Volvo S60: Stability system

Volvo S60: Stability system

• Introduction
• Operation

Introduction

The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system (DSTC) consists of a number of functions designed help reduce wheel spin, counteract skidding, and to generally help improve directional stability.

CAUTION

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 DSTC's permanent functions and cannot be switched off.

Active Yaw Control (AYC)

This function helps maintain directional stability, for example when cornering, by braking one or more of the wheels if the vehicle shows a tendency to skid or slide laterally.

This is one of 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.

Corner Traction Control – CTC

CTC compensates for understeering and helps provide additional stability when accelerating through a curve by preventing the inside wheel from spinning. This is particularly useful when accelerating on a curving highway on-ramp.

CTC is most effective if the stability system's Sport mode is selected. See the section about Sport mode.

Engine Drag Control (EDC)

EDC helps keep the engine running if the wheels show a tendency to lock, e.g., when shifting down in the Geartronic manual shifting mode or while using the engine's braking function on a slippery surface. If the engine were to stop, power steering would not function, making the vehicle more difficult to steer.

Trailer Stability Assist – TSA*

Trailer Stability Assist helps stabilize a vehicle that is towing a trailer when the vehicle and trailer have begun to sway. See page 263 for more information.

This system is automatically deactivated if the driver selects Sport mode.

Operation

Sport mode

The stability system is always activated and cannot be switched off.

However, the driver can select Sport mode, which offers more active driving characteristics. In this mode, the engine management system monitors movement of the accelerator pedal and steering wheel for sportier driving by allowing more lateral movement of the rear wheels before DSTC is activated.

Under certain circumstances, such as when driving with snow chains, or driving in deep snow or loose sand, it may be advisable to temporarily use Sport mode for maximum tractive force.

If the driver releases pressure on the accelerator pedal, DSTC will also activate to help stabilize the vehicle.

To switch to Sport mode:

1. Press the My Car button in the center console control panel and select My S60 DSTC in the menu.

2. Unselect the symbol and leave the menu by pressing EXIT.

> This puts DSTC in Sport mode.

Sport mode remains active until the driver switches it off in the menu or until the engine is switched off. DSTC will return to normal mode when the engine is restarted.

Symbols and messages in the main instrument panel

WARNING

The stability system is intended to help improve driving safety. It supplements, but can never replace, the driver's judgment and responsibility when operating the vehicle. Speed and driving style should always be adapted to traffic and road conditions.

Trip computerActive chassis system–Four C*