brake VOLVO S60 2001 Owner's Manual

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

Steering wheel lock
The steering wheel lock might be under tension when the car is parked.
Turn the steering wheel slightly to free the ignition key.
In order to help reduce car theft, make sure the steering wheel lock is engaged before leaving the car.
pg. 130 General information
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 following rules:
Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by driving with a light foot on the accel-
erator 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 car for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach normal
operating temperature.
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceler- ation and hard braking.
Do not exceed posted speed limits.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the car.
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 consumption.
Avoid using automatic transmission kickdown feature unless necessary.
However, at higher driving speeds, fuel consumption will be lower with the air conditioning on and the windows
closed than with the air conditioning off and the windows 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:
Worn or dirty spark plugs
Incorrect spark plug gap
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 transmissions should use (D) rive as often as possible and avoid using
"kickdown" to help improve fuel economy.
WARNING!
Driving with the trunk open: Driving with the trunk open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the
passenger compartment. If the trunk must be kept open for any reason, proceed as follows
- Close the windows
- Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side windows and blower control to its
highest setting.
ProCarManuals.com

Engaging reverse gear
Reverse gear should only be engaged from a complete stop.
CAUTION:
Be careful to avoid inadvertently engaging reverse while moving forward.
"Space ball" gear selector (option)
The shift positions for the "space ball" are the same as for the standard manual gear selector.
pg. 133 Automatic transmission (option)
Automatic transmission AW55- 50 (option)
P Park
Use this position when starting the engine or parking the car.
Never use P while the car is in motion.
The parking brake should be set whenever the car 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 position II) and the brake pedal must be
depressed.
WARNING!
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) B Never engage R while the car is moving forward.
N (Neutral)
Neutral - no gear engaged. Use the parking brake.
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

Automatic transmission AW55- 50 - shift gate positions
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 acceleration or when passing at highway speeds.
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.
pg. 135 Geartronic (option )
P Park
Use this position when starting the engine or parking the car.
Never use P while the car is in motion.
The parking brake should also be set whenever the car 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 position II) and the brake pedal must be
depressed.
WARNING!
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

week 15).
Improving tire economy:
Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler door.
Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking and tire screeching.
Tire wear increases with speed.
Correct front wheel alignment is very important.
Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and driving comfort.
If tires are rotated, they must be kept on the same side of the car so that they revolve in the same direction as before
rotation.
Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/ or wheels permanently.
Flat spots
All tires become warm during use. After cooling, when the vehicle is parked, the tires have a tendency to distort
slightly, forming flat spots. These flat spots can cause vibrations similar to the vibrations caused by unbalanced
wheels. They do, however, disappear when the tire warms up. The degree to which flat spots form depends on the
type of cord used in the tire. In cold weather, it takes longer for the tire to warm up and consequently longer for the
flat spot to disappear.
CAUTION: The car must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions or with a spare tire other than the one
that came with the car. The use of different size wheels can seriously damage your car's transmission.
pg. 153 General information
Snow chains
Snow chains can be used on your Volvo with the following restrictions:
Snow chains should be installed on front wheels only. Use only Volvo approved snow chains.
Special snow chains must be mounted on 195/ 65 R15. For tires of other dimen- sions, consult your Volvo retailer.
If accessory, aftermarket or "custom" tires and wheels are installed and are of a size different than the original tires
and wheels, chains in some cases CANNOT be used. Sufficient clearances between chains and brakes, suspension and
body components must be maintained.
Some strap - on type chains will interfere with brake components and therefore CANNOT be used.
NOTE: Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information
CAUTION:
Check local regulations regarding the use of snow chains before installing
Always follow the chain manufacturer's installation instructions carefully. Install chains as tightly as possible and
retighten periodically.
Never exceed the chain manufacturer's specified maximum speed limit. (Under no circumstances should you exceed
31 mph (50 km/ h)
Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns when driving with snow chains.
The handling of the vehicle can be adversely affected when driving with chains. Avoid fast or sharp turns as well as
locked wheel braking.
Snow tires, studded tires *
ProCarManuals.com

Changing wheels
The spare wheel is located under the carpet on the trunk floor. The jack and crank are secured in the wheel recess.
There are two jack attachment points on each side of the car (see illustration on next page). To change a wheel:
Engage the parking brake.
Put the gear selector in (P) ark (automatic transmission) or reverse (manual trans - mission).
Remove the wheel cap (where applicable) using the lug wrench in the tool kit.
With the car still on the ground, use the lug wrench to loosen the wheel bolts 1/ 2 - 1 turn. Turn the bolts
counterclockwise to loosen.
CAUTION:
The car must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions or with a spare tire other than the one that came with
the car. The use of different size wheels can seriously damage your car's transmission.
Correct tightening torque on wheel bolts must be observed. The wheel bolts should never be greased or lubricated.
The extended, chromed wheel bolts must not be used with steel rims, as they make it impos - sible to fit the hub caps.
pg. 157 Changing wheels
ProCarManuals.com