brake light VOLVO XC70 2012 Owner´s Manual

03 Your driving environment
Starting the engine
03
112
WARNING
•Always remove the remote key from the
ignition slot when leaving the vehicle,
especially if there are children in the
vehicle.
•Never open the driver's door while driv-
ing or when the vehicle is being towed.
The steering lock could otherwise be
activated, making it impossible to steer
the vehicle. On vehicles with the
optional keyless drive, never remove
the remote key from the vehicle while
driving or during towing.
•Always place the gear selector in Park
and apply the parking brake before
leaving the vehicle. Never leave the
vehicle unattended with the engine run-
ning.
•Always open garage doors fully before
starting the engine inside a garage to
ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monox-
ide, which is invisible and odorless but
very poisonous.
NOTE
•After a cold start, idle speed may be
noticeably higher than normal for a
short period. This is done to help bring
components in the emission control
system to their normal operating tem-
perature as quickly as possible, which
enables them to control emissions and
help reduce the vehicle's impact on the
environment
3.
CAUTION
•When starting in cold weather, the auto-
matic transmission may shift up at
slightly higher engine speeds than nor-
mal until the automatic transmission
fluid reaches normal operating tem-
perature.
•Do not race a cold engine immediately
after starting. Oil flow may not reach
some lubrication points fast enough to
prevent engine damage.
•The engine should be idling when you
move the gear selector. Never acceler-
ate until after you feel the transmission
engage. Accelerating immediately after
selecting a gear will cause harsh
engagement and premature transmis-
sion wear.
•Selecting P or N when idling at a stand-
still for prolonged periods of time will
help prevent overheating of the auto-
matic transmission fluid.
3If the gear selector is in the D or R positions and the car is not moving, engine speed (rpm) will be lower and it will take longer for the engine to reach normal operating temperature.

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
Brakes
03
118* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Brake system
The brake system is a hydraulic system con-
sisting of two separate brake circuits. If a prob-
lem should occur in one of these circuits, it is
still possible to stop the vehicle with the other
brake circuit.
If the brake pedal must be depressed farther
than normal and requires greater foot pressure,
the stopping distance will be longer.
A warning light in the instrument panel will light
up to warn the driver that a fault has occurred.
If this light comes on while driving or braking,
stop immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir.
NOTE
Press the brake pedal hard and maintain
pressure on the pedal – do not pump the
brakes.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the
reservoir or if a brake system message is
shown in the information display: DO NOT
DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician and
have the brake system inspected.
Brake pad inspectionOn vehicles equipped with a jack*, the condi-
tion of the brake pads can be checked by rais-
ing the vehicle (see page 308 for information
about using the jack and removing a wheel)
and performing a visual inspection of the 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 for these com-
ponents to cool before carrying out the
inspection.
•Apply the parking brake and put the
gear selector in the Park (P) position.
•Block the wheels standing on the
ground, use rigid wooden blocks or
large stones.
WARNING
•Use the jack intended for the vehicle
when changing a tire. For any other job,
use stands to support the vehicle.
•The jack should be kept well-greased
and clean, and should not be damaged.
•Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-
slippery surface.
•No objects should be placed between
the base of jack and the ground, or
between the jack and the attachment
bar on the vehicle.
•The jack must correctly engage the jack
attachment.
•Never allow any part of your body to be
extended under a vehicle supported by
a jack.
Brake lightsThe brake lights come on automatically when
the brakes are applied.
Adaptive brake lightsThe adaptive brake lights activate in the event
of sudden braking or if the ABS system is acti-
vated. This function causes an additional tail-
light on each side of the vehicle to illuminate to
help alert vehicles traveling behind.
The adaptive brake lights activate if:

