towing VOLVO XC90 2004 Owners Manual

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2004 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
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2004 VOLVO XC90

The positions of these buttons may vary, depending on the specifications\
of your vehicle
1. Rear Parking Assistants (option)
This system provides an audible warning if you back the vehicle to withi\
n approximately 5 feet (1.5
meters) of an object. See
page 97 for more information.
NOTE: The system activates automatically when the engine is started, and can b\
e deactivated by
pressing this button (e.g. when towing a trailer) or reactivated if ne\
cessary.
2. Folding sideview mirrors (option)
Press the button and release it to fold the sideview mirrors in or out. \
On certain models, when the button
is pressed, there may be a long pause before the mirrors move. Pressing \
the button again during this
pause may erase your first button press. If this happens, wait ten secon\
ds and press the button one more
time. The mirrors cannot be adjusted during the first ten seconds after \
they have been folded out. NOTE:
If the sideview mirrors have been inadvertently pushed out of position (\
in a car wash, parking lot, etc.)
manually return them to normal position. If mirror adjustment does not s\
eem to operate after manual
folding, reset the folding mirrors as follows:
l Turn the ignition key to position II.
l Manually fold the mirror(s) to the normal position.
l Press the button to fold both mirrors in.
l Press the button again to fold the mirrors out to their normal position.\

3. Auxiliary lights
This button is used to switch on auxiliary lights (if installed). An L\
ED in the switch will light up to
indicate that the auxiliary lights are illuminated.
4. Dynamic Stability Traction Control system (DSTC)
This button is used to switch off DSTC's stability Control function. Whe\
n the LED in the button is ON,
all DSTC functions are active. See
pages 95 and 96 for additional information.
WARNING!
The Please be aware that the vehicle's handling characteristics may be a\
ffected if the Stability Control
function is switched off.
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2004 VOLVO XC90
2 0 0 4
VOLVO XC90
Starting and driving

pg. 81 Starting and driving
Refueling82
Starting the vehicle85
General information87
Automatic transmission with Geartronic89
All Wheel Drive92
Brake system93
Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)95
Rear Parking Assistance97
Towing 98
Jump starting 100
Towing a trailer 101
Detachable trailer hitch - installing/
removing 103
Load carriers 104
Cold weather precautions 105
Before a long distance trip106
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2004 VOLVO XC90
pg. 93 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
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2004 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. 94 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.
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2004 VOLVO XC90
Rear Parking Assistance (option)
This system is used to assist you when backing into parking spaces, etc \
by providing an audible tone as
you back up.
The system is automatically activated when you select reverse gear.
It utilizes ultrasound sensors located in the rear bumper to measure the\
distance to a vehicle or other
object, or a person who may be behind the vehicle.
When the system is active:
1. The audio system's volume will be reduced.
2. An intermittent signal will be audible from the audio system's speake\
rs to indicate that as you back
up, you are approaching a person, object, parked vehicle, etc. The signa\
ls begin when the vehicle is at a
distance of approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters) from an object/person, e\
tc.
3. At a distance of approximately 1 foot (30 cm), the signal will beco\
me constant.
Switching off the system
Towing a trailer, carrying bicycles in a tailgate-mounted carrier, etc, \
could trigger the reverse warning
system.
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2004 VOLVO XC90
To temporarily off the system
l Press the button in the center control panel (see illustration above).\
The LED in the button will go out
to indicate that the system is not in active mode.
l Press the button again to reactivate the system.
Faults in the system
If a fault should occur in the system, the LED in the button will be swi\
tched off and a message will be
displayed in the text window.
Cleaning the sensors
For the system to function properly, the sensors should be kept clean. T\
hey can be cleaned with car
washing detergent and a sponge.
WARNING!
This system is designed to be a supplementary aid when the vehicle is ba\
cking up. It is not, however,
intended to replace the driver's attention and judgement.
pg. 98 Starting and driving
Towing

