check engine light VOLVO XC90 2014 Owner´s Manual

06 Starting and driving
Brake system
06
154* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
BRAKE Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system con- sisting of two master cylinders and two sepa-rate brake circuits. If a problem should occurin one of these circuits, it is still possible tostop the vehicle with the other brake circuit. If the brake pedal must be depressed farther than normal and requires greater foot pres-sure, the stopping distance will be longer. A warning light in the instrument panel will light up to warn the driver that a fault hasoccurred. If this light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately and check the brake fluidlevel in the reservoir.
NOTE
Press the brake pedal hard and maintain pressure on the pedal – do not pump thebrakes.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in
the reservoir or if a BRAKE FAILURE
STOP SAFELY message is displayed in
the text window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have
the vehicle towed to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician and have thebrake system inspected.
NOTE
When the vehicle is at a standstill and the engine is idling, e.g. at a traffic light andthe brake pedal is depressed, the pedalmay go down slightly. This is a normalfunction of the power-assisted brake sys-tem.
Brake pad inspectionOn vehicles equipped with a jack*, the condi- tion of the brake pads can be checked byraising the vehicle (see page 198 for informa-tion about using the jack and removing awheel) and performing a visual inspection ofthe brake pads.
WARNING
• If the vehicle has been driven immedi- ately prior to a brake pad inspection,the wheel hub, brake components,etc., will be very hot. Allow time forthese components to cool before car-rying out the inspection.
• Apply the parking brake and put thegear selector in the Park (
P) position.
• Block the wheels standing on theground, use rigid wooden blocks orlarge stones.

06 Starting and driving
Brake system
06
155
WARNING
•Use the jack intended for the vehicle when changing a tire. For any otherjob, use stands to support the vehicle.
• The jack should be kept well-greasedand clean, and should not be dam-aged.
• Be sure the jack is on a firm, level,non-slippery surface.
• No objects should be placed betweenthe base of jack and the ground, orbetween the jack and the attachmentbar on the vehicle.
• The jack must correctly engage thejack attachment.
• Never allow any part of your body tobe extended under a vehicle suppor-ted by a jack.
Power brakes function only when the engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure which is only created when the engine is run-ning. Never let the vehicle roll to a stop withthe engine switched off. If the power brakes are not working, consid- erably higher pressure will be required on thebrake pedal to compensate for the lack ofpower assistance. This can happen for exam- ple when towing your vehicle or if the engineis switched off when the vehicle is rolling. Thebrake pedal feels harder than usual.
Water on brake discs and brake pads
affects braking
Driving in rain and slush or passing throughan automatic car wash can cause water tocollect on the brake discs and pads. This willcause a delay in braking effect when thepedal is depressed. To avoid such a delaywhen the brakes are needed, depress thepedal occasionally when driving through rain,slush etc. This will remove the water from thebrakes. Check that brake application feelsnormal. This should also be done after wash-ing or starting in very damp or cold weather.
Severe strain on the brake systemThe brakes will be subject to severe strainwhen driving in mountains or hilly areas, orwhen towing a trailer. Vehicle speed is usuallyslower, which means that the cooling of thebrakes is less efficient than when driving onlevel roads. To reduce the strain on thebrakes, shift into a lower gear and let theengine help with the braking. Do not forgetthat, if you are towing a trailer, the brakes willbe subjected to a greater than normal load.
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)If the ABS warning lamp lights up there is a
malfunction in the ABS system (the standardbraking system will however function) and thevehicle should be driven cautiously to atrained and qualified Volvo service technicianfor inspection. The Anti-lock Braking System(ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stop-ping and steering) during severe braking con-ditions by limiting brake lockup. When thesystem "senses" impending lockup, brakingpressure is automatically modulated in orderto help prevent lockup, which could lead to askid. The system performs a self-diagnostic test when the engine is started and when thevehicle first reaches a speed of approxi- mately 12 mph (20 km/h). The brake pedal
will pulsate several times and a sound may be audible from the ABS control module. This isnormal. To obtain optimal effect from the ABS sys- tem, constant pressure should be kept on thebrake pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal. The switching of the ABS modulator will be audible and the brake pedal will pulsate dur-ing braking. Please be aware that ABS doesnot increase the absolute braking potential ofthe vehicle. While control will be enhanced,ABS will not shorten stopping distances onslippery surfaces.

