fuel consumption VOLVO XC90 2009 Owner´s Manual

Page 10 of 282

IntroductionGeneral information
10
ShiftlockWhen your vehicle is parked, the gear selector
is locked in the P (Park) position. To release the
selector from this position, turn the ignition key
to position II (or start the engine), depress the
brake pedal, press the button on the front side
of the gear selector and move the selector from
P (Park).KeylockWhen you switch off the ignition, the gear
selector must be in the (P)ark position before
the key can be removed from the ignition
switch.Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)The ABS system in your vehicle performs a
self-diagnostic test when the vehicle first rea-
ches the speed of approximately 12 mph
(20 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsate several
times and a sound may be audible from the
ABS control module. This is normal.Fuel filler doorPress the button on the light switch panel when
the car is at a standstill to open the fuel filler
door.Fuel filler capAfter refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turn-
ing it clockwise until it clicks into place. If this
cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is run-
ning when the vehicle is refueled, the Malfunc-tion Indicator Lamp ("Check Engine" light) will
illuminate.
Important information•
Before you operate your vehicle for the first
time, please familiarize yourself with the
new-engine oil consumption information
on page 209. You should also be familiar
with the information in chapters one, two
and eight of this manual.

Information contained in the balance of the
manual is extremely useful and should be
read after operating the vehicle for the first
time.

The manual is structured so that it can be
used for reference. For this reason, it
should be kept in the vehicle for ready
access.

Do not export your Volvo to another coun-
try before investigating that country's
applicable safety and exhaust emission
requirements. In some cases it may be dif-
ficult or impossible to comply with these
requirements. Modifications to the emis-
sion control system(s) may render your
Volvo not certifiable for legal operation in
the U.S., Canada and other countries.

All information, illustrations and specifica-
tions contained in this manual are based on
the latest product information available at
the time of publication. Please note that
some vehicles may be equipped differ-ently, depending on special legal require-
ments. Optional equipment described in
this manual may not be available in all mar-
kets.al may not be available in all markets.

Volvo reserves the right to make model
changes at any time, or to change specifi-
cations or design without notice and with-
out incurring obligation.WARNING
If your vehicle is involved in an accident,
unseen damage may affect your vehicle's
drivability and safety.

Page 71 of 282

02 Instruments and controls
Trip computer
02``71 Trip computer (option)
G026956
READ (press to acknowledge/confirm/
erase a message)Thumb wheel (used to scroll among the trip
computer menus)RESET
The trip computer stores information gathered
from several systems in your vehicle and has
four menus that can be displayed in the text
window.

Driving distance on current fuel reserve

Average fuel consumption

Current fuel consumption

Average speed

Current speed in mph (Canadian models
only)

DSTC (see page 145 for detailed informa-
tion)NOTE
Warning messages from the vehicle's moni-
toring systems will override the trip com-
puter function. If a warning message is
displayed in the text window while you are
using the trip computer, you must acknowl-
edge the message by pressing button A.
Press button A again to return to the trip
computer function.1. Trip computer controls and functionsThe trip computer functions can be accessed
by twisting INFO (B) one step at a time in either
direction. Twisting a final time returns you to
the original function.
The trip computer can be reset (current data
will be erased from system memory) by press-
ing RESET (button C).2. Driving distance on current fuel
reserveThis function shows the approximate distance
that can be driven on the fuel remaining in the
tank. The calculation is based on average fuel
consumption during the last 20 miles (30 km)of driving and the amount of fuel remaining in
the tank when the reading was taken.
When
"----"
is displayed in the text window,
refuel as soon as possible.
3. Average fuel consumptionThis value indicates fuel consumption since the
last time the trip computer was reset (by press-
ingRESET, button C). When the engine is
switched off, information on fuel consumption
is stored and remains in system memory until
theRESET (button C) is pressed again.4. Current fuel consumptionThis value indicates the current fuel consump-
tion, based on readings taken once per sec-
ond. When the vehicle is not moving, "----" will
be displayed.5. Average speedThis value indicates average speed since the
last time the trip computer was reset (by press-
ingRESET, button C). When the engine is
switched off, information on average speed is
stored and remains in system memory until the
RESET (button C) is pressed again.

