tow VOLVO S80 2009 Owner´s Manual

03 Your driving environmentParking brake
03116
shop. If you drive off with this error message
showing, a warning signal sounds.Parking brake not applied
– A fault is pre-
venting the parking brake from being applied.
Try to apply and release. Contact a Volvo work-
shop if the message remains.
Parking brake Service required
– A fault has
arisen. Contact a Volvo workshop if the fault
remains.
WARNING
If the vehicle must be parked before the fault
has been corrected, always put the gear
selector in P and turn the wheels so that
they point away from the curb if the vehicle
is pointing uphill or toward the curb if it is
pointing downhill.

04 Comfort and driving pleasureClimate system
04126
Air vents in the dashboard
G021367
OpenClosedHorizontal airflowVertical airflow
Direct the outer air vents toward the side win-
dows to defrost.
Air vents in the door pillars
G021368
OpenClosedHorizontal airflowVertical airflow
Direct the outer air vents toward the side win-
dows to defrost.
Direct the vents into the passenger compart-
ment to maintain a comfortable climate in the
rear seat.
Electronic climate control, ECC
G018599
Ventilated front driver's seat (option)BlowerHeated front driver's seat (option)Air distributionVentilated front passenger's seat (option)AutoHeated front passenger's seat (option)Temperature control, passenger's sideA/C – On/OffHeated rear window and door mirrors, see
page 99.Defroster (maximum effect)

04 Comfort and driving pleasureDistance alert
04172
IntroductionDistance Alert is part of Adaptive Cruise Con-
trol and is a function that provides information
about the time interval to the vehicle ahead.
Time interval information is only given for a
vehicle that is driving ahead of your vehicle, in
the same lane, and in the same direction. No
information is provided for vehicles driving
toward you, moving very slowly, or at a stand-
still.
G017362
A smaller section of the red warning light in the
windshield glows steadily if your vehicle is
closer to the vehicle ahead than the set time
interval.
NOTE
Distance Alert is in active mode while Adap-
tive Cruise Control is active.
Distance Alert is active at speeds above
approximately 20 mph (30 km/h).
WARNING
Distance Alert only indicates the distance to
the vehicle ahead. It does not affect the
speed of your vehicle.Operation
G017371
±
Press the button in the center instrument
panel to switch this function on or off.
> The indicator light in the button illumi-
nates when the function is on.
Setting a time intervalThe buttons for setting a time interval are
located on the left side of the steering wheel,
see the illustration on page 167 .
±
Press
to increase the interval or
to
decrease it.
Five different time intervals
can be selected and are
shown in the display as 1–5
horizontal bars. The greater
the number of bars, the longer
the time interval.
No. of bars
Approx. time interval
(in seconds)
1
1.0
2
1.4
3
1.8
4
2.2
5
2.6
The number of bars indicating the selected
time interval are shown while the setting is
being made and for several seconds afterward.
A smaller version of the symbol is then shown
to the right in the display. The same symbol is

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Park assist (option)
04``181 Signals from the park assist system
Active
ActiveActive
123Views in the displayVisual indicatorThe audio system’s display gives an overview
of the vehicle’s position in relation to a
detected object.
The markers in the display indicate that one or
more of the four sensors has detected an
object. The greater the number of markers, the
closer the vehicle is to the object. Display in a vehicle with rear park assist
only. Here, an object has been detected by
both of the right rear sensors. Display in a vehicle with both front and rear
park assist. The solid marker in this example
indicates that an object is closer than approx-
imately 1 foot (30 cm) to the right front sensor.
Display in a vehicle with both front and rear
park assist. Reverse gear is selected and no
objects have been detected in front of or
behind the vehicle.Audible signalThe Park Assist system uses an intermittent
tone that pulses faster as you come close to an
object, and becomes constant when you are
within approximately 1 ft (30 cm) of an object
in front of or behind the vehicle (example 2 in
the illustration). If there are objects within this
distance both behind and in front of the vehicle,
the tone alternates between front and rear
speakers.
If the volume of another source from the audio
system is high, this will be automatically low-
ered.
Rear park assist
G021423
The distance monitored behind the vehicle is
approximately 5 ft (1.5 m). The audible signal
comes from the rear speakers.
The system must be deactivated when towing
a trailer, carrying bicycles in a rear-mounted
carrier, etc, which could trigger the rear park
assist system's sensors.
NOTE
Rear park assist is deactivated automati-
cally when towing a trailer if Volvo genuine
trailer wiring is used.