06 Starting and driving
Brake system
06
156
ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Force
Distribution)
EBD is an integrated part of the ABS system. EBD regulates the hydraulic pressure to therear brakes to help provide optimal brakingcapacity. The brake pedal will pulsate duringbraking, which is normal. If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on at the same time, this could indicate afault in the brake system.
1. Stop the vehicle in a suitable place and switch off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
• If both warning lights go off, no further action is required.
• If both lights are still on after the enginehas been restarted, switch off the engineagain and check the brake fluid level (seepage 225 for the location of the brakefluid reservoir).
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the
MIN mark in
the reservoir or if a Brake failure –
Service urgent message is displayed in
the text window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to a trained and qualifiedVolvo service technician and have thebrake system inspected.
• If the brake fluid level is above the
MIN
mark, drive carefully to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician andhave the brake system inspected.
Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)The EBA function is designed to provide full brake effect immediately in the event of sud-den, hard braking. The system is activated bythe speed with which you depress the brakepedal.
NOTE
• When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and pressurein the brake system immediatelyincreases to the maximum level. Youmust maintain full pressure on thebrake pedal in order to utilize the sys-tem completely. There will be no brak-ing effect if the pedal is released. EBAis automatically deactivated when thebrake pedal is released.
• When the vehicle has been parked forsome time, the brake pedal may sinkmore than usual when the engine isstarted. This is normal and the pedalwill return to its usual position when itis released.

06 Starting and driving
Stability system
06
159
DSTC-related messages in the text window
•TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY OFF : The system has been temporarily
switched off due to high brake tempera- ture and will automatically switch onagain when the brakes have cooled.
•
ANTI-SKID SERVICE REQUIRED: The
system has been automatically disen- gaged due to a fault. A trained and quali-fied Volvo service technician shouldcheck the system.
Symbols in the instrument panel
The Stability Control indicator lightThis light indicates different con- ditions, depending on how it illu-minates.
The Stability Control indicator light illuminates for approximately 2 seconds
This indicates that the system is performing a self-diagnostic test when the ignition isswitched on.
The Stability Control indicator light
flashes
This indicates that the stability system is actively functioning to help counteract wheelspin and/or a skid.
The Stability Control indicator light glows steadily
ANTI-SKID SERVICE REQUIRED will be
displayed in the text window at the same time. A fault is indicated in the stability system.
• Stop the vehicle in a safe place and switch off the engine.
• Restart the engine.
• If the indicator light goes out, the faultwas temporary and no further action isrequired.
• If the indicator light remains on, drive toan authorized Volvo workshop as soon aspossible to have the system checked.
The Stability Control indicator light
glows steadily
If DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF is displayed
in the text window at the same time, this is a reminder that spin control has been disabledby the driver.
The warning symbolThe warning symbol glowssteadily yellow
The system has been temporarily switched off due to high brake temperature.
TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY OFF will be displayed. The system will auto-
matically switch on again when the brakes have cooled.
WARNING
The stability system is intended to help improve driving safety. It supplements, butcan never replace, the driver's judgementand responsibility when operating the vehi-cle. Speed and driving style should alwaysbe adapted to traffic and road conditions.

06 Starting and driving
Towing
06
163
CAUTION
Vehicles with AWD (All Wheel Drive) with the front wheels off the ground should notbe towed at speeds above 50 mph(70 km/h) or for distances longer than30 miles (50 km).
CAUTION
•Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this typeof towing, as vehicles being towed aresubject to regulations regarding maxi-mum towing speed, length and type oftowing device, lighting, etc.
• If the vehicle's battery is dead, do notattempt to start the vehicle by pushingor pulling it as this will damage thethree-way catalytic converter(s). Theengine must be jump started using anauxiliary battery (see page 152).
• If the vehicle is being towed on a flatbed truck, the towing eyelets must notbe used to pull the vehicle up onto theflat bed or to secure the vehicle on theflat bed. Consult the tow truck opera-tor.
WARNING
•The power brakes and power steering will not function when the engine is notrunning. Approximately 5 times morepressure will be required on the brakepedal and the steering wheel will beconsiderably harder to turn.
• The towing eyelets must not be usedfor pulling the vehicle out of a ditch orfor any similar purpose involvingsevere strain.
G030862
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive/All Wheel Drive
Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equip- ment. If wheel lift equipment must be used, please use extreme caution to help avoid damage tothe vehicle.
In this case, the vehicle should
be towed with the rear wheels on theground if at all possible. If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, pleaserefer to the towing information on the previ-ous page.
CAUTION
• Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air con-ditioning lines.
• It is equally important not to use sling-type equipment at the rear or apply lift-ing equipment inside the rear wheels;serious damage to the rear axle mayresult.
• If the vehicle is being towed on a flatbed truck, the towing eyelets must notbe used to secure the vehicle on theflat bed. Consult the tow truck opera-tor.

