Volvo XC90 (2019 year). Manual - part 27

When LSC with HDC is activated, the feel of
the accelerator pedal and engine response
will change.

This drive mode is not designed to be used
for normal street driving.

Activating and deactivating Low Speed Con-
trol* using the function button (p. 452)

The function is deactivated when driving at
high speeds and must be reactivated at lower
speeds if so desired.

Related information

•

•

Hill Descent Control* (p. 453)

•

•

All Wheel Drive (AWD)* (p. 438)

Activating and deactivating Low

Speed Control* using the function

button

There is a function button for driving at low
speeds with

Hill Descent Control

in the center

display's Function view if the vehicle is not
equipped with a drive mode control in the tunnel
console.

Selecting Low Speed Control in the
center display's Function view

–

Tap the

Hill Descent Control

button to

activate or deactivate the function.

> An indicator light in the button will illumi-

nate when the function is activated.

When the engine is switched off, the function will
be automatically deactivated.

Low Speed Control* (p. 451)

The function is deactivated when driving at
high speeds and must be reactivated at lower
speeds if so desired.

Related information

•

•

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

453

Hill Descent Control*

The function for assisting when driving downhill,
Hill Descent Control (HDC), is a low-speed
function with increased engine braking. The
function makes it possible to increase or
decrease the vehicle's speed on steep downhill
gradients by only using the accelerator pedal,
without applying the brakes.

In vehicles equipped with drive mode control*,
the function is included in the Off Road drive
mode.

HDC is designed for driving on rough roads at
low speeds and downhill gradients with slippery
or otherwise difficult road surfaces. The driver
does not need to use the brake pedal but can
instead focus on steering.

WARNING

HDC is only intended to be a supplementary

braking aid and it does not function in all sit-

uations.
The driver is always ultimately responsible for

operating the vehicle in a safe manner.

Function

Hill Descent Control allows the vehicle to move
forward or backward at very low speeds assisted
by the brake system. The driver can increase the
speed by pressing the accelerator pedal. When
the accelerator pedal is released, the vehicle will

return to very low speed regardless of how steep
the hill is and without the brakes needing to be
applied. The brake lights will illuminate when the
function is activated.

The driver can brake to stop or slow the vehicle
at any time by depressing the brake pedal.

HDC is activated along with Low Speed Control
(LSC), which facilitates and improves traction and
control on rough and slippery surfaces. The sys-
tem is intended to be used at low speeds, up to
approximately 40 km/h (25 mph).

To keep in mind when using HDC

•

If the function is switched off while driving on
a steep downhill gradient, braking effect will
be gradually reduced.

•

HDC can be used in gear positions D and R,
and in manual gears 1 or 2.

•

It is not possible to manually shift to third
gear or higher when HDC is active.

When LSC with HDC is activated, the feel of
the accelerator pedal and engine response
will change.

This drive mode is not designed to be used
for normal street driving.

Activating and deactivating Hill Descent Con-
trol* using the function button (p. 454)

The function is deactivated when driving at
high speeds and must be reactivated at lower
speeds if so desired.

Related information

•

•

Low Speed Control* (p. 451)

•

•

All Wheel Drive (AWD)* (p. 438)

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

454

Activating and deactivating Hill

Descent Control* using the function

button

There is a function button for assistance on
steep gradients with

Hill Descent Control

the center display's Function view if the vehicle
is not equipped with a drive mode control in the
tunnel console.

Selecting Hill Descent Control in the
center display's Function view

HDC only works at low speeds.

–

Tap the

Hill Descent Control

button to

activate or deactivate the function.

> An indicator light in the button will illumi-

nate when the function is activated.

When the engine is switched off, the function will
be automatically deactivated.

Hill Descent Control* (p. 453)

The function is deactivated when driving at
high speeds and must be reactivated at lower
speeds if so desired.

Related information

•

•

‒ purer driving pleasure (p. 27)

Economical driving

Drive economically and more environmentally
conscious by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid
starts and stops and adapting driving style and
speed to the current traffic conditions.

Observe the following rules:

•

For lower fuel consumption, activate Eco
drive mode.

