parking brake VOLVO S60 2008 User Guide

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.
131 06 Starting and driving
Manual transmission
ProCarManuals.com

Use this position when starting the engine or parking the vehicle.
Never use P while the vehicle is in motion.
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 position II) 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 or D from third gear.
L (Low gears)
The transmission is locked in gears 1 and 2 when the selector is in this position.
ProCarManuals.com

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.
Cold starts
When driving before the engine has reached its normal operating temperature, the transmission will shift up at slightly
higher engine speeds to heat the three-way catalytic converter as quickly as possible.
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.
134 06 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission (option)
P Park
Use this position when starting the engine or parking the vehicle.
Never use P while the vehicle is in motion.
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 be running (or the ignition key must be in position II) 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)
ProCarManuals.com

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.
Shift gate positions
You can move the gear selector freely between the MAN and D positions while driving.
Depress the button on the front of the gear selector knob to move between the R, N, D, and P positions.
135 06 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission (option)
Manual shifting
You can move the gear selector freely between the MAN 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.
NOTE
Reverse, Neutral, and Park cannot be selected in Geartronic mode.
The currently selected gear will be displayed in the instrument panel (see page 48
).
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 driving
If 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.
ProCarManuals.com

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
145 06 Starting and driving
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
ProCarManuals.com

The system must be deactivated when towing a trailer, carrying bicycles in a rear-mounted carrier, etc, which could
trigger the rear park assist system's sensors.
NOTE
Rear park assist is deactivated automatically when towing a trailer if Volvo genuine trailer wiring is used.
Front park assist
The distance monitored in front of the vehicle is approximately 2.5 ft (0.8 m). The audible signal comes from the audio
system's front speakers.
It may not be possible to combine auxiliary headlights and front park assist since these lights could trigger the
system's sensors.
152 06 Starting and driving
Front/rear park assist (option/accessory)
Activating/deactivating park assist
The system is activated automatically when the vehicle is started.
Press the Park assist button on the center console (see page 55) to temporarily deactivate the system(s). The
indicator light in the button will go out when the system has been deactivated.
Park assist will be automatically reactivated the next time the engine is started, or if the button is pressed (the
indicator light in the button will illuminate).
NOTE
Front park assist is disengaged automatically when the parking brake is applied.
If the vehicle is equipped with front and rear park assist, both systems will be deactivated by pressing the button.
Audible signals from the park assist system
The Park Assist system uses an intermittent tone that pulses faster as you come close to an object, and becomes
constant when you are within approximately 1 ft (30 cm) of an object in front of or behind the vehicle. If the volume
of another source from the audio system is high, this will be automatically lowered.
If there are objects within this distance both behind and in front of the vehicle, the signal alternates between front and
rear speakers.
Faults in the system
If the yellow warning symbol illuminates and PARK ASSIST SERVICE REQUIRED is shown on the
information display, this indicates that the system is not functioning properly and has been disengaged. Consult a
trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
CAUTION
In certain circumstances, the park assist system may give unexpected warning signals that can be caused by external
ProCarManuals.com

Please consult state or provincial regulations restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such tires.
170 07 Wheels and tires
Temporary spare
The spare tire in your vehicle is called a "Temporary Spare".
Recommended tire pressure (see the placard on the B-pillar or on the fuel filler door) should be maintained irrespective
of which position on the vehicle the temporary spare tire is used on.
In the event of damage to this tire, a new one can be purchased from your Volvo retailer.
WARNING
Current legislation prohibits the use of the "Temporary Spare" tire other than as a temporary replacement for a
punctured tire. It must be replaced as soon as possible by a standard tire. Road holding and handling may be affected
with the "Temporary Spare" in use.
CAUTION
The vehicle must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions or with a spare tire other than the one that came
with the vehicle. The use of different size wheels can seriously damage your vehicle's transmission.
171 07 Wheels and tires
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 vehicle (see illustration on next page).
To change a wheel:
1. Engage the parking brake.
2. Put the gear selector in P (automatic transmission) or reverse (manual transmission).
ProCarManuals.com