04 Comfort and driving pleasureBlind Spot Information System (option)
04184
When does BLIS functionThe system functions when your vehicle is
moving at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).When you pass another vehicle:The system reacts when you pass another
vehicle at a speed of up to 6 mph (10 km/h)
faster than that vehicle.When you are passed by another vehicle:The system reacts if your vehicle is passed by
another vehicle at a speed of up to 43 mph
(70 km/h) faster than your vehicle.
WARNING
•
BLIS does not function in sharp curves.
•
BLIS does not function when your vehi-
cle is backing up.
•
If you are towing a wide trailer, this may
prevent the BLIS cameras from detect-
ing other vehicles in adjacent lanes.
How BLIS functions in daylight and
darkness
DaylightBLIS reacts to the shape of surrounding vehi-
cles. The system is designed to help detect
motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses,
motorcycles, etc.
DarknessBLIS reacts to the headlights of surrounding
vehicles. In order to be detected by BLIS, a
vehicle in the blind area must have its head-
lights on. This means, for example, that the
system will not detect a trailer without head-
lights that is being towed behind a car or truck.
WARNING
•
BLIS does not react to cyclists or
mopeds.
•
BLIS does not react to vehicles that are
standing still.
•
The function of the BLIS cameras may
be affected by intense light, or when
driving at night in areas where there are
no external sources of light (e.g., street
lights, other vehicles, etc.). In such
cases, the system may react as if the
cameras were obscured.
•
In both of the above mentioned condi-
tions, a message will appear in the infor-
mation display.
•
When driving in such conditions, the
system's function will be limited or it
may be temporarily switched off, see
page 185 for instructions.
•
When the message is no longer dis-
played, BLIS will return to normal func-
tion.
•
The BLIS cameras have the same limi-
tation as the human eye. In other words,
their "vision is impaired" by adverse
weather conditions such as heavy
snowfall, dense fog, etc.

192
Driving recommendations..................................................................... 194
Refueling............................................................................................... 198
Loading................................................................................................. 202
Towing a trailer...................................................................................... 205
Emergency towing................................................................................ 207

05 During your tripDriving recommendations
05``195
Driving through water•
The vehicle can be driven through water up
to a depth of approximately 10 in. (25 cm),
at a maximum speed of 6 mph (10 km/h).
•
Take particular care when driving through
flowing water.
•
Clean the electrical connections for trailer
wiring after driving in mud or water.
•
When driving through water, maintain low
speed and do not stop in the water.WARNING
After driving through water, press lightly on
the brake pedal to ensure that the brakes
are functioning normally. Water or mud can
make the brake linings slippery, resulting in
delayed braking effect.
CAUTION
•
Engine damage will occur if water is
drawn into the air cleaner.
•
If the vehicle is driven through water
deeper than 10 in (25 cm), water may
enter the differential and the transmis-
sion. This reduces the oil's lubricating
capacity and may shorten the service
life of these components.
•
Do not allow the vehicle to stand in
water up to the door sills longer than
absolutely necessary. This could result
in electrical malfunctions.
•
If the engine has been stopped while the
vehicle is in water, do not attempt to
restart it. Have the vehicle towed out of
the water.
Engine and cooling systemUnder special conditions, for example when
driving in hilly terrain, extreme heat or with
heavy loads, there is a risk that the engine and
cooling system will overheat. Proceed as fol-
lows to avoid overheating the engine.•
Maintain a low speed when driving with a
trailer up long, steep hills.
•
Do not turn the engine off immediately
when stopping after a hard drive.
WARNING
The cooling fan may start or continue to
operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine
has been switched off.•
Remove any auxiliary lights from in front of
the grille when driving in hot weather con-
ditions.
•
Do not exceed engine speeds of 4500 rpm
if driving with a trailer in hilly terrain. The oil
temperature could become too high.
Conserving electrical currentKeep the following in mind to help minimize
battery drain:•
When the engine is not running, avoid
using ignition mode II. Many electrical sys-
tems (the audio system, the optional navi-
gation system, power windows, etc) will
function in ignition modes 0 and I. These
modes reduce drain on the battery.
•
Please keep in mind that using systems,
accessories, etc., that consume a great
deal of current when the engine is not run-
ning could result in the battery being com-
pletely drained.
•
The optional 12 volt socket in the trunk
provides electrical current even with the
ignition switched off, which drains the bat-
tery.