06 Starting and driving
Cold weather precautions
06
169
If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the followingadvice is worth noting:
• Make sure that the engine coolant con- tains 50 percent antifreeze. Any othermixture will reduce freeze protection. Thisgives protection against freezing down to–31 °F (–35 °C). See section "Coolant".
• The use of "recycled" antifreeze is notapproved by Volvo. Different types ofantifreeze must not be mixed.
• Volvo recommends using only genuineVolvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty of Volvoengine coolant to protect your vehicleduring cold weather.
• Try to keep the
fuel tank well filled – this
prevents the formation of condensation inthe tank. In addition, in extremely coldweather conditions it is worthwhile to addfuel line de-icer before refueling.
• The viscosity of the engine oil is impor-tant. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil)improves cold-weather starting as well asdecreasing fuel consumption while theengine is warming up. Full synthetic0W-30 oil is recommended for driving inareas with sustained low temperatures.
• The load placed on the
battery is greater
during the winter since the windshieldwipers, lighting, etc. are used more often. Moreover, the capacity of the batterydecreases as the temperature drops. Invery cold weather, a poorly charged bat-tery can freeze and be damaged. It istherefore advisable to check the state ofcharge more frequently and spray an anti-rust oil on the battery posts.
• Volvo recommends the use of
snow tires
on all four wheels for winter driving – seesection "Wheels and tires."
• To prevent the
washer fluid reservoir
from freezing, add washer solvents con-taining antifreeze (see page 224 for thelocation of the washer fluid reservoir).This is important since dirt is oftensplashed on the windshield during winterdriving, requiring the frequent use of thewashers and wipers. Volvo Washer Sol-vent 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
solvent and 3 parts water
• Down to 0 ° F (–18 ° C):
1 part washer
solvent 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 selector is in the (
D)rive position.
• Press the button at the base of the gearselector to engage/disengage this drivingmode.
• An LED in the button will light up to indi-cate that W is engaged and this will alsobe displayed in the instrument panel (seepage 58).
• This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.

06 Starting and driving
Before a long distance trip
06
170
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvoservice technician before driving long dis-tances. Your retailer or service technician willalso be able to supply you with bulbs, fuses,spark plugs and wiper blades for your use inthe 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 aswell), and replace those that are worn.Check tire pressures.
• The brakes, front wheel alignment, andsteering gear should be checked by atrained and qualified Volvo service techni-cian only.
• Check all lights, including high beams.
• Reflective warning triangles are legallyrequired in some states/provinces. •
Have a word with your Volvo retailer ifyou intend to drive in countries where itmay be difficult to obtain the correct fuel.
• Consider your destination. If you will bedriving through an area where snow or iceare likely to occur, consider snow tires.
1
To 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 techni- cian.

