Volvo XC60 Dashboard Warning Lights

Here we cover the dashboard warning lights for the Volvo XC60, which has been manufactured since 2008 and is currently in its second generation. The Volvo XC60 dashboard warning lights detailed below apply to both the first and current second generation, including all model variants. Dashboard display layout and warning lights location vary depending on your model of XC60.

The various warning lights and symbols are used to alert the driver that a certain function has been activated, deactivated, that a system is operating or that there’s a fault. If you’re unsure of a warning light meaning, particularly if the symbol is red, it’s advised that you safely stop the vehicle to find out more information.

Symbol	Warning Light Description / Action
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 triangle warning light. Description: The red warning triangle containing an exclamation mark illuminates to gain the driver's attention due to a fault that may affect the safety or drivability of the car. Along with the warning light, an explanatory text message is displayed on the dashboard information display. This warning light may illuminate in conjunction with other warning symbol.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 triangle warning light. Description: If the red airbag warning light remains illuminated or illuminates while driving, a fault has been detected in one of the car's safety systems. In this circumstance, the system will have deactivated and may not function in the event of an accident. If the passenger airbag is deactivated, the electric seat belt tensioner on the passenger side will also be deactivated. Have the airbag safety system serviced by a Volvo workshop as soon as possible.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 brake warning light. Description: The red brake warning light illuminating represents two issues: ▷ Low brake fluid. ▷ Fault with the brake system. If the brake warning light comes on, it's important to stop when possible to investigate the fault. Firstly, check the brake fluid level. If it is below the MIN mark on the tank, add brake fluid before continuing your journey. The brake system is a sealed unit and the loss of brake fluid must be investigated. If the brake fluid level is normal, drive very carefully to your nearest Volvo workshop to have the brake system inspected. Note On certain models of the XC60, a yellow brake warning light indicates a fault with the parking brake system.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 ABS warning light. Description: ABS, or the 'anti-lock braking system' prevents the wheels from locking while braking and allows maintained steering control. The ABS is tested automatically after the car has started and when the driver releases their foot from the brake pedal. As the engine is started, an automatic function check will see the ABS warning light illuminate for around 2 seconds then go off. If the warning light stays on constantly, it means the ABS has failed. The car's normal brake system is still working, but without the ABS function. This means there's an increases risk of wheels locking. The fault is often due to wheel speed sensors that are subjected to road and weather conditions. Note The yellow ABS warning light may illuminate along with the red brake warning light. This indicates a fault with the ABS.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 parking brake warning light. Description: This symbol illuminates when the parking brake is applied. The parking brake warning light flashes when a fault has arisen. If you are unable to release the parking brake, use the button to apply and release the parking brake. Several attempts may be required. If the battery voltage is low, it may not be possible to release the parking brake. Connect a donor battery if the battery voltage is too low.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 parking automatic brake warning light. Description: The automatic brake when stationary (Auto hold) function allows the driver to release the brake pedal without the vehicle rolling. When the vehicle has stopped, the brakes are activated automatically by either use of the parking brake or foot brake.

