2012 VOLVO S60 check engine light

Introduction
Environment
13 Volvo and the environment
Volvo is committed to the well being of its cus-
tomers. As a natural part of this commitment,
we care about the environment in which we all
live. Caring for the environment means an
everyday involvement in reducing our environ-
mental impact. Volvo's environmental activities
are based on a holistic view, which means we
consider the overall environmental impact of a
product throughout its complete life cycle. In
this context, design, production, product use,
and recycling are all important considerations.
In production, Volvo has partly or completely
phased out several chemicals including CFCs,
lead chromates, asbestos, and cadmium; and
reduced the number of chemicals used in our
plants 50% since 1991.
Volvo was the first in the world to introduce into
production a three-way catalytic converter with
a Lambda sond, now called the heated oxygen
sensor, in 1976. The current version of this
highly efficient system reduces emissions of
harmful substances (CO, HC, NOx) from the
exhaust pipe by approximately 95 – 99% and
the search to eliminate the remaining emis-
sions continues. Volvo is the only automobile
manufacturer to offer CFC-free retrofit kits for
the air conditioning system of all models as far
back as the 1975 model 240. Advanced elec-
tronic engine controls and cleaner fuels are
bringing us closer to our goal. In addition tocontinuous environmental refinement of con-
ventional gasoline-powered internal combus-
tion engines, Volvo is actively looking at
advanced technology alternative-fuel vehicles.
When you drive a Volvo, you become our part-
ner in the work to lessen the car's impact on
the environment. To reduce your vehicle's
environmental impact, you can:
•Maintain proper air pressure in your tires.
Tests have shown decreased fuel econ-
omy with improperly inflated tires.
•Follow the recommended maintenance
schedule in your Warranty and Service
Records Information booklet.
•Drive at a constant speed whenever pos-
sible.
•See a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician as soon as possible for inspec-
tion if the check engine (malfunction indi-
cator) light illuminates, or stays on after the
vehicle has started.
•Properly dispose of any vehicle-related
waste such as used motor oil, used batter-
ies, brake pads, etc.
•When cleaning your vehicle, please use
genuine Volvo car care products. All Volvo
car care products are formulated to be
environmentally friendly.
RecyclingAs part of Volvo’s commitment to the environ-
ment, it is essential for the vehicle to be recy-
cled in an environmentally sound way. Almost
the entire vehicle can be recycled and for that
reason, the vehicle’s final owner is requested
to contact a Volvo retailer for information about
approved and certified recycling facilities.

03 Your driving environment
Instruments and controls
03
80* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Gauges
Gauges in the instrument panel
Speedometer
Fuel gauge. Please note that the fuel level
indicator in the gauge moves from right to
left as the amount of fuel in the tank
decreases. The arrow indicates the side of
the vehicle that the fuel filler door is on. See
also the section on refueling beginning on
page 254. See page 147 for more infor-
mation on fuel level and consumption.
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 gauge. The engine
management system will automatically
prevent excessively high engines speeds.This will be noticeable as a pronounced
unevenness in engine speed.
Indicator, information, and warning
symbols
Indicator and warning symbols
High beam and turn signal indicators
Indicator and warning symbols
Information symbols
Indicator and warning symbols
Function checkAll indicator and warning symbols light up in
ignition mode II or when the engine is started.
When the engine has started, all the symbols
should go out except the parking brake sym-bol, which only goes out when the brake is dis-
engaged.
If the engine does not start or if the function
check is carried out in ignition mode II, all sym-
bols go out after 5 seconds except the symbol
for faults in the vehicle's emissions system and
the symbol for low oil pressure.
Certain symbols may not have their functions
illustrated, depending on the vehicle's equip-
ment.
Indicator and information symbols
SymbolDescription
Fault in the Active Bending
Light (ABL)*system
Malfunction indicator light
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Rear fog light on
Stability system
Tire pressure monitoring sen-
sor (TPMS)
Low fuel level

03 Your driving environment
Instruments and controls
03

* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.81
SymbolDescription
Information symbol, see text
in information display
High beam indicator
Left turn signal indicator
Right turn signal indicator
The stability system's Sport
mode is activated.
Fault in the Active Bending Light
(ABL) system
This symbol will illuminate if the there is a fault
in the ABL system. See page 97 for more
information about this system.
Malfunction Indicator Light
As you drive, a computer called On-Board
Diagnostics II (OBDII) monitors your vehicle's
engine, transmission, electrical and emission
systems.
The malfunction indicator (CHECK ENGINE)
light will illuminate if the computer senses a
condition that potentially may need correcting.
When this happens, please have your vehiclechecked by a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician as soon as possible.
A malfunction indicator (CHECK ENGINE) light
may have many causes. Sometimes, you may
not notice a change in your car's behavior.
Even so, an uncorrected condition could hurt
fuel economy, emission controls, and drivabil-
ity. Extended driving without correcting the
cause could even damage other components
in your vehicle.
This light may illuminate if the fuel filler cap is
not closed tightly or if the engine was running
while the vehicle was refueled.
Canadian models are equipped with this
symbol.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
warning light
If the warning light comes on, there may be a
malfunction in the ABS system (the standard
braking system will still function). Check the
system by:
1. Stopping in a safe place and switching off
the ignition.
2. Restart the engine.
3. If the warning light goes off, no further
action is required.If the warning light remains on, the vehicle
should be driven to a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for inspection, see
page 121 for additional information.
Canadian models are equipped with this
symbol.
Rear fog light
This symbol indicates that the rear fog light
(located in the driver's side tail light cluster) is
on.
Stability system
This indicator symbol flashes when the DSTC
(Dynamic Stability and Traction Control sys-
tem) is actively working to stabilize the vehicle,
see page 149 for more detailed information.
Tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS)*
This symbol illuminates to indicate that tire
pressure in one or more tires is low, see
page 293 for detailed information.
Low fuel level
When this light comes on, the vehicle should
be refueled as soon as possible. See page
254 for information about fuel and refueling.
Information symbol
The information symbol lights up and a text
message is displayed to provide the driver with