05 During your trip
Refueling
05``199 Octane rating
Minimum octane
G028920
Typical pump octane labelVolvo recommends premium fuel for best per-
formance, but using 87 octane or above will not
affect engine reliability.
Volvo engines are designed to achieve rated
horsepower, torque, and fuel economy per-
formance using premium 91 octane fuel.Demanding drivingIn demanding driving conditions, such as oper-
ating the vehicle in hot weather, towing a trailer,
or driving for extended periods at higher alti-
tudes than normal, it may be advisable to
switch to higher octane fuel (91 or higher) or to
change gasoline brands to fully utilize yourengine's capacity, and for the smoothest pos-
sible operation.
NOTE
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 FormulationsDo not use gasoline that contains lead as a
knock inhibitor, and do not use lead additives.
Besides damaging the exhaust emission con-
trol 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
precautions. 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.
Use of AdditivesWith the exception of gas line antifreeze during
winter months, do not add solvents, thicken-
ers, 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 gasoline 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
compartment is ventilated, and immediately
return the vehicle to a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for correction.

05 During your trip
Towing a trailer
05``205 Introduction
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the vehi-
cle.
NOTE
See page 272 for the maximum trailer and
tongue weights recommended by Volvo.•
Observe the legal requirements of the
state/province in which the vehicles are
•
All Volvo models are equipped with
energy-absorbing shock-mounted bump-
ers. Trailer hitch installation should not
interfere with the proper operation of this
bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any
particular problems, but take into considera-
tion:
•
Increase tire pressure to recommended
full. See the tire inflation tables on pages
246 and 247.
•
When your vehicle is new, avoid towing
heavy trailers during the first 620 miles
(1,000 km).
•
Maximum speed when towing a trailer:
50 mph (80 km/h).
•
Engine and transmission are subject to
increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant
temperature should be closely watchedwhen driving in hot climates or hilly terrain.
Use a lower gear and turn off the air con-
ditioner if the temperature gauge needle
enters the red range.
•
If the automatic transmission begins to
overheat, a message will be displayed in
the text window.
•
Avoid overload and other abusive opera-
tion.
•
Hauling a trailer affects handling, durabil-
ity, and economy.
•
It is necessary to balance trailer brakes
with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a
safe stop (check and observe state/local
regulations).
•
Do not connect the trailer's brake system
directly to the vehicle's brake system.
•
More frequent vehicle maintenance is
required.
•
Remove the ball and drawbar assembly
when the hitch is not being used.
•
Volvo recommends the use of synthetic
engine oil when towing a trailer over long
distances or in mountainous areas.
WARNING
•
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 system, nor a trailer's lighting
system directly to the vehicle lighting
system. Consult your nearest author-
ized Volvo retailer for correct installa-
tion.
•
When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety
wire must be correctly fastened to the
hole or hook provided in the trailer hitch
on the vehicle. The safety wire should
never be fastened to or wound around
the drawbar ball.

05 During your tripTowing a trailer
05206
NOTE
•
When parking the vehicle with a trailer
on a hill, apply the parking brake before
putting the gear selector in P. Always
follow the trailer manufacturer's recom-
mendations for wheel chocking.
•
When starting on a hill, put the gear
selector in D before releasing the park-
ing brake. See also page 115 for more
detailed information about starting off
on a hill while towing a trailer.
•
If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift
positions while towing a trailer, make
sure the gear you select does not put
too much strain on the engine (using too
high a gear).
•
The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may
be rated for trailers heavier than the
vehicle is designed to tow. Please
adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer
weights.
•
Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of
more than 15 %.
Trailer cableAn adapter is required if the vehicle's trailer
hitch has a 13-pin connector and the trailer has
7 pins. Use an adapter cable approved by
Volvo. Make sure the cable does not drag on
the ground.
Detachable trailer hitch (accessory)
AC
E
D
B
G010496
Ball holderLocking boltCotter pinHitch assemblySafety wire attachment
Installing the ball holder1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from
the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt
out of the hitch assembly.
2. Slide the ball holder into the hitch assem-
bly.
3. Align the hole in the ball holder with the one
in the hitch assembly.4. Slide the locking bolt through the hitch
assembly/ball holder.
5. Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end
of the locking bolt.
Removing the ball holder1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt
and slide the locking bolt out of the ball
holder/hitch assembly.
2. Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assem-
bly.
NOTE
A cover for the hitch assembly is also
included in the kit.