sills longer than absolutely necessary. This could result
in electrical malfunctions.
If the engine has been stopped while the car is in water, do not attempt to restart the engine. Have the car towed
out of the water.
131 06 Starting and driving
Manual transmission
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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.
141 06 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 ( 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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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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The attachment brackets for the load carriers are located under the roof molding.
1. Make sure that the load carriers are placed in the right direction. See the mark on the decal under the cover.
2. Press the guide lugs into the holes (1).
3. Carefully lower the opposite side of the load carrier to the roof.
4. Loosen the tightening wheel slightly. Slide the hook on the load carrier attachment into the attachment bracket under
the roof molding.
5. Turn the tightening wheel to secure the load carrier in the attachment bracket.
148 06 Starting and driving
Load carriers (accessory)
6. Repeat this procedure for the other load carrier attachments.
7. Check that the hooks on all four load carrier attachments are securely tightened in the respective attachment brackets
on the roof of the vehicle.
8. Press down the covers.
Check periodically that the load carriers and load are properly secured.
149 06 Starting and driving
Cold weather precautions
If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the following advice is worth noting:
Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture will reduce freeze protection.
This gives protection against freezing down to - 31°F (-35°C). See section "Coolant". The use of "recycled"
antifreeze is not approved by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze must not be mixed.
Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator. Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty
of Volvo engine coolant to protect your vehicle during cold weather.
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this prevents the formation of condensation in the tank. In addition, in
extremely cold weather conditions it is worthwhile to add fuel line de -icer before refueling.
The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weather starting as
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vehicle warranty. Volvo assumes no responsibility for death, injury, or expenses that may result from such
installations.
New tires
Remember that tires are perishable goods. As of 2000, the manufacturing week and year will be indicated with 4 digits
(e.g. 1502 means that the tire illustrated was manufactured during week 15 of 2002).
Tire age
Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used. It is recommended that tires generally be replaced after 6
years of normal service. Heat caused by hot climates, frequent high loading conditions or Ultra Violet (U.V) exposure
can accelerate the aging process.
You should replace the spare tire when you replace the other road tires due to the aging of the spare.
A tire's age can be determined by the DOT stamp on the sidewall (see the illustration above).
A tire with e.g., visible cracks or discoloration should be replaced immediately.
Improving tire economy:
Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire pressure tables on pages 160 and 161.
Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking and tire screeching.
Tire wear increases with speed.
Correct front wheel alignment is very important.
Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and driving comfort.
Tires must maintain the same direction of rotation throughout their lifetime.
When replacing tires, the tires with the most tread should be mounted on the rear wheels to reduce the chance of
oversteer during hard braking.
Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently.
158 07 Wheels and tires
Tire inflation
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Check tire inflation pressure regularly.
Tables listing the recommended inflation pressure for your vehicle can be found on pages 160 and 161
. A tire inflation
pressure placard is also located on the driver's side Bpillar (the structural member at the side of the vehicle, at the rear
of the driver's door opening). This placard indicates the designation of the factory-mounted tires on your vehicle, as
well as load limits and inflation pressure.
NOTE
The placards shown indicate inflation pressure for the tires installed on the vehicle at the factory only.
Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation pressure, including the spare, at least once a month and before long trips.
You are strongly urged to buy a reliable tire pressure gauge, as automatic service station gauges may be inaccurate.
Use the recommended cold inflation pressure for optimum tire performance and wear.
Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause uneven treadwear patterns.
WARNING
Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire failure and may result in severe tire cracking, tread separation, or
"blowout," with unexpected loss of vehicle control and increased risk of injury.
Under-inflated tires reduce the load carrying capacity of your vehicle.
When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also change. A 10-degree temperature drop causes a
corresponding drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check your tire pressures frequently and adjust them to the
proper pressure, which can be found on the vehicle's tire information placard or certification label.
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162 07 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - U.S. models
The tire pressure monitoring system uses sensors mounted in the tire valves to check inflation pressure levels. When
the vehicle is moving at a speed of approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster, these sensors transmit inflation pressure
data to a receiver located in the vehicle.USA - FCC ID: MRXTG315AM04
1
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
1On certain models, the FCC code is MRXTG315AM04
When low inflation pressure is detected, TPMS will light up the tire pressure warning light () (also referred to as a
telltale) in the instrument panel, and will display a message in the text window. The wording of this message is
determined by the degree of inflation pressure loss.
NOTE
If a fault occurs in TPMS, the tire pressure warning light will flash for approximately 1 minute and TIRE PRESS
SYST SERVICE REQUIRED will be displayed.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that
illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly,
when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low
tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating
properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels
on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
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