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
07
204
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunc- tion telltale after replacing one or more tiresor wheels on your vehicle to ensure that thereplacement or alternate tires and wheelsallow the TPMS to continue to function prop-erly.
NOTE
TPMS indicates low tire pressure but does not replace normal tire maintenance. Forinformation on correct tire pressure, pleaserefer to the tire inflation pressure table inthis chapter or consult your Volvo retailer.
Erasing warning messagesWhen a low tire pressure warning message has been displayed, and the tire pressurewarning light has come on:
1. Use a tire pressure gauge to check theinflation pressure of all four tires.
2. Re-inflate the tire(s) to the correct pres- sure (consult the tire pressure placard or the table see page 183).
3. Drive the vehicle for several minutes at a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster.
> This will erase the warning text and thewarning light will go out.
WARNING
Incorrect inflation pressure could lead to tire failure, resulting in a loss of control ofthe vehicle.
Changing wheels with TPMSPlease note the following when changing or replacing the factory installed TPMS wheels/tires on the vehicle:
• Only the factory-mounted wheels are equipped with TPMS sensors in thevalves.
• If the vehicle is equipped with a tempo-rary spare tire, this tire does not have aTPMS sensor.
• If wheels without TPMS sensors are mounted on the vehicle,
TIRE PRESS
SYST. SERVICE REQUIRED will be dis-
played each time the vehicle is driven above 25 mph (40 km/h) for 10 minutes ormore.
• Once TPMS sensors are properly instal-led, the warning message should notreappear.
• Volvo recommends that TPMS sensorsbe fitted on all wheels used on the vehi-cle. Volvo does not recommend movingsensors back and forth between sets ofwheels.
NOTE
If a tire is changed or if the TPMS sensor is moved to another wheel, the sensor’svalve and valve core should be replaced.
CAUTION
When inflating tires with TPMS valves, press the pump's mouthpiece straightonto the valve to help avoid bending orotherwise damaging the valve.
Recalibrating TPMS (Canadian models only)
In certain cases, it may be necessary to reca- librate TPMS to conform to Volvo's recom-mended tire inflation pressures (see the infla-tion pressure table on page 183), for exam-ple, if higher inflation pressure is necessarywhen transporting heavy loads, etc. To recalibrate:
1. Switch off the engine.
2. Inflate the tires to the desired pressure
and turn the ignition key to position I or II
(see page 145 for additional information).
3. Turn the thumb wheel on the left-side steering wheel lever until
Tire pressure
Calibration appears in the display.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Maintaining your vehicle09
}}
217
Owner maintenance
Periodic maintenance requirements and inter- vals are described in your vehicle's Warrantyand Service Records Information booklet. The following points can be carried out between the normally scheduled maintenanceservices.
Each time the vehicle is refueled
•Check the engine oil level
• Clean the windshield, windshield wipers, headlights, and tail lights
Monthly
•Check cold tire pressure in all tires.Inspect the tires for wear.
• Check that engine coolant and other fluidlevels are between the indicated "
min"
and " max" markings.
• Clean interior glass surfaces with a glasscleaner and soft paper towels.
• Wipe driver information displays with asoft cloth.
• Visually inspect battery terminals for cor-rosion. Corrosion may indicate a looseterminal connector, or a battery near theend of its useful service life. Consult atrained and qualified Volvo service techni-cian for additional information.
As needed
•
Wash the vehicle, including the undercar-riage, to reduce wear that can be causedby a buildup of dirt, and corrosion thatcan be caused by salt residues.
• Clean leaves and twigs from air intakevents at the base of the windshield, andfrom other places where they may collect.
• Complete service information for qualifiedtechnicians is available online for pur-chase or subscription at www.volvote-chinfo.com.
Emission inspection readiness
What is an Onboard Diagnostic System
(OBD II)?
OBD II is part of your vehicle's computerized engine management system. It stores diag-nostic information about your vehicle's emis-sion controls. It can light the Check Enginelight (MIL) if it detects an emission control"fault." A "fault" is a component or systemthat is not performing within an expectedrange. A fault may be permanent or tempo-rary. OBD II will store a message about anyfault.
How do states use OBD II for emission
inspections?
Many states connect a computer directly to avehicle's OBD II system. The inspector can then read "faults." In some states, this type ofinspection has replaced the tailpipe emissiontest.
How can my vehicle fail OBD II emission
inspection?
Your vehicle can fail OBD II emission inspec-tion for any of the following reasons.
• If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit, your vehicle may fail inspection.
• If your vehicle's Check Engine light waslit, but went out without any action onyour part, OBD II will still have a recordedfault. Your vehicle may pass or fail,depending on the inspection practices inyour area.
• If you had recent service that requireddisconnecting the battery, OBD II diag-nostic information may be incompleteand "not ready" for inspection. A vehiclethat is not ready may fail inspection.
How can I prepare for my next OBD II
emission inspection?
• If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit – orwas lit but went out without service, haveyour vehicle diagnosed and, if necessary,serviced by a qualified Volvo technician.
• If you recently had service for a lit CheckEngine light, or if you had service thatrequired disconnecting the battery, aperiod of driving is necessary to bring the

09 Maintenance and servicing
Battery09
227
Battery maintenance
The battery in your vehicle is located under the floor of the cargo compartment. Driving habits and conditions, climate, the number of starts, etc. all affect the service lifeand function of the battery. In order for yourbattery to perform satisfactorily, keep the fol-lowing in mind:
• Use a screw driver to open the caps or cover and a flashlight to inspect the level.
• If necessary, add distilled water. The levelshould never be above the indicator.
• The fluid level should be checked if thebattery has been recharged.
• After inspection, be sure the cap overeach battery cell or the cover is securelyin place.
• Check that the battery cables are cor-rectly connected and properly tightened.
• Never disconnect the battery when theengine is running, or when the key is inthe ignition. This could damage the vehi-cle's electrical system.
• The battery should be disconnected fromthe vehicle when a battery charger isused directly on the battery.
• To help keep the battery in good condi-tion, the vehicle should be driven for atleast 15 minutes a week or connected to a charger with an automatic chargingfunction.
• If the battery is fully discharged a numberof times, this may shorten its service life.Keeping the battery fully charged helpsprolong its service life.
• The service life of a battery is affected byfactors such as driving conditions and cli-mate. Extreme cold may also furtherdecrease the battery’s starting capacity.
• Because the battery’s starting capacitydecreases with time, it may be necessaryto recharge it if the vehicle is not drivenfor an extended period of time or if thevehicle is usually only driven short dis-tances.
•
WARNING
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead com-pounds, chemicals known to the state ofCalifornia to cause cancer and reproduc-tive harm. Wash hands after handling.
WARNING
• Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
• Do not smoke near the battery.
• Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Donot allow battery fluid to contact eyes,skin, fabrics or painted surfaces. Ifcontact occurs, flush the affected areaimmediately with water. Obtain medi-cal help immediately if eyes are affec-ted.
NOTE
Used batteries should be properly dis- posed of at a recycling station or similarfacility, or taken to your Volvo retailer.