03 Your driving environment
Instruments and controls
03
82
necessary information about one of the vehi-
cle's systems. The message can be erased and
the symbol can be turned off by pressing the
READ button (see page 131 for information) or
this will take place automatically after a short
time (the length of time varies, depending on
the function affected).
The information symbol may also illuminate
together with other symbols.
High beam indicator
This symbol illuminates when the high beam
headlights are on, or if the high beam flash
function is used.
Left turn signal indicator
Right turn signal indicator
NOTE
•Both turn signal indicators will flash
when the hazard warning flashers are
used.
•If either of these indicators flash faster
than normal, the direction indicators are
not functioning properly.
Sport mode
This symbol illuminates to indicate that the sta-
bility system's Sport mode has been activated
to help provide maximum tractive force, forexample when driving with snow chains, or
driving in deep snow or loose sand.
Indicator and warning symbols
SymbolDescription
Low oil pressure
Parking brake applied
SRS airbags
Seat belt reminder
Generator not charging
Fault in the brake system
Warning symbol
Low oil pressure
If the light comes on while driving, stop the
vehicle, stop the engine immediately, and
check the engine oil level. If the oil level is nor-
mal and the light stays on after restart, have the
vehicle towed to the nearest trained and quali-
fied Volvo service technician. This is normal,
provided it goes off when the engine speed is
increased.
Parking brake applied
This symbol illuminates when the parking
brake is applied. On models equipped with the
electric parking brake, this symbol flashes
while the brake is being applied and then glows
steadily.
A flashing symbol means that a fault has been
detected. See the message in the information
display.
Canadian models are equipped with this
symbol.
See page 124 for more information about
using the parking brake.
Airbags – SRS
If this light comes on while the vehicle is being
driven, or remains on for longer than approxi-
mately 10 seconds after the vehicle has been
started, the SRS system's diagnostic functions
have detected a fault in a seat belt lock or pre-
tensioner, 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.
See page 24 for more information about the
airbag system.

03 Your driving environment
Instruments and controls
03

83
Seat belt reminder
This symbol comes on for approximately 6 sec-
onds if the driver has not fastened his or her
seat belt.
Generator not charging
This symbol comes on during driving if a fault
has occurred in the electrical system. Contact
an authorized Volvo workshop.
Engine temperatureEngine overheating can result from low oil or
coolant levels, towing or hard driving at high
heat and altitude, or mechanical malfunction.
Engine overheating will be signaled with text
and a red warning triangle in the middle of the
instrument display. The exact text will depend
on the degree of overheating. It may range from
High engine temp Reduce speed to High
engine temp Stop engine. If appropriate,
other messages, such as Coolant level low,
Stop safely will also be displayed. If your
engine does overheat so that you must stop the
engine, always allow the engine to cool before
attempting to check oil and coolant levels.
See page 304 for more information.
Fault in brake system
If this symbol lights, the brake fluid level may
be too low. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
check the level in the brake fluid reservoir, see
page 304. If the level in the reservoir is belowMIN, the vehicle should be transported to an
authorized Volvo workshop to have the brake
system checked.
Canadian models are equipped with this
symbol.
If the
and symbols come on at the
same time, there may be a fault in the brake
force distribution system.
1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off
the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
•If both symbols extinguish, continue driv-
ing.
•If the symbols remain on, check the level in
the brake fluid reservoir, see page 304. If
the brake fluid level is normal but the sym-
bols are still lit, the vehicle can be driven,
with great care, to an authorized Volvo
workshop to have the brake system
checked.
•If the level in the reservoir is below MIN, the
vehicle should be transported to an author-
ized Volvo workshop to have the brake
system checked.
WARNING
•If the fluid level is below the MIN mark
in the reservoir or if a warning 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.
•If the ABS and Brake system lights are
on at the same time, there is a risk of
reduced vehicle stability.
Warning symbol
The red warning symbol lights up to indicate a
problem related to safety and/or drivability. A
message will also appear in the main instru-
ments panel's display. The symbol remains
visible until the fault has been rectified but the
text message can be cleared with the READ
button, see page 131. The warning symbol can
also come on in conjunction with other sym-
bols.
Action:
1. Stop in a safe place. Do not drive the vehi-
cle further.
2. Read the information on the information
display. Implement the action in accord-
ance with the message in the display. Clear
the message using READ.