•

Use the Eco Coast function in drive mode
Eco - engine braking is deactivated, allowing
the vehicle's kinetic energy to be used to roll
greater distances.

•

Use gear D as often as possible and avoid
using the kick-down function.

•

For manual gear shifting, use the highest
possible gear for the current traffic situation
and road conditions - fuel consumption is
reduced at lower engine speeds (rpm). Use
the gear indicator

•

Maintain a steady speed and a generous fol-
lowing distance to traffic ahead to minimize
braking.

•

Fuel consumption is increased at high
speeds - air resistance increases with speed.

•

The trip computer's current fuel consumption
indicator can help promote more fuel-effi-
cient driving.

Certain markets only.

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

455

•

Do not warm up the engine by idling. It is
better to begin driving normally immediately
after starting the engine. A cold engine uses
more fuel than a warm engine.

•

Whenever possible, avoid using the vehicle to
drive short distances. The engine does not
have time to reach a normal operating tem-
perature and this leads to increased fuel
consumption.

•

Use engine braking to brake the vehicle,
when this is safe for other road users.

•

Maintain the correct pressure in the tires and
check pressure regularly.

•

The type of tires used could affect fuel con-
sumption - consult a retailer for advice on
suitable tires.

•

Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle
- the heavier the load, the higher the fuel
consumption.

•

Roof loads increase air resistance and
increase fuel consumption. Remove roof
boxes, ski racks, etc. that are not in use.

•

Avoid driving with the windows open.

WARNING

Never turn off the engine while the vehicle is

moving, e.g. when driving downhill. This deac-

tivates certain important systems such as

power steering and brakes.

Other factors that decrease fuel
consumption

•

Dirty air cleaner.

•

Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter.

•

Incorrect front-end alignment.

•

Incorrect wheel alignment.

Some of the above items and others are checked
as part of Volvo's standard maintenance sched-
ule.

Related information

•

Drive-E

•

ECO drive mode (p. 441)

•

Checking tire pressure (p. 551)

Preparing for a long trip

It is important to have the vehicle's systems and
equipment checked carefully before driving long
distances.

Check that:

•

the engine is running properly and that fuel
consumption is normal

•

there are no leaks (fuel, oil or other fluid)

•

the brake pedal is functioning optimally

•

all lights are working

‒ adjust the headlight

height if the vehicle is carrying a heavy load

•

tire tread depth and air pressure are at cor-
rect levels. Change to snow tires when driv-
ing in areas where there is a risk of snowy or
icy roads

•

the start battery is sufficiently charged

•

the wiper blades are in good condition

Related information

•

Checking tire pressure (p. 551)

•

Filling washer fluid (p. 652)

•

Winter driving (p. 456)

•

Economical driving (p. 454)

•

Vehicle modem settings (p. 529)

•

Loading recommendations (p. 582)

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 466)

•

Pilot Assist (p. 319)

STARTING AND DRIVING

456

•

Speed limiter (p. 285)

•

Tire sealing system (p. 566)

Winter driving

It is important to check the vehicle before driving
in cold/snowy conditions to make sure it can be
driven safely.

Before the cold season arrives:

•

Make sure the engine coolant contains 50%
antifreeze. This mixture helps protect the
engine from frost erosion down to
approx. -35 °C (-31 °F). Do not mix different
types of antifreeze as this could pose a
health risk.

•

Keep the fuel tank well filled to prevent con-
densation from forming.

•

Check the viscosity of the engine oil. Oil with
low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-
weather starting and reduces fuel consump-
tion when driving with a cold engine.

Low-viscosity oil should not be used with hard
driving or in hot weather.

•

Check the condition and charge level of the
start battery. Cold weather places greater
demands on the start battery and reduces its
capacity.

•

Use washer fluid containing antifreeze to
help prevent ice from forming in the washer
fluid reservoir.

Slippery driving conditions

For optimal traction and roadholding, Volvo rec-
ommends using snow tires on all wheels when-
ever there is a risk of snow or ice on the road.

