traction control VOLVO XC90 2005 Owners Manual

2005 VOLVO XC90
WARNING!
The IC system is a supplement to the Side Impact Protection System. It i\
s not designed to deploy
during collisions from the front or rear of the vehicle. The Inflatable \
Curtains are designed to deploy
only during certain side-impact collisions, depending on the crash sever\
ity, angle, speed and impact.
The Inflatable Curtains are not designed to deploy in all side impact si\
tuations.
Never try to open or repair any components of the IC system. This should\
be done only by an
authorized Volvo service technician.
In order for the IC to provide its best protection, both front seat occu\
pants and all outboard rear seat
occupants should sit in an upright position with the seat belt properly \
fastened; adults using the seat
belt and children using the proper child restraint system. Only adults s\
hould sit in the front seats.
Children must never be allowed in the front passenger seat. See
page 22 for guidelines. Failure to
follow these instructions can result in injury to the vehicle occupants \
in an accident.
When the backrest(s) in the rear seat(s) are folded down, the vehicl\
e should not be loaded to a level
higher than 2 inches (5 cm) below the upper edge of the side windows. \
Objects placed higher than
this level could impede the function of the Inflatable Curtain.
pg. 15 Safety
Roll-over Protection System
Volvo's Roll-over Protection System has been developed to help prevent t\
he vehicle from rolling over in
the event of sudden evasive maneuvers, skids, etc and to offer enhanced \
protection if a roll-over occurs.
The system works in two ways:
l The stabilizing system Roll Stability Control (RSC) acts to minimize b\
ody roll.
l The system provides additional protection with a reinforced body, Inflat\
able Curtains for all outboard
seating positions, and seat belt pretensioners for all seating positions\
.
RSC uses a gyro-sensor that registers the vehicle's angle of inclination\
and the speed at which this angle
changes. Using this information, the control module calculates the risk \
of a roll-over. If there is an
imminent roll-over risk, the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DS\
TC) system is activated, engine
speed is reduced, and the brakes are applied to one or more of the wheel\
s until the vehicle has regained
stability.
If a roll-over occurs, RSC triggers the seat belt pretensioners and then\
deploys the Inflatable Curtains
(which remain inflated for approximately 5 seconds). These curtains ar\
e designed to follow the contours
of the side windows so that they position themselves between the occupan\
ts' heads and the sides of the
vehicle.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2005/2005_XC90/05xc90_01b.htm (4 of 16)12/30/200\
6 4:42:25 PM

2005 VOLVO XC90
WARNING!
The If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a "B\
rake failure - Service urgent"
message is displayed in the text window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle \
towed to an authorized
Volvo retailer and have the brake system inspected.
l If the brake fluid level is above the MIN mark, drive carefully to an au\
thorized Volvo retailer and
have the brake system inspected.
DSTC
The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system (DSTC) is explained \
in greater detail on
pages 99
and 100.
pg. 29 Instruments and controls
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/h\
er seat belt.
Tire pressure monitoring light
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2005/2005_XC90/05xc90_02a.htm (5 of 17)12/30/200\
6 4:42:27 PM

2005 VOLVO XC90
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.
OIL LEVEL LOW - FILL OIL
a Check the oil level and top up if necessary. See page 142.
OIL LEVEL LOW - STOP
SAFELY
b Stop as soon as possible and switch off the engine, check the oil
level and top up if necessary. See page 142.
OIL LEVEL LOW - STOP
ENGINE
b Stop as soon as possible and switch off the engine, check the oil
level and top up if necessary. See page 142.
OIL LEVEL LOW - SEE
MANUAL
b Stop as soon as possible and switch off the engine, check the oil
level and top up if necessary.See page 142.
a. The yellow warning symbol also lights up (see
page 27)
b. The red warning symbol also lights up (see
page 27)
pg. 31 Instruments and controls
Switches in center console

Dynamic Stability Traction Control system (DSTC)
This button is used to switch off DSTC's stability Control function. See\

pages 99 and 100 for additional
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2005/2005_XC90/05xc90_02a.htm (8 of 17)12/30/200\
6 4:42:27 PM

2005 VOLVO XC90
2 0 0 5
VOLVO XC90
Starting and driving

pg. 85 Starting and driving
Refueling86
Starting the vehicle89
General information91
Automatic transmission with Geartronic93
All Wheel Drive96
Brake system97
Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)99
Park assist101
Towing 102
Jump starting 104
Towing a trailer 105
Detachable trailer hitch - installing/
removing 107
Load carriers 108
Cold weather precautions 109
Before a long distance trip110
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2005/2005_XC90/05xc90_06a.htm (1 of 16)12/30/200\
6 4:42:33 PM

