stop start VOLVO XC90 2003 Owners Manual

2003 VOLVO XC90
How safely you drive doesn't depend on how old you are, but rather on:
l How well you see.
l Your ability to concentrate.
l How quickly you make decisions under stress to avoid an accident.
The tips listed below are suggestions to help you cope with the ever cha\
nging traffic environment.
l Never drink and drive.
l If you are taking any medication, consult your physician about its poten\
tial effects on your driving
abilities.
l Take a driver-retraining course.
l Have your eyes checked regularly.
l Keep your windshield and headlights clean.
l Replace wiper blades when they start to leave streaks.
l Take into account the traffic, road, and weather conditions, particularl\
y with regard to stopping
distance.
Reporting Safety Defects in the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash \
or could cause injury or death,
you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Admini\
stration (NHTSA) in
addition to notifying Volvo Cars of North America. If NHTSA receives sim\
ilar complaints, it may open
an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group\
of vehicles, it may order a recall and
remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual pro\
blems between you,
your retailer, or Volvo Cars of North America. To contact NHTSA, you may\
either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1- 800-424-9393 (or 202-366-0123 in Washington, D.\
C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.
S. Department of Transportation, Washington D.C. 20590. You can also obt\
ain other information about
motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
Volvo strongly recommends that if your vehicle is covered under a servic\
e campaign, safety or emission
recall or similar action, it should be completed as soon as possible. Pl\
ease check with your local retailer
or Volvo Cars of North America, LLC if your vehicle is covered under the\
se conditions.
NHTSA can be reached at:
Internet:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov
Telephone:
1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) (toll free)
1-800-424-9393 (toll free)
1-202-366-0123 (in Washington DC area)
pg. 22 This page intentionally left blank.

file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_01b.htm (14 of 15)12/30/20\
06 4:18:50 PM

2003 VOLVO XC90
automatically prevent excessively high engines speeds. This will be noti\
ceable as a pronounced
unevenness in engine speed.
10. Gear and driving mode indicator
The currently selected driving mode is displayed here. If you use the op\
tional Geartronic function on the
automatic transmission, the currently selected gear will be displayed.
11. Ambient temperature gauge
This display indicates the air temperature outside your vehicle. A "snow\
flake" symbol in the text
window is displayed when the temperature is in the range of 23 -36° F\
(-5 -+2° C). Please note that this
symbol does not indicate a fault with your vehicle. At low speeds or whe\
n the vehicle is not moving, the
temperature readings may be slightly higher than the actual ambient temp\
erature.
12. Clock/set button
Turn the button to set the clock.
13. Fuel gauge
The fuel tank holds approximately 19 US gals (72 liters). When a warni\
ng light in the gauge comes on,
there are approximately 1.8 US gal. (8 liters) of fuel remaining in th\
e tank.
14. Indicator and warning symbols
pg. 25 Instruments and controls
Indicator and warning symbols
The indicator and warning symbols light up when you turn the ignition ke\
y to the driving position
(position II) before starting. This shows that the symbols are functio\
ning. When the engine starts, all
symbols go out. If the engine is not started within 5 seconds, all symbo\
ls except CHECK ENGINE and
go out. The symbol for the parking brake goes out when the parking brak\
e is released.
Warning symbol
in center of instrument panel
This symbol shines as a red or yellow light depending on the severity of\
the fault that has been detected.
Red symbol -Stop the vehicle as soon as possible in a suitable location and read th\
e message shown in
the text window.
Yellow symbol -Follow the instructions shown in the text window.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_02a.htm (3 of 16)12/30/200\
6 4:18:52 PM

2003 VOLVO XC90
Anti-lock brake system ABS
If the warning light comes on, there is a malfunction of the ABS system \
(the standard braking system
will still function). The vehicle should be driven to a Volvo retailer \
for inspection. See
page 96 for
additional information.
pg. 26 Instruments and controls
Indicator and warning symbols (contd)
BRAKE Brake failure warning light
If the light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately, open t\
he hood and check the brake
fluid level in the reservoir. See
page 128 for reservoir position and page 132 for instructions.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light.
If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on at the same time, this could\
indicate a fault in the
brake system.
l Stop the vehicle in a suitable place and switch off the engine.
l Restart the engine.
l If both warning lights go off, no further action is required.
l If both lights are still on after the engine has been restarted, switch \
off the engine again and check the
brake fluid level (see
page 128 for the location of the brake fluid reservoir).
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_02a.htm (4 of 16)12/30/200\
6 4:18:52 PM

2003 VOLVO XC90
Fault in the DSTC system
If the yellow indicator light remains on, there is a fault in the system\
. The text ANTI-SKID SERVICE
REQUIRED will be displayed.
l Stop the vehicle in a safe place and switch off the engine. Restart the \
engine.
l If the indicator light goes off, no further action is necessary.
If the indicator light remains on, drive to an authorized Volvo retailer\
to have the system inspected.
pg. 27 Instruments and controls
Indicator and warning symbols (contd)
Supplemental Restraint system (SRS)
If the light comes on (or stays on after the vehicle has started), the\
SRS diagnostic system has detected a
fault. Drive to an authorized Volvo retailer for an inspection of the sy\
stem. See the SRS section for more
information.
Generator warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charging sys\
tem checked.
Seat belt reminder This symbol lights up to indicate that the driver has not fastened his/\
her seat
belt.

