Volvo S60 2021-2023 Lighting User Manual
For model years 2021 to 2023, the Volvo S60’s lighting features are a smooth blend of innovation and safety, making the car look better and making it easier for the driver to see. From eye-catching LED headlights that light up the road ahead with clarity and precision to unique daytime running lights that give the S60 a signature look, the outer lighting draws attention and makes driving safer. Automatic on/off headlights and adaptive lighting systems make driving easier by changing to the environment and giving the best amount of light for each situation. The Volvo S60’s interior lighting creates a sophisticated atmosphere, and the ambient lighting can be changed so that you can set the setting of the cabin to your liking. LED indoor lighting not only makes a room look more stylish, but it also saves energy and lasts longer. Features like ambient lighting and automatic headlight leveling show how much Volvo cares about improving the drive experience as a whole. Also, cornering lights light up the corners as you turn the wheel, making it easier to see when turning, especially at slower speeds. When you approach the car, puddle lights near the doors slowly light up the ground. This is a useful addition to the S60’s lighting. Overall, the lighting features in the Volvo S60 from model years 2021 to 2023 are a seamless blend of style and function. They offer advanced exterior lighting for safety and looks, customizable interior lighting for mood, and new features that make driving safer and more enjoyable.
Lighting
Lighting control
Different lighting controls are used to control both exterior and interior lighting. The left-hand stalk switch activates and adjusts the exterior lighting. The interior brightness is adjusted using a thumbwheel on the instrument panel.
Exterior lighting
Rotating ring in the left-hand stalk switch.
When the car’s electrical system is in ignition position II, the following functions are available for the rotating ring’s different positions:
Adjusting light functions via the centre display
| Position | Specification |
| 0 | Daytime running lights.
Main beam flash can be used. |
 |
Daytime running lights and position lamps.
Position lamps when the car is parked. A Main beam flash can be used. |
 |
Dipped beam and position lamps.
Main beam can be activated. Main beam flash can be used. |
| Position | Specification |
 |
Daytime running lights and position lamps in daylight. Dipped beam and position lamps in weak daylight or dark- ness, or when the front fog lamp* and/or rear fog lamp are activated. The Active main beam function can be activated. Main beam can be activated when dipped beam is switched on. Main beam flash can be used. |
 |
Active main beam on/off. |
If the car is stationary but running, the rotating ring can be moved to position from another position to switch on only the position lamps instead of other lighting.
Volvo recommends that Auto mode is used when the vehicle is driven.
WARNING
The car’s lighting system is not able to determine when daylight is too weak or sufficiently strong, e.g. in fog and rain, in all situations.
The driver is always responsible for ensuring that the car is driven with a beam pattern suitable for the traffic situation and in accordance with applicable traffic regulations.
Thumbwheel in the instrument panel
Thumbwheel (top left) for adjusting interior brightness.
Related information
- Adjusting light functions via the centre display (p. 153)
Interior lighting (p. 163)
Position lamps (p. 154) - Using direction indicators (p. 158)
- Using the main beam (p. 156)
- Dipped beam (p. 155)
Front fog lamps/cornering lights* (p. 160) - Rear fog lamp (p. 161)
- Active bending lights* (p. 159)
Brake lights (p. 161)
Emergency brake lights (p. 162)
Hazard warning flashers (p. 162)
Adjusting light functions via the centre display
Several light functions can be adjusted and activated via the centre display. This applies to the active main beam, home safe lighting and approach light, for example.
- Tap on Settings in the centre display’s top view.
- Press My Car Lights and Lighting.
- Select Exterior Lights or Interior Lighting and then select the function that needs to be adjusted.
Related information
- Lighting control (p. 152)
- Active main beam (p. 157)
- Using home-safe lighting (p. 163)
- Approach light duration (p. 163)
- Using direction indicators (p. 158)
- Other settings in the centre display’s top view (p. 131)
- Function view in the centre display (p. 121)
Adapting the headlamp pattern from the headlamps
The headlamp pattern can be reset when changing from right to left-hand traffic, and vice versa. This function adapts the light from the headlamps to reduce the risk of dazzling oncoming traffic.
- Tap on Settings in the centre display’s top view.
- Press My Car Lights and Lighting Exterior Lights.
- Select Temporary Right-Hand Traffic/Temporary Left-Hand Traffic.
NOTE
Active bending lights are not available when the headlamp pattern is temporarily adapted from left to right-hand traffic, or vice-versa.