Braking on salted roads (p. 426)

Certain countries require use of winter tires
by law. Not all countries permit the use of
studded tires.

Practice driving on slippery surfaces under con-
trolled conditions to learn how the vehicle reacts.

Related information

•

Snow tires (p. 565)

•

Snow chains (p. 565)

•

•

Braking on wet roads (p. 426)

•

Filling washer fluid (p. 652)

•

Start battery (p. 618)

•

Replacing windshield wiper blades (p. 650)

•

Changing rear window wipers (p. 649)

•

Refilling coolant (p. 609)

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

457

Driving through standing water

Driving the vehicle through a deep pool of stand-
ing water on a water-covered roadway is called
fording. This must be done with great caution.

The vehicle can be driven through water up to a
depth of 45 cm (17 in) at no more than walking
speed. Be particularly careful when driving
through flowing water.

When driving through standing water, drive slowly
and do not stop the vehicle. When you have
passed the water, press lightly on the brake pedal
and check that the brakes are functioning prop-
erly. Water, mud, slush, etc. can make the brake
linings slippery, resulting in delayed braking
effect.

•

If the vehicle is equipped with contacts for an
electric heater or trailer coupling, clean these
after driving in water or mud.

•

Do not allow the vehicle to stand in water up
to the sills any longer than absolutely neces-
sary. This could result in electrical malfunc-
tions.

•

Engine damage could occur if water
enters the air cleaner.

•

If water enters the transmission, the lubri-
cating ability of the oils is reduced and
the service life of these systems is short-
ened.

•

Damage to any component, engine,
transmission, turbocharger, differential or
its internal components caused by flood-
ing, vapor lock or insufficient oil is not
covered under warranty.

•

If the engine stalls while the vehicle is in
water, do not attempt to restart it. Have
the vehicle towed out of the water to a
workshop. An authorized Volvo workshop
is recommended. Risk of engine failure.

Low Speed Control* (p. 451)

Because it can be difficult to determine the
water depth, avoid driving through standing or
running water.

Related information

•

Recovery (p. 472)

•

Opening/closing the fuel filler door

The vehicle must be unlocked before the fuel
filler door can be opened

An arrow next to the fuel pump
symbol in the instrument panel
indicates the side of the vehicle
on which the fuel filler door is
located.

1. Open the fuel filler door by pressing lightly

on its rear edge.

2. After refueling, press the fuel filler door

lightly to close it.

Related information

•

Refueling (p. 458)

Only locking and unlocking using the remote key, Passive Entry or Volvo On Call will affect the status of the fuel filler door.

STARTING AND DRIVING

458

Refueling

The fuel tank is equipped with a fuel filling sys-
tem without a cover.

Refueling the vehicle at a service
station

Refueling is done as follows.

1. Turn off the engine and open the fuel filler

door.

2. Select a fuel approved for use in the vehicle.

For more information on approved fuels, see
the section on “Fuel”.

3. Insert the pump's nozzle into the fuel filler

pipe's opening. There are two flaps just
inside the fuel filler pipe and the pump's noz-
zle must push both of these flaps open
before fuel can be added.

4. Avoid overfilling the tank. Do not press the

handle on the filler nozzle again after it has
initially stopped pumping.
> The fuel tank is now filled.

An over-full tank may overflow in hot weather.

mation go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/

Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. In
addition to causing damage to the environ-
ment, gasolines containing alcohol can cause
damage to painted surfaces, which may not
be covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.

Refueling from a fuel container

When filling from a fuel container, use the funnel
provided in a foam block under the floor hatch in
the cargo compartment.

1. Open the fuel filler door.

2. Insert the funnel into the fuel filler pipe's

opening. There are two flaps just inside the
fuel filler pipe and the tube section of the
funnel must push both of these flaps open
before fuel can be added.

WARNING

California Proposition 65

Operating, servicing and maintaining a pas-

senger vehicle can expose you to chemicals

including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide,

phthalates, and lead, which are known to the

State of California to cause cancer and birth

defects or other reproductive harm. To mini-

mize exposure, avoid breathing exhaust, do

not idle the engine except as necessary, serv-

ice your vehicle in a well ventilated area and

wear gloves or wash your hands frequently

when servicing your vehicle. For more infor-

passenger-vehicle.

