tow VOLVO S60 2001 User Guide

If your car has been subjected to flood conditions (e. g. soaked carpeting/ standing water on the floor of the vehicle)
or if your car has become flood-damaged in any way, do not attempt to start the vehicle or put the key in the
ignition before discon- necting the battery (see below). This may cause airbag deployment which could result in
personal injury. Have the car towed to an authorized Volvo retailer for repairs.
Automatic transmission:
Before attempting to tow the car, use the following procedure to override the shiftlock system to move the gear
selector to the neutral position.
Switch off the ignition for at least 10 minutes and disconnect the battery
Wait at least one minute
Insert the key in the ignition and turn it to position II
Press firmly on the brake pedal.
Move the gear selector from (P) ark to the (N) eutral position.
There is no maintenance to perform on the SRS yourself. The month and year shown on the decal on the door pillar
indicate when you should contact your Volvo retailer for specific servicing or replacement of airbags and seat belt
tensioners. This service must be performed by an authorized Volvo retailer.
Should you have any questions about the SRS system, please contact your authorized Volvo retailer or Volvo
Customer Support.:
In the USA:
Volvo Cars of North America
Customer Relations
P.O. Box 914
Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647-0914
800-458-1552
In Canada:
Volvo Canada Ltd.
175 Gordon Baker Road
Willowdale, Ontario M2H 2N7
800-663-8255
pg. 17 Airbags (Supplemental Restraint System)
Front airbag (SRS) system
As an enhancement to the three-point seat belt system, your Volvo is equipped with a Supple- mental Restraint
System (SRS). The Volvo SRS consists of an airbag (2) on both the driver's and passenger's sides and seat belt
tensioners in both front door pillars. The system is designed to supplement the protection provided by the three-point
seat belt system. All three rear seat belts are also equipped with tensioners.
The SRS system is indicated by the "SRS" embossed on the steering wheel pad and above the glove compartment,
and by decals on both sun visors and on the front and far right side of the dash.
ProCarManuals.com

2 0 0 1
VOLVO S60
Locks and alarm
pg. 115 Locks and alarm
Keys and remote controls 116
Locking and unlocking119
Child safety lock121
Alarm122
pg. 116 Keys and remote controls
Keys
Two keys are provided with your car; a master key and a service key. The master key, the remote control, and the
central locking button may all be used to lock and unlock all of your car's locks.
The service key will operate only the driver's door and the ignition switch. It is intended to help deter unwanted entry
into the glove compartment and trunk.
Turn the key once to unlock the driver's door only.
Turn the key again (within 10 seconds) to unlock all doors and the trunk.
One turn with the key towards lock in the drivers door locks all doors, trunk.
Use the switch on the driver's door armrest to lock/ unlock the car from the inside.
NOTE: To help prevent accidentally locking the keys in the car, the central locking system is designed to unlock the
ProCarManuals.com

Manual child safety locks - rear doors
The controls are located on the rear door jambs. Use a screwdriver to adjust these controls.
A The door cannot be opened from the inside. Normal operation from the outside.
B The door lock functions normally.
WARNING!
Remember, in the event of an accident, the rear seat passengers cannot open the doors from the inside with the
buttons in position A
pg. 122 Alarm
Alarm The alarm is automatically armed whenever you lock your car.
When armed, the alarm continuously monitors a number of points on the car. The following conditions will set off the
alarm:
The hood is forced open.
The trunk is forced open.
A door is forced open.
The ignition switch is tampered with.
If there is movement in the passenger compartment (if the car is equipped with the optional movement sensor).
The car is lifted or towed (if the car is equipped with the optional inclination sensor).
The battery is disconnected (while the alarm is armed).
The siren is disconnected when the alarm is disarmed.
ProCarManuals.com

