2009 VOLVO S60 engine coolant

02 Instruments and controlsInstrument panel
0250
Instrument panel
G027133
Turn signal indicators – right/leftText window – The text window displays
information and warning messages.Temperature gauge – The pointer should
be approximately midway on the gauge
when driving. Do not drive the vehicle if
the warning light is on. The text window
will provide you with additional informa-
tion. If the engine temperature remains
high, check coolant level – see page 192.Trip odometer – The trip odometers are
used for measuring shorter distances. The
right-hand digit gives tenth of a mile/kilo-
meter. Press the button for more than
2 seconds to reset. Change between tripodometers 1 and 2 using one short press
on the button. – The display presents infor-
mation and warning messages, the ambi-
ent temperature, and the clock, etc. When
the ambient temperature is between 23°
and 36 °F (–5° and +2 °C), a snowflake
symbol is shown in the display. This sym-
bol serves as a warning for possible slip-
pery road surfaces. Please note that this
symbol does not indicate a fault with your
car. At low speeds, or when the car is not
moving, the temperature readings may be
slightly higher than the actual ambient tem-
perature.
Odometer
SpeedometerWarning symbolHigh beam indicatorTachometer – The tachometer shows
engine speed in thousands of revolutions
per minute (rpm). Do not drive continuously
with the needle in the red area of the dial,
which indicates maximum allowable
engine rpm range. Instead, shift to a higher
gear or slow the vehicle down. The engine
management system will automatically
prevent excessively high engines speeds.
This will be noticeable as a pronounced
unevenness in engine speed.

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.

06 Starting and drivingCold weather precautions
06148
If you wish to check your vehicle before the
approach of cold weather, the following advice
is worth noting:•
Make sure that the engine coolant contains
50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture
will reduce freeze protection. This gives
protection against freezing down to -31 °F
(-35 °C). See section "Coolant". The use of
"recycled" antifreeze is not approved by
Volvo. Different types of antifreeze must
not be mixed.
•
Volvo recommends using only genuine
Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.
•
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this
prevents the formation of condensation in
the tank. In addition, in extremely cold
weather conditions it is worthwhile to add
fuel line de-icer before refueling.
•
The viscosity of the engine oil is important.
Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves
cold-weather starting as well as decreas-
ing fuel consumption while the engine is
warming up. For winter use, 5W-30 oil, par-
ticularly the synthetic type
1, is recom-
mended. 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 wip-ers, lighting, etc. are used more often.
Moreover, the capacity of the battery
decreases as the temperature drops. In
very cold weather, a poorly charged bat-
tery can freeze and be damaged. It is there-
fore 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 con-
taining antifreeze (see page 192 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:
•
Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.NOTE
Avoid the use of de-icing sprays as they can
cause damage to the locks.
1Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance service intervals.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Maintaining your vehicle
09
185 Owner maintenance
Periodic maintenance requirements and inter-
vals are described in your vehicle's Warranty
and Service Records Information booklet.
The following points can be carried out
between the normally scheduled maintenance
services.Each time the vehicle is refueled:•
Check the engine oil level
•
Clean the windshield, windshield wipers,
headlights, and tail lights
Monthly:•
Check cold tire pressure in all tires. Inspect
the tires for wear.
•
Check that engine coolant and other fluid
levels are between the indicated "min" and
"max" markings.
•
Clean interior glass surfaces with a glass
cleaner and soft paper towels.
•
Wipe driver information displays with a soft
cloth.
•
Visually inspect battery terminals for cor-
rosion. Corrosion may indicate a loose ter-
minal connector, or a battery near the end
of its useful service life. Consult a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician for
additional information.
As needed:•
Wash the vehicle, including the undercar-
riage, to reduce wear that can be caused
by a buildup of dirt, and corrosion that can
be caused by salt residues.
•
Clean leaves and twigs from air intake
vents at the base of the windshield, and
from other places where they may collect.NOTE
Complete service information for qualified
technicians is available online for purchase
or subscription at www.volvotechinfo.com.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Working on your vehicle
09``187
G027252
Note the following before you begin working
on your vehicleBattery•
Ensure that the battery cables are correctly
connected and tightened.
•
Never disconnect the battery when the
engine is running (e.g. when replacing the
battery).
•
Never use a fast charger to charge the bat-
tery. The battery cables should be discon-
nected when recharging.
•
The battery contains acid that is both cor-
rosive and poisonous. It is important that
the battery is handled in an environmen-
tally friendly way. Let your Volvo dealer
assist you.
Hoisting the vehicleIf a garage jack is used to lift the vehicle, the
two jack attachments points should be used.
They are specially reinforced to bear the weight
of the vehicle. A garage jack can also be placed
under the front of the engine support frame.
Take care not to damage the splash guard
under the engine. Ensure that the jack is posi-
tioned so that the vehicle cannot slide off it.
Always use axle stands or similar structures.
If a two-post hoist is used to lift the vehicle, the
front and rear lift arm pads should be centered
under the reinforced lift plates on the inboard
edge of the sill rail (see illustration).
WARNING
The vehicle ignition system has very high
voltage!
The voltage in the ignition system is dan-
gerous!
Do not touch spark plugs, ignition cables or
the ignition coil when the engine is running
or the ignition is switched on!
The ignition should be switched off when:•
Conducting engine tests.
•
Replacing parts in the ignition system,
such as spark plugs, ignition coil, dis-
tributor, ignition cables, etc.
Belt checkCheck the belt regularly to make sure it is in
good condition and is clean. A worn or dirty belt
can cause poor cooling and low alternator out-
put as well as impair the operation of the power
steering and the air conditioning unit.
NOTE
The drive belt is equipped with a self-ten-
sioning mechanism and requires no adjust-
ment between changes.
WARNING
The engine must not be running when this
check is performed.Check coolant levelThe cooling system must be filled with coolant
and not leak to operate at maximum efficiency.
Check the coolant level regularly. The level
should be between the MAX and MIN marks
on the expansion tank. The check should be
made with particular thoroughness when the
engine is new or when the cooling system has
been drained.
Do not remove the filler cap other than for top-
ping up with coolant. Frequent removal may
prevent coolant circulation between the engine
and the expansion tank during engine warm up
and cooling.