03 Your driving environment
Brakes
03

119
•The ABS system activates for more than
approximately a half second
•In the event of sudden braking while the
vehicle is moving at speeds above approx-
imately 6 mph (10 km/h)
When the vehicle has come to a stop, the brake
lights and additional taillights remain on for as
long as the brake pedal is depressed or until
braking force on the vehicle is reduced.
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 with the
engine switched off.
If the power brakes are not working, consider-
ably higher pressure will be required on the
brake pedal to compensate for the lack of
power assistance. This can happen for exam-
ple when towing your vehicle or if the engine is
switched off when the vehicle is rolling. The
brake pedal feels harder than usual.
Water on brake discs and brake pads
affects braking
Driving in rain and slush or passing through an
automatic car wash can cause water to collect
on the brake discs and pads. This will cause a
delay in braking effect when the pedal is
depressed. To avoid such a delay when thebrakes are needed, depress the pedal occa-
sionally when driving through rain, slush, etc.
This will remove the water from the brakes.
Check that brake application feels normal. This
should also be done after washing or starting
in very damp or cold weather.
Severe strain on the brake systemThe brakes will be subject to severe strain
when driving in mountains or hilly areas, or
when towing a trailer. Vehicle speed is usually
slower, which means that the cooling of the
brakes is less efficient than when driving on
level roads. To reduce the strain on the brakes,
shift into a lower gear and let the engine help
with the braking. Do not forget that if you are
towing a trailer, the brakes will be subjected to
a greater than normal load.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to
improve vehicle control (stopping and steering)
during severe braking conditions by limiting
brake lockup. When the system "senses"
impending lockup, braking pressure is auto-
matically modulated in order to help prevent
lockup that could lead to a skid.
The system performs a brief self-diagnostic
test when the engine has been started and
driver releases the brake pedal. Another auto-
matic test may be performed when the vehicle
first reaches a speed of approximately 6 mph(10 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsate several
times and a sound may be audible from the
ABS control module, which is normal.
Cleaning the brake discsCoatings of dirt and water on the brake discs
may result in delayed brake function. This delay
is minimized by cleaning the brake linings.
Cleaning the brake pads is advisable in wet
weather, prior to long-term parking, and after
the vehicle has been washed. Do this by brak-
ing gently for a short period while the vehicle is
moving.
Emergency Brake AssistanceEBA is designed to provide full brake effect
immediately in the event of sudden, hard brak-
ing. The system is activated by the speed with
which the brake pedal is depressed.
When the EBA system is activated, the brake
pedal will go down and pressure in the brake
system immediately increases to the maximum
level. Maintain full pressure on the brake pedal
in order to utilize the system completely. EBA
is automatically deactivated when the brake
pedal is released.

03 Your driving environment
Parking brake
03

121 Electric parking brake
An electric parking brake has the same func-
tion as a manual parking brake.
NOTE
•A faint sound from the parking brake's
electric motor can be heard when the
parking brake is being applied. This
sound can also be heard during the
automatic function check of the parking
brake.
•The brake pedal will move slightly when
the electric parking brake is applied or
released.
Low battery voltageIf the battery voltage is too low, the parking
brake cannot be applied or released. Connect
an auxiliary battery if the battery voltage is too
low, see page 113.
Applying the electric parking brake
Parking brake control
1. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
2. Push the control.
>
The
symbol in the instrument
panel flashes while the parking bake is
being applied, and glows steadily when
the parking brake has been fully applied.
3. Release the brake pedal and ensure that
the vehicle is at a standstill.
4. When the vehicle is parked, the gear selec-
tor must be in position P.
NOTE
•In an emergency the parking brake can
be applied when the vehicle is moving
by holding in the control. Braking will be
interrupted when the accelerator pedal
is depressed or the control is released.
•An audible signal will sound during this
procedure if the vehicle is moving at
speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).
Parking on a hill
•If the vehicle is pointing uphill, turn the front
wheels so that they point away from the
curb.
•If the vehicle is pointing downhill, turn the
front wheels so that they point toward the
curb.
The parking brake should also be applied.

