2008 VOLVO S60 transmission

NOTE
Gears 4, 3, or L can be used if you are driving in a mountainous area, towing a trailer or to increase engine braking
effect.
The transmission has a built-in limiter designed to help prevent excessive engine speeds (high rpm) when gears 4, 3
or L are selected.
133 06 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission (option)
W - Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction
Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the D position.
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode (see illustration).
When the W driving mode is engaged, this is displayed in the instrument panel (see page 48).
This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.)
Shift gate positions
The gear selector can be moved freely between N and D.
Depressing the button on the front of the gear selector knob enables you to move the gear selector to positions P, R, N,
D, 4, 3 and L.
"Kickdown"
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Automatic shift to a lower gear (kickdown) is achieved by depressing the accelerator pedal fully and briskly. An
upshift will occur when approaching the top speed for a particular gear or by releasing the accelerator pedal slightly.
Kickdown can be used for maximum acceleration or when passing at highway speeds.
Cold starts
When driving before the engine has reached its normal operating temperature, the transmission will shift up at slightly
higher engine speeds to heat the three-way catalytic converter as quickly as possible.
Automatic transmission - adaptive system
The automatic transmission is controlled by an adaptive control system that constantly monitors the way in which the
transmission functions. It senses and adapts each gear shift for optimal performance.
134 06 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission (option)
P Park
Use this position when starting the engine or parking the vehicle.
Never use P while the vehicle is in motion.
The parking brake should also be set whenever the vehicle is parked.
The gear selector is mechanically locked in the P position (SHIFTLOCK). To release the gear selector from this
position, the engine must be running (or the ignition key must be in position II) and the brake pedal must be
depressed.
WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended when the engine is running. If, by mistake, the gear selector is moved from P, the
vehicle may start moving.
R (Reverse)
Never engage R while the vehicle is moving.
N (Neutral)
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Neutral - no gear engaged. Use the parking brake.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position and should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy. The vehicle
should not be moving when shifting from R to the D position.
Shift gate positions
You can move the gear selector freely between the MAN and D positions while driving.
Depress the button on the front of the gear selector knob to move between the R, N, D, and P positions.
135 06 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission (option)
Manual shifting
You can move the gear selector freely between the MAN and D positions to select forward gears while driving. Gears
3, 4, 5, and 6 (where applicable) have a "lock -up" function which reduces engine speed and helps save fuel.
NOTE
Reverse, Neutral, and Park cannot be selected in Geartronic mode.
The currently selected gear will be displayed in the instrument panel (see page 48
).
To access the MAN shifting position from D , move the gear selector to the left to MAN .
To return to the D position from MAN , move the gear selector to the right.
While driving
If you select the MAN position while driving, the gear that was being used in the D position will also initially be
selected in MAN position.
Move the gear selector forward (toward "+") to shift to a higher gear or rearward (toward "-") to shift to a lower
gear.
If you hold the gear selector toward "-", the transmission will downshift one gear and will utilize the braking power
of the engine. If the current speed is too high for using a lower gear, the downshift will not occur until the speed has
decreased enough to allow the lower gear to be used.
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If you slow down to a very low speed, the transmission will automatically shift down.
When starting in the MAN position, 3rd gear is the highest gear that may be selected.
NOTE
Kickdown does not function when the transmission is in the manual shift (Geartronic) mode.The gear selector must
be in the D position.
Kickdown
Automatic shift to a lower gear (kickdown) is achieved by depressing the accelerator pedal fully and briskly. An
upshift will occur when approaching the top speed for a particular gear or by releasing the accelerator pedal slightly.
Kickdown can be used for maximum acceleration or when passing at highway speeds.
Kickdown does not function when the transmission is in the manual shift (Geartronic) mode.
W - Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction
Please refer to the information on page 133
.
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All Wheel Drive (option)
All Wheel Drive (AWD) - general information
Your Volvo can be equipped with permanent All Wheel Drive, which means that power is distributed automatically
between the front and rear wheels. Under normal driving conditions, most engine's power is directed to the front
wheels. However, if there is any tendency for the front wheels to spin, an electronically controlled coupling distributes
power to the wheels that have the best traction.
Tire dimensions
Volvo recommends that you always drive on tires of the same brand, size, construction (radial), tread pattern, load-,
speed-, traction- , temperature-, and treadwear rating. Never drive on mixed tires, except for brief periods when the
temporary spare tire is in use.