PARKING BRAKE
This light will be on when the parking brake is applied. The parking bra\
ke lever is situated between the
front seats.
Canadian models are equipped with this symbol.
Rear fog light
This light indicates that the fog light is on.
Turn signal indicator - trailer (certain models)
If you are towing a trailer, this light will flash simultaneously with t\
he turn signals on the trailer. If the
light does not flash when signaling, neither the trailer's turn signals \
nor the vehicle's turn signals are
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_02a.htm (6 of 16)12/30/200\
6 4:18:52 PM

2003 VOLVO XC90
functioning.
Oil pressure warning light
If the light comes on while driving, stop the vehicle and then stop the \
engine immediately and
check the engine oil level See
page 130. If the light stays on after restart, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized Volvo retailer. After hard driving, the light may com\
e on occasionally when the
engine is idling. This is normal, provided it goes off when the engine s\
peed is increased.
CHECK ENGINE Malfunction indicator light
On-Board Diagnostics II (OBDII): As you drive, a computer called "OBDI\
I" monitors your vehicle's
engine, transmission, electrical and emission systems. The CHECK ENGINE \
light will light up if the
computer senses a condition that potentially may need correcting. When t\
his happens, please have your
vehicle checked by a Volvo retailer as soon as possible.
A CHECK ENGINE light may have many causes. Sometimes, you may not notice\
a change in your
vehicle's behavior. Even so, an uncorrected condition could hurt fuel ec\
onomy, emission cleanliness, and
driveability. Extended driving without correcting the cause could even d\
amage other components in
your vehicle.
Canadian models are equipped with this warning light.
pg. 28 Instruments and controls
Indicator and warning symbols (contd)
Messages in the text window
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_02a.htm (7 of 16)12/30/200\
6 4:18:52 PM

2003 VOLVO XC90
When a warning light in the instrument panel comes on, a message is also\
displayed in the text window.
After you have read the message, you can erase it by pressing button A (\
see illustration).
NOTE: Certain messages cannot be erased until the condition has been correcte\
d.
If a warning message is displayed when e.g. you are using the trip compu\
ter, this message must be
erased before you can access the function of your choice. Press button A\
to erase the warning message.
You can scroll through the stored messages by pressing button A (see il\
lustration). The text window can
be cleared (the message will be returned to memory) by pressing button\
A again. Message Meaning:
STOP SAFELY: Stop and switch off the engine - to help prevent serious risk of
damage.
STOP ENGINE: Stop and switch off the engine - to help prevent serious risk of
damage.
SERVICE URGENT: Take your vehicle to an authorized Volvo retailer for inspection as
soon as possible.
SEE MANUAL: Refer to your owner's manual. For additional information, please
contact your Volvo retailer.
SERVICE REQUIRED: Take your vehicle to an authorized Volvo retailer for inspection at
your convenience (but preferably before the next scheduled
maintenance).
FIX NEXT SERVICE: Have the system affected inspected at the next scheduled
maintenance.
TIME FOR REGULAR
SERVICE This light will come on at 7,500 mile (12,000 km) intervals, after
750 hours of driving or after 12 months, whichever occurs first, to
remind the driver that the maintenance interval has been exceeded.
The light will stay on for 2 minutes after start until reset by the
servicing retailer.
pg. 29 Instruments and controls
Switches in center console
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_02a.htm (8 of 16)12/30/200\
6 4:18:52 PM

2003 VOLVO XC90
WARNING!
Never switch off the ignition (turn the ignition key to position 0) or\
remove the key from the ignition
switch while the vehicle is in motion. This could cause the steering whe\
el to lock, which would make
the vehicle impossible to steer.
* The gear selector must be in the (P)ark position (automatic transmission).
** Please be aware that leaving the key in this position will increase b\
attery drain.
pg. 89 Starting and driving
General information
Economical driving conserves natural resources
Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid\
starts and stops and
adjusting the speed of your vehicle to immediate traffic conditions. Obs\
erve the following rules:
l Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by \
driving with a light foot on
the accelerator pedal for the first few minutes of operation. A cold eng\
ine uses more fuel and is subject
to increased wear.
l Whenever possible, avoid using the vehicle for driving short distances. \
This does not allow the engine
to reach normal operating temperature.
l Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
l Use the transmission's (D)rive position as often as possible and avoid using "kickdown" to help
improve fuel economy.
l Do not exceed posted speed limits.
l Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the vehicle.
l Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (when tir\
es are cold).
l Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
l Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc, increase air resistance and also f\
uel consumption.
l At highway driving speeds, fuel consumption will be lower with the air c\
onditioning on and the
windows closed than with the air conditioning off and the windows open. \
l Using the onboard trip computer's fuel consumption modes can help you le\
arn how to drive more
economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage are:
l Dirty air cleaner
l Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
l Dragging brakes
l Incorrect front end alignment
Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard\
Maintenance intervals.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_06a.htm (8 of 15)12/30/200\
6 4:18:58 PM