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.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*
04
154* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
WARNING
•Adaptive Cruise Control is not a colli-
sion avoidance system. The driver is
always responsible for applying the
brakes if the system does not detect
another vehicle.
•Adaptive Cruise Control does not react
to people or animals, or small vehicles
such as bicycles and motorcycles. It
also does not react to slow moving,
parked or approaching vehicles, or sta-
tionary objects.
•Do not use Adaptive Cruise Control in
demanding driving conditions such as
city driving or other heavy traffic situa-
tions, in slippery conditions, when there
is a great deal of water or slush on the
road, during heavy rain or snow, in poor
visibility, on winding roads or on high-
way on- or off-ramps.
The distance to the vehicle ahead (in the same
lane) is monitored by a radar sensor. Your vehi-
cle's speed is regulated by accelerating and
braking. The brakes may emit a sound when
they are being modulated by the adaptive
cruise control system. This is normal.
WARNING
The brake pedal moves when the adaptive
cruise control system modulates the
brakes. Do not rest your foot under the
brake pedal.
The ACC system is designed to smoothly reg-
ulate speed. However, the driver must apply
the brakes in situations that require immediate
braking. This applies when there are great dif-
ferences in speed between vehicles, or if the
vehicle ahead brakes suddenly.
WARNING
Due to limitations in the radar sensor, brak-
ing may occur unexpectedly or not at all,
see page 158.
Adaptive Cruise Control can be put in active
mode at any permitted speed. However, if the
vehicle's speed falls below 18 mph (30 km/h)
or if engine speed (rpm) becomes too low, ACC
disengages (goes into standby mode) and will
no longer modulate the brakes
2. The driver will
then have to maintain a safe distance to the
vehicle ahead.
WARNING
When Adaptive Cruise Control is in standby
mode or is switched off completely, the
brakes will not be modulated automatically.
The driver must assume full control over the
vehicle.
Warning light—driver braking requiredAdaptive Cruise Control can exert brake force
that is equivalent to approximately 40% of the
vehicle's total braking capacity. In situations
requiring more brake force than ACC can pro-
vide and if the driver does not apply the brakes,
an audible signal from the Collision Warning
system will sound and warning light will illumi-
nate (see page 172) in the windshield to alert
the driver to react.
NOTE
Strong sunlight, reflections, extreme light
contrasts, the use of sunglasses, or if the
driver is not looking straight ahead may
make the visual warning signal in the wind-
shield difficult to see.
2Does not apply to vehicles with the optional Queue Assist. See page 157 for more information.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
City Safety™
04

167
driver is always responsible for main-
taining a safe distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Function
Location of the laser sensor in the windshield2
City Safety™ monitors traffic ahead of you
using a laser sensor mounted in the upper sec-
tion of the windshield. If a collision is imminent,
City Safety™ will automatically apply the
brakes, which may feel like hard braking.
If the difference in speed between your vehicle
and the vehicle ahead is more than approxi-
mately 9 mph (15 km/h), City Safety™ alone
cannot prevent a collision from taking place.The driver must apply the brakes to help avoid
a collision or reduce its effect.
When the function activates and applies the
brakes, a message will appear in the informa-
tion display to indicate that the system is/has
been active.
NOTE
•When City Safety™ applies the brakes,
the brake lights will illuminate.
•In cases where City Safety™ has stop-
ped the vehicle, the system will then
release the brakes. The driver must
apply the brakes to keep the vehicle at
a standstill.
Using City Safety™
NOTE
The City Safety™ function is activated auto-
matically each time the engine has been
switched off and restarted.
On and OffIn certain situations, it may be desirable to
switch City Safety™ off, such as when drivingin close quarters where leaves, branches, etc.
may obscure the hood and windshield.
When the engine is running, City Safety™ can
be switched off as follows:
Press My Car in the center console control
panel and go to Settings
Car settings
Driver support systemsCity Safety.
Select
Off.
If the engine is switched off, City Safety™ will
reactivate when the engine is restarted.
WARNING
The laser sensor emits light when the igni-
tion is in mode II or higher, even if City
Safety™ has been switched off.
To switch City Safety™ on again:
•Follow the same procedure as for switch-
ing City Safety™ off but select ON.
2The illustration is schematic; details will vary, depending on the model