2005 VOLVO XC90
l If you hold the gear selector toward "-", the transmission will downshif\
t one gear 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 t\
o be used.
l If you slow down to a very low speed, the transmission will automaticall\
y shift down.
l When starting in the (MAN)ual position, 3rd gear is the highest gear that may be selected.
Kickdown
Automatic shift to a lower gear (kickdown) is achieved by depressing t\
he accelerator pedal fully and
briskly. An upshift will occur when approaching the top speed for a part\
icular gear or by releasing the
accelerator pedal slightly. Kickdown can be used for maximum acceleratio\
n or when passing at highway
speeds.
NOTE: The gear selector must be in the D (Drive) position for kickdown to fu\
nction.
Automatic transmission - adaptive system
The automatic transmission is controlled by an adaptive control system t\
hat constantly monitors the way
in which the transmission functions. It senses and adapts each gear shif\
t for optimal performance.
pg. 95 Starting and driving

5-cylinder turbo models
W - Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction
l Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D)rive position.
l Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage th\
is driving mode (see
illustration).
l When the W driving mode is engaged, this is displayed in the instrument \
panel (see page 26).
This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2005/2005_XC90/05xc90_06a.htm (14 of 16)12/30/20\
06 4:42:33 PM

2005 VOLVO XC90

6-cylinder turbo models
pg. 96 Starting and driving
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive (AWD) - general information
Your Volvo can be equipped with permanent All Wheel Drive (option), wh\
ich means that power is
distributed automatically between the front and rear wheels. Under norma\
l driving conditions, most of
the engine's power is directed to the front wheels. However, if there is\
any tendency for the front wheels
to spin, an electronically controlled coupling distributes power to the \
wheels that have the best traction.
Tire dimensions
Volvo recommends that you always drive on tires of the same brand, size,\
construction (radial), tread
pattern, load-, speed-, traction-, temperature-, and treadwear rating. N\
ever drive on mixed tires, except
for brief periods when the temporary spare tire is in use.
Always use properly inflated tires of correct dimensions. Tire size and \
inflation pressures are shown on
the tire inflation pressure placards, located on the driver's side B-pil\
lar (the structural member at the side
of the vehicle, at the rear of the driver's door opening), or on the in\
side of the fuel filler door on
Canadian models.
Temporary Spare
The temporary spare tire is for temporary, lowspeed, short-distance use \
only. Replace it with a full-sized
tire as soon as possible. Do not drive on the temporary spare at speeds \
above 50 m.p.h. (80km/h) or for
distances greater than 50 miles (80 km).
Never install snow chains on a temporary spare.

file:///K|/ownersdocs/2005/2005_XC90/05xc90_06a.htm (15 of 16)12/30/20\
06 4:42:33 PM

2005 VOLVO XC90
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 140 for the location of the brake fluid reservoir).
l If the brake fluid level is above the MIN mark, drive carefully to an au\
thorized Volvo retailer and
have the brake system inspected.
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.
pg. 99 Starting and driving
Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)
The DSTC system on the Volvo XC90 consists of a number of functions:
1. Traction control (TC)
This function is designed to help reduce wheel spin by transferring powe\
r from a drive wheel that begins
to lose traction to the wheel on the opposite side of the vehicle (on t\
he same axle). TC monitors and
compares the rotational speed of the drive wheels. If one of the drive w\
heels shows a tendency to spin,
the difference in speed is immediately detected. This triggers the Anti-\
lock Brake System, which brakes
the spinning wheel until the difference in rotational speed is corrected\
.
TC is most active at low speeds, and a pulsating sound will be audible w\
hen the system is regulating
wheel spin. This is quite normal.
This is one of the DSTC system's permanent functions and is not affected\
when the DSTC button on the
center control panel is pressed.
2. Spin control (SC)
The spin control function is designed to help prevent the drive wheels f\
rom spinning while the vehicle is
accelerating. This is done by temporarily reducing engine torque to the \
drive wheels, which helps
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2005/2005_XC90/05xc90_06b.htm (3 of 18)12/30/200\
6 4:42:35 PM

2005 VOLVO XC90
Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) (contd)
The Stability Control indicator light
The Stability Control indicator light will come on for approximately 2 s\
econds when the ignition is
switched on as the system performs a self-diagnostic test.
The Stability Control indicator light will flash when:
l Traction Control is actively functioning to help avoid drive-wheel spin.\

