2009 VOLVO S60 warning

06 Starting and driving
Brake system
06``135 BRAKE Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system con-
sisting of two master cylinders and two sepa-
rate 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 serv-
ice 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 runningThe power brakes utilize vacuum pressure
which is only created when the engine is run-
ning. 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 roll-
ing. The brake pedal feels harder than usual.
Water on brake discs and brake pads
affects brakingDriving 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 occa-
sionally 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 systemThe brakes will be subject to severe strain
when driving in mountains or hilly areas or tow-
ing. 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.

06 Starting and drivingBrake system
06136
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
If the warning lamp lights up there
is a malfunction of the ABS 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 (stop-
ping and steering) during severe braking con-
ditions 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 approxi-
mately 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, ABSwill 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 BRAKEandABS 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.
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 serv-
ice technician and have the brake system
inspected.
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 193 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 quali-
fied Volvo service technician and have the
brake system inspected.Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)The EBA function is designed to provide full
brake effect immediately in the event of sud-
den, hard braking. The system is activated by
the speed with which you depress the brake
pedal.

06 Starting and drivingStability system
06138
Dynamic Stability Traction Control
(DSTC)The stability system consists of a number of
functions designed help reduce wheel spin,
counteract skidding, and to generally help
improve directional stability.
NOTE
A pulsating sound will be audible when the
system is actively operating and is normal.Traction control (TC)This function is designed to help reduce wheel
spin by transferring power from a drive wheel
that begins to lose traction to the wheel on the
opposite side of the vehicle (on the same axle).
TC is most active at low speeds.
This is one of the DSTC's permanent functions
and cannot be switched off.Spin control (SC)The spin control function is designed to help
prevent the drive wheels from spinning while
the vehicle is accelerating.
Under certain circumstances, such as when
driving with snow chains, or driving in deep
snow or loose sand, it may be advisable to
temporarily switch off this function for maxi-
mum tractive force.
Temporarily switching off Spin control1. Turn the thumb wheel (2) on the left-side
steering wheel lever until the DSTC menu
is displayed.
2.
Hold down the RESET button (1) to toggle
between
DSTC SPIN CONTROL ON
or
OFF
.
Active Yaw Control (AYC)This function helps maintain directional stabil-
ity, for example when cornering, by braking
one or more of the wheels if the vehicle shows
a tendency to skid or slide laterally.)
WARNING
The car's handling and stability characteris-
tics will be altered if the DSTC system func-
tions have been disabled.
G031005
Controls on the left-side steering wheel lever
NOTE
•
The message
DSTC SPIN CONTROL
OFF
indicates that the stability sys-
tem's spin control function has tempo-
rarily been switched off.
•
The stability control indicator light will
illuminate and remain on until spin con-
trol has been reactivated.
•
DSTC ON
indicates that all system
functions are active.
•
The spin control function is automati-
cally enabled each time the engine is
started.

06 Starting and driving
Stability system
06
139
DSTC-related messages in the text
window•
"TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY
OFF
" - The system has been temporarily
switched off due to high brake temperature
and will automatically switch on again
when the brakes have cooled.
•
"ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED
" - the
system has been automatically disen-
gaged due to a fault. A trained and qualified
Volvo service technician should check the
system.
Symbols in the instrument panelThe Stability Control indicator light
This light indicates different condi-
tions, depending on how it illumi-
nates.
The Stability Control indicator light
illuminates for approximately 2 secondsThis indicates that the system is performing a
self-diagnostic test when the ignition is
switched on.The Stability Control indicator light
flashesThis indicates that the stability system is
actively functioning to help counteract wheel
spin and/or a skid.
The Stability Control indicator light
glows steadily"ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED
" will be
displayed in the text window at the same time.
A fault is indicated in the stability system.
1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and switch
off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
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 steadilyIf "
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 dis-
played. 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 vehi-
cle. Speed and driving style should always
be adapted to traffic and road conditions.

06 Starting and drivingTowing
06140
Emergency towing
ABC
G028091
Front towing eyeletThe 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).
WARNING
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the
vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.
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.A
B
C
G028093
Rear towing eyelet
Precautions when the vehicle is in tow•
The steering wheel must be unlocked. Turn
the ignition key to position I or II.
•
The gear selector must be in position N.
•
Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not
exceed the maximum allowable towing
speed.
•
Maximum distance with front wheels on
ground: 50 miles (80 km).
•
While the vehicle is being towed, try to
keep the tow rope taut at all times.
•
The vehicle should only be towed in for-
ward direction.
1The opening in the cover may vary.