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Collision warning with Full Auto-brake and Pedestrian Detection*
04
172* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
WARNING
•Collision Warning will not provide a
warning or brake the vehicle for pedes-
trians in darkness or in tunnels, even if
there is street lighting in the area.
•The auto-brake function can help pre-
vent a collision or reduce the speed at
impact but the driver should always
apply the brakes for the best possible
braking effect, even if auto-brake is
actively applying the brakes.
•Never wait for a collision warning. This
system is designed to be a supplemen-
tary driving aid. It is not, however,
intended to replace the driver's atten-
tion and judgement. The driver is
responsible for maintaining a safe dis-
tance and speed, even when the colli-
sion warning system is in use.
•Maintenance of the Collision Warning
system's components must only be
performed by a trained and qualified
Volvo technician.
Function
Function overview
Visual warning signal, collision risk
Radar sensor
Camera
Collision WarningThe radar sensor and the camera work
together to detect a pedestrian, stationary
vehicles and vehicles that are moving in the
same direction as your vehicle. If there is a risk
of collision with a vehicle or a pedestrian, the
driver is alerted by a flashing red warning light
and an audible warning signal. Collision warn-
ing is active at speeds above 3 mph (4 km/h).
Brake SupportIf the risk of collision continues to increase after
the collision warning has been given, Brake
Support is activated. Brake Support prepares
the brake system to react quickly, and the
brakes are applied slightly. This may be expe-
rienced as a light tug.
If the brakes are applied quickly, full braking
effect will be provided. Brake Support also
increases brake force if the system determines
that the driver has not applied adequate pres-
sure on the brake pedal.
Auto-brakeIf a collision is imminent and the driver has not
applied the brakes or begun to steer around the
vehicle or pedestrian, the auto-brake function
is activated without the driver pressing the
brake pedal. Full brake force is applied to help
reduce the vehicle’s speed when the collision
occurs or limited brake force is applied if this
is sufficient to avoid the collision.
NOTE
The auto-brake and brake support functions
are always on and cannot be turned off.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Collision warning with Full Auto-brake and Pedestrian Detection*
04

* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.173 Operation
Settings are made by pressing MY CAR on the
center console control panel and using the
menus displayed.
On and offTo switch Collision Warning on or off, press MY
CAR on the center console control panel and
go to Settings
Car settingsDriver
support systems
Collision Warning. If
Collision Warning is on, the system will perform
a self-test each time the engine is started by
briefly illuminating the warning light. See page
132 for more information about the menu sys-
tem.
When the engine is switched on, the Collision
Warning setting that was being used when it
was switched off will be the default setting.
Activating/deactivating warning signalsThe collision warning system’s visual signals
are activated automatically when the engine is
started if the collision warning system is
switched on.
The audible warning signal can be activated/
deactivated by pressing MY CAR on the center
console control panel and going to Settings
Car settingsDriver support systems
Warning sound if risk of collision.
Setting a warning distanceThis setting determines the distance at which
the visual and audible warnings are triggered.
Select
Long, Normal or Short by pressing MY
CAR on the center console control panel and
going to Settings
Car settingsDriver
support systems
Collision Warning
Warning distance.
The warning distance determines the level of
sensitivity used by the system. The warning
distance
Long provides an earlier warning.
Begin by using Long and if the system gives
too many warnings, try changing to Normal.
WARNING
•The setting Short should only be used
in situations where traffic is light and
moving at low speeds.
•Collision Warning alerts the driver to the
risk of a collision but this function can-
not reduce the driver’s reaction time.
•For Collision Warning to be as effective
as possible, it is recommended that Dis-
tance Alert be set to 4 or 5, see
page 163.
NOTE
•When Adaptive Cruise Control is used,
the warning light and signal will be used
by that function, even if the warnings
provided by Collision Warning have
been deactivated by the driver.
•In situations where traffic is moving at
considerably different speeds, or if the
vehicle ahead brakes suddenly, warn-
ings may be considered to be late, even
if the setting
Long has been selected.
Checking settingsThe current Collision Warning settings can be
checked by pressing MY CAR on the center
console control panel and going to Settings
Car settingsDriver support systems
Collision Warning.
Limitations
Strong sunlight, reflections, extreme light con-
trasts, the use of sunglasses, or if the driver is
not looking straight ahead may make the visual
warning signal in the windshield difficult to see.
For this reason, always activate the audible
warning signal.
Slippery driving conditions increase braking
distance, which can reduce the system's