warning light VOLVO S60 2008 Owner's Guide

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
138 06 Starting and driving
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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3. If the indicator light goes out, the fault was temporary and no further action is required.
4. If the indicator light remains on, drive to an authorized Volvo workshop as soon as possible to have the system
checked.
The Stability Control indicator light glows steadily
If "DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF" is displayed in the text window at the same time, this is a reminder that spin control
has been disabled by the driver.
The warning symbol
The warning symbol glows steadily yellow
The system has been temporarily switched off due to high brake temperature. "TRACTION CONTROL
TEMPORARILY OFF" will be displayed. The system will automatically switch on again when the brakes have cooled.
WARNING
The stability system is intended to help improve driving safety. It supplements, but can never replace, the driver's
judgement and responsibility when operating the vehicle. Speed and driving style should always be adapted to traffic
and road conditions.
141 06 Starting and driving
Towing
Emergency towing
The towing eyelet is located in the tool bag, under the floor of the trunk, with the spare tire. This eyelet must be
screwed into the positions provided on the right sides of either the front or rear bumper ( B, see illustrations).
To attach the towing eyelet:
A. Use a coin to pry open the lower edge of the cover ( A)
1.
B. Screw the towing eyelet ( C) in place, first by hand and then using the tire iron until it is securely in place.
After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet should be removed and returned to the tool bag. Press the cover back into
position.
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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
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
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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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Have a word with your Volvo retailer if you intend to drive in countries where it may be difficult to obtain the
correct fuel.
Consider your destination. If you will be driving through an area where snow or ice are likely to occur, consider
snow tires.
1To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your vehicle's transmission fluid yourself. Have your vehicle's transmission fluid
level inspected by a qualified Volvo service technician.
151 06 Starting and driving
Front/rear park assist (option/accessory)
Front/rear park assist
The park assist system is designed to assist you when driving into parking spaces, garages, etc. It utilizes four
ultrasound sensors located in one or both bumpers to measure the distance to a vehicle, object, or a person who may
be close to the front or rear of your vehicle.
Park assist is available in two versions:
Rear bumper only
Front and rear bumpers
WARNING
Park Assist is an information system, NOT a safety system. This system is designed to be a supplementary aid when
parking the vehicle. It is not, however, intended to replace the driver's attention and judgement.
Function
The system is activated automatically when the vehicle is started. The indicator light in the button in the center console
illuminates.
The front park assist system is active from the time the engine is started until the vehicle exceeds a speed of
approximately 10 mph (15 km/h). It is also active when the vehicle is backing up.
Rear park assist is active when the engine is running and reverse gear has been selected.
Rear park assist
The distance monitored behind the vehicle is approximately 5 ft (1.5 m). The signal comes from the rear speakers.
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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.
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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
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162 07 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - U.S. models
The tire pressure monitoring system uses sensors mounted in the tire valves to check inflation pressure levels. When
the vehicle is moving at a speed of approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster, these sensors transmit inflation pressure
data to a receiver located in the vehicle.USA - FCC ID: MRXTG315AM04
1
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
1On certain models, the FCC code is MRXTG315AM04
When low inflation pressure is detected, TPMS will light up the tire pressure warning light () (also referred to as a
telltale) in the instrument panel, and will display a message in the text window. The wording of this message is
determined by the degree of inflation pressure loss.
NOTE
If a fault occurs in TPMS, the tire pressure warning light will flash for approximately 1 minute and TIRE PRESS
SYST SERVICE REQUIRED will be displayed.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that
illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly,
when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low
tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating
properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels
on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
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163 07 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - U.S. models
NOTE
TPMS indicates low tire pressure but does not replace normal tire maintenance. For information on correct tire
pressure, please refer to the tables on pages 160 and 161
, or consult your Volvo retailer.
Erasing warning messages
When a low tire pressure warning message has been displayed, and the tire pressure warning light has come on:
Use a tire pressure gauge to check the inflation pressure of all four tires.
Re-inflate the tire(s) to the correct pressure (consult the tire pressure placard or the tables on pages 160 and 161).
Drive the vehicle for several minutes at a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster.
This will erase the warning text and the warning light will go out.
WARNING
Incorrect inflation pressure could lead to tire failure, resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle.
Changing wheels with TPMS
Please note the following when changing or replacing the factory installed TPMS wheels/tires on the vehicle:
Only the factory-mounted wheels are equipped with TPMS sensors in the valves.
If the vehicle is equipped with a temporary spare tire, this tire does not have a TPMS sensor.
If wheels without TPMS sensors are mounted on the vehicle, TIRE PRESS SYST SERVICE REQUIRED will be
displayed each time the vehicle is driven above 25 mph (40 km/h) for 10 minutes or more.
Once TPMS sensors are properly installed, the warning message should not reappear.
Volvo recommends that TPMS sensors be fitted on all wheels used on the vehicle. Volvo does not recommend
moving sensors back and forth between sets of wheels.
CAUTION
When inflating tires with TPMS valves, press the pump's mouthpiece straight onto the valve to help avoid bending or
otherwise damaging the valve.
164 07 Wheels and tires
Tire designations
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