Related information

•

Opening/closing the fuel filler door (p. 457)

•

Fuel (p. 459)

STARTING AND DRIVING

459

Fuel

Volvo recommends the use of detergent gaso-
line to control engine deposits.

Deposit control gasoline (gasoline with
detergent additives)

Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping injec-
tors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of
deposit control gasolines will help ensure good
driveability and fuel economy. If you are not sure
whether the gasoline contains deposit control
additives, check with the service station operator.

Volvo recommends not using external fuel
injector cleaning systems, e.g. do not add
detergent additives to gasoline before or after
refueling.

Unleaded fuel

All Volvo vehicles have a three-way catalytic con-
verter and must only use unleaded gasoline. US
and Canadian regulations require that pumps
delivering unleaded gasoline are labeled
"UNLEADED". Only the nozzles of these pumps
will fit in your vehicle's fuel filler inlet. It is unlaw-
ful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labeled
"unleaded gasoline only". Leaded gasoline dam-
ages the three-way catalytic converter and the
heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of
leaded gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of

the emission control system and could result in
loss of emission warranty coverage. State and
local vehicle inspection programs will make
detection of misfueling easier, possibly resulting
in emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.

Opening/closing the fuel filler door (p. 457)

Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an
octane enhancing additive called methyl-
cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission
Control System performance may be affected,
and the Check Engine Light (malfunction
indicator light) located on your instrument
panel may light. If this occurs, please return
your vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician for service.

Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers,
"Oxygenated fuels"

Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
"oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or
ethers. In some areas, state or local laws require
that the service pump be marked indicating use
of alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas in
which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not
sure whether there is alcohol or ethers in the
gasoline you buy, check with the service station
operator. To meet seasonal air quality standards,
some areas require the use of "oxygenated" fuel.

Volvo permits the use of the following "oxygen-
ated" fuels. However, the specified octane ratings
must still be met.

Alcohol - Ethanol

Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume
may be used. Ethanol may also be referred to as
Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol".

Ethers - MTBE/ETBE: Fuels containing up to
22% MTBE/ETBE by volume may be used.

Methanol

Do not use gasolines containing methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice can
result in vehicle performance deterioration and
can damage critical parts in the fuel system. Such
damage may not be covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Related information

•

Octane rating (p. 460)

•

•

Refueling (p. 458)

•

Emission controls (p. 461)

STARTING AND DRIVING

460

Octane rating

Volvo requires premium fuel (91 octane

higher) for all T5, T6 and T8 engines, and rec-
ommends AKI 93 for optimal performance and
fuel economy. See decal examples in illustra-
tions 1 and 2.

Minimum octane

Decals

Illustration 1: Sample fuel pump octane label

Illustration 2: Decal on the inside of the fuel filler flap on
vehicles that require premium fuel

TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline

Volvo endorses the use of "TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline" where available to help maintain
engine performance and reliability. TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline meets a new standard jointly
established by leading automotive manufactures
to meet the needs of today's advanced engines.
Qualifying gasoline retailers (stations) will, in
most cases, identify their gasoline as having met
the "TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline" standards.

Information about TOP TIER Detergent Gaso-
line is available at www.toptiergas.com.

Emission controls (p. 461)

When switching to higher octane fuel or
changing gasoline brands, it may be neces-
sary to fill the tank more than once before a
difference in engine operation is noticeable.

Fuel Formulations

Do not use gasoline that contains lead or manga-
nese as a knock inhibitor, and do not use lead
additives. Besides damaging the exhaust emis-
sion control systems on your vehicle, lead has
been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer.

Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent.
Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to
certain forms of cancer. If you live in an area
where you must fill your own gas tank, take pre-
cautions. These may include:

•

standing upwind away from the filler nozzle
while refueling

•

refueling only at gas stations with vapor
recovery systems that fully seal the mouth of
the filler neck during refueling

•

wearing neoprene gloves while handling a
fuel filler nozzle.