Positions for attaching towing eyelets
Emergency towing
The towing eyelet is located in the tool bag, under the floor of the car\
go area. This eyelet must be
screwed into the positions provided on the right sides of either the fro\
nt or rear bumper (see illustrations).
To attach the towing eyelet:
A Use a coin to pry open the lower edge of the cover (A).
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2004 VOLVO XC90
B Screw the towing eyelet (C) in place (B), first by hand and then us\
ing the tire iron until it is securely
in place.
After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet should be removed and retur\
ned to the tool bag. Press the
cover back into position.
Precautions when the vehicle is in tow
l The steering wheel must be unlocked. Turn the ignition key to position I\
or II.
l The gear selector must be in position N.
l Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not exceed the maximum allowable t\
owing speed.
l Maximum distance with front wheels on ground: 50 miles (80 km).
l While the vehicle is being towed, try to keep the tow rope taut at all t\
imes.
l The vehicle should only be towed in forward direction.
CAUTION
- Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this t\
ype of towing, as vehicles being
towed are subject to regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length \
and type of towing device,
lighting, etc.
- If the vehicle's battery is dead, do not attempt to start the vehicle \
by pushing or pulling it as this will
damage the three-way catalytic converter(s). The engine must be jump s\
tarted using an auxiliary
battery (see
page 100).
- If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets \
must not be used to secure the
vehicle on the flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
WARNING!
- Remember that the power brakes and power steering will not function wh\
en engine is not running.
The braking and steering systems will function but the brake pedal press\
ure required is 3 - 4 times
above normal and greater steering effort must be exerted.
- The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling the vehicle out of a d\
itch or for any similar purpose
involving severe strain. Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the vehic\
le up onto a flat bed tow truck.
pg. 99 Starting and driving
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2004 VOLVO XC90
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive/All Wheel Drive
Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equipment.
If wheel lift equipment must be used, please use extreme caution to help\
avoid damage to the vehicle. In
this case, the vehicle should be towed with the rear wheels on the groun\
d if at all possible.
If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels o\
n the ground, please refer to the
towing information on the previous page. CAUTION
Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air c\
onditioning lines.
It is equally important not to use sling-type equipment at the rear or a\
pply lifting equipment inside the
rear wheels; serious damage to the rear axle may result.
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets mu\
st not be used to secure the
vehicle on the flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
WARNING!
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the vehicle up onto a flat bed tow\

truck.
pg. 100 Starting and driving
Jump starting
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2004 VOLVO XC90
WARNING!
- Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to a\
ny moving parts. Avoid
touching hot manifolds.
Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
- Do not smoke near the battery.
- Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
- Battery fluid contains sulphuric acid. Do not allow battery fluid to c\
ontact eyes, skin, fabrics or
painted surfaces. If contact occurs, flush the affected area immediately\
with water. Obtain medical
help immediately if eyes are affected.
- Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to perso\
nal injury.
pg. 101 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially des\
igned for the vehicle.
l Maximum trailer weights recommended by Volvo are:
All models - trailers without brakes: 1,650 lbs (750 kg)
Models with all wheel drive - trailers with brakes: 4,960 lbs (2250 kg)\

Models with front wheel drive - trailers with brakes: 3,970 lbs (1800 k\
g)
Observe the legal requirements of the state/province in which the vehicl\
es are registered.
l All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumper\
s. Trailer hitch
installation should not interfere with the proper operation of this bump\
er system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but ta\
ke into consideration:
l Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See section "Wheels and tire\
s."
l When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 6\
20 miles (1,000 km).
l Recommended hitch tongue load is: Trailer weights below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 110 lbs (50 kg)
Trailer weights above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 198 lbs (90 kg)
l Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 mph (80 km/h).
l Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engin\
e coolant temperature should
be closely watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use a \
lower gear and turn off the air
conditioner if the temperature gauge needle enters the red range.
l If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be disp\
layed in the text window.
l Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
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