Related information
- Other settings in the centre display’s top view (p. 131)
Function view in centre display (p. 121)
Active bending lights* (p. 159)
Position lamps
Position lamps can be used so that other road users can see the car if it stops or is parked. The position lamp is switched on with the rotating ring on the stalk switch.
Stalk switch rotating ring in position lamps position.
Turn the rotating ring to the position -the position lamps are switched on (number plate lighting is switched on at the same time).
If the car’s electrical system is in ignition position II then the daytime running lights are switched on instead of the front position lamps. When the rotating ring is in this position, the position lamps are switched on regardless of the ignition position of the car’s electrical system.
If the car is stationary but running, the rotating ring can be moved to the position lamp position from another position to switch on only the position lamps instead of other lighting.
When driving for more than 30 seconds at max. 10 km/h (approx. 6 mph), or if the speed exceeds 10 km/h (approx. 6 mph), the daytime running lights are switched on. The driver
should turn to a position other than .
If the boot lid is opened when it is dark out-side, the rear position lamps are switched on (if not already switched on) to warn road users approaching from behind. This takes place irrespective of the position of the rotating ring or the ignition position of the car’s electrical system.
Related information
Daytime running lights
The car has sensors that detect the light conditions in the surroundings. The daytime running lights are switched on when the rotating ring on the stalk switch is in position , or as well as when the car’s electrical system is in ignition position II. In position , the headlamps change automatically to dipped beam in weak daylight or darkness.
Stalk switch rotating ring in AUTO position.
If the stalk switch rotating ring is in the position, the daytime running lights (DRL1) are switched on when the car is driven in daylight. The car automatically changes lighting from daytime running light to dipped beam in weak daylight or darkness. Changing to dipped beam also takes place if the front fog lamp* and/or rear fog lamp are activated.
WARNING
This system help to save energy – it cannot determine in all situations when daylight is too weak or sufficiently strong, e.g. in mist and rain.
The driver is always responsible for ensuring that the car is driven with the correct beam pattern for the traffic situation and in accordance with applicable traffic regulations.
Related information
Dipped beam
When driving with the stalk switch’s rotating ring in the position, dipped beam is activated automatically in weak daylight or darkness or when the car’s electrical system is in ignition position II.
Stalk switch rotating ring in AUTO position.
With the stalk switch’s rotating ring in position, dipped beam is also activated automatically if:
- The front fog lamps* are activated
The rear fog lamp is activated
The front and rear fog lamps are activated With the stalk switch’s rotating ring in the position, dipped beam is always activated when the car’s electrical system is in ignition position II. - Tunnel detection
The car detects when it is driven into a tunnel and switches from daytime running lights to dipped beam.
Note that the rotating ring in the left-hand from the headlamp stalk switch must be in detection to work.
Related information
Using main beam
Main beam is operated with the left-hand stalk switch. Main beam is the car’s strongest lighting and should be used when driving in the dark for better visibility, as long as it does not dazzle other road users.
Steering wheel stalk switch with rotating ring.
Main beam flash
- Move the stalk switch backwards slightly to main beam flash position. The main beam comes on until the stalk switch is released.
Main beam - Main beam can be activated when the steering wheel stalk switch’s rotating ring is in position 2 or . Activate the main beam by moving the stalk switch for-wards.
Deactivate by moving the stalk switch backwards.
When main beam has been activated the symbol illuminates in the driver display.
Related information
Active main beam
Active main beam is a function which uses a camera sensor at the top edge of the wind-screen to detect the headlamp beams from oncoming traffic or the rear lights of vehicles in front, and then switches from main beam to dipped beam.
The symbol represents active main beam.
The function can start while driving in the dark when the car’s speed is approx. 20 km/h (approx. 12 mph) or higher. The function can also take streetlights into account. When the camera sensor no longer detects any oncoming car or car in front, main beam is switched on again after about a second.
Activate active main beam
Active main beam is activated and deactivated by turning the left-hand stalk switch to position . The rotating ring then returns to position Auto . When active main beam is activated, the symbol illuminates with a white glow in the driver display. When main beam is activated, the symbol shines blue.
If active main beam is deactivated while main beam is on, the lighting is immediately reset to dipped beam.
Active main beam does not need to be reactivated every time the car is started.
Adaptive functionality
For cars with LED3 headlamps*, active main beam has adaptive functionality4. In this case, unlike what happens during conventional dimming, the light beam continues to illuminate with main beam on both sides of oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead – only the part of the light beam that points directly to the vehicle is dimmed.