attachment. See illustration "Attaching the jack".
Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-slippery surface.
Never allow any part of your body to be extended under a vehicle supported by a jack.
Use the jack intended for the vehicle when replacing a wheel. For any other job, use stands to support the side of
the vehicle being worked on.
Apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in the (P) ark position (or reverse on manual transmissions).
Block the wheels standing on the ground, use rigid wooden blocks or large stones.
The jack should be kept well-greased and clean, and should not be damaged.
No objects should be placed between the base of jack and the ground, or between the jack and the attachment bar
on the vehicle.
174 07 Wheels and tires
Tire rotation
Summer and winter tires
When switching between summer and winter tires, mark the tires to indicate where they were mounted on the car,
e.g., LF = left front, RR = right rear
Tires with tread designed to roll in only one direction are marked with an arrow on the sidewall.
Incorrectly mounted tires impair the car's braking properties and ability to force aside rain, snow and slush.
The tires with the most tread should always be at the rear (to reduce the risk of skidding).
Contact a Volvo workshop if you are unsure about the tread depth.
Tire rotation
Your vehicle has no recommended tire rotation. The following information is intended to help you understand why.
Tread set
As a tire ages and the rubber cures, front and rear tires set at different angles. Therefore, if tires are rotated, the tread
will eventually set at an angle that is a compromise. Even if ride, handling, and road noise may still seem acceptable,
they may not be optimal. Further, tires that are rotated, but not on a regular basis, may actually cause more tire noise,
faster tire wear, and unpleasant changes in steering feel and vehicle handling.
A tire that can fully adapt to its position will provide better steering feel, lower tire noise, and better fuel economy.
Braking stability performance
Your vehicle is driven mainly by the front tires, which will wear faster. This can be beneficial. Having more tread on
the rear tires will help reduce oversteer. Oversteer is when a vehicle wants to keep turning because of momentum and
ProCarManuals.com

Never touch the glass of bulbs with your fingers. Grease and oils from your fingers vaporize in the heat and will leave
a deposit on the reflector, which will damage it.
The optional Active Bi -Xenon® headlight bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury. These bulbs should always be
disposed of by an authorized Volvo retailer.
The following bulbs should only be replaced by an authorized Volvo service technician:
- Active Bi -Xenon® headlights,
- Courtesy (dome) lighting,
- Reading lights,
- Glove compartment lights
- Turn signals and courtesy lights in the side door mirrors
- High-mounted brake lights
- Diodes in the rear tail lights
Replacing bulbs at the front of the vehicle
All front bulbs (except the optional front fog lights) are replaced from the engine compartment.
WARNING
Active Bi -Xenon® headlights (option) - due to the high voltage used by these headlights, these bulbs should only be
replaced by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Location of the bulbs in the headlight housing
1. Side marker light
2. Turn signal
3. Low beam headlight/parking light (halogen headlights)
4. High beam headlight, parking light (Active Bi -Xenon® headlights)
Certain models may have a plastic tube that may hinder access to the bulbs. This tube can be broken off and discarded.
ProCarManuals.com

Jacket hanger102
K
Keylock6
, 127
Keys110
Kickdown132
L
Label information243
Leather care180
Lighting panel57
Load carriers147
Locking steering wheel128
Locking the car115, 116
Long distance trips150
Long loads - carrying104
Low beam headlights60
M
Maintenance services186
Maintenance, periodic187
Malfunction indicator light50
Moonroof76
MP3 player, connecting225
Multifilter with air quality sensor88
O
Occupant safety12
Octane rating124
Odometer48
Oil pressure50
Oil quality192
Opening the trunk from the inside116
Opening/locking the trunk115
Owner maintenance187
P
P Park132
Paint - color code181
Park assist151, 152, 153
Parking brake68
warning light50
Passenger's side front airbag, disabling21
Permissible axle weight166
PI seek231
Polishing179
Power moonroof76
Power seat94
Power steering fluid196
ProCarManuals.com