AKI (Anti Knock Index) is an average value of RON (Research Octane Number) and MON (Motor Octane Number) - (RON)+(MON)/2

For supplementary information - see the car's Service and Warranty Booklet.

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

461

Use of Additives

With the exception of gas line antifreeze during
winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or
other store-bought additives to your vehicle's
fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse may
damage your engine, and some of these additives
contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not
needlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.

WARNING

Never carry a cell phone that is switched on

while refueling your vehicle. If the phone rings,

this may cause a spark that could ignite gaso-

line fumes, resulting in fire and injury.

WARNING

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless,

and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust

gases. If you ever smell exhaust fumes inside

the vehicle, make sure the passenger com-

partment is ventilated, and immediately return

the vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo

service technician for correction.

Demanding driving

In demanding driving conditions, such as when
towing a trailer or driving in hot weather or for
prolonged periods at high altitudes, it may be a
good idea to switch to a higher-octane fuel (AKI

91 or higher) or to switch to another brand of

gasoline in order to fully utilize the vehicle's
engine capacity and optimize traction.

Related information

•

Fuel (p. 459)

•

Emission controls

Three-way catalytic converter

•

Keep your engine properly tuned. Certain
engine malfunctions, particularly involving the
electrical, fuel or distributor ignition systems,
may cause unusually high three-way catalytic
converter temperatures. Do not continue to
operate your vehicle if you detect engine
misfire, noticeable loss of power or other
unusual operating conditions, such as engine
overheating or backfiring. A properly tuned
engine will help avoid malfunctions that
could damage the three-way catalytic con-
verter.

•

Do not park your vehicle over combustible
materials, such as grass or leaves, which can
come into contact with the hot exhaust sys-
tem and cause such materials to ignite under
certain wind and weather conditions.

•

Excessive starter cranking (in excess of one
minute), or an intermittently firing or flooded
engine can cause three-way catalytic con-
verter or exhaust system overheating.

•

Remember that tampering or unauthorized
modifications to the engine, the Engine Con-
trol Module, or the vehicle may be illegal and
can cause three-way catalytic converter or
exhaust system overheating. This includes:
altering fuel injection settings or compo-
nents, altering emission system components

AKI (Anti Knock Index) is an average value of RON (Research Octane Number) and MON (Motor Octane Number) - (RON)+(MON)/2

STARTING AND DRIVING

462

or location or removing components, and/or
repeated use of leaded fuel.

Unleaded fuel is required for vehicles with
three-way catalytic converters.

Heated oxygen sensors

The heated oxygen sensors monitor the oxygen
content of the exhaust gases. Readings are fed
into a control module that continuously monitors
engine functions and controls fuel injection. The
ratio of fuel to air into the engine is continuously
adjusted for efficient combustion to help reduce
harmful emissions.

Related information

•

Octane rating (p. 460)

•

Fuel (p. 459)

Overheating of engine and

transmission

In demanding driving conditions, such as driving
in mountainous areas or hot weather, there is a
risk of the engine or transmission overheating,
especially when carrying heavy loads.

•

Engine power may be temporarily limited.

•

Remove any auxiliary lights mounted in front
of the grille when driving in hot weather.

•

If the temperature in the engine's cooling
system becomes too high, a warning symbol
will appear in the instrument panel along with
the message

Engine temperature

High

temperature Stop safely

. Pull over to a

safe location and let the engine idle for a few
minutes to cool down.

•

If the message

Engine temperature

High

temperature Turn off engine

Engine

coolant

Level low, turn off engine

is dis-

played, stop the vehicle and turn off the
engine.

•

If the transmission begins to overheat, an
alternative gear shifting program will be
selected. An integrated protective function
will also be activated, the warning symbol will
illuminate and the message

Transmission

warm

Reduce speed to lower

temperature

Transmission hot

Stop

safely, wait for cooling

will be displayed in

the instrument panel. Follow the recommen-
dations given by reducing speed or stopping

the vehicle safely and letting the engine idle
for a few minutes to let the transmission
cool.