	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 tyre pressure loss warning light. Description: This symbol illuminate for two possible reasons: ▷ Low tyre pressure: The tyre pressure monitoring system has detected low pressure in one or more tyres. Reduce speed slowly, avoid harsh steering or braking. Check tyres and replace if necessary. ▷ Tyre pressure monitoring fault: The symbol flashes for approximately one minute then remains on when a fault has arisen with the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This is either due to a fault or due to the system being unable to detect tyre pressures. Always ensure you calibrate / reset the system after pressure changes. See Volvo XC60 tyre pressure reset guide for further information. It may also illuminate when the spare tyre has been fitted. It is not possible to switch off the tyre pressure monitoring system. The TPMS uses ABS sensors to detect changes in tyre rotational speed. If there's a fault with the ABS, the TPMS may be affected.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 engine emissions / check engine warning light. Description: This warning light comes on due to a fault in the emissions system. Often referred to as the 'check engine' warning light or the MIL (malfunction indicator light), it may come on constantly or flash. ▷ Constant: You can continue driving. Often this fault light comes on due to a failing sensor. There may be an increase in fuel consumption. Have vehicle checked by a Volvo workshop as soon as possible. ▷ Flashing: If the check engine warning light flashes, it may be more serious. It may relate to an engine misfire which has the potential to damage the engine emissions system / catalytic converter. Reduce speed and avoid heavy acceleration. Have vehicle checked by a Volvo workshop immediately.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 Snowflake warning light. Description: The snowflake warning light will come on when the outside temperature is in the range –5 °C to +2 °C (23 °F to 36 °F). The snowflake symbol lights up and warns of potentially slippery conditions.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 oil warning light. Description: This symbol illuminating means the engine oil pressure is too low. If driving, pull off the road as soon as safely possible and stop the engine. Allow a few minuted for the oil to settle and check the oil levels. Top up if necessary. If the oil warning light remains on after adding oil or if the oil level is already normal, do not start the engine. Using a vehicle with low oil pressure means that engine components may not be sufficiently lubricated resulting in significant engine damage. Contact a Volvo workshop. Oil levels Oil levels are indicated by the warning light and a message in the dashboard instrument display. ▷ Message: Engine oil level Service required. This indicates that the oil level is too high and surplus requires draining. Have vehicle booked in to Volvo workshop. ▷ Message: Engine oil level low Refill 1 litre. This message indicates that the engine oil level is too low and requires topping up by the specified amount.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 oil warning light. Description: If the battery warning light comes on while driving it denotes a symptom of a failing alternator. If the battery expires all electrical charge, the engine may shut down. Immediately switch off any electrical utilities that are non-essential and immediately make your way to a repair workshop.

	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 city safe warning light. Description: City Safe is a driver aid that can help to prevent a collision or reduce the collision speed by use of warning lights, sounds or brake pulses. The system can help to brake the vehicle. If there is a risk of collision, the red car warning light will display. The system uses a forward facing camera and radar located at the top of the front windscreen. If this area becomes dirty, the system may not function. An error message will not be shown but the driver must take care to keep the area clean. Additionally, if the unit becomes too hot, this could be due to leaving the vehicle parked under a hot sun for example, the a safety system will prevent it from operating for around 15 minutes. Camera and Radar Always keep the windscreen clear from dirt, snow and frost in the location of the camera and radar.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 high engine temperature warning light. Description: This engine temperature warning symbol illuminates indicating that the coolant is too hot. Due to overheating, engine power may be reduced. ▷ If the warning light is displayed along with the message: Engine temperature High temperature Stop safely. is displayed, pull off the road but leave the engine to run at idle for several minutes to cool down. If after several minutes the warning light remains on, switch off the engine and allow more time for the engine to cool.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 low coolant level warning light. Description: This warning light illuminates when the engine temperature is getting due to the engine coolant being low. ▷ If the warning light is displayed along with the message: Engine temperature, High temperature Turn off engine or Engine coolant Level low, turn off engine. is displayed, stop the car and switch off the engine. Leave for several minutes for the engine to cool and check coolant levels. If the coolant level is low, top it up. If the warning light goes off, you can continue driving but the reason for the loss of coolant must be inspected. Have the vehicle check by a Volvo workshop as soon as possible.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 hot gearbox / transmission warning light. Description: The cog and thermometer warning symbol means that the gearbox / transmission is too hot and requires driver intervention to avoid damage. ▷ If the warning light is displayed along with the message: Transmission warm Reduce speed to lower temperature or Transmission hot Stop safely, wait for cooling is displayed, reduce speed or safely stop the car but keep the engine running at idle for several minutes to allow the gearbox to cool down. During this situation, a built-in protection function is activated that triggers an alternative gear shift program designed to help protect the gearbox. When the gearbox has sufficiently cooled and the warning light goes off, the gearbox function will return to normal.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 information warning light. Description: The information symbol illuminates when a non-urgent system is not working as it should. Text informing you of the issues will also appear on the dashboard information display. This warning light may illuminate alongside other warning lights.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 ABL warning light. Description: ABL or 'Active Bending Lights' offer the driver better visibility while driving around corners at night due to the headlights following steering movements. This warning light illuminates when a fault has been detected with the ABL system or if another fault has occurred in the headlamp system.

