ESP VOLVO XC70 2012 Owner´s Manual

03 Your driving environment
Transmission
03
116
•If you hold the gear selector toward "–", the
transmission will downshift one gear at a
time and will utilize the braking power of
the engine. If the current speed is too high
for using a lower gear, the downshift will
not occur until the speed has decreased
enough to allow the lower gear to be used.
•If you slow to a very low speed, the trans-
mission will automatically shift down.
Shiftlock – Neutral (N)If the gear selector is in the N position and the
vehicle has been stationary for at least 3 sec-
onds (irrespective of whether the engine is run-
ning) then the gear selector is locked.
To be able to move the gear selector from N to
another gear position, the brake pedal must be
depressed and the ignition must be in posi-
tion II, see page 82.
Geartronic–Sport mode (S)2
This transmission mode provides sportier shift-
ing characteristics and enables a more active
driving style by making it possible to drive at
higher rpm in each gear before shifting up. The
engine also responds faster when the throttle
pedal is pressed.
To access Sport mode from Drive (D), move the
gear selector to the right. The transmission willnot switch to manual shifting mode until the
gear selector is moved forward or rearward
toward + or –.
Sport mode can be selected any time.
NOTE
•When the transmission is in Sport
mode, the transmission symbol in the
main instrument panel will change from
D to S (see page 75).
•Please be aware that using Sport mode
may result in a slight decrease in fuel
economy. Driving in D can help improve
fuel economy.
Geartronic–starting on slippery surfacesSelecting 3rd gear in Geartronic’s manual shift-
ing mode can help provide better traction when
starting off on slippery surfaces. To do so:
1. Depress the brake pedal and move the
gear selector to the right from the D posi-
tion to the manual shifting position. The
text in the instrument panel display will
change from
D to 1.
2. Press the gear selector forward and
release it (this selects 2nd gear). Press theselector forward again and release it to
select 3rd gear.
3. Release the brake pedal and press gently
on the accelerator pedal.
Shiftlock override
If the vehicle cannot be driven, for example
because of a dead battery, the gear selector
must be moved from the P position before the
vehicle can be moved
3.
Lift away the rubber mat on the floor of the
storage compartment behind the center
console to expose the small opening for
overriding the shiftlock system.
2Certain models only3If the battery is dead, the electric parking brake cannot be applied or released. Connect an auxiliary battery if the battery voltage is too low, see page 113.

03 Your driving environment
Hill Descent Control (HDC)*
03
124* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Introduction
Normally, when the accelerator pedal is
released while driving down hills, the vehicle's
speed slows as the engine runs at lower rpm
(the normal engine braking effect). However, if
the downhill gradient becomes steeper and if
the vehicle is carrying a load, speed increases
despite the engine braking effect. In this situa-
tion, the brakes must be applied to reduce the
vehicle's speed.
HDC is a type of automatic engine brake and
makes it possible to increase or decrease the
vehicle's speed on downhill gradients using
only the accelerator pedal, without applying
the brakes. The brake system functions auto-
matically to maintain a low and steady speed.
HDC is particularly useful when driving down
steep hills with rough surfaces, and where the
road may have slippery patches.
WARNING
HDC does not function in all situations, and
is a supplementary braking aid. The driver
has full responsibility for driving in a safe
manner.
Function
•HDC can be switched on and off with the
button in the center console. An indicator
light in the button illuminates when HDC is
activated.
•The indicator light in the instrument
panel illuminates and a message is dis-
played when the system is controlling the
vehicle's speed.
•HDC only functions when first or reverse
gears are selected (1 will be shown in the
instrument panel display when first gear is
selected).
NOTE
HDC cannot be activated if the gear selector
is the D position.
Using HDC
HDC allows the car to roll forward at a maxi-
mum speed of 6 mph (10 km/h), and 4 mph
(7 km/h) in reverse. However, the accelerator
pedal can be used to select any speed that is
possible in first or reverse gears. When the
accelerator pedal is released, speed is quickly
reduced again to 6 mph (10 km/h) or 4 mph
(7 km/h), depending on the gear selected,
regardless of the hill's gradient. It is not nec-
essary to apply the brakes.
•The brake lights illuminate automatically
when HDC is controlling the vehicle's
speed.
•The driver can slow or stop the vehicle at
any time by applying the brakes.
HDC is deactivated when:
•The button on the center console is
pressed
•A gear higher than first gear is selected
•D is selected on vehicles with an automatic
transmission
HDC can be deactivated at any time. If this is
done while driving down a steep hill, the sys-
tem's braking effect will decrease gradually.