2 0 0 1
VOLVO S60
Starting and driving
pg. 125 Starting and driving
Refueling 126
Starting the car128
General information130
Manual transmission132
Automatic transmission (option)133
Geartronic (option )135
Brake system137
Stability system139
Towing141
Jump starting143
Towing a trailer144
Detachable trailer hitch - installing146
Detachable trailer hitch - removing147
Attaching load carriers148
Cold weather precautions149
Before a long distance trip150
pg. 126 Refueling
ENGINE OIL
Although some oil consumption occurs during normal engine operation, more oil is consumed when the engine is new
as the internal parts generate higher friction while wearing- in to each other. From the time the engine is new until the
first service is performed, the oil consumption could be higher than normal. For this reason, it is especially important
to check the oil every time you refuel your car during this period. See page 172
.
Fuel requirements
Octane rating
Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium gasoline with an AKI octane rating of 91
or above. AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of the Research Octane Number, RON, and the Motor Octane
Number, MON. (RON + MON/ 2). The minimum octane requirement is AKI 87 (RON 91).
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
Volvo recommends the use of gasoline containing deposit control additives. These additives have shown to be
effective in keeping injectors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit control gasolines will help ensure
good driveability and fuel economy. If you are not sure whether the gasoline contains deposit control additives, check
with the service station operator.
NOTE: Volvo does not recommend the use of external fuel injector cleaning systems. Unleaded fuel Each Volvo has
a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline. U. S. and Canadian regulations require that
ProCarManuals.com

Automatic transmission
The engine should be idling when you move the gear selector. Never accelerate until after you feel the transmission
engage! Acceler- ating immediately after selecting a gear will cause harsh engagement and premature transmission
wear.
Selecting P or N when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help prevent overheating of the
automatic trans - mission fluid.
WARNING!
Always place the gear selector in Park and apply the parking brake before leaving the vehicle. Never leave the car
unattended with the engine running.
Always open garage doors fully before starting the engine inside a garage to ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless but very poisonous
Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubrication points fast enough to
prevent engine damage.
* If two of the keys to your car are close together, e. g., on the same key ring, when you try to start the car, this could
cause interference in the immobilizer system and result in the car not starting. If this should occur, remove one of the
keys from the key ring before trying to start the car again.
pg. 129 Starting the car
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock
0 Locked position: Remove the key to lock the steering wheel *.
WARNING!
Never turn the key to position O while driving or when the car is being towed.
I Intermediate position - "radio position": Certain accessories, radio, etc. on, daytime running lights off.
II Drive position: The key position when driving. The car's entire electrical system is connected.
III Start position: Release the key when the engine starts. The key returns automatically to the Drive position.
A chime will sound if the key is left in the ignition and the driver's door is opened.
* The gear selector must be in the (P) ark position (automatic transmission).
ProCarManuals.com

D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position and should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy. The car
should not be moving when shifting from R to the D position.
Neutral control
When the engine is idling, the gear selector is in the Drive position and the brake pedal is depressed, the
transmission will automatically switch to neutral.
The transmission will automatically return to Drive when the brake pedal is released.
This function has been added to help reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
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) rive 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 or (D) rive from third gear.
L (Low gears)
The transmission is locked in gears 1 and 2 when the selector is in this position.
NOTE: Gears 4, 3, or L can be used if you are driving 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.
pg. 134 Automatic transmission (option)
W - Winter/ Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction
Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D) rive position.
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/ disengage this driving mode (see illustration).
When the W driving mode is engaged, this is displayed in the instrument panel (see page 30).
This mode may be selected for starting/ moving off on slippery roads.
ProCarManuals.com

Never leave the car unattended when the engine is running. If, by mistake, the gear selector is moved from P, the
car may start moving.
R (Reverse)
Never engage R while the car is moving forward.
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 car
should not be moving when shifting from R to the D position.
Automatic transmission - adaptive system
The automatic transmission is controlled by an adaptive control system that constantly monitors the way in which the
transmission functions. It senses and adapts each gear shift for optimal performance. The system also monitors your
particular driving style and adapts gear shifting accordingly.
Automatic transmission - shift gate positions
You can move the gear selector freely between the (MAN) ual and (D) rive positions while driving.
Depress the button on the front of the gear selector knob to move between the R, N, D, and P positions.
pg. 136 Geartronic (option )
Manual shifting - Geartronic
You can move the gear selector freely between the (MAN) ual and (D) rive positions while driving. Gears 3, and 4
have a "lock - up" function which reduces engine speed and helps save fuel.
The currently selected gear will be displayed in the instrument panel (see page 30
).
To access the (MAN) ual shifting position from (D) rive, move the gear selector to the left to MAN.
To return to the (D) rive position from MAN, move the gear selector to the right.
While driving
If you select the (MAN) ual position while driving, the gear that was being used in the (D) rive position will also
initially be selected in (MAN) ual position.
Move the gear selector forward (toward "+") to shift to a higher gear or rearward (toward "-") to shift to a lower
gear.
If you hold the gear selector toward "-", the transmission will downshift, one gear at a time, and will utilize the
braking power of the engine. If the current speed is too high for using a lower gear, the downshift will not occur until
the speed has decreased enough to allow the lower gear to be used.
ProCarManuals.com

