check engine light VOLVO S60 2008 User Guide

Never switch off the ignition (turn the ignition key to position 0) or remove the key from the ignition switch while
the vehicle is in motion. This could cause the steering wheel to lock, which would make the vehicle impossible to
steer.
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Economical driving
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 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 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:
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.
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 system. Never drive the vehicle in water deeper than 1 foot
(300 mm).
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Handling and road holding
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Weight distribution affects handling
At 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, roadholding
Vehicle 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 responsive 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 water
The 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 flowing water.
Clean the electrical connections for trailer wiring 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
transmission. 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.
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Manual transmission
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Brake system
BRAKE Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system consisting of two master cylinders and two separate 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 service 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 running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure which is only created when the engine is running. 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 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 the brakes are
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, 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.
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Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
If the warning lamp lights up there is a malfunction of the ABS system
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Brake 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 (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. 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. The brake pedal will pulsate during braking, which is normal.
If the BRAKE and ABS 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.
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 196
for the location of the brake fluid 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 vehicle towed to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician
and have the brake system inspected.
5. If the brake fluid level is above the MIN mark, drive carefully to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician
and have the brake system inspected.
Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)
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NOTE
The message DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF indicates that the stability system's spin control function has
temporarily been switched off.
The stability control indicator light will illuminate and remain on until spin control has been reactivated.
DSTC ON indicates that all system functions are active.
The spin control function is automatically enabled each time the engine is started.
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Stability system
DSTC-related messages in the text window
"TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY OFF" - The system has been temporarily switched off due to high brake
temperature and will automatically switch on again when the brakes have cooled.
"ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED" - the system has been automatically disengaged due to a fault. A trained and
qualified Volvo service technician should check the system.
Symbols in the instrument panel
The Stability Control indicator light
This light indicates different conditions, depending on how it illuminates.
The Stability Control indicator light illuminates for approximately 2 seconds
This indicates that the system is performing a self -diagnostic test when the ignition is switched on.
The Stability Control indicator light flashes
This indicates that the stability system is actively functioning to help counteract wheel spin and/or a skid.
The Stability Control indicator light glows steadily
"ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED" will be displayed in the text window at the same time.
A fault is indicated in the stability system.
1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and switch off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
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1The opening in the cover may vary.
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 forward direction.
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Towing
CAUTION
Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this type of towing, as vehicles being towed are
subject to regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length and type of towing device, lighting, etc.
If the vehicle's battery is dead, do not attempt to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it as this will damage the
three-way catalytic converter(s). The engine must be jump started using an auxiliary battery (see page 143
).
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the vehicle on the
flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
WARNING
Remember that the power brakes and power steering will not function when engine is not running. The braking
and steering systems will function but the brake pedal pressure required is 3 - 4 times above normal and greater
steering effort must be exerted.
The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling another vehicle out of a ditch or for any similar purpose involving
severe strain.
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive/All Wheel Drive
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Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See section "Wheels and tires."
When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1000 km).
Recommended hitch tongue load is:
Trailer weights below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 110lbs (50kg)
Trailer weights above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 165lbs (75kg)
Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 mph (80 km/h).
Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant temperature should be closely
watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use a lower gear and turn off the air conditioner if the
temperature gauge needle enters the red range.
If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be displayed in the text window.
Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop (check and observe
state/local regulations).
Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brake system.
More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer over long distances or in mountainous
areas.
WARNING
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safety chains be attached to the bumper.
Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.
Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle brake system, nor a trailer's lighting system
directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult your nearest trained and qualified Volvo service technician for correct
installation.
When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety wire must be correctly fastened to the hole or hook provided in the
trailer hitch on the vehicle. The safety wire should never be fastened to or wound around the drawbar ball.
NOTE
When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in P
(first/reverse gear on manual transmissions). Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
chocking.
When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in D before releasing the parking brake.
If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, make sure
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Towing a trailer
the gear you select does not put too much strain on the engine (using too high a gear).
The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may be rated for trailers heavier than the vehicle is designed to tow. Please
adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer weights.
Leveling
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The attachment brackets for the load carriers are located under the roof molding.
1. Make sure that the load carriers are placed in the right direction. See the mark on the decal under the cover.
2. Press the guide lugs into the holes (1).
3. Carefully lower the opposite side of the load carrier to the roof.
4. Loosen the tightening wheel slightly. Slide the hook on the load carrier attachment into the attachment bracket under
the roof molding.
