2008 VOLVO S60 service

Two types of keys are provided with your vehicle; master keys and a service (valet) key. The master key, the remote
control, and the central locking button may all be used to lock and unlock all of your vehicle's locks.
The service key will operate only the driver's door and the ignition switch. It is intended to help deter unwanted entry
into the glove compartment and trunk.
Turn the key once to unlock the driver's door only.
Turn the key again (within 10 seconds) to unlock all doors and the trunk.
One turn with the key towards lock in the drivers door locks all doors and the trunk.
Use the switch on the driver's door armrest to lock/unlock the vehicle from the inside.
WARNING
If the doors are locked while driving, this may hinder rapid access to the occupants of the vehicle in the event of an
accident. (Also see information on "Child safety locks"
NOTE
To help prevent accidentally locking the keys in the vehicle, the central locking system is designed to unlock the
doors immediately if the key is left in the ignition switch, the vehicle is locked using the lock button on the door and
the door is then closed. A sound from the lock will be audible at this time.
Please note that this function will not unlock the doors if the engine is running.
Immobilizer (start inhibitor)
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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.
Canadian IC: 4405A-DA5823
Movement sensor DA5823 by Dynex
Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
In certain situations it may be desirable to turn off the accessory inclination and movement alarm sensors if, for
example, you drive your vehicle onto a ferry where the rocking of the boat could trigger the alarm or if a pet is left in
the vehicle with the doors locked.
To temporarily turn off the inclination and movement alarm sensors from the alarm system:
119 05 Locks and alarm
Alarm
From the time the ignition key is turned from the Drive position (position II) until you lock the vehicle, you can press
the button in the center console. The LED in the switch will light up and a message will be displayed in the text
window to indicate that the sensors are disconnected.
The vehicle can then be locked in the usual way to set the alarm.
NOTE
This function will not turn off the vehicle's standard alarm.
The optional sensors are automatically reconnected to the alarm system the next time the vehicle is unlocked and
then locked again.
LED alarm status signals
The status of the alarm system is indicated by the red LED at the top of the dash:
LED off - the alarm is not armed
LED flashes once per second - the alarm is armed
LED flashes rapidly before the ignition is switched on - the alarm has been triggered
Fault in the alarm system: If a fault has been detected in the alarm system, a message will be displayed in the text
window. Contact a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Automatic re-lock/re -arm system
If the vehicle is unlocked with the remote, the vehicle will re-lock and the alarm will re-arm after 2 minutes unless a
door or the trunk has been opened.

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Although some oil consumption occurs during normal engine operation, more oil is consumed when the engine is new
as the internal parts generate higher friction while wearing-in to each other. From the time the engine is new until the
first service is performed, the oil consumption could be higher than normal. For this reason, it is especially important
to check the oil every time you refuel your vehicle during this period. See page 193
.
Fuel requirements
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gasoline to control engine deposits. Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping
injectors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit control gasolines will help ensure good drivability and fuel
economy. If you are not sure whether the gasoline contains deposit control additives, check with the service station
operator.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of external fuel injector cleaning systems.
Unleaded fuel
Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and Canadian regulations
require that pumps delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit
your vehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled "unleaded gasoline only".
Leaded gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of
leaded gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of the emission control system and could result in loss of emission
warranty coverage. State and local vehicle inspection programs will make detection of misfueling easier, possibly
resulting in emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.
NOTE
Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive called methyl-cyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission Control System performance may be affected, and the
Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator lamp) located on your instrument panel may light. If this occurs, please
return your vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for service.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers "Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or ethers. In some areas, state or
local laws require that the service pump be marked indicating use of alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas in
which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet seasonal air quality standards, some areas require the use of "oxygenated"
fuel.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed on this page must still be
met.
123 06 Starting and driving
General information
Alcohol - Ethanol: Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be used. Ethanol may also be referred to as
Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol".
Ethers - MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
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refueling only at gas stations with vapor recovery systems that fully seal the mouth of the filler neck during
refueling
wearing neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
Use of Additives
With the exception of gas line antifreeze during winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or other store -bought
additives to your vehicle's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse may damage your engine, and some of these
additives contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.
125 06 Starting and driving
Refueling
WARNING
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust gases. If you ever smell
exhaust fumes inside the vehicle, make sure the passenger compartment is ventilated, and immediately return the
vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for correction.
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.
Fuel filler door
Press the button on the light switch panel (see illustration on page 57) when the vehicle is at a standstill to unlock the
fuel filler door. Please note that the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the vehicle begins to move forward. An
audible click will be heard when the fuel filler door relocks.
If you intend to leave your vehicle while it is being refueled, this feature enables you to lock the doors/trunk while
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leaving the fuel filler door unlocked.
You can also keep the vehicle locked if you remain inside it during refueling. The central locking button does not lock
the fuel filler door. Be sure the fuel filler door is not obstructed and is completely closed after refueling.
Open the fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather.
NOTE
During a transitional period, a small number of service stations may still have fuel nozzles that are not compatible
with the fuel filler neck on vehicles equipped with the evaporative control system.
126 06 Starting and driving
Refueling
Refueling
The fuel tank is designed to accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. See page 246
for fuel tank
volume. Be aware that the "usable" tank capacity will be somewhat less than the specified maximum. When the fuel
level is low, such factors as ambient temperature, the fuel's "Reid vapor pressure" characteristics, and terrain can affect
the fuel pump's ability to supply the engine with an adequate supply of fuel. Therefore, it is advisable to refuel as soon
as possible when the needle nears the red zone, or when the fuel warning light comes on.
CAUTION
Do not refuel with the engine running1. Turn the ignition off or to position I. If the ignition is on, an incorrect
reading could occur in the fuel gauge.
After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place.1
Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Do not press the handle on the filler nozzle more than one extra time. Too much
fuel in the tank in hot weather conditions can cause the fuel to overflow. Overfilling could also cause damage to the
emission control 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.
1If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the vehicle 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.
127 06 Starting and driving
Starting the vehicle
Starting the engine
1. Fasten the seat belt.
WARNING
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Never switch off the ignition (turn the ignition key to position 0) or remove the key from the ignition switch while
the vehicle is in motion. This could cause the steering wheel to lock, which would make the vehicle impossible to
steer.
129 06 Starting and driving
Economical driving
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 vehicle 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 vehicle.
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.
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).
130 06 Starting and driving
Handling and road holding
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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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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
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 trained and qualified Volvo service technician
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.
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