Always use properly inflated tires of correct dimensions. Tire size and inflation pressures are shown on the tire
inflation pressure placards, located on the driver's side B-pillar (the structural member at the side of the vehicle, at the
rear of the driver's door opening), or on the inside of the fuel filler door on Canadian models.
Temporary Spare
The temporary spare tire is for temporary, low-speed, short-distance use only. Replace it with a full-sized tire as soon
as possible. Do not drive on the temporary spare at speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h) or for distances greater than 50
miles (80 km).
Never install snow chains on a temporary spare.
137 06 Starting and driving
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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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well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine is warming up. For winter use, 5W - 30 oil, particularly the
synthetic type1, is recommended. Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use cold-weather oil for hard driving or in
warm weather. See section "Engine oil" for more information.
The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the windshield wipers, lighting, etc. are used more
often. Moreover, the capacity of the battery decreases as the temperature drops. In very cold weather, a poorly charged
battery can freeze and be damaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state of charge more frequently and spray an
antirust oil on the battery posts.
Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving - see section "Wheels and tires."
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze (see page 195 for
the location of the washer fluid reservoir). This is important since dirt is often splashed on the windshield during
winter driving, requiring the frequent use of the washers and wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent should be diluted as
follows:
- Down to 14° F (-10° C): 1 part washer solvent and 4 parts water
- Down to 5° F (-15° C): 1 part washer solvent and 3 parts water
- Down to 0° F (-18° C): 1 part washer solvent and 2 parts water
- Down to -18° F (-28° C): 1 part washer solvent and 1 part water
Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
1Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance service intervals.
NOTE
Avoid the use of de -icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
W - Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction (automatic transmission)
Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the D position.
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode.
An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and this will also be displayed in the instrument
panel (see page 48
).
This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
150 06 Starting and driving
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician before
driving long distances. Your retailer or service technician will also be able to supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark plugs
and wiper blades for your use in the event that problems occur.
As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip:
Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
Check transmission oil level1.
Check condition of drive belts.
Check state of the battery's charge.
Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those that are worn. Check tire pressures.
The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician only.
Check all lights, including high beams.
Reflective warning triangles are legal requirement in some countries.
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Have a word with your Volvo retailer if you intend to drive in countries where it may be difficult to obtain the
correct fuel.
Consider your destination. If you will be driving through an area where snow or ice are likely to occur, consider
snow tires.
1To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your vehicle's transmission fluid yourself. Have your vehicle's transmission fluid
level inspected by a qualified Volvo service technician.
151 06 Starting and driving
Front/rear park assist (option/accessory)
Front/rear park assist
The park assist system is designed to assist you when driving into parking spaces, garages, etc. It utilizes four
ultrasound sensors located in one or both bumpers to measure the distance to a vehicle, object, or a person who may
be close to the front or rear of your vehicle.
Park assist is available in two versions:
Rear bumper only
Front and rear bumpers
WARNING
Park Assist is an information system, NOT a safety system. This system is designed to be a supplementary aid when
parking the vehicle. It is not, however, intended to replace the driver's attention and judgement.
Function
The system is activated automatically when the vehicle is started. The indicator light in the button in the center console
illuminates.
The front park assist system is active from the time the engine is started until the vehicle exceeds a speed of
approximately 10 mph (15 km/h). It is also active when the vehicle is backing up.
Rear park assist is active when the engine is running and reverse gear has been selected.
Rear park assist
The distance monitored behind the vehicle is approximately 5 ft (1.5 m). The signal comes from the rear speakers.
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Please consult state or provincial regulations restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such tires.
170 07 Wheels and tires
Temporary spare
The spare tire in your vehicle is called a "Temporary Spare".
Recommended tire pressure (see the placard on the B-pillar or on the fuel filler door) should be maintained irrespective
of which position on the vehicle the temporary spare tire is used on.
In the event of damage to this tire, a new one can be purchased from your Volvo retailer.
WARNING
Current legislation prohibits the use of the "Temporary Spare" tire other than as a temporary replacement for a
punctured tire. It must be replaced as soon as possible by a standard tire. Road holding and handling may be affected
with the "Temporary Spare" in use.
CAUTION
The vehicle must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions or with a spare tire other than the one that came
with the vehicle. The use of different size wheels can seriously damage your vehicle's transmission.
171 07 Wheels and tires
Changing wheels
The spare wheel is located under the carpet on the trunk floor. The jack and crank are secured in the wheel recess.
There are two jack attachment points on each side of the vehicle (see illustration on next page).
To change a wheel:
1. Engage the parking brake.
2. Put the gear selector in P (automatic transmission) or reverse (manual transmission).
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