5. Turn the tightening wheel to secure the load carrier in the attachment bracket.
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Load carriers (accessory)
6. Repeat this procedure for the other load carrier attachments.
7. Check that the hooks on all four load carrier attachments are securely tightened in the respective attachment brackets
on the roof of the vehicle.
8. Press down the covers.
Check periodically that the load carriers and load are properly secured.
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Cold weather precautions
If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the following advice is worth noting:
Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture will reduce freeze protection.
This gives protection against freezing down to - 31°F (-35°C). See section "Coolant". The use of "recycled"
antifreeze is not approved by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze must not be mixed.
Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator. Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty
of Volvo engine coolant to protect your vehicle during cold weather.
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this prevents the formation of condensation in the tank. In addition, in
extremely cold weather conditions it is worthwhile to add fuel line de -icer before refueling.
The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weather starting as
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well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine is warming up. For winter use, 5W - 30 oil, particularly the
synthetic type1, is recommended. Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use cold-weather oil for hard driving or in
warm weather. See section "Engine oil" for more information.
The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the windshield wipers, lighting, etc. are used more
often. Moreover, the capacity of the battery decreases as the temperature drops. In very cold weather, a poorly charged
battery can freeze and be damaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state of charge more frequently and spray an
antirust oil on the battery posts.
Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving - see section "Wheels and tires."
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze (see page 195 for
the location of the washer fluid reservoir). This is important since dirt is often splashed on the windshield during
winter driving, requiring the frequent use of the washers and wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent should be diluted as
follows:
- Down to 14° F (-10° C): 1 part washer solvent and 4 parts water
- Down to 5° F (-15° C): 1 part washer solvent and 3 parts water
- Down to 0° F (-18° C): 1 part washer solvent and 2 parts water
- Down to -18° F (-28° C): 1 part washer solvent and 1 part water
Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
1Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance service intervals.
NOTE
Avoid the use of de -icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
W - Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction (automatic transmission)
Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the D position.
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode.
An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and this will also be displayed in the instrument
panel (see page 48
).
This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
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Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician before
driving long distances. Your retailer or service technician will also be able to supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark plugs
and wiper blades for your use in the event that problems occur.
As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip:
Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
Check transmission oil level1.
Check condition of drive belts.
Check state of the battery's charge.
Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those that are worn. Check tire pressures.
The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician only.
Check all lights, including high beams.
Reflective warning triangles are legal requirement in some countries.
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"Warranty and Service Records Information booklet," are not covered by the warranty. You will be required to pay for
labor and material used.
Maintenance services
Your Volvo passed several major inspections before it was delivered to you, in accordance with Volvo specifications. The
maintenance services outlined in the Warranty and Service Records Information booklet, many of which will positively
affect your vehicle's emissions, should be performed as indicated. It is recommended that receipts for vehicle emission
services be retained in case questions arise concerning maintenance.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
Vehicle Event Data (Black Box)
Your vehicle's driving and safety systems employ computers that monitor, and share with each other, information about
your vehicle's operation. One or more of these computers may store what they monitor, either during normal vehicle
operation or in a crash or near-crash event. Stored information may be read and used by:
Volvo Car Corporation
service and repair facilities
law enforcement or government agencies
others who may assert a legal right to know, or who obtain your consent to know such information.
Applicable warranties
In accordance with applicable U.S. and Canadian regulations, the following list of warranties is provided.
New Car Limited Warranty
Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty
Corrosion Protection Limited Warranty
Seat Belt and Supplemental Restraint Systems Limited Warranty
Emission Design and Defect Warranty
Emission Performance Warranty
These are the Federal warranties; other warranties are provided as required by state/provincial law. Refer to your separate
Warranty and Service Records Information booklet for detailed information concerning each of the warranties.
187 09 Maintenance and servicing
Maintaining your vehicle
Owner maintenance
Periodic maintenance requirements and intervals are described in your vehicle's Warranty and Service Records
Information booklet.
The following points can be carried out between the normally scheduled maintenance services.
Each time the vehicle is refueled:
Check the engine oil level
Clean the windshield, windshield wipers, headlights, and tail lights
Monthly:
Check cold tire pressure in all tires. Inspect the tires for wear.
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