2008 VOLVO S60 warning light

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
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com

Automatic transmission
The engine should be idling when you move the gear selector. Never accelerate until after you feel the transmission
engage! Accelerating immediately after selecting a gear will cause harsh engagement and premature transmission
wear.
Selecting P or N when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help prevent overheating of the
automatic transmission fluid.
Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting.
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock
1The gear selector must be in the (P)ark position (automatic transmission).
2 Please be aware that leaving the key in this position will increase battery drain.
WARNING
Never turn the key to position O while driving or when the vehicle is being towed.
Steering wheel lock
The steering wheel lock might be under tension when the vehicle is parked.
Turn the steering wheel slightly to free the ignition key.
In order to help reduce vehicle theft, make sure the steering wheel lock is engaged before leaving the vehicle.
WARNING
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com

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)
ProCarManuals.com

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.
ProCarManuals.com

Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
If the warning lamp lights up there is a malfunction of the ABS system
138 06 Starting and driving
Brake system
(the standard braking system will however function) and the vehicle should be driven cautiously to a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician 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
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.
1. Stop the vehicle in a suitable place and switch off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
3. If both warning lights go off, no further action is required.
4. 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 196
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 trained and qualified Volvo service technician
and have the brake system inspected.
5. If the brake fluid level is above the MIN mark, drive carefully to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician
and have the brake system inspected.
Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)
ProCarManuals.com