03 Your driving environment
Hill Descent Control (HDC)*
03
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.125
NOTE
Engine response to pressure on the accel-
erator pedal may be slightly slower than
normal when HDC is activated.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Volvo Sensus
04
128* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Introduction
Center console control panel
Volvo Navigation System (VNS)* – NAV:
see the separate VNS manual for operating
instructions.
Infotainment (RADIO, MEDIA, TEL*): see
the infotainment system overview begin-
ning on page 206.
Vehicle-related settings - MY CAR: see
page 131.
Park assist camera - CAM*: see
page 189.
Climate system: see page 137.
Volvo Sensus is the operating system in your
vehicle providing a coordinated interface for a
number of functions such as the individualized
settings that can be made in the MY CARmenus, the climate and infotainment systems
as well as other options such as the park assist
camera(s), etc.
Volvo Sensus uses the screen in the center
instrument panel to display information and
selections are made using this panel’s controls
and buttons. Certain features can also be con-
trolled using the steering wheel keypad.
Press MY CAR to present all of the available
settings related to driving and/or controlling
the vehicle, such as City Safety, setting the
clock, lock settings, etc.
Press RADIO, MEDIA, TEL, NAV* and CAM*
to change a source and to activated systems
or functions such as AM, FM1, CD, DVD, Blue-
tooth, navigation* and the park assist camera
*.
See the respective sections in this manual for
more detailed information about your vehicle's
various features and functions.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Menus and messages
04

* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.129 Main instrument panel
G022908
Information display and menu controls
READ – access to the list of messages and
message confirmation.
Thumbwheel – browse among menus and
options in the list of functions.
RESET – reset the active function. Used in
certain cases to select/activate a function,
see the explanation under each respective
function.
The menus shown on the information displays
in the instrument panel are controlled with the
left lever. The menus shown depend on ignition
mode. Press READ to erase a message and
return to the menus.
Menu overviewDriving distance on current fuel reserveAverage
Instantaneous
Average speed
Current speed in mph (Canadian models
only)
Engine oil level*
Calibrate tire pressure
Messages
G028940
When a warning, information or indicator sym-
bol comes on, a corresponding message
appears on the information display. An error
message is stored in a memory list until the
fault is rectified.Press READ to acknowledge and scroll among
the messages.
NOTE
If a warning message appears while you are
using the trip computer, the message must
be read and confirmed by pressing READ
before the previous activity can be
resumed.
MessageDescription
Stop safelyStop and switch off
the engine. Serious
risk of damage.
Contact an author-
ized Volvo work-
shop.
Stopping the
engineStop and switch off
the engine. Serious
risk of damage.
Contact an author-
ized Volvo work-
shop.
Service urgentHave the vehicle
checked by an
authorized Volvo
workshop immedi-
ately.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Climate system
04

* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.137 Introduction
Air conditioningThe vehicle is equipped with Electronic Climate
Control (ECC). The climate control system
cools, heats or dehumidifies the air in the pas-
senger compartment.
NOTE
•The air conditioning can be switched
off, but to ensure the best possible cli-
mate comfort in the passenger com-
partment and to prevent the windows
from misting, it should always be on.
•In warm weather, a small amount of
water may accumulate under the car
when it has been parked. This water is
condensation from the A/C system and
is normal.
Sensor location
•The sunlight sensor is located on the top
side of the dashboard.
NOTE
The sunlight sensor monitors which side of
the car that is most exposed to sunlight.
This can mean that the temperature may
differ between the right and left-side air
vents, even if the temperatures set for both
sides of the passenger compartment are the
same.
•The temperature sensor for the passenger
compartment is located below the climate
control panel.
•The outside (ambient) temperature sensor
is located on the door mirror.
•The humidity sensor* is located in the inte-
rior rearview mirror.
NOTE
Do not cover or block the sensors with
clothing or other objects.
Side windows and moonroofTo ensure that the air conditioning works opti-
mally, the side windows, and the optional
moonroof should be closed.
Fog on the inside of the windowsThe defroster function should be used to
remove fog or mist from the inside of the win-
dows. Keeping the windows clean with a com-mercially available window washing spray will
also help prevent fogging or misting.
Temporary shut-off of the air
conditioning
The air conditioning is momentarily disen-
gaged during full-throttle acceleration or when
driving uphill with a trailer. This may result in a
temporary increase in cabin temperature.
Ice and snowAlways keep the air intake grille at the base of
the windshield free of snow.
Climate system maintenanceSpecial tools and equipment are required to
maintain and carry out repairs on the climate
system. Work of this type should only be done
by a trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician.
RefrigerantVolvo cares about the environment. The air
conditioning system in your car contains a
CFC-free refrigerant – R134a. This substance
will not deplete the ozone layer. The air condi-
tioning system contains 1.8 lbs (820 g) of
R134a. The systems uses PAG oil.
Passenger compartment filterReplace the cabin air filter with a new one at
the recommended intervals. Please refer to

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Climate system
04
142
Air distribution
Manual air distribution—defroster
Manual air distribution—dashboard air
vents
Manual air distribution—floor
The figure consists of three buttons. When a
button is pressed, the corresponding figure will
appear in the display with an arrow indicating
which manual air flow has been selected (see
the following illustration). See also the air dis-
tribution chart on page 144.
Air distribution is shown in the center console dis-
play
AutoThe function automatically
regulates cooling, heating,
blower speed, recirculation,
and air distribution to main-
tain the chosen temperature.
If you select one or more man-
ual functions, the other func-
tions continue to be controlled automatically.
The air quality sensor is engaged and all man-
ual settings are switched off when AUTO is
pressed. The display shows
AUTO
CLIMATE.
Blower speed in automatic mode can be set
under Climate settings
Automatic blower
adjustment. Choose between
Low, Normalor High.
NOTE
Selecting the lowest blower speed may
increases the risk of fog forming on the win-
dows.
Temperature controlThe temperatures on the
driver and passenger sides
can be set separately. When
the vehicle is started, the
most recent setting is
resumed.
NOTE
Heating or cooling cannot be speeded up by
selecting a higher/lower temperature than
the actual temperature required.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Climate system
04

* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.143
A/C – ON/OFFWhen the indicator light in the
button is on, the air condition-
ing is controlled automati-
cally. This cools/heats and
dehumidifies the incoming air.
When the indicator light in the
button is off, the air condition-
ing is disengaged. Other functions are still con-
trolled automatically. When maximum
defroster is selected, the air conditioning sys-
tem is set for maximum blower speed and
dehumidification.
DefrosterThis function defrosts/de-ices
the windshield and front side
windows. The indicator light
in the defroster button lights
when the function is active.
•Blower speed increases automatically and
the air conditioning will switch on (if not
already on and if the passenger compart-
ment blower is not turned off) to dehumid-
ify the air in the passenger compartment.
Air conditioning can be switched off by
pressing the AC button.
•Recirculation will not function while defrost
is engaged.The climate system will return to its previous
settings when the defroster function is
switched off.
Recirculation/air quality system
Recirculation
This function can be used to
shut out exhaust fumes,
smoke, etc., from the passen-
ger compartment. The air in
the passenger compartment
is then recirculated, i.e., no air
from outside the car is taken
into the car when this function is activated. The
indicator light in the button will illuminate when
recirculation is selected.
If the air in the car recirculates for too long,
there is a risk of condensation forming on the
insides of the windows, especially in winter.
TimerThe timer function minimizes the risk of fog-
ging, or stale air when the recirculation function
is selected by automatically switching off the
function after a certain length of time, depend-
ing on the ambient temperature. Activate/
deactivate the function under Climate
settings
Recirculation timer. See page
131 for a description of the menu system.
NOTE
When Defroster is selected, recirculation is
always deactivated.
Interior Air Quality System–IAQS*This system consists of a multifilter and an air
quality sensor. The filter helps remove gases
and particles from the incoming air, thereby
reducing the amounts of odors and contami-
nants entering the vehicle. The air quality sen-
sor detects increased levels of contaminants in
the outside air. When the air quality sensor
detects contaminated outside air, the air intake
closes and the air inside the passenger com-
partment is recirculated, i.e., no outside air
enters the vehicle. The filter also cleans recir-
culated passenger compartment air. When the
AUTO button is depressed the air quality sen-
sor is always engaged.
Activate or deactivate this function in Climate
settings
Interior air quality system.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Stability system
04
149
Symbols and messages in the main instrument panel
SymbolMessageDescription
DSTC Temporarily OFFThe DSTC system function has been temporarily reduced due to high brake disc temperature. DSTC
reactivates automatically when the brakes have cooled.
DSTC Service requiredThe DSTC system is not functioning properly.
•Stop the vehicle in a safe place, turn off the engine and restart it.
•If the message is still displayed when the engine has restarted, drive to an authorized Volvo work-
shop to have the system inspected.
and
"Message"Read the message in the information display
Steady glow for 2 secs.The system is performing a self-diagnostic test.
Flashing symbolDSTC is actively functioning to help counteract wheel spin and/or a skid.
-Sport mode has been activated.
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 vehi-
cle. Speed and driving style should always
be adapted to traffic and road conditions.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Active chassis system–Four C*
04
150* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Active chassis (Four C)
Active chassis, Four-C (Continuously Con-
trolled Chassis Concept), regulates the cha-
racteristics of the shock absorbers so that the
car's driving characteristics can be adjusted.
There are three settings: Comfort, Sport and
Advanced.
NOTE
This system is available on Canadian mod-
els only.
ComfortComfort mode offers a somewhat softer ride
and the transmission shifts gears at lower rpm.
This mode is particularly suitable for long-dis-
tance highway driving. The indicator light in the
button will be on when this mode is selected.
SportIn this mode, the vehicle's body sway is
reduced during cornering and steering
response is more immediate. The transmission
shifts up at higher rpm for sportier driving. The
indicator light in the button will be on to indi-
cate that Sport mode has been selected.
AdvancedIn this mode, body sway in curves is minimal
and steering response is very direct. Gear shift-ing is done at high rpm in each gear for
dynamic and active driving.
Operation
Chassis settings
Use the buttons in the center console to
change setting. The setting in use when the
engine is switched off is activated the next time
the engine is started.
Speed-dependent steering force*
Steering force increases with the speed of the
vehicle to give the driver enhanced sensitivity.
At low speed the vehicle is easy to steer in
order to facilitate parking, etc.
Steering force can be changed under MY CAR
Car settingsSteering wheel force.Select
Low, Medium or High. For a descrip-
tion of the menu system, see page 131.
NOTE
This steering force level menu function can-
not be accessed when the vehicle is in
motion.