2009 VOLVO S60 towing

Contents
6
06
06 Starting and drivingGeneral information................................120
Fuel requirements................................... 121
Refueling................................................. 122
Starting the vehicle................................. 124
Economical driving.................................. 127
Handling and road holding...................... 128
Manual transmission............................... 129
Automatic transmission (option)............. 130
All Wheel Drive (option)........................... 134
Brake system.......................................... 135
Stability system....................................... 138
Towing.................................................... 140
Jump starting.......................................... 142
Towing a trailer....................................... 143
Detachable trailer hitch........................... 145
Load carriers (accessory)........................ 146
Cold weather precautions....................... 148
Before a long distance trip...................... 149
Front/rear park assist (option/accessory) 150
07
07 Wheels and tiresGeneral information................................154
Tire inflation............................................. 156
Tire inflation pressure table - U.S. mod-
els............................................................ 158
Tire inflation pressure table - Canadian
models.................................................... 159
Tire designations..................................... 160
Glossary of tire terminology ................... 162
Vehicle loading........................................ 163
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.................. 165
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires. . 166
Temporary spare..................................... 167
Tire rotation............................................. 168
Changing wheels....................................169
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -
U.S. models............................................ 172
08
08 Car careWashing and cleaning the vehicle.......... 176
Paint touch up......................................... 180

02 Instruments and controlsIndicator and warning symbols
0254
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)
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. For
additional information, see page 135.
Dynamic Stability Traction Control
(DSTC) system
This indicator light will flash when
DSTC is actively working to stabi-
lize the vehicle. For more detailed
information, see page 138.
Tire pressure monitoring light
See page 172 for more informa-
tion on this function.
Turn signal indicator - trailer (certain
models)
If you are towing a trailer, this light
will flash simultaneously with the
turn signals on the trailer. If the
light does not flash when signaling,
neither the trailer's turn signals nor
the vehicle's turn signals are functioning.
Messages in the text window
G026979
When a warning light in the instrument panel
comes on, a message is also displayed in the
text window. After you have read the message,
you can erase it by pressing button A (see illus-
tration).
NOTE
Certain messages cannot be erased until
the condition has been corrected.If a warning message is displayed when e.g.
you are using the trip computer, this messagemust be erased before you can access the
function of your choice. Press button A to erase
the warning message.
You can scroll through the stored messages by
pressing button A (see illustration). The text
window can be cleared (the message will be
returned to memory) by pressing button A
again.

04 Interior
Spare wheel, tools and jack
04
*Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
105
G027201
Spare wheel* Securing bracket Tool bag* with towing eyelet Jack*
The spare wheel, jack and tool bag are located
under the floor of the trunk. To access the
spare tire:
1. Pull up the floor mats.
2. Remove the jack and tool bag.
3. Unscrew the spare wheel and lift it out.
WARNING
Make sure that the spare tire, jack and tool
bag are properly secured with the securing
bracket to help keep these components in
place in the event of a sudden stop.If the vehicle is equipped with a grocery bag
holder:
1. Turn the two clips, which are located at the
rear corner of the mat, 90°.
2. Pull the front of the floor mat back towards
the trunk lid opening.
3. Lift the mat slightly and turn 90° to lift it out.
4. Lift the mat out of the trunk.
5. Unscrew the spare tire and lift it out.
6. Return and secure everything in reverse
order.
See page 170 for more information on using
the jack.

G020912
118
General information............................................................................... 120
Fuel requirements................................................................................. 121
Refueling............................................................................................... 122
Starting the vehicle............................................................................... 124
Economical driving................................................................................ 127
Handling and road holding.................................................................... 128
Manual transmission............................................................................. 129
Automatic transmission (option)........................................................... 130
All Wheel Drive (option)......................................................................... 134
Brake system........................................................................................ 135
Stability system..................................................................................... 138
Towing................................................................................................... 140
Jump starting........................................................................................ 142
Towing a trailer...................................................................................... 143
Detachable trailer hitch......................................................................... 145
Load carriers (accessory)...................................................................... 146
Cold weather precautions..................................................................... 148
Before a long distance trip.................................................................... 149
Front/rear park assist (option/accessory)............................................. 150

06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
06
121 Octane rating
Minimum octane
G028920
Typical pump octane labelVolvo recommends premium for best perform-
ance, but using 87 octane or above will not
affect engine reliability.
Volvo engines are designed to achieve rated
horsepower, torque, and fuel economy per-
formance using premium 91 octane fuel.Demanding drivingIn demanding driving conditions, such as oper-
ating the vehicle in hot weather, towing a trailer,
or driving for extended periods at higher alti-
tudes than normal, it may be advisable to
switch to higher octane fuel (91 or higher) or to
change gasoline brands to fully utilize yourengine's capacity, and for the smoothest pos-
sible operation.
NOTE
When switching to higher octane fuel or
changing gasoline brands, it may be neces-
sary to fill the tank more than once before a
difference in engine operation is noticeable.Fuel FormulationsDo not use gasoline that contains lead as a
knock inhibitor, and do not use lead additives.
Besides damaging the exhaust emission con-
trol systems on your vehicle, lead has been
strongly linked to certain forms of cancer.
Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent.
Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to
certain forms of cancer. If you live in an area
where you must fill your own gas tank, take
precautions. These may include:•
standing upwind away from the filler nozzle
while refueling
•
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 AdditivesWith the exception of gas line antifreeze during
winter months, do not add solvents, thicken-
ers, 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.

06 Starting and drivingAutomatic transmission (option)
06130
P (Park)
G031105
Use this position when starting the engine or
parking the vehicle.
CAUTION
The vehicle must be stationary when posi-
tionP is selected.The parking brake should 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 posi-
tionII) 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)Neutral - no gear engaged. Use the parking
brake.D (Drive)D is the normal driving position and should be
used as often as possible to help improve fuel
economy. The vehicle should not be moving
when shifting from R to the D position.4 (Intermediate gear)The transmission will shift automatically
between gears 4, 3, 2 or 1 from this position.
The transmission cannot shift up to D from
fourth gear.
3 (Intermediate gear)The transmission will shift automatically
between gears 3, 2 and 1 from this position.
The transmission cannot shift up to fourth gear
orD from third gear.L (Low gears)The transmission is locked in gears 1 and 2
when the selector is in this position.
NOTE
Gears4,3, or L can be used if you are driv-
ing in a mountainous area, towing a trailer
or to increase engine braking effect.
The transmission has a built-in limiter
designed to help prevent excessive engine
speeds (high rpm) when gears 4,3, or L are
selected.

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 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.