03 Your driving environment
Transmission
03
120
Insert the key blade into the opening. Press
the key blade down as far as possible and
keep it held down. Move the gear selector
from the P position. For information on the
key blade, see page 59.
All Wheel Drive – AWD4
Your Volvo can be equipped with permanent
All Wheel Drive, which means that power is
distributed automatically between the front
and rear wheels. Under normal driving condi-
tions, most of the engine's power is directed to
the front wheels. However, if there is any ten-
dency for the front wheels to spin, an electron-
ically controlled coupling distributes power to
the wheels that have the best traction.
NOTE
The message AWD disabled Service
required will be appear in the information
display if an electrical fault should occur in
the AWD system. A warning light will also
illuminate in the instrument panel. If this
occurs, have the system checked by a
trained and qualified Volvo service techni-
cian.
4Standard on certain models.

03 Your driving environment
Brakes
03
122
•The ABS system activates for more than
approximately a half second
•In the event of sudden braking while the
vehicle is moving at speeds above approx-
imately 6 mph (10 km/h)
When the vehicle has come to a stop, the brake
lights and additional taillights remain on for as
long as the brake pedal is depressed or until
braking force on the vehicle is reduced.
Power brakes function only when the
engine is running
The 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, consider-
ably higher pressure will be required on the
brake pedal to compensate for the lack of
power assistance. This can happen for exam-
ple 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 thebrakes 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
when towing a trailer. 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.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)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 auto-
matically modulated in order to help prevent
lockup that could lead to a skid.
The system performs a brief self-diagnostic
test when the engine has been started and
driver releases the brake pedal. Another auto-
matic test may be performed when the vehicle
first reaches a speed of approximately 6 mph(10 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsate several
times and a sound may be audible from the
ABS control module, which is normal.
Cleaning the brake discsCoatings of dirt and water on the brake discs
may result in delayed brake function. This delay
is minimized by cleaning the brake linings.
Cleaning the brake pads is advisable in wet
weather, prior to long-term parking, and after
the vehicle has been washed. Do this by brak-
ing gently for a short period while the vehicle is
moving.
Emergency Brake AssistanceEBA is designed to provide full brake effect
immediately in the event of sudden, hard brak-
ing. The system is activated by the speed with
which the brake pedal is depressed.
When the EBA system is activated, the brake
pedal will go down and pressure in the brake
system immediately increases to the maximum
level. Maintain full pressure on the brake pedal
in order to utilize the system completely. EBA
is automatically deactivated when the brake
pedal is released.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Collision warning with Full Auto-brake and Pedestrian Detection*
04

* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.175 Operation
Settings are made by pressing MY CAR on the
center console control panel and using the
menus displayed.
On and offTo switch Collision Warning on or off, press MY
CAR on the center console control panel and
go to Settings
Car settingsDriver
support systems
Collision Warning. If
Collision Warning is on, the system will perform
a self-test each time the engine is started by
briefly illuminating the warning light. See page
134 for more information about the menu sys-
tem.
When the engine is switched on, the Collision
Warning setting that was being used when it
was switched off will be the default setting.
Activating/deactivating warning signalsThe collision warning system’s visual signals
are activated automatically when the engine is
started if the collision warning system is
switched on.
The audible warning signal can be activated/
deactivated by pressing MY CAR on the center
console control panel and going to Settings
Car settingsDriver support systems
Warning sound if risk of collision.
Setting a warning distanceThis setting determines the distance at which
the visual and audible warnings are triggered.
Select
Long, Normal or Short by pressing MY
CAR on the center console control panel and
going to Settings
Car settingsDriver
support systems
Collision Warning
Warning distance.
The warning distance determines the level of
sensitivity used by the system. The warning
distance
Long provides an earlier warning.
Begin by using Long and if the system gives
too many warnings, try changing to Normal.
WARNING
•The setting Short should only be used
in situations where traffic is light and
moving at low speeds.
•Collision Warning alerts the driver to the
risk of a collision but this function can-
not reduce the driver’s reaction time.
•For Collision Warning to be as effective
as possible, it is recommended that Dis-
tance Alert be set to 4 or 5, see
page 165.
NOTE
•When Adaptive Cruise Control is used,
the warning light and signal will be used
by that function, even if the warnings
provided by Collision Warning have
been deactivated by the driver.
•In situations where traffic is moving at
considerably different speeds, or if the
vehicle ahead brakes suddenly, warn-
ings may be considered to be late, even
if the setting
Long has been selected.
Checking settingsThe current Collision Warning settings can be
checked by pressing MY CAR on the center
console control panel and going to Settings
Car settingsDriver support systems
Collision Warning.
Limitations
Strong sunlight, reflections, extreme light con-
trasts, the use of sunglasses, or if the driver is
not looking straight ahead may make the visual
warning signal in the windshield difficult to see.
For this reason, always activate the audible
warning signal.
Slippery driving conditions increase braking
distance, which can reduce the system's