2008 VOLVO S60 stop start

to safety. We continue to seek out new safety features and to refine those already in our vehicles. You can help. We
would appreciate hearing your suggestions about improving automobile safety. We also want to know if you ever have
a safety concern with your vehicle. Call us in the U.S. at: 800-458-1552 or in Canada at: 800-663-8255.
Occupant safety reminders
How safely you drive doesn't depend on how old you are but rather on:
How well you see.
Your ability to concentrate.
How quickly you make decisions under stress to avoid an accident.
The tips listed below are suggestions to help you cope with the ever changing traffic environment.
Never drink and drive.
If you are taking any medication, consult your physician about its potential effects on your driving abilities.
Take a driver-retraining course.
Have your eyes checked regularly.
Keep your windshield and headlights clean.
Replace wiper blades when they start to leave streaks.
Take into account the traffic, road, and weather conditions, particularly with regard to stopping distance.
Reporting safety defects in the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Volvo Cars
of North America, LLC. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a
safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot
become involved in individual problems between you, your retailer, or Volvo Cars of North America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or
write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington D.C. 20590.
You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from:
http://www.safercar.gov
Volvo strongly recommends that if your vehicle is covered under a service campaign, safety or emission recall or
similar action, it should be completed as soon as possible. Please check with your local retailer or Volvo Cars of North
America, LLC if your vehicle is covered under these conditions.
NHTSA can be reached at:
Internet: http://www.nhtsa.gov
Telephone: 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
13 01 Safety
Occupant safety
Reporting safety defects in Canada
If you believe your vehicle has a defect that could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately
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1On certain engines, the symbol for low oil pressure is not used. Instead, a text warning is provided in the information display, see also page 52.
Warning symbol in the center of the instrument panel
This symbol shines as a red or yellow light depending on the severity of the discovered fault.
Red symbol - Stop the vehicle as soon as possible in a suitable location and read the message shown in the text window.
The symbol and accompanying text will remain on until the fault has been corrected.
Yellow symbol - Follow the instructions shown in the text window. The text can be erased by pressing the READ button
(see page 52
), or will disappear automatically after two minutes.
When the message "TIME FOR REGULAR SERVICE" is displayed, the text can be erased and the yellow symbol light
can be turned off by pressing the READ button. The text will disappear and the symbol light will go out automatically
after two minutes.
Symbols in the instrument panel
Seat belt reminder
This symbol lights up to indicate that the driver has not fastened his/her seat belt.
Supplemental Restraint System SRS
If this light comes on while the vehicle is being driven, or remains on for longer than approximately 10 seconds after the
vehicle has been started, the SRS system's diagnostic functions have detected a fault in a seat belt lock or pretensioner, a
front airbag, side impact airbag, and/or an inflatable curtain. Have the system(s) inspected by a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician as soon as possible.
BRAKE - Brake failure warning light
If the light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately, open the hood and check the brake fluid level in the
reservoir. See page 196
.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light.
50 02 Instruments and controls
Instrument and warning symbols
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).
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.
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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.
PARK BRAKE - Parking brake applied
This light will be on when the parking brake (hand brake) is applied. The parking brake lever is situated between the
front seats. See also page 68
for additional information.
Canadian models are equipped with this symbol.
Oil pressure warning light1 If the light comes on while driving, stop the vehicle and then stop the engine
immediately and check the engine oil level. See page 193
. If the light stays on after restart, have the vehicle towed to
the nearest trained and qualified Volvo service technician. After hard driving, the light may come on occasionally when
the engine is idling. This is normal, provided it goes off when the engine speed is increased.
Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charging system checked.
Rear fog light
This light indicates that the fog light is on.
1On certain engines, the symbol for low oil pressure is not used. Instead, a text warning is provided in the information display, see also page 52.
CHECK ENGINE - Malfunction indicator light
On-Board Diagnostics II (OBDII): As you drive, a computer called "OBDII" monitors your vehicle's engine,
transmission, electrical and emission systems. The CHECK ENGINE light will light up if the computer senses a
condition that potentially may need correcting. When this happens, please have your vehicle checked by a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician as soon as possible.
A CHECK ENGINE light may have many causes. Sometimes, you may not notice a change in your vehicle's behavior.
Even so, an uncorrected condition could hurt fuel economy, emission cleanliness, and driveability. Extended driving
without correcting the cause could even damage other components in your vehicle.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light.
Anti-lock brake system ABS
If the warning light comes on, there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system will still function).
The vehicle should be driven to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for inspection. See page 137
for
additional information.
51 02 Instruments and controls
Instrument and warning symbols
Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) system
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The power windows are controlled by buttons in the arm rests. The ignition switch must be ON1 (ignition key in position
I, II or the engine running) for the electrically operated windows to function.
To lower: Press down the front edge of the button to the first detent ("stop").
To raise: Lightly pull up the front edge of the button to the first detent ("stop").
1The power windows will also function after the ignition has been switched off as long as neither of the front doors has been opened.
NOTE
To reduce buffeting wind noise if the rear windows are opened, also open the front windows slightly.
Auto up/down function (front doors only)
Either front door window can be opened or closed automatically.
Auto down
Press the front part of the button as far down as possible and release it immediately. To stop the window at any time, pull
the button up.
Auto up
Pull the front part of the button up as far as possible and release it immediately. To stop the window at any time, press
the button down.
NOTE
The electrically operated windows in the front seat have an overload protecting circuit breaker which reverses
movement of the electrically operated windows to their starting points if they are obstructed in any way. Thereafter the
windows will operate normally again.
WARNING
Always remove the ignition key when the vehicle is unattended.
Make sure that the windows are completely unobstructed before they are operated. Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle.
71 02 Instruments and controls
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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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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)
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