09 Maintenance and servicingWorking on your vehicle
09188
Changing coolantNormally, the coolant does not need to be
changed. If the system must be drained, con-
sult a trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician.
NOTE
Do not top off with water only. This reduces
the rust-protective and antifreeze qualities
of the coolant and has a lower boiling point.
It can also cause damage to the cooling
system if it should freeze. Top off with Volvo
Genuine Coolant/Antifreeze only (a
50/50 mix of water and antifreeze)
CAUTION
The cooling system must always be kept
filled to the correct level. If it is not kept filled,
there can be high local temperatures in the
engine which could result in damage. Dif-
ferent types of antifreeze/coolant may not
be mixed.
WARNING
Never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is warm. Wait until the vehicle cools.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Hood and engine compartment
09
189
G027253
Opening the hood1. Pull the lever located under the left side of
the dash to release the hood lock.
2. Lift the hood slightly.
3. Press up the release control located under
the front edge of the hood (at the center)
and lift.
7
8
9
10
612
G031119
WARNING
Check that the hood locks properly when
closed!Engine compartment
Expansion tank - coolantPower steering fluid reservoirWasher fluid reservoirDipstick - engine oilRadiatorCooling fan
Oil filler cap - engineClutch/brake fluid reservoirRelay/fuse boxAir cleanerBattery (in trunk)Data plateWARNING
The cooling fan (6) may start or continue to
operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine
has been switched off.

09 Maintenance and servicingFluids
09192
Washer fluid reservoir
G027243
Washer fluid reservoirThe washer fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment and holds approx.
6.8 US qts (6.4 liters).
During cold weather, the reservoir should be
filled with windshield washer solvent contain-
ing antifreeze.
Changing coolant
G027276
Coolant reservoirNormally, the coolant does not need to be
changed. If the system must be drained, con-
sult a trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician.
CAUTION
•
High levels of chlorine, chlorides and
other salts can cause corrosion in the
cooling system.
•
Do not top off with water only. This
reduces the rust-protective and anti-
freeze qualities of the coolant and has a
lower boiling point. It can also cause
damage to the cooling system if it
should freeze. Top off with Volvo Gen-
uine Coolant/Antifreeze only (a
50/50 mix of water and antifreeze).
•
Different types of antifreeze/coolant
may not be mixed.
•
If the cooling system is drained, it
should be flushed with clean water or
premixed anti-freeze before it is refilled
with the correct mixture of water/anti-
freeze.
•
The cooling system must always be
kept filled to the correct level, and the
level must be between the MIN and
MAX marks. If it is not kept filled, there
can be high local temperatures in the
engine which could result in damage.
Check coolant regularly!