	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 AMB warning light. Description: AMB or 'Active Main Beam' enables the driver to keep the headlights on main beam continuously even when another car approaches. The system prevents dazzle by shading out only as much of the full beam as necessary. Unavailable If the AMB / AHB (Active High Beam) warning light comes on with an exclamation mark it means the system is temporarily unavailable. This may be due to fog or heavy rain.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 speed limit warning light. Description: The speed limit warning light illuminates when the vehicle is exceeding the speed of the set values. On first use, the default set values are 30, 45 and 55 mph (50, 70 and 90 km/h).
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 car key not found warning light. Description: This warning light illuminates when the car has difficulties reading the remote control key during engine start. The vehicle can still be started, even with a failing battery in the remote control. Place the key on the key symbol in the cup holder and try stating the engine again.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 rear child lock warning light. Description: This warning light illuminates when the rear child safety lock has been activated or deactivated.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 alarm fault warning light. Description: The car and lock symbol means there's a fault in the alarm system. A message is also displayed : Alarm system failure Service required. In this instance, it's advised to take your vehicle to a Volvo workshop. Any attempts to alter the alarm components yourself may render your vehicle insurance void. If you are having trouble unlocking the car and deactivating the alarm, even without functioning remote control key: 1. Open the driver's door with the detachable key blade. In this instance the alarm will sound. 2. Place the remote control key on the key symbol in the backup reader in the tunnel console's cup holder. 3. Turn the start knob clockwise and release it. The alarm is now deactivated.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 ESC warning light. Description: ESC or 'Electronic Stability Control' is a drivers's aid that helps the driver to avoid skidding and improves the car's traction. The warning light comes on for two reasons: ▷ Flashes: This means the system is actively operating. ▷ Illuminates: This means there's a fault with the system. As ESC shares system components with the ABS, it may be related to ABS sensors. It is safe to continue driving but be cautious as the driving aid will not be in operation.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 cruise control warning light. Description: Cruise control (CC) helps the driver maintain an even, constant speed without need for using the accelerator pedal. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) uses the same technology as CC, but also adapts vehicle speed in relation to a safe following distance to the vehicle's ahead.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 cruise control warning light. Description: The parking sensors symbol with a strike through it means that rear parking sensors are deactivated and will not assist the driver while reversing.

	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 AMB warning light. Description: This warning light illuminates along with an audible alert and a message: 'Time to take a break.' if driving behaviour becomes inconsistent.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 lane assist warning light. Description: Lane assist warns the driver if they are about to leave their lane when they have not indicated. The system uses warning lights, steering vibrations and steers the driver back into their lane.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 start stop warning light. Description: The automatic engine start / stop function (auto stop) temporarily stops the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop. When doing so, this green symbol illuminates on the dashboard display. If auto stop is unavailable, a symbol with a strike through it is displayed. For further information on the possible reasons why auto stop is not operational, see Volvo XC60 start stop not working.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 active suspension warning light. Description: This active suspension warning light illuminates along with a message when active suspension has been deactivated, requires a service or has a fault.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 front fog warning light. Description: This warning light illuminates when the front fog lights are activated.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 rear fog warning light. Description: This warning light illuminates when the rear fog lights are activated.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 AdBlue warning light. Description: AdBlue is an additive that is fed into the exhaust to reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines. AdBlue is required for legal emissions compliance and as such, a warning system is used to inform the driver that the AdBlue tank is running low or empty. The AdBlue warning light will come on when fluids are running low and the warning light will turn red when levels have exhausted. In this situation, when the engine has been switched off, engine start will be prohibited until at least 4.5 litres of AdBlue have been filled into the tank.
	Warning light name: Volvo XC60 parking heater warning light. Description: Preconditioning is a climate function which attempts to reach a comfortable temperature in the passenger compartment before departure. This warning light illuminates in the driver dashboard display when the parking heater is active.