Adaptive functionality: Dipped beam directly towards oncoming vehicle, but continued main beam on both sides of the vehicle.
The main beam is partly dimmed, i.e. if the light beam shines with slightly more than dipped beam, the symbol in the driver display shines blue.
Limitations for active main beam The camera sensor on which the function is based has limitations.
The same applies if this symbol is shown together with the message Windscreen sensor Sensor blocked, see Owner’s manual.
Active main beam may be temporarily unavailable e.g. in situations with dense fog or heavy rain. When active main beam becomes available again, or the windscreen sensors are no longer blocked, the message goes out and the symbol illuminates.
WARNING
Active main beam is an aid for using the optimum beam pattern when conditions are favorable.
The driver always bears responsibility for manually switching between main and dipped beam when traffic situations or weather conditions so require.
Related information
Using direction indicators
The car’s direction indicators are operated with the left-hand stalk switch. The direction indicator lamps flash three times or continuously, depending on how far up or down the stalk switch is moved.
Direction indicators.
Short flash sequence
- Move the stalk switch up or down to the first position and release. The direction indicator lamps flash three times. If the function is deactivated via the centre dis-play, the lamps will flash once.
NOTE- This automatic flashing sequence can be stopped by moving the stalk switch immediately in the opposite direction.
- If the symbol for direction indicators in the driver display flashes more quickly than normal see the message in the driver display.
Continuous flash sequence
- Move the stalk switch up or down to its end position.
The stalk switch remains in its position and is moved back manually, or automatically by the steering wheel movement.
Related information
Active bending lights*
Active bending lights are designed to provide additional illumination in bends and junctions. Cars with LED5 headlamps* can have active bending lights, depending on the car’s equipment level.
Headlamp pattern with function deactivated (left) and activated (right) respectively.
Active bending lights follow steering wheel movements to provide additional illumination in bends and junctions and can thereby provide the driver with improved visibility.
The function is activated automatically when the car is started. In the event of a fault in the function, the symbol illuminates in the driver display at the same time as the driver display shows an explanatory text.
The function is only active in weak daylight or darkness and only when the car is moving and the dipped beam is switched on.
Deactivating/activating the function is activated when the car is supplied from the factory and can be deactivated/activated via the centre display’s function view.
Press the Active Bending Lights button.
Related information
- Adjusting light functions via the centre display (p. 153)
- Front fog lamps/cornering lights* (p. 160)
Front fog lamps/cornering lights
The fog lights are activated manually when driving in fog and automatically when reversing in order to complement the reversing light.
If the car is fitted with cornering lights*, the fog lights come on automatically in dull daylight or darkness in order to light up the area diagonally in front of the car.
Button for front fog lamps.
The rear fog lamps can only be switched on when the car’s electrical system is in ignition position II and the rotating ring on the stalk switch is in position , or .
Press the button to activate and deactivate.
The symbol illuminates in the driver display when the front fog lamps are switched on.
The front fog lamps switch off automatically when the car is switched off or when the rotating ring on the stalk switch is set to position.
NOTE
Regulations on the use of fog lamps vary from country to country.
Cornering lights*
The front fog lamps can include the cornering lights function, which temporarily illuminates the area diagonally in front of the car in the direction the steering wheel is turned on a sharp bend, or in the direction shown by the direction indicators.
The function is activated in weak daylight or darkness when the stalk switch’s rotating ring is in the or position and the speed of the car is lower than approx. 30 km/h (approx. 20 mph).
In addition, both cornering lights are switched on as a supplement to the reversing lamp during reversing.
The function is activated when the car is sup-plied from the factory and can be activated and deactivated via the centre display.
Related information
- Lighting control (p. 152)
- Ignition positions (p. 430)
- Rear fog lamp (p. 161)
- Active bending lights* (p. 159)
- Adjusting light functions via the centre display (p. 153)
Rear fog lamp
The rear fog lamp is considerably stronger than the normal rear lights and should only be used in reduced visibility due to fog, snow, smoke or dust so that other road users have an early warning of a vehicle ahead.
Button for rear fog lamp.
The rear fog lamp is a lamp at the rear of the car, on the driver’s side.
The rear fog lamp can only be switched on when:
- Ignition position II is active and the rotating ring on the stalk switch is in position Auto Or The stalk switch’s rotating ring is in position and the front fog lamps are switched on.
- Press the button to switch the lights on/off.