Page 128 of 282

06 Starting and drivingGeneral information
06128
Engine oilAlthough some oil consumption occurs during
normal engine operation, more oil is consumed
when the engine is new as the internal parts
generate higher friction while wearing-in to
each other. From the time the engine is new
until the first maintenance is performed, the oil
consumption could be higher than normal. For
this reason, it is especially important to check
the oil every time you refuel your vehicle during
this period, see page 209.Fuel requirementsDeposit control gasoline (detergent
additives)Volvo recommends the use of detergent gas-
oline to control engine deposits. Detergent
gasoline is effective in keeping injectors and
intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit
control gasolines will help ensure good driva-
bility and fuel economy. If you are not sure
whether the gasoline contains deposit control
additives, check with the service station oper-
ator.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of
external fuel injector cleaning systems.
Unleaded fuelEach Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter
and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and
Canadian regulations require that pumps deliv-
ering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEA-
DED". Only these pumps have nozzles which
fit your vehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dis-
pense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled
"unleaded gasoline only". Leaded gasoline
damages the three-way catalytic converter and
the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated
use of leaded gasoline will lessen the effec-
tiveness of the emission control system and
could result in loss of emission warranty cov-
erage. State and local vehicle inspection pro-
grams will make detection of misfueling easier,
possibly resulting in emission test failure for
misfueled vehicles.
NOTE
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 affec-
ted, and the Check Engine Light (malfunc-
tion indicator lamp) located on your instru-
ment panel may light. If this occurs, please
return your vehicle to a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for maintenance.
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 indi-
cating 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 sea-
sonal air quality standards, some areas require
the use of "oxygenated" fuel.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygen-
ated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed
on page 129 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 "Gaso-
hol".
Ethers – MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15%
MTBE may be used.

Page 136 of 282

06 Starting and drivingEconomical driving
06136
Economical driving conserves natural
resourcesBetter driving economy may be obtained by
thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops
and adjusting the speed of your vehicle to
immediate traffic conditions. Observe the fol-
lowing rules:•
Bring the engine to normal operating tem-
perature as soon as possible by driving
with a light foot on the accelerator pedal for
the first few minutes of operation. A cold
engine uses more fuel and is subject to
increased wear.

Whenever possible, avoid using the vehicle
for driving short distances. This does not
allow the engine to reach normal operating
temperature.

Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration
and hard braking.

Use the transmission's D (Drive) position
as often as possible and avoid using "kick-
down" to help improve fuel economy.

Do not exceed posted speed limits.

Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra
load) in the vehicle.

Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire
pressure regularly (when tires are cold).

Remove snow tires when threat of snow or
ice has ended.

Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc,
increase air resistance and also fuel con-
sumption.

At highway driving speeds, fuel consump-
tion will be lower with the air conditioning
on and the windows closed than with the
air conditioning off and the windows open.

Using the onboard trip computer's fuel
consumption modes can help you learn
how to drive more economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage
are:

Dirty air cleaner

Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter

Dragging brakes

Incorrect front end alignment.
Some of the above mentioned items and others
are checked at the standard Maintenance
Service intervals.CAUTION
Drive slowly and carefully if going through
standing water (i.e. flooded roadways, etc.).
Damage to the engine could result if excess
water is drawn in through the air intake sys-
tem. Never drive the vehicle in water deeper
than 18 inches (48 cm).

Page 157 of 282

06 Starting and driving
Cold weather precautions
06
157
If you wish to check your vehicle before the
approach of cold weather, the following advice
is worth noting:•
Make sure that the engine coolant contains
50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture
will reduce freeze protection. This gives
protection against freezing down to –31 °F
(–35 °C). See section "Coolant".

The use of "recycled" antifreeze is not
approved by Volvo. Different types of
antifreeze must not be mixed.

Volvo recommends using only genuine
Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.
Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty of Volvo
engine coolant to protect your vehicle dur-
ing cold weather.

Try to keep the fuel tank well filled – this
prevents the formation of condensation in
the tank. In addition, in extremely cold
weather conditions it is worthwhile to add
fuel line de-icer before refueling.

The viscosity of the engine oil is important.
Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves
cold-weather starting as well as decreas-
ing fuel consumption while the engine is
warming up. For winter use, 5W-30 oil, par-
ticularly the synthetic type
1, is recom-
mended. Be sure to use good quality oil but
do not use cold-weather oil for hard drivingor in warm weather. See section "Engine
oil" for more information.

