Volvo S60: Brakes

Volvo S60: Brakes

• Brake system

Brake system

The brake system is a hydraulic system consisting of 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 system message is shown in the information display: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician and have the brake system inspected.

Brake pad inspection

On vehicles equipped with a jack*, the condition of the brake pads can be checked by raising the vehicle (see page 290 for information about using the jack and removing a wheel) and performing a visual inspection of the brake pads.

WARNING

• If the vehicle has been driven immediately prior to a brake pad inspection, the wheel hub, brake components, etc., will be very hot. Allow time for these components to cool before carrying out the inspection.
• Apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in the Park (P) position.
• Block the wheels standing on the ground, use rigid wooden blocks or large stones.

WARNING

• Use the jack intended for the vehicle when changing a tire. For any other job, use stands to support the vehicle.
• The jack should be kept well-greased and clean, and should not be damaged.
• Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, nonslippery surface.
• No objects should be placed between the base of jack and the ground, or between the jack and the attachment bar on the vehicle.
• The jack must correctly engage the jack attachment.
• Never allow any part of your body to be extended under a vehicle supported by a jack.

Brake lights

The brake lights come on automatically when the brakes are applied.

Adaptive brake lights

The adaptive brake lights activate in the event of sudden braking or if the ABS system is activated. This function causes an additional taillight on each side of the vehicle to illuminate to help alert vehicles traveling behind.

The adaptive brake lights activate if:

• The ABS system activates for more than approximately a half second
• In the event of sudden braking while the vehicle is moving at speeds above approximately 6 mph (10 km/h)

When the vehicle has come to a stop, the brake lights and additional taillights remain on for as long as the brake pedal is depressed or until braking force on the vehicle is reduced.

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, considerably higher pressure will be required on the brake pedal to compensate 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 when towing a trailer. 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.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

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 that could lead to a skid.

The system performs a brief self-diagnostic test when the engine has been started and driver releases the brake pedal. Another automatic test may be performed when the vehicle first reaches a speed of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsate several times and a sound may be audible from the ABS control module, which is normal.

Cleaning the brake discs

Coatings of dirt and water on the brake discs may result in delayed brake function. This delay is minimized by cleaning the brake linings.

Cleaning the brake pads is advisable in wet weather, prior to long-term parking, and after the vehicle has been washed. Do this by braking gently for a short period while the vehicle is moving.

Emergency Brake Assistance

EBA is designed to provide full brake effect immediately in the event of sudden, hard braking. The system is activated by the speed with which the brake pedal is depressed.

When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and pressure in the brake system immediately increases to the maximum level. Maintain full pressure on the brake pedal in order to utilize the system completely. EBA is automatically deactivated when the brake pedal is released.

NOTE

• When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and pressure in the brake system immediately increases to the maximum level. You must maintain full pressure on the brake pedal in order to utilize the system completely. There will be no braking effect if the pedal is released. EBA is automatically 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.

Symbols in the instrument panel

WARNING

If and come on at the same time and the brake level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a brake system-related message is shown in the information display: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician and have the brake system inspected.

TransmissionParking brake