The symbol in the driver display illuminates when the rear fog lamp is switched on. - The rear fog lamp is switched off automatically when:
- The car is switched off or when the rotating ring on the stalk switch is set to the position.
- The stalk switch’s rotating ring is in position and the front fog lamps are switched off.
NOTE
Regulations on the use of rear fog lamps vary from country to country.
Related information
Brake lights
The brake light automatically comes on during braking.
The brake light is illuminated when the brake pedal is depressed and when the car is braked automatically by one of the driver support systems.
Related information
Emergency brake lights
Emergency brake lights are activated to alert vehicles behind about heavy braking.
The function means that the brake light flashes instead of – as in normal braking -shining with a constant glow.
The emergency brake lights are activated during heavy braking or if the ABS system is activated at high speeds.
After the driver brakes to a low speed and then releases the brake, the brake light returns to normal glow.
The car’s hazard warning flashers are activated at the same time. These flash until the driver accelerates the car to a higher speed again or switches off the car’s hazard warning flashers.
Related information
Hazard warning flashers
Hazard warning flashers warn other road users by means of all of the car’s direction indicators being activated simultaneously. The function can be used to give a warning in the event of traffic hazards.
Button for hazard warning flashers.
Press the button to activate the hazard warning flashers.
The hazard warning flashers are automatically activated when the car brakes so powerfully that the emergency brake lights are activated and the speed is low. The hazard warning flashers start to flash after the emergency brake lights have stopped flashing and are then deactivated automatically when the car drives away again or are deactivated if the but-ton is depressed.
NOTE
Regulations for the use of hazard warning flashers may vary between countries.
Related information
Using home-safe lighting
Some of the exterior lightings can be kept switched on to work as home-safe lighting after the car has been locked.
To activate the function:
- Switch off the car.
- Move the left-hand stalk switch forward toward the instrument panel and release.
- Get out of the car and lock the door.
- A symbol in the driver display is illuminated to indicate that the function is activated and outer lighting is switched on: Position lamps, headlamp beams, number plate lighting and lighting in outer handles*.
The length of time that home safe lighting remains on can be set via the centre display.
Related information
Approach light duration
Approach lighting is switched on when the car is unlocked and is used to switch on the car’s lighting at a distance.
The function is activated when the remote control key is used for unlocking. In daylight, position lamps, interior roof lamps, floor lights and cargo area lighting are activated. In ready light or darkness, number plate lighting and lighting in the outer handles are also activated* with their light source aimed towards the ground.
The lighting stays on for approx. 2 minutes if no doors are opened. If a door is opened within the activation time, the time for the interior lighting and lighting in the outer handles* will be extended.
The function can be activated and deactivated via the centre display.
Related information
- Adjusting light functions via the centre display (p. 153)
Using home-safe lighting (p. 163)
Remote control key (p. 246)
Interior lighting
The passenger compartment is equipped with several types of lighting, e.g. general interior lighting, adjustable decor illumination and reading lighting.
All lighting in the passenger compartment can be switched on and off manually at least 5 minutes from when:
- The car has been switched off and its electrical system is in ignition position 0
The car has been unlocked but it has not yet been started.
Front roof lighting
Controls in roof console for the front reading lamps and passenger compartment lighting.
- Reading lamp, left-hand side
- Passenger compartment lighting
- Auto function for passenger compartment lighting
- Reading lamp, right-hand side
Reading lighting
The reading lamps on the right and left-hand sides can be turned on and off by briefly pressing the buttons in the roof console. Brightness is adjusted by holding the button pressed in.
Passenger compartment lighting
The floor lighting and interior roof lighting are switched on or off with a short press on the button in the roof console.
Auto function for passenger compartment lighting
The automatic function is activated by a short press on the AUTO button in the roof console. With the automatic system activated, the light indicator in the button illuminates and the pas-senger compartment lighting is switched on and off according to the following.
The passenger compartment lighting comes on when:
- The car is unlocked
- The car is switched off
- A side door is opened.
The passenger compartment lighting goes off when:
- The car is locked
- The car is started
- A side door is closed
- A side door has remained open for approx. 2 minutes.
Rear roof lighting
The rear area of the car has reading lighting, which is also used as passenger compartment lighting.
Reading lamps above the rear seat
In cars with panoramic roofs* there are two lamp units, one on each side of the roof.
The reading lamps are switched on or off by briefly pressing the button on the lamp. Brightness is adjusted by holding the button pressed in.
Glovebox lighting
Glovebox lighting is switched on and off respectively when the lid is opened or closed.
