tow VOLVO XC90 2007 User Guide

2007 Volvo XC90
2 0 0 7
VOLVO XC90
Starting and driving

pg. 113 Starting and driving
General information
114
Fuel requirements
115
Refueling
117
Starting the vehicle
119
Economical driving
121
Difficult driving conditions
123
Automatic transmission with Geartronic
124
All Wheel Drive (option)
126
Brake system
127
Stability system
130
Front/rear park assist (accessory/option)
132
Towing
134
Jump starting
136
Towing a trailer
137
Detachable trailer hitch
140
Load carriers (accessory)
141
Cold weather precautions
143
Before a long distance trip
144
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) -
option
145
pg. 114 Starting and driving
General information
Engine oil
Although some oil consumption occurs during normal engine operation, mor\
e oil is consumed when the engine is new as
the internal parts generate higher friction while wearing-in to each oth\
er. From the time the engine is new until the first
maintenance is performed, the oil consumption could be higher than norma\
l. For this reason, it is especially important to
check the oil every time you refuel your vehicle during this period. See\

page 187.
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2007 Volvo XC90
Octane rating
Volvo engines are designed to achieve rated horsepower, torque, and fuel\
economy performance using premium 91 octane
fuel. Volvo recommends premium for best performance, but using 87 octane\
or above will not affect engine reliability.
In demanding driving conditions, such as operating the vehicle in hot we\
ather, towing a trailer, or driving for extended
periods at higher altitudes than normal, it may be advisable to switch t\
o higher octane fuel (91 or higher) or to change
gasoline brands to fully utilize your engine's capacity, and for the smo\
othest possible operation.
NOTE: When switching to higher octane fuel or changing gasoline brands, it ma\
y be necessary to fill the tank more than
once before a difference in engine operation is noticeable.
Fuel Formulations
Do not use gasoline that contains lead as a knock inhibitor, and do not \
use lead additives. Besides damaging the exhaust
emission control 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 stron\
gly 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:
l standing upwind away from the filler nozzle while refueling
l refueling only at gas stations with vapor recovery systems that fully se\
al the mouth of the filler neck during refueling
l wearing neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
Use of Additives
With the exception of gas line antifreeze during winter months, do not a\
dd solvents, thickeners, or other store-bought
additives to your vehicle's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overu\
se may damage your engine, and some of these
additives contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not needlessly expo\
se yourself to these chemicals.
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2007 Volvo XC90
0 - Locked position:
Remove the key to lock the steering wheel
1.
WARNING!
Never turn the key to position O while driving or when the vehicle is be\
ing
towed.
I - Intermediate position2 - "radio position": Certain accessories, radio, etc. on, daytime running lights off.
II - Drive position: The key position when driving. The vehicle's entire electrical system i\
s connected.
III - Start position: Release the key when the engine starts. The key returns automatically t\
o the Drive position.
A chime will sound if the key is left in the ignition and the driver's d\
oor is opened.
Autostart
This function makes it possible to start the vehicle without holding the\
key in the start position (position III) until the
engine starts. Turn the key to position III and release it. The starter \
motor will then operate automatically (for up to ten
seconds) until the engine starts.
Steering wheel lock
The steering wheel lock might be under tension when the vehicle is parke\
d.
Turn the steering wheel slightly to free the ignition key.
In order to help reduce vehicle theft, make sure the steering wheel lock\
is engaged before leaving the vehicle.
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2007 Volvo XC90
Difficult driving conditions
Driving on rough/unpaved surfaces
The Volvo XC90 is designed primarily for on-road driving, and it has exc\
ellent handling characteristics on very rough or
unpaved roads.
When driving on poorly maintained or unpaved roads, please keep the foll\
owing in mind:
l Reduce speed on rough surfaces to minimize possible damage to the vehicl\
e's underbody.
l When driving on soft surfaces such as dry sand or snow, try to avoid sto\
pping if at all possible.
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 th\
e flow of fuel to the engine is interrupted due
to the vehicle's angle of inclination, this could result in damage to th\
e three-way catalytic converter. We recommend
keeping the fuel tank at least half full when driving on steep inclines.\
Driving through water
The vehicle can be driven through water up to a depth of approximately 1\
8 inches (48 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 wa\
ter.
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!
l Engine damage will occur if water is drawn into the air cleaner.
l If the vehicle is driven through water deeper than 18 in (48 cm), wate\
r may enter the differential and the
transmission. This reduces the oil's lubricating capacity and may shorte\
n the service life of these components.
l Do not allow the vehicle to stand in water up to the door sills longer t\
han absolutely necessary. This could result in
electrical malfunctions.
l If the engine has been stopped while the car is in water, do not attempt\
to restart the engine. Have the car towed out
of the water.
pg. 124 Starting and driving
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2007 Volvo XC90
Automatic transmission - shift gate positions
Depress the button on the front of the gear selector knob to move betwee\
n the R, N, D, and P positions.
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 particular gear or by re\
leasing the accelerator pedal slightly.
Kickdown can be used for maximum acceleration or when passing at highway\
speeds.
pg. 125 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission with Geartronic
NOTE: The gear selector must be in the D (Drive) position for kickdown to f\
unction.
Manual shifting - Geartronic
You can move the gear selector freely between the (MAN)ual and (D)rive positions while driving.
l Geartronic has 6 forward speeds.
l A "lock-up" feature1 reduces engine speed and help saves fuel. The currently selected gear w\
ill be displayed in the
instrument panel (see
page 46).
l To access the (MAN)ual shifting position from (D)rive, move the gear selector to the left to MAN.
l To return to the (D)rive position from MAN, move the gear selector to the right.
While driving
If you select the (MAN)ual position while driving, the gear that was being used in the (D)rive position will also initially be
selected in (MAN)ual position.
l Move the gear selector forward (toward "+") to shift to a higher gear \
or rearward (toward "-") to shift to a lower gear.
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 to 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.
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2007 Volvo XC90
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 still 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 \
pump 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 retaile\
r 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 function of the power-a\
ssisted 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 to\
wing 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 c\
ause water to collect on the brake discs and pads.
This will cause a delay in braking effect when the pedal is depressed. T\
o avoid such a delay when the brakes are needed,
depress the pedal occasionally when driving through rain, slush etc. Thi\
s will remove the water from the brakes. Check
that brake application feels normal. This should also be done after wash\
ing or starting in very damp or cold weather.
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 of the brakes is l\
ess efficient than when driving on level roads. To
reduce the strain on the brakes, shift into a lower gear and let the eng\
ine help with the braking. Do not forget that, if you
are towing a trailer, the brakes will be subjected to a greater than nor\
mal load.
pg. 128 Starting and driving
Brake system
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 Volvo retail\
er for inspection. The Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and steering) durin\
g severe braking conditions by limiting brake lockup.
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2007 Volvo XC90
When the system "senses" impending lockup, braking pressure is automatic\
ally modulated in order to help prevent lockup,
which could lead to a skid.