•

If the vehicle begins to overheat, the air con-
ditioning may be temporarily switched off.

•

After a prolonged period of driving in
demanding conditions, do not turn off the
engine immediately after stopping.

Refilling coolant (p. 609)

It is normal for the engine's cooling fan to
operate for a short time after the engine is
switched off.

Symbols in the instrument panel

Symbol

Meaning

High engine temperature. Follow
the recommendations provided.

Low coolant level. Follow the rec-
ommendations provided.

Transmission hot/overheated/cool-
ing. Follow the recommendations
provided.

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

463

Related information

•

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 466)

•

Preparing for a long trip (p. 455)

Battery drain

The electrical functions in the vehicle drain the
battery to varying degrees. Avoid using ignition
mode II when the engine is switched off. Use
ignition mode I instead, as this uses less electri-
cal current.

Note that certain accessories may also drain
power from the electrical system. Do not use
functions that use a lot of electrical current when
the engine is turned off. Examples of such func-
tions are:

•

blower

•

headlights

•

windshield wipers

•

audio system (especially at high volume).

If the starter battery voltage is low, a message is
shown in the driver display. The vehicle's energy-
saving function will then turn off or reduce certain
functions, such as the blower and/or the audio
system.

–

Charge the battery by starting the engine
and let it run for at least 15 minutes (driving
charges the battery faster than letting the
engine idle).

Related information

•

Start battery (p. 618)

•

Ignition modes (p. 422)

Jump starting using another battery

If the start battery is discharged, current from
another battery can be used to start the vehicle.

Jumper cable connecting points.

To avoid short circuits or other damage, the fol-
lowing steps are recommended when jump star-
ting the battery using another battery:

1. Put the ignition in mode 0.

2. Make sure the auxiliary battery (the battery

used to jump start the discharged battery)
has a voltage of 12 volts.

3. If the auxiliary battery is in another vehicle,

turn off that vehicle's engine and make sure
that the vehicles are not touching each other.

STARTING AND DRIVING

464

4. Clamp the red jumper cable onto the auxiliary

battery's positive (+) terminal (1).

Connect the jump cable carefully to prevent
short circuits with other components in the
engine compartment.

5. Fold back the cover over your vehicle's posi-

tive (+) jump start terminal (2).

6. Clamp the other end of the red jumper cable

to your vehicle's positive (+) jump start termi-
nal (2).

7. Clamp the black jumper cable onto the auxili-

ary battery's negative (-) terminal (3).

8. Clamp the other end of the black jumper

cable to your vehicle's negative (-) ground
point (4).

9. Make sure the jumper cables are securely

attached to help prevent sparks while jump
starting.

10. Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and

let it run for a few minutes at a higher idling
speed than normal, about 1500 rpm.

11. Start the engine of the vehicle with the dead

battery.

Starting the vehicle (p. 420)

Do not touch the connections between the
cable and the vehicle during the start attempt.
Risk of sparking.

12. Remove the jumper cables in the reverse

order

‒ first the black cables and then the

red cables.

Make sure that none of the clamps of the
black jumper cables come into contact with
either vehicle's positive (+) jump start termi-
nals or either of the red jumper cable's con-
nected clamps.

WARNING

PROPOSITION 65 WARNING! Battery posts,

terminals, and related accessories contain

lead and lead compounds, chemicals known

to the state of California to cause cancer and

reproductive harm. Wash hands after han-

dling.

WARNING

•

Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which
is flammable and explosive.

•

Do not connect the jumper cable to any
part of the fuel system or to any moving
parts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.

•

Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin,
fabrics or painted surfaces.

•

If contact occurs, flush the affected area
immediately with water. Obtain medical
help immediately if eyes are affected.

•

Never expose the battery to open flame
or electric spark. Do not smoke near the
battery. Failure to follow the instructions
for jump starting can lead to injury.

Related information

•

•

Ignition modes (p. 422)

•

Adjusting the steering wheel (p. 205)

•

Selecting ignition mode (p. 423)

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

465

Detachable towbar*

Volvo recommends the use of Volvo towbars
that are specially designed for the vehicle.