Sun visor mirror lighting*
The lighting for the mirror in the sun visor is switched on and off respectively when the cover is opened or closed.
Ground lighting*
The ground lighting is switched on or off when the corresponding door is opened or closed.
Lighting in the cargo area
The lighting in the cargo area is switched on or off when the boot lid is opened or closed.
Decor lighting
The ambient light is switched on when you open the doors and is switched off when the car is locked. The intensity of the decor lighting can be adapted in the centre display and also precisely adjusted using the thumbwheel in the instrument panel.
Ambience lights*
The car is equipped with LEDs that make it possible to change the colour of the light. These lights are switched on when the car is running. The ambience light can be adapted in the centre display and also precisely adjusted using the thumbwheel in the instrument panel.
Lighting in storage compartments in doors
The lighting in the storage compartments in the doors is switched on when you open the doors and is switched off when the car is locked. The brightness can be precisely adjusted using the thumbwheel in the instrument panel.
Lighting in the tunnel console’s front cup holder
The lighting in the front cup holders is switched on when the car is unlocked and is switched off when the car is locked. The brightness can be precisely adjusted using the thumbwheel in the instrument panel.
Related information
- Adjusting interior lighting (p. 165)
- Lighting control (p. 152)
- Ignition positions (p. 430)
- Passenger compartment interior (p. 582)
Adjusting interior lighting
The lamps inside the car come on differently depending on the ignition position used. The interior lighting can be adjusted with a thumbwheel in the instrument panel, and certain light functions can also be adjusted via the centre display.
The thumbwheel on the instrument panel, to the left of the steering wheel, is used to adjust the brightness of the display lighting, controls lighting, ambient decor illumination and ambience light*.
Adjusting ambient decor illumination
- Press Settings in the top view in the centre display.
- Press My Car Lights and Lighting Interior Lighting.
- Choose between the following settings:
- Under Ambient Light Intensity, select from Off, Low and High.
- Under Ambient Light Level, select from Reduced and Full.
Adjusting ambience light*
The car is equipped with a number of LEDs that make it possible to change the colour of the light. These lights are switched on when the car is running.
Changing the brightness of the lights
- Press Settings in the top view in the centre display.
- Press My Car Lights and Lighting Interior Lighting Interior Mood Lighting.
- Under Interior Mood Light Intensity, select from Off, Low and High.
Changing the colour of the light
- Press Settings in the top view in the centre display.
- Press My Car Lights and Lighting Interior Lighting Interior Mood Lighting.
- Choose between By Temperature and By Colour in order to change the colour of the light.
With the By Temperature option, the light changes according to the set passen-ger compartment temperature.
With the By Colour option, the Theme Colours subcategory can be used to adjust further.
Related information
- Interior lighting (p. 163)
- Adjusting light functions via the centre display (p. 153)
- Ignition positions (p. 430)
FAQ
The Volvo S60 typically offers various exterior lighting elements such as headlights, daytime running lights, fog lights, turn signal lights, and brake lights.
The Volvo S60 might offer options like LED headlights, adaptive headlights, or even advanced systems like “Thor’s Hammer” signature LED headlights.
Depending on the trim and options, the S60 might offer adaptive headlights that adjust their intensity and direction based on driving conditions.
Yes, many vehicles, including the S60, usually have automatic headlights that turn on when it gets dark and off when it’s bright.
Yes, LED daytime running lights are often a standard or available feature on modern Volvo models like the S60.
Some S60 models might offer automatic high-beam headlights that adjust between high and low beams based on detected traffic.
The interior lighting brightness might be adjustable in the S60 through the vehicle’s settings.
Yes, ambient lighting is a common feature on modern vehicles, including the S60, that offers customizable interior lighting accents.
LED tail lights are often standard or available on modern vehicles, including the Volvo S60.
Some S60 models might offer automatic headlight leveling to ensure proper illumination without blinding other drivers.
Cornering lights illuminate the area in the direction you’re turning, enhancing visibility during turns at low speeds.
Volvo might offer lighting packages that include advanced lighting features and additional customization options.
Yes, the S60 might have LED interior lighting that provides better illumination and efficiency compared to traditional bulbs.
Depending on the trim level and options, the S60 might offer customizable ambient lighting colors.
Some S60 models might offer puddle lights that illuminate the ground near the doors when you approach the vehicle.
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Useful Link
- View Full PFD: Volvo S60 2021-2023 User Manual | Autouser Guide
Volvo S60 2021-2023 Displays and Voice Control User Manual