The system performs a self-diagnostic test when the engine is started an\
d 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 f\
rom 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. 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 potential of the vehicle. Whi\
le control will be enhanced, ABS will not shorten
stopping distances on slippery surfaces.
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 during braking, w\
hich is normal.
If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on at the same time, this could\
indicate a fault in the brake system.
- Stop the vehicle in a suitable place and switch off the engine.
- Restart the engine.
- If both warning lights go off, no further action is required.
- If both lights are still on after the engine has been restarted, switc\
h off the engine again and check the brake fluid level
(see
page 185 for the location of the brake fluid reservoir).
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 retaile\
r and have the brake system inspected.
- If the brake fluid level is above the MIN mark, drive carefully to an \
authorized Volvo retailer and have the brake system
inspected.
Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)
The EBA function is designed to provide full brake effect immediately in\
the event of sudden, hard braking. The system is
activated 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. You must maintain full pressure on the b\
rake pedal in order
pg. 129 Starting and driving
Brake system
to utilize the system completely. There will be no braking effect if the\
pedal is released. EBA is automatically deactivated
when the brake pedal 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.
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2007 Volvo XC90
l At a distance of approximately 1 foot (30 cm), the signal will become \
constant. If objects are close to both the front and
rear bumpers, the signal will alternate between the front and rear speak\
ers.
Deactivating the system(s)
- Press the Park assist button on the center console (see
page 52) to temporarily deactivate the system(s).
- The indicator light in the button will go out when the system(s) hav\
e been deactivated.
- If the vehicle is equipped with front and rear park assist, both syste\
ms will be deactivated by pressing the button.
Park assist will be automatically reactivated the next time the engine i\
s started.
NOTE: It may be necessary to deactivate one or both of the park assist system\
s in certain cases.
l Rear park assist: towing a trailer, carrying bicycles in a rear-mounted carrier, etc, co\
uld trigger the rear park assist
system's sensors.
l Front park assist: it may not be possible to combine auxiliary headlights and front park \
assist since these lights could
trigger the system's sensors.
pg. 133 Starting and driving
Front/rear park assist (accessory/option)
Faults in the system
If the yellow warning symbol illuminates and a message is shown in the i\
nformation display, the system is not
functioning properly. Consult a Volvo retailer or authorized service tec\
hnician.
Cleaning the sensors
For the system to function properly, the sensors in the front and/or rea\
r bumpers should be kept clean. They can be cleaned
with car washing detergent and a sponge.
WARNING!
These systems are designed to be a supplementary aid when parking the ve\
hicle. They are not, however, intended to
replace the driver's attention and judgement.
CAUTION!
In certain circumstances, the park assist system may give unexpected war\
ning signals that can be caused by external
sound sources that use the same ultrasound frequencies as the system. Th\
is may include such things as the horns of
other vehicles, wet tires on asphalt, pneumatic brakes, motorcycle exhau\
st pipes, etc. This does not indicate a fault in
the system.
pg. 134 Starting and driving
Towing
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2007 Volvo XC90
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 front or rear bumper\
(see illustrations).
To attach the towing eyelet:
A. Use a coin to pry open the lower edge of the cover (A).
B. Screw the towing eyelet (C) in place (B), first by hand and then \
using 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 started using an a\
uxiliary battery (see
page 136).
- 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.
pg. 135 Starting and driving
Towing
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2007 Volvo XC90
WARNING!
l Remember that the power brakes and power steering will not function when\
engine is not running. The braking and
steering systems will function but the brake pedal pressure required is \
3 - 4 times above normal and greater steering
effort must be exerted.
l The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling another vehicle out of a\
ditch or for any similar purpose involving
severe strain.
l Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the vehicle up onto a flat bed tow\
truck.
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 ground if at all pos\
sible.
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. 136 Starting and driving
Jump starting
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