What happens on the S60? Does the parking brake release if power is cut, or does it remain in whatever state it was in when power was lost?

Pull the battery and find out. Or, does the parking brake release have it's own fuse? Pull the fuse and see.

 

It's in the manual...
"Low battery voltage > If the battery voltage is too low, the parking brake cannot be applied or released"
Which is what any reasonable manufacturer would do btw. I wouldn't want to leave my car parked somewhere on a hill, have it ran out of juice, then find my car in a ditch when I come back...

 

So RTM is what you are suggesting ?

 

I had it happen to me very very soon after purchasing my S60 ( Thread link) if you can believe it

 

Did it happen again? Or did the reflash fix it?

 

Hasn't happened again, but I think it wasn't the reflash that fixed it. I just think the system (wipers, heaters, defrost, music) was draining the battery faster than the alternator was able to charge it.

 

Electronic parking brake sucks. I want my mechanical hand brake. Function > Form.

Plus it's easier to have fun in the snow

 

I want my mechanical hand brake. Function > Form.
Plus it's easier to have fun in the snow

UR so right

 

How did they manage to make the car in the "naughty volvo" pull a handbrake turn? Is it possible to make the car do this without locking the back wheels independently?

 

Maybe they used something like the Scandinavian flick.
You can see it here around 40 seconds. The red car on the right of the screen turns a bit left before fully turning right.

 

Now I feel the need to find an empty airfield and give it a try. Or maybe copy the local yoof and do it in the out of town shopping car park overnight?

 

Just be safe

 

I'm wondering if those models might have special programming. Look at about 54 seconds into that video. The rear wheels are locked on the darker S60. It's kinda hard to tell but it looks to me like he's applying throttle while doing it which is contrary to what is stated in the owner manual. ..Not to mention the defeating of the ABS system.

NOTE: In an emergency the parking brake can
be applied when the vehicle is moving
by holding in the control. Braking will be
interrupted when the accelerator pedal
is depressed or the control is released.

 

As I understand it, if you're going faster than a certain speed, pressing the parking brake will not only apply the parking brake but also the normal brake. I can't find it in the manual anymore.