If you slow down to a very low speed, the transmission will automatically shift down.
When starting in the (MAN) ual position, 3rd gear is the highest gear that may be selected.
NOTE: Kickdown does not function when the transmission is in the manual shift (Geartronic) mode.
Kickdown
Automatic shift to a lower gear (kickdown) is achieved by depressing the accelerator pedal fully and briskly. An
upshift will occur when approaching the top speed for a particular gear or by releasing the accelerator pedal slightly.
Kickdown can be used for maximum acceleration or when passing at highway speeds.
Kickdown does not function when the transmission is in the manual shift (Geartronic) mode.
W - Winter/ Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction
Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D) rive position.
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/ disengage this driving mode (see illustration).
When the W driving mode is engaged, this is displayed in the instrument panel (see page 30).
This mode may be selected for starting/ moving off on slippery roads.
pg. 137 Brake system
BRAKE Brake circuit malfunction
If one of the brake circuits were to malfunction, the red warning light would come on, the pedal travel would increase
slightly, the pedal would feel softer, and extra pressure would be required for normal braking. If the light comes on
while driving or braking, stop immediately and check the brake fluid level in the 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 car towed to a Volvo retailer and have the brake system
inspected.
NOTE: When the car 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.
If the brake power- assist does not function
The power assist to the brakes functions only when the engine is running. When the car is moving without the engine
running, the brake pedal pressure required to stop the car is increased by 3- 4 times and the brake pedal feels stiff.
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
ProCarManuals.com

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, it is advisable not to use the brakes excessively. Instead, 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.
pg. 138 Brake system
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 Volvo retailer 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, keep constant
pressure 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.
If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on at the same time, this could indicate a fault in the brake system.
Stop the car in a suitable place and switch off the engine.
Restart the engine.
If both warning lights go off, no further action is required.
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 170 for the location of the brake fluid reservoir).
If the brake fluid level is above the MIN mark, drive carefully to an authorized Volvo retailer and have the brake
system inspected.
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 car towed to a Volvo retailer and have the brake system
inspected.
ProCarManuals.com

2 0 0 1
VOLVO S60
Car care
pg. 159 Car care
Washing and cleaning the car 160
Paint touch up162
pg. 160 Washing and cleaning the car
Washing and cleaning the car
The car should be washed at regular intervals since dirt, dust, insects and tar spots adhere to the paint and may
cause damage. It is particularly important to wash the car frequently in the wintertime to prevent corrosion, when salt
has been used on the roads.
When washing the car, do not expose it to direct sunlight. Use lukewarm water to soften the dirt before you wash
with a sponge, and plenty of water, to avoid scratching.
Bird droppings: Remove from paintwork as soon as possible. Otherwise the finish may be permanently damaged.
A detergent can be used to facilitate the softening of dirt and oil.
A water- soluble grease solvent may be used in cases of sticky dirt. However, use a wash place equipped with a
drainage separator.
Dry the car with a clean chamois and remember to clean the drain holes in the doors and rocker panels.
Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar remover after the car has been washed.
A stiff- bristle brush and lukewarm soapy water can be used to clean the wiper blades. Frequent cleaning improves
visibility considerably.
Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheel housings, fenders, etc.).
In areas of high industrial fallout, more frequent washing is recommended.
CAUTION:
During high pressure washing, the spray mouthpiece must never be closer to the vehicle than 13" (30 cm). Do not
spray into the locks.
When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying water or steam directly on the electrical components or
toward the rear side of the engine.
After cleaning the engine, the spark plug wells should be inspected for water and blown dry if necessary.
Suitable detergents: Special car washing detergents should be used. A suitable mixture is about 2.5 fl. oz. (8.5 cl) of
detergent to 2.6 US gal. (10 liters) of warm water. After washing with a detergent the car should be well rinsed with
clean water.
Bumpers: Wash the bumpers with the same cleaning agent used on the rest of the car. Never clean the bumpers with
gasoline or paint thinner. Difficult spots can be removed with denatured alcohol. To avoid scratches, do not dry the
bumpers with paper.
NOTE: When washing the car, remember to remove dirt from the drain holes in the doors and sills.
ProCarManuals.com