2003 VOLVO XC90
WARNING!
Avoid driving diagonally across steep inclines as this could increase th\
e risk of a roll-over. Try to
drive straight up or down the slope.
If the road is very steep, avoid turning the vehicle around to help avoi\
d the risk of rolling over. Back
the vehicle up or down the incline instead.
NOTE: Avoid driving on steep inclines if the fuel tank is nearly empty. If the\
flow of fuel to the engine
is interrupted due to the vehicle's angle of inclination, this could res\
ult in damage to the three-way
catalytic converter. We recommend keeping the fuel tank at least half fu\
ll when driving on steep inclines.
Driving through water
l The vehicle should not be driven through water that is deeper than 18 in\
ches (48 cm). Driving through
deeper water could result in damage to transmission components or the di\
fferential, or to the engine if
excess water is drawn in through the air intake system.
l Drive slowly and avoid stopping when driving through water.
l After having driven through water, apply the brakes lightly several time\
s to remove water, mud, etc
from the brake discs.
l Never allow the vehicle to stand in water above the door sills. This cou\
ld result in damage to the
electrical system.
Conserving electrical current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize battery drain:
l When the engine is not running, avoid turning the ignition key to positi\
on II (see page 88). Many
electrical systems (the audio system, the optional infotainment/navigat\
ion systems, power windows, etc)
will function with the ignition key in position I. This position reduces\
drain on the battery.
l Please keep in mind that using systems, accessories, etc that consume a \
great deal of current when the
engine is not running could result in the battery being completely drain\
ed.
NOTE: A warning message will be displayed in the text window in the instrument\
panel when the
battery charge is low.
pg. 91 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission with Geartronic
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_06a.htm (10 of 15)12/30/20\
06 4:18:58 PM

2003 VOLVO XC90
pg. 95 Starting and driving
Brake system
BRAKE Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system consisting of two master cylinder\
s and two separate brake
circuits. If a problem should occur in one of these circuits, it is stil\
l possible to stop the vehicle with the
other brake circuit.
If the brake pedal must be depressed farther than normal and requires gr\
eater 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 ch\
eck the brake fluid level in the
reservoir.
NOTE: Press the brake pedal hard and maintain pressure on the pedal - do not p\
ump the brakes.
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 Volvo
retailer and have the brake system inspected.
NOTE: When the vehicle is at a standstill and the engine is idling, e.g. at a \
traffic light and the brake
pedal is depressed, the pedal may go down slightly. This is a normal fun\
ction of the power-assisted
brake system.
Power brakes function only when the engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure which is only created when the \
engine is running. Never let
the vehicle roll to a stop with the engine switched off.
If the power brakes are not working, the brake pedal must be pressed app\
roximately four times harder
than usual to make up for the lack of power assistance. This can happen \
for example when towing your
vehicle or if the engine is switched off when the vehicle is rolling. Th\
e brake pedal feels harder than
usual.
Water on brake discs and brake pads affects braking
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_06b.htm (1 of 17)12/30/200\
6 4:18:59 PM

2003 VOLVO XC90
Driving in rain and slush or passing through an automatic car wash can c\
ause 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 the brakes are needed, depress the pedal occasionally \
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 weath\
er.
Severe strain on the brake system
The 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 o\
f the brakes is less efficient than
when driving on level roads. To reduce the strain on the brakes, shift i\
nto a lower gear and let the engine
help with the braking. Do not forget that if you are towing a trailer, t\
he brakes will be subjected to a
greater than normal load.
pg. 96 Starting and driving
Brake system (contd)
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
If the warning lamp lights up there is a malfunction of the ABS system (\
the standard braking system will
however function) and the vehicle should be driven cautiously to a Volv\
o retailer for inspection. The
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stop\
ping and steering) during severe
braking conditions by limiting brake lockup. When the system "senses" im\
pending lockup, braking
pressure is automatically modulated in order to help prevent lockup, whi\
ch could lead to a skid.
This system performs a self-diagnostic test when the engine is started a\
nd when the vehicle first
reaches a 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.
To obtain optimal effect from the ABS system, constant pressure should b\
e kept on the brake pedal,
keep constant pressure on the brake pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal.
The switching of the ABS modulator will be audible and the brake pedal w\
ill pulsate during braking.
Please be aware that ABS does not increase the absolute braking potentia\
l of the vehicle. While control
will be enhanced, ABS will not shorten stopping distances on slippery su\
rfaces.
ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
EBD is an integrated part of the ABS system. EBD regulates the hydraulic\
pressure to the rear brakes to
help provide optimal braking capacity. The brake pedal will pulsate duri\
ng braking, which is normal.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_06b.htm (2 of 17)12/30/200\
6 4:18:59 PM