engine VOLVO S60 2009 Owner´s Manual

Page 127 of 254

06 Starting and driving
Economical driving
06
127 Economical driving conserves natural
resources
Better driving economy may be obtained by
thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops
and adjusting the speed of your vehicle to
immediate traffic conditions. Observe the fol-
lowing rules:•
Bring the engine to normal operating tem-
perature as soon as possible by driving
with a light foot on the accelerator pedal for
the first few minutes of operation. A cold
engine uses more fuel and is subject to
increased wear.

Whenever possible, avoid using the vehicle
for driving short distances. This does not
allow the engine to reach normal operating
temperature.

Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration
and hard braking.

Do not exceed posted speed limits.

Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra
load) in the vehicle.

Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire
pressure regularly (when tires are cold).

Remove snow tires when threat of snow or
ice has ended.

Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc,
increase air resistance and also fuel con-
sumption.

Avoid using automatic transmission kick-
down feature unless necessary.

However, at higher driving speeds, fuel
consumption will be lower with the air con-
ditioning on and the windows closed than
with the air conditioning off and the win-
dows open.

Using the onboard trip computer's fuel
consumption modes can help you learn
how to drive more economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage are:

Dirty air cleaner

Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter

Dragging brakes

Incorrect front end alignment.
Some of the above mentioned items and others
are checked at the standard Maintenance
Service intervals.NOTE
Vehicles equipped with automatic transmis-
sions should use (D)rive as often as possible
and avoid using "kickdown" to help improve
fuel economy.
CAUTION
Drive slowly and carefully if going through
standing water (i.e. flooded roadways, etc.).
Damage to the engine could result if excess
water is drawn in through the air intake sys-
tem. Never drive the vehicle in water deeper
than 1 foot (300 mm).

Page 128 of 254

06 Starting and drivingHandling and road holding
06128
Weight distribution affects handlingAt the specified curb weight your vehicle has a
tendency to understeer, which means that the
steering wheel has to be turned more than
might seem appropriate for the curvature of a
bend.
This ensures good stability and reduces the
risk of rear wheel skid. Remember that these
properties can alter with the vehicle load.
The heavier the load in the trunk (max. 220 lbs,
100 kg), the less the tendency to understeer.Handling, roadholdingVehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure
all affect vehicle handling. Therefore, check
that the tires are inflated to the recommended
pressure according to the vehicle load. See
"Tire pressure" section.
Loads should be distributed so that capacity
weight or maximum permissible axle loads are
not exceeded.
Speed-sensitive power steering
(Option on certain models)With this feature, the steering is most respon-
sive at lower speeds to make parking, driving
in city traffic, etc., easier. The effect of the
power steering diminishes as you accelerate
for greater stability at highway speeds.Driving through waterThe vehicle can be driven through water up to
a depth of approximately 9 in. (25 cm), at a
maximum speed of 6 mph (10 km/h).
Take particular care when driving through flow-
ing water.
Clean the electrical connections for trailer wir-
ing after driving in mud or water.
When driving through water, maintain low
speed and do not stop in the water.
WARNING
After driving through water, press lightly on
the brake pedal to ensure that the brakes
are functioning normally. Water or mud can
make the brake linings slippery, resulting in
delayed braking effect.
CAUTION

Engine damage will occur if water is
drawn into the air cleaner.

If the vehicle is driven through water
deeper than 9 in (25 cm), water may
enter the differential and the transmis-
sion. This reduces the oil's lubricating
capacity and may shorten the service
life of these components.

Do not allow the vehicle to stand in
water up to the door sills longer than
absolutely necessary. This could result
in electrical malfunctions.

If the engine has been stopped while the
car is in water, do not attempt to restart
the engine. Have the car towed out of
the water.

Page 129 of 254

06 Starting and driving
Manual transmission
06
129 6-speed manual transmission (option
on certain models)
G027199
Depress the clutch pedal completely when
changing gears
1.
Remove your foot from the clutch pedal while
driving. The shift pattern should be followed.
Fifth and sixth gears should be used as often
as possible to help improve fuel economy.
WARNING
An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause
the accelerator pedal and/or the clutch
pedal to catch. Check that the movement of
these pedals is not impeded. Not more than
one protective floor covering may be used
at one time.Engaging reverse gearNever engage R while the vehicle is moving.
CAUTION
Be careful to avoid inadvertently engaging
reverse while moving forward.
1Clutch interlockThe clutch must be fully depressed before you can start your vehicle. If the clutch is not depressed, it will not be possible to start the engine.