06 Starting and driving
Towing
06
141
CAUTION
•
Please check with state and local
authorities before attempting this type
of towing, as vehicles being towed are
subject to regulations regarding maxi-
mum towing speed, length and type of
towing device, lighting, etc.
•
If the vehicle's battery is dead, do not
attempt to start the vehicle by pushing
or pulling it as this will damage the
three-way catalytic converter(s). The
engine must be jump started using an
auxiliary battery (see page 142).
•
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed
truck, the towing eyelets must not be
used to secure the vehicle on the flat
bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
WARNING
•
Remember that the power brakes and
power steering will not function when
engine is not running. The braking and
steering systems will function but the
brake pedal pressure required is
3 – 4 times above normal and greater
steering effort must be exerted.
•
The towing eyelets must not be used for
pulling another vehicle out of a ditch or
for any similar purpose involving severe
strain.
•
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the
vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive/
All Wheel DriveVolvo recommends the use of flat bed equip-
ment.
If wheel lift equipment must be used, please
use extreme caution to help avoid damage to
the vehicle. In this case, the vehicle should
be towed with the rear wheels on the ground
if at all possible.
If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle
with the front wheels on the ground, please
refer to the towing information on the previous
page.
CAUTION
•
Sling-type equipment applied at the
front will damage radiator and air con-
ditioning lines.
•
It is equally important not to use sling-
type equipment at the rear or apply lift-
ing equipment inside the rear wheels;
serious damage to the rear axle may
result.
•
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed
truck, the towing eyelets must not be
used to secure the vehicle on the flat
bed. Consult the tow truck operator.WARNING
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the
vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.

06 Starting and drivingJump starting
06142
Jump starting
G030860
Follow these instructions to jump start your
vehicle's dead battery or to jump start another
vehicle's dead battery using your vehicle.
Although your vehicle's battery is located
under the floor of the trunk, jumper cables
should be connected in the engine compart-
ment, to the points shown in the illustrations.
If the 12-volt auxiliary battery to be used is in
another vehicle, check that the vehicles are not
touching to prevent premature completion of a
circuit. Be sure to follow jump starting instruc-
tions provided for the other vehicle.
To jump start your vehicle:1. Switch off the ignition.
2. First connect the auxiliary battery positive
(+) terminal (1) to the positive (+) terminal in
your vehicle's engine compartment (2),
located under a small black plastic cover
attached to the fuse box cover, marked
with a "+" sign. Remove the cover on the
main fuse box if necessary to access this
terminal. Then connect the auxiliary bat-
tery's negative (–) terminal (3) to the ground
point in your vehicle's engine compartment
(4).
3. Start the engine in the assisting vehicle,
then start the engine in the vehicle with
dead battery.
4. After the engine has started, first remove
the negative (–) terminal jumper cable.
Then remove the positive (+) terminal
jumper cable.
WARNING
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the state of California
to cause cancer and reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
WARNING
•
Do not connect the jumper cable to any
part of the fuel system or to any moving
parts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.
•
Never expose the battery to open flame
or electric spark.
•
Do not smoke near the battery.
•
Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which
is flammable and explosive.
•
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do
not allow battery fluid to contact eyes,
skin, fabrics or painted surfaces. If con-
tact occurs, flush the affected area
immediately with water. Obtain medical
help immediately if eyes are affected.
•
Failure to follow the instructions for
jump starting can lead to personal
injury.

06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
06``143
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the vehi-
cle.•
Maximum trailer weight recommended by
Volvo is: Trailers without brakes: 1650 lbs
(750 kg) Trailers with brakes: 2" (50 mm)
ball - 3300 lbs* (1500 kg), 1 7/8 " (47 mm)
ball - 2000 lbs (900 kg). Observe the legal
requirements of the state/province in
which the vehicles are
•
All Volvo models are equipped with
energy-absorbing shock-mounted bump-
ers. Trailer hitch installation should not
interfere with the proper operation of this
bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any
particular problems, but take into considera-
tion:
•
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
weightsbelow 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) -
110 lbs (50 kg) Trailer weights above
2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 165 lbs (75 kg)
•
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 con-
ditioner 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 opera-
tion.
•
Hauling a trailer affects handling, durabil-
ity, 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.