The load placed on the battery is greater
during the winter since the windshield wip-
ers, lighting, etc. are used more often.
Moreover, the capacity of the battery
decreases as the temperature drops. In
very cold weather, a poorly charged bat-
tery can freeze and be damaged. It is there-
fore advisable to check the state of charge
more frequently and spray an antirust oil on
the battery posts.

Volvo recommends the use of snow tires
on all four wheels for winter driving – see
section "Wheels and tires."

To prevent the washer fluid reservoir
from freezing, add washer solvents con-
taining antifreeze (see page 211 for the
location of the washer fluid reservoir). This
is important since dirt is often splashed on
the windshield during winter driving,
requiring the frequent use of the washers
and wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent should
be diluted as follows:

Down to 14 ° F (–10 ° C): 1 part washer
solvent and 4 parts water

Down to 5 ° F (–15 ° C): 1 part washer sol-
vent and 3 parts water

Down to 0 ° F (–18 ° C):1 part washer sol-
vent and 2 parts water

Down to –18 ° F (–28 ° C): 1 part washer
solvent and 1 part water

Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.NOTE
Avoid the use of de-icing sprays as they can
cause damage to the locks.W – Winter/Wet driving mode – enhanced
vehicle traction•
Mode W will only function if the gear selec-
tor is in the (D)rive position.

Press the button at the base of the gear
selector to engage/disengage this driving
mode.

An LED in the button will light up to indicate
that W is engaged and this will also be dis-
played in the instrument panel (see
page 54).

This mode may be selected for starting/
moving off on slippery roads.
1Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance service intervals except at owner request and at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.

Page 158 of 282

06 Starting and drivingBefore a long distance trip
06158
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle
checked by a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician before driving long distances.
Your retailer or service technician will also be
able to supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark
plugs and wiper blades for your use in the event
that problems occur.
As a minimum, the following items should be
checked before any long trip:•
Check that engine runs smoothly and that
fuel consumption is normal.

Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.

Check transmission oil level
1.

Check condition of drive belts.

Check state of the battery's charge.

Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as
well), and replace those that are worn.
Check tire pressures.

The brakes, front wheel alignment, and
steering gear should be checked by a
trained and qualified Volvo service techni-
cian only.

Check all lights, including high beams.

Reflective warning triangles are legally
required in some states/provinces.

Have a word with your Volvo retailer if you
intend to drive in countries where it may be
difficult to obtain the correct fuel.

Consider your destination. If you will be
driving through an area where snow or ice
are likely to occur, consider snow tires.
1To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your vehicle’s transmission fluid yourself. Have your vehicle’s transmission fluid level inspected by a qualified Volvo service technician.

Page 275 of 282

12 Index
12
275
Child restraints
recalls and registration......................... 46
Child safety................................................ 33
Child safety locks....................................124
Climate system.......................................... 90
refrigerant............................................. 90
Clock reset button..................................... 54
Coat hanger............................................. 111
Cold weather precautions........................ 157
Compact disc care
CD care............................................... 251
Convertible seats....................................... 39
Coolant.................................................... 211
changing............................................. 206
Courtesy light........................................... 106
Cup holder
rear seat.............................................. 110
Curb weight............................................. 175
Current fuel consumption.......................... 71
DDefroster
rear window and door mirrors.............. 70
rear window and mirrors....................... 95
windshield............................................. 94
Detachable trailer hitch............................ 155
Dimensions.............................................. 260
Disabling the passenger's side front air-
bag............................................................. 25
Display, instrument panel.......................... 54
Dolby Pro Logic II (DPL II)........................ 239
Door mirrors............................................... 81
defroster............................................... 70
Door mirrors, folding.................................. 60
Driving conditions, difficult......................137
Driving economically................................ 136
Driving through water..............................137EEconomical driving..................................136
Electrically operated moonroof.................. 83
Electrical system...................................... 270Emission inspection readiness................ 203
Engine
specifications...................................... 269
starting................................................ 133
Engine oil................................................. 208
specifications...................................... 268
FFederal Clean Air Act............................... 202
Flat tires
changing............................................. 180
repairing with tire sealing system....... 185
Fog light..................................................... 56
Fog lights
front*.....................................................64
Folding door mirrors.................................. 60
Front airbags.................................. 21, 22, 25
Front seat
folding backrest.................................. 100
manually adjusted............................... 100
Front seats
power.................................................. 100
Front suspension..................................... 267