Page 130 of 254

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.

Page 131 of 254

06 Starting and drivingAutomatic transmission (option)
06``131 W - Winter/Wet driving mode -
enhanced vehicle traction
G031107
Press the button at the base of the gear selec-
tor to engage/disengage this driving mode (see
illustration). The
W symbol will appear in the
display (see page 50) when the function is acti-
vated.
This mode may be selected for starting/moving
off on slippery roads. The vehicle starts off in
3rd gear to help maintain traction. First and
second gears will only be used during kick-
down.
Shift gate positions
G031109
The gear selector can be moved freely between
N and D.
Depressing the button on the front of the gear
selector knob enables you to move the gear
selector to positions P, R, N, D, 4, 3 and L .
"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 acceler-
ation or when passing at highway speeds.Cold startsWhen driving before the engine has reached its
normal operating temperature, the transmis-
sion will shift up at slightly higher engine
speeds to heat the three-way catalytic con-
verter as quickly as possible.Automatic transmission - adaptive
systemThe automatic transmission is controlled by an
adaptive control system that constantly moni-
tors the way in which the transmission func-
tions. It senses and adapts each gear shift for
optimal performance.

Page 132 of 254

06 Starting and drivingAutomatic transmission (option)
06132
Geartronic
G027997
P (Park)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 also 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 berunning (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.
Manual shifting
G020237
Shift gate positionsYou can move the gear selector freely between
theMAN and D positions to select forward
gears while driving. Gears 3, 4, 5, and 6 (where
applicable) have a "lock-up" function which
reduces engine speed and helps save fuel.
Depress the button on the front of the gear
selector knob to move between the R, N, D,
andP positions.
NOTE
Reverse, Neutral, and Park cannot be
selected in Geartronic mode.

Page 133 of 254

06 Starting and drivingAutomatic transmission (option)
06
133
The currently selected gear will be displayed in
the instrument panel (see page 50).•
To access the MAN shifting position from
D, move the gear selector to the left to
MAN.

To return to the D position from MAN,
move the gear selector to the right.
While drivingIf you select the MAN position while driving, the
gear that was being used in the D position will
also initially be selected in MAN 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 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.

If you slow down to a very low speed, the
transmission will automatically shift down.

When starting in the MAN position, 3rd
gear is the highest gear that may be
selected.
NOTE
Kickdown does not function when the trans-
mission is in the manual shift (Geartronic)
mode.The gear selector must be in the D
position.KickdownAutomatic 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 acceler-
ation or when passing at highway speeds.
Kickdown does not function when the trans-
mission is in the manual shift (Geartronic)
mode.W - Winter/Wet driving mode -
enhanced vehicle tractionPlease refer to the information on page 131.

Page 134 of 254

06 Starting and drivingAll Wheel Drive (option)
06134
All Wheel Drive (AWD) - general
informationYour 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 engine's power is directed to the
front wheels. However, if there is any tendency
for the front wheels to spin, an electronically
controlled coupling distributes power to the
wheels that have the best traction.Tire dimensionsVolvo recommends that you always drive on
tires of the same brand, size, construction
(radial), tread pattern, load-, speed-, traction-,
temperature-, and treadwear rating. Never
drive on mixed tires, except for brief periods
when the temporary spare tire is in use.
Always use properly inflated tires of correct
dimensions. Tire size and inflation pressures
are shown on the tire inflation pressure plac-
ards, located on the driver's side B-pillar (the
structural member at the side of the vehicle, at
the rear of the driver's door opening), or on the
inside of the fuel filler door on Canadian mod-
els.
Temporary SpareThe temporary spare tire is for temporary, low-
speed, short-distance use only. Replace it with
a full-sized tire as soon as possible. Do not
drive on the temporary spare at speeds above
50 mph (80 km/h) or for distances greater than
50 miles (80 km).
Never install snow chains on a temporary
spare.

Page 135 of 254

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.

Page 136 of 254

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.

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