Driving with a trailer (p. 466)

The optional detachable trailer hitch may not
be available in all markets or on all models.
Consult your Volvo retailer.

Ball holder

Cotter pin

Towbar assembly

Locking bolt

Safety wire attachment bracket

Installing the ball holder

1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the

locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of
the towbar assembly.

2. Slide the ball holder into the towbar assem-

bly.

3. Align the hole in the ball holder with the one

in the towbar assembly.

4. Slide the locking bolt through the towbar

assembly/ball holder.

5. Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end of

the locking bolt.

WARNING

•

Be sure the towbar is securely locked in
position before attaching anything to it.

•

Always attach the trailer's safety wire
securely to the towbar's safety wire
attachment bracket.

Removing the ball holder

1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt

and slide the locking bolt out of the ball
holder/towbar assembly.

2. Pull the ball holder out of the towbar assem-

bly.

Stowing the ball holder

WARNING

When not in use, the detachable ball holder

should always be properly stowed in the des-

ignated location under the floor of the cargo

compartment.

Related information

•

•

Towing capacity and tongue weight (p. 660)

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

466

Driving with a trailer

There are a number of things to consider when
towing a trailer, such as the towbar, the trailer
and how the load is distributed in the trailer.

Load-carrying capacity is determined by the vehi-
cle's curb weight. The total weight of all passen-
gers and any installed accessories, e.g. towbar,
reduces the vehicle's load-carrying capacity by
the corresponding amount.

•

Towbars used on the vehicle must be
approved for the applicable use.

•

Distribute the load on the trailer so that the
weight on the towbar complies with the
specified maximum towball weight. The
tongue weight is calculated as part of the
vehicle's payload.

•

Increase the tire pressure to the recom-
mended pressure for a full load.

•

The engine is subjected to more load than
usual when towing a trailer.

•

Towing a trailer affects the vehicle's han-
dling, durability and driving economy.

•

Do not drive with a heavy trailer when the
vehicle is very new. Wait until the mileage
has reached at least 1000 km (620 miles).

•

On long and steep downgrades, the vehicle's
brakes are subjected to much more load
than usual. When manually shifting, down-
shift and adapt speed accordingly.

•

Follow applicable regulations regarding per-
mitted speed and weight.

•

Drive slowly when towing a trailer up a long
and steep incline.

•

The maximum trailer weights given only apply
to altitudes up to 1000 meters (3280 feet)
above sea level. At higher altitudes, engine
power (and thus the vehicle's climbing ability)
is decreased due to the reduced air density,
and the maximum trailer weight must there-
fore be reduced. The weight of the vehicle
and trailer must be decreased by 10% for
each additional 1000 m (3280 feet) or part
thereof.

•

Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of more
than 12%.

•

Avoid overloading and other incorrect use.

•

The trailer's brakes must be balanced with
the vehicle's brakes to help ensure safe
stops (follow applicable local regulations).

To facilitate towing a trailer in a vehicle equip-
ped with pneumatic suspension*, select:

•

Dynamic drive mode, or

•

the

Suspension Control

Dynamic

setting in Individual drive mode.

•

Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not
be used on Volvos, nor should safety
chains be attached to the bumper.

•

Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle
rear axle must not be used.

•

Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to the vehicle brake sys-
tem, nor a trailer's lighting system directly
to the vehicle lighting system. Consult
your nearest authorized Volvo retailer for
correct installation.

•

When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety
chains or wire must be correctly fastened
to the attachment points provided in the
trailer hitch on the vehicle. The safety
chain or wire must never be fastened to
or wound around the towing ball.

The optional detachable trailer hitch may not
be available in all markets or on all models.
Consult your Volvo retailer.

Extreme weather conditions, towing a trailer,
driving at high altitudes and fuel quality are
factors that significantly increase a vehicle's
fuel consumption.

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

* Option/accessory.

467

Trailer weights

WARNING

Please adhere to the recommendations provi-

ded for trailer weight. If the recommendations

are not followed, the vehicle and trailer may

be difficult to control during evasive maneu-

vers and braking.