l Spin Control is actively functioning to help avoid loss of traction duri\
ng acceleration.
l Active Yaw Control is actively functioning to help avoid skids or latera\
l slides.
l Roll Stability Control is actively functioning to help avoid a roll-over\
situation.
The warning symbol in the instrument panel
A steady yellow glow indicates:
l That the system has been automatically disengaged due to a fault. "ANTI \
SKID SERVICE
REQUIRED" will be displayed in the text window. If this occurs, stop the\
vehicle in a suitable place,
switch off and restart the engine. If the light remains on, an authorize\
d Volvo retailer should check the
system.
l In the event of high brake temperature, "TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY OF\
F" will be
displayed in the text window.
The system will automatically switch on again when the brakes have coole\
d.
Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)
The EBA function is an integrated part of the DSTC system. EBA is design\
ed to provide full brake
effect immediately in the event of sudden, hard braking. The system is a\
ctivated by the speed with which
you depress the brake pedal.
NOTE:
l When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and press\
ure in the brake system
immediately increases to the maximum level. Maintain full pressure on th\
e brake pedal in order to utilize
the system completely. EBA is automatically deactivated when the brake p\
edal is released.
l When the vehicle has been parked for some time, the brake pedal may sink\
more than usual when the
engine is started. This is normal and the pedal will return to its usual\
position when it is released.
pg. 101 Starting and driving
Park assist
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2005/2005_XC90/05xc90_06b.htm (5 of 18)12/30/200\
6 4:42:35 PM

2005 VOLVO XC90
pg. 121 Wheels and tires
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETY
REQUIREMENTS IN ADDITION TO THESE GRADES
Quality grades can be found, where applicable, on the tire sidewall betw\
een the tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of th\
e tire when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example\
, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and one half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a t\
ire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, ho\
wever, and many depart
significantly from the norm due to variation in driving habits, maintena\
nce practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
TRACTION
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C, as mea\
sured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete\
. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight-\
ahead) traction tests and is not a
measure of cornering (turning) traction.
TEMPERATURE
The temperature grades are AA (the highest), A, B, and C, representing\
the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under c\
ontrolled conditions on specified
indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the m\
aterial of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire \
failure. The grade C corresponds
to minimum level of performance that all passenger vehicle tires must me\
et under the Federal Motor
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of perfo\
rmance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2005/2005_XC90/05xc90_08.htm (12 of 17)12/30/200\
6 4:42:37 PM

2005 VOLVO XC90
accessories that Volvo has not tested, or if you allow accessories to be\
installed by someone unfamiliar
with your vehicle.
l Damage caused by unapproved or improperly installed accessories may not \
be covered by your new
vehicle warranty. See your Warranty and Service Records Information book\
let for more warranty
information. Volvo assumes no responsibility for death, injury, or expen\
ses that may result from the
installation of non-genuine accessories.
Driver Distraction
l Driver distraction results from driver activities that are not directly \
related to controlling the vehicle in
the driving environment. Your new Volvo is, or can be, equipped with man\
y feature-rich entertainment
and communication systems. These include hands-free cellular telephones,\
navigation systems, and
multipurpose audio systems. You may also own other portable electronic d\
evices for your own
convenience. When used properly and safely, they enrich the driving expe\
rience. Improperly used, any
of these could cause a distraction.
l For all of these systems, we want to provide the following warning that \
reflects the strong Volvo
concern for your safety:
l Never use these devices or any feature of your vehicle in a way that dis\
tracts you from the task of
driving safely. Distraction can lead to a serious accident.In addition t\
o this general warning, we offer the
following guidance regarding specific newer features that may be found i\
n your vehicle:
l Never use a hand-held cellular telephone while driving. Some jurisdictio\
ns prohibit cellular telephone
use by a driver while the vehicle is moving.
l If your vehicle is equipped with a navigation system, set and make chang\
es to your travel itinerary
only with the vehicle parked.
l Never program your audio system while the vehicle is moving. Program rad\
io presets with the vehicle
parked, and use your programmed presets to make radio use quicker and si\
mpler.
l Never use portable computers or personal digital assistants while the ve\
hicle is moving. A driver has a
responsibility to do everything possible to ensure his or her own safety\
and the safety of passengers in
the vehicle and others sharing the roadway. Avoiding distractions is par\
t of that responsibility.
The following should be checked regularly:*
1. Washer fluid reservoir should be filled with water and solvent (wint\
ertime: windshield washer anti-
freeze). See
page 143.
2. Power steering - When cold, the level must not be above the COLD mark\
and when hot it must not be
above the HOT mark. Top up if the level drops to the ADD mark with ATF f\
luid. See
page 144.
3. Coolant level should be between the expansion tank marks. Mixture: 50\
% antifreeze and 50% water.
See
page 139.
4. Engine oil should be checked each time the vehicle is refueled. The o\
il level should be between the
dipstick marks. The distance between the marks represents approx. 1.6 US\
qt. (1.5 liter). See
page 141.
5. Brake fluid - check, without removing the cap, that the level is abov\
e the MIN mark. Use brake fluid
DOT 4+. See
page 144.
Fuel octane rating, see
page 86.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2005/2005_XC90/05xc90_12.htm (12 of 14)12/30/200\
6 4:42:46 PM