VOLVO S60 2009 Owner´s Manual

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

06 Starting and driving
Brake system
06
137
NOTE
•
When the EBA system is activated, the
brake pedal will go down and pressure
in the brake system immediately increa-
ses to the maximum level. You must
maintain full pressure on the brake
pedal in order to utilize the system com-
pletely. There will be no braking effect if
the pedal is released. EBA is automati-
cally deactivated when the brake pedal
is released.
•
When the vehicle has been parked for
some time, the brake pedal may sink
more than usual when the engine is
started. This is normal and the pedal will
return to its usual position when it is
released.

06 Starting and drivingStability system
06138
Dynamic Stability Traction Control
(DSTC)The stability system consists of a number of
functions designed help reduce wheel spin,
counteract skidding, and to generally help
improve directional stability.
NOTE
A pulsating sound will be audible when the
system is actively operating and is normal.Traction control (TC)This function is designed to help reduce wheel
spin by transferring power from a drive wheel
that begins to lose traction to the wheel on the
opposite side of the vehicle (on the same axle).
TC is most active at low speeds.
This is one of the DSTC's permanent functions
and cannot be switched off.Spin control (SC)The spin control function is designed to help
prevent the drive wheels from spinning while
the vehicle is accelerating.
Under certain circumstances, such as when
driving with snow chains, or driving in deep
snow or loose sand, it may be advisable to
temporarily switch off this function for maxi-
mum tractive force.
Temporarily switching off Spin control1. Turn the thumb wheel (2) on the left-side
steering wheel lever until the DSTC menu
is displayed.
2.
Hold down the RESET button (1) to toggle
between
DSTC SPIN CONTROL ON
or
OFF
.
Active Yaw Control (AYC)This function helps maintain directional stabil-
ity, for example when cornering, by braking
one or more of the wheels if the vehicle shows
a tendency to skid or slide laterally.)
WARNING
The car's handling and stability characteris-
tics will be altered if the DSTC system func-
tions have been disabled.
G031005
Controls on the left-side steering wheel lever
NOTE
•
The message
DSTC SPIN CONTROL
OFF
indicates that the stability sys-
tem's spin control function has tempo-
rarily been switched off.
•
The stability control indicator light will
illuminate and remain on until spin con-
trol has been reactivated.
•
DSTC ON
indicates that all system
functions are active.
•
The spin control function is automati-
cally enabled each time the engine is
started.

06 Starting and driving
Stability system
06
139
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 disen-
gaged due to a fault. A trained and qualified
Volvo service technician should check the
system.
Symbols in the instrument panelThe Stability Control indicator light
This light indicates different condi-
tions, depending on how it illumi-
nates.
The Stability Control indicator light
illuminates for approximately 2 secondsThis indicates that the system is performing a
self-diagnostic test when the ignition is
switched on.The Stability Control indicator light
flashesThis 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.
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 steadilyIf "
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 dis-
played. 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 vehi-
cle. Speed and driving style should always
be adapted to traffic and road conditions.

06 Starting and drivingTowing
06140
Emergency towing
ABC
G028091
Front towing eyeletThe 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).
WARNING
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the
vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.
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.A
B
C
G028093
Rear towing eyelet
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 for